The Three Sisters: Corn, Beans, and Squash
In Iroquois tradition, the Three Sisters are the agricultural spirits Corn (Onatah), Beans, and Squash. They are inseparable companions who grow best when planted together. According to legend, the Creator gave these three plants to the people as a sacred gift. Corn provides a stalk for the beans to climb, beans fix nitrogen in the soil for the corn, and squash spreads its broad leaves to shade the ground, preventing weeds and retaining moisture. The sisters represent the principle of mutual support and cooperation that underlies Haudenosaunee society. Ceremonies honor them throughout the grow