Legends: The Sacred Fire

The story of the Sacred Fire began before recorded history. It has been part of Cherokee culture since long before the white man arrived on the shores of this country. The Sacred Fire burned seven sacred woods. It was kept burning in the council house of each village and was used to light the fires of every Cherokee household. It was a symbol of strength and unity among the Cherokee people. It was late September in 1838. Groups of Cherokee people gathered in Rattlesnake Springs just north of Red Clay, Tennessee. There they held the finale council of the great Cherokee Nation. On October 1,1838, the long heart breaking journey of the Trail of Tears began. The caretaker of the Sacred Fire went with his people into exile. With him, the Sacred Fire of the Cherokee people traveled the trail of heartache and despair.