THE THREE SISTERS

The Three Sisters is a concept that came out of the Native American tradition.  On the surface, it is a poly cropping system that takes advantage of the symbiotic characteristics of the Three Sisters.  The Three Sisters are Maize, Beans, and Squash.  All three of these crops originated in Mexico and have been cultivated for nearly 10,000 years in Mexico.  When they are grown together, they support each other and contribute to the growth and health of the others.  When they are grown together, each is actually more productive, and the productivity of the land is increased by at least 20% while at the same time making more efficient use of resources and effort.

The Three Sisters are, when they are a regular part of the diet, the base of a complete and healthy diet.  When they are consumed together, they provide all 9 essential amino acids that are required for a healthy body.  All three have a long storage life, providing healthy, life giving food for the winter when it becomes difficult to find healthy and nourishing food.  While most cultures have a triad of grain, legume, and storage vegetable to get them through the lean times of the year, The Three Sisters have a special significance.  It is such a healthy triad, that it spread from Mexico to be used as a nutritional base for most North America.

There are a number of stories told about The Three Sisters, with each Native American culture having its own.  In one. Sky Woman fell to the Earth.  In order to save her, the animals built Turtle Island.  Sky Woman had a daughter, Earth Woman, who in turn had twin sons.  The first twin was Sapling who was born peacefully in the normal way.  The second twin was Flint, who was impatient.  He cut his way through his mother's side, killing Earth Woman.  In her grief, Sky Woman planted seeds into Earth Woman's body.  From the body grew The Three Sisters, Maize, Beans, and Squash.  From her heart grew strawberries.  From her feet grew the sunflowers and from her head grew tobacco.

Te many stories centered around The Three Sisters have the same themes.  The Three Sisters are a gift from Sky Woman and Earth Woman.  They are to always be honored.  They are to always stay together.  The Sisters are, when they are together, both physical and spiritual sustenance and nurturing.  Each on its own is incomplete, damaged, and damaging.  When they are together, they complete each other, nurture each other, and support each other on every level from their own growth, to the environment, to the society, to the body.

"Plants tell their stories not by what they say, but by what they do."  Robin Wall Kimmerer.  Taken together, The Three Sisters tell a story of sustenance.  According to Robin Wall Kimmerer, they feed the people, they feed the land, they feed the spirit, and they teach us how to live.  Together they live and grow in harmony and balance.  When they grow together, they nurture, support, and protect each other.  They make the best uses of the resources available and cycle those resources back into the environment.  They  attract their helpers (pollinators) and protect each other from their enemies (deer, raccoons, and weeds).  Each receives what it needs most, and gives to the community its greatest gift.

As a part of the lesson of The Three Sisters, they are traditionally grown on a community scale.  The entire community comes together to gently plant and tend a Three Sisters planting.  In return, The Three Sisters sustain the community.  The lessons in this are many.  The first is in the cycle of life.  Those resources are abundant when they are cycled and nurtured.  Receive what is given with grace and gratitude.  Give your abundance of gifts in return.  Respect the space, way of being, and gifts of others.  Support each other in order for each to develop their gifts and way of being.  Create a diverse community where all gifts are honored.  Give your gifts to the world. Your talent, skills and knowledge, and perspective are are more valuable when they are shared.  Always receive the gifts of others with grace and gratitude.

Above all, the lessons of The Three Sisters is one of community.  There is enough for all as long as we work together and each is allowed to thrive in our own gifts.  We are better, healthier, and more productive when we live in cooperation.  The Three Sisters are the Sacred Feminine in action.  Cooperation, nurturing, and support.

Sources:
nai.usda.gov
wikipedia.org
almanac.com
iasquared.org
gbbg.org
Braiding Sweet Grass by Robin Wall Kimmerer

For a brief description on how to plant a Three Sisters Garden, check out this article
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Thee Sisters Garden