My ancestors were from the northeastern part of Texas and after assimiliation, observing the photo of my ancestors one can see that they did not continue the tradition of wearing deer skin and moccasins (many Natives did not). They also were not strong agriculturist instead they were horsemen, which led to speculation that they were more Comanche, just as our dress and customs were different so were our spiritual beliefs.
A pride of being indigenous of Texas was never abandoned their ideologies or culture remained during the years. And what is known commonly as clans were an extended family unit of, spiritual beliefs and customs which became strong in one particular belief and lifestyle. My family's clan hold the belief of devout love to God - (Ogua or the Great Spirit); and within that belief the customs of ritual in offerings, praising through song or chant, honouring ancestors, acknowledgment of death and respect for family has also remained. But many of our customs and beliefs remain private and personal.
Belandu also encompasses the philosophy of complete balance and understanding within its environment.. The definition of is 'Freedom' a term to freely respect each other and the beauty of the earth without restriction of ones humaness and fragility.
There is also a very scientific side of Belandu that explains how and why the earth provides life and food to sustain all its inhabitants and how we commune with each other to continue its production.
