Existing comment:
Tobacco
When Columbus and his crew encountered Native peoples inhaling smoke from burning tobacco leaves, the plant had long been considered sacred in the Americas. Today, Native peoples use tobacco in ceremonies and for healing -- traditional uses involve offering tobacco and its smoke to carry prayers or offer protection.
Tobacco was the first plant exported to a worldwide market from the Americas, beginning in the mid-1500s. Once the large leaves are harvested, tobacco is dried -- then smoked, chewed, powdered, or wrapped into cornhusks and bundles for use in ceremony or to give as gifts.
Did you know that tobacco has been grown by Native peoples for more than 5,000 years? The Taino peoples of the Caribbean first called the plant tabacu'. |