ayamihā
The English verb 'pray' is translated into Cree as ayamihā.
ayamihā is used to describe the act of talking to God.
Meaning: to talk to God (verb)
Did you know?
- In many Cree traditions, the act of 'praying' is not limited to words but includes the offering of tobacco, which acts as a physical carrier for the prayer to the Creator.
- Cree uses a complex system of 'animacy' where nouns are categorized as living or non-living, which influences how the speaker addresses the entities they are praying to.
- Depending on the region, a Cree speaker might use a word more closely related to 'singing' to describe their prayers, as song is a primary form of spiritual communication.
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about finding peace.
- Aniya tētawīyak.niya tētawīyak.I am worried.
- Bayamihā.ayamihā.Pray.
- Akīci-manito wīcihtēmawīn.kīci-manito wīcihtēmawīn.I will ask the Great Spirit for help.
- Bēya, ēyāw kīci-manito.ēya, ēyāw kīci-manito.Yes, it is the Great Spirit.
