Who are the 3 sisters in Iroquois?

In Iroquois mythology, the Three Sisters are Corn (Onendate’ke), Beans (Onia’teh), and Squash (Gahhonohkwa’ye’h). They are closely associated with the agricultural practices and cultural beliefs of the Iroquois people, who traditionally relied on the cultivation of these three main crops for sustenance. Here's a brief description of each:

1. Corn (Onendate’ke):

- Corn, also known as maize, was a primary and widely cultivated crop among the Iroquois.

- It was considered a symbol of life and sustenance.

- Cornstalks were used in various ways, such as for building, crafting, and as a source of medicine.

2. Beans (Onia’teh):

- Beans were an important companion plant for corn.

- Interplanting beans with corn helped improve soil fertility and support healthy plant growth.

- Beans were believed to bring good fortune and a bountiful harvest.

3. Squash (Gahhonohkwa’ye’h):

- Squash was another significant vegetable in the Iroquois diet, known for its versatility.

- It could be consumed in various forms, such as soups, stews, and dried for winter use.

- Squash was often used as a symbol of fertility, abundance, and healing.

The Three Sisters were central to the Iroquois agricultural system, and their interdependence mirrored the unity and cooperation within Iroquois communities. They represented a sacred triad that reflected the Iroquois' gratitude for nature's bounty and their reliance on the land and its gifts for survival.