' The Wappinger Tribe of New York '...

Spiritually,, the people were aware of the powers and spirit-souls in all living things,, and considered all living beings as relatives... They believed in a Great Creator,, who loosely controlled the natural world, and the cycles of life... Natural things, such as the river waters,, the land,, mountains,, the sky, and all living things, had sacred spirits which were acknowledged and respected... Many of the Wappinger and Lenape rituals,, rites of passage,, ceremonies, and food hunts were directly tied to, honoring and interacting with these spirits, for the benefit of the entire community... Acknowledging, the seasons, and the bountiful production of nature,, especially, food-giving animals, and plants, was central to their customs.