iSTEAM coordinator Dakota Ireland has beautifully portrayed "The Three Sisters" in this artwork. The corn, beans, and squash, represented by each sister, are connected to the earth through their roots, as depicted above.
The Legend
The practice originated with the Haudenosaunee (also known as the Iroquois) of the northeastern United States and eastern Canada, who developed the technique over hundreds of years through experimentation and observation. According to Haudenosaunee legend, the Three Sisters were three goddesses who represented the three crops - corn, beans, and squash - and who taught people how to grow them together. The Three Sisters were said to be inseparable and symbolized the importance of harmony and balance in life. Over time, the Three Sisters gardening spread to other Indigenous communities, who adapted and modified the technique to suit their local environments and needs.
Technique
The technique reflects a deep understanding of the interdependence of plants and the environment, as well as a commitment to sustainable and efficient farming practices.
The Three Sisters were chosen for their complementary qualities. Corn provides a structure for the beans to climb, beans fix nitrogen in the soil, and the squash provides a natural mulch and weed control. Together, these crops form a symbiotic relationship that supports their growth and yield, while minimizing the need for external inputs like fertilizers and pesticides. Today, the practice continues to be used by Indigenous farmers, as well as by non-Indigenous growers who appreciate its sustainability and efficiency.
The image of the traditional milpa, featuring maize, bean, and squash, by Lopez-Ridaura et al. (S., Barba-Escoto, L., Reyna-Ramirez, C. A., Sum, C., Palacios-Rojas, N., & Gerard, B.) is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Don Morfe's "Deoohako: Things That Sustain Us," dated October 15, 2009, can be found in the database with the Locator Identification Number p262825. This information is provided by HMdb.org as a courtesy.
Significance
The practice of Three Sisters gardening has also played a significant role in Indigenous culture and spirituality. The crops were often seen as sacred, and their growth and harvest were accompanied by ceremonies and rituals. The practice of Three Sisters gardening has also been passed down through generations as a way of preserving Indigenous knowledge and traditions.
Today, the Three Sisters gardening remains an important symbol of Indigenous resilience and resistance, as well as a model for sustainable and community-based agriculture. Through the practice of Three Sisters gardening, Indigenous farmers and communities continue to assert their sovereignty over their land, while also offering a powerful example of how we can work with nature to promote food security, biodiversity, and ecological health.