Weyekin facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

Weyekin (pronounced wee-yuh-kin) is a special word from the Nez Perce people. It describes a type of spirit or guide.

What is a Weyekin?

The Nez Perce believe that everything around us has a spirit. This includes animals, trees, and even rocks. These spirits are like a bridge to a hidden world of power. They are not seen as gods, but more like helpers or guides.

How Do You Get a Weyekin?

Young people, usually between 12 and 15 years old, would go on a special journey called a vision quest. This journey would take them high into the mountains.

Preparing for the Vision Quest

Before going, a young person would learn from an elder. Boys would learn from a respected warrior, hunter, or medicine man. Girls would learn from an older woman known for her wisdom.

Preparing their mind was very important for success. They would often fast, meaning they would go without food for a long time. They also went without a fire. The quest took place in a quiet, amazing spot far away from others.

All content from Kiddle encyclopedia articles (including the article images and facts) can be freely used under Attribution-ShareAlike license, unless stated otherwise. Cite this article:

Weyekin Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.