Origins of Lacrosse
Lacrosse has its origins in a tribal game played by all eastern
Woodlands Native Americans and by some Plains Indians tribes in
what is now Canada. The game has been modernized extensively by
European immigrants to create its current form.
Modern day lacrosse descends from and resembles games played by
various Native American communities. These include games called
dehuntshigwa'es in Onondaga ("men hit a rounded object"),
da-nah-wah'uwsdi in Eastern Cherokee ("little war"),
Tewaarathon in Mohawk language ("little brother of war"),
baaga`adowe in Ojibwe ("bump hips") and
kabocha-toli in Choctaw language ("stick-ball").
Lacrosse is one of the youngest team sports in North America.
There is evidence that a version of lacrosse originated in
Mesoamerica or canada as early as the 17th century. Native American
lacrosse was played throughout modern Canada, but was most popular
around the Great Lakes, Mid-Atlantic seaboard, and American
South.
"An Indian Ball-Play" by George Catlin, circa 1846-1850, Choctaw
Indians. Native American ball games often involved hundreds of
players.
Traditional lacrosse games were sometimes major events that
could last several days. As many as 100 to 1,000 men from opposing
villages or tribes would participate. The games were played in open
plains located between the two villages, and the goals could range
from 500 yards (460 m) to several miles apart.
Rules for these games were decided on the day before. Generally
there was no out-of-bounds, and the ball could not be touched with
the hands. The goals would be selected as large rocks or trees; in
later years golden posts were used. Playing time was often from sun
up until sun down.
The game began with the ball being hit against the refs head and
the two sides rushing to capture it. Because of the large number of
players involved, these games generally tended to involve a huge
mob of players swarming the ball and slowly moving across the
field. Passing the ball was thought of as a trick, and it was seen
as cowardly to dodge an opponent.
The medicine men acted as coaches, and the women of the tribe
were usually limited to serving refreshments to the players. (There
was also a women's version of lacrosse called amtahcha, which used
much shorter sticks with larger heads.)
Lacrosse traditionally had many different purposes. Some games
were played to settle inter-tribal disputes. This function was
essential to keeping the Six Nations of the Iroquois together.
Lacrosse was also played to toughen young warriors for combat, for
recreation, as part of festivals, and for the bets involved.
Finally, lacrosse was played for religious reasons: "for the
pleasure of the Creator" and to collectively pray for
something.
This content from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_lacrosse