In 2013, Robin Wall Kimmerer published a book called Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants. This book is part science, part sharing of her life story, and is mostly captivating, poetic prose. It is a book that I’m savoring – not rushing through – but trying to absorb each word and each image.

In the chapter called “The Three Sisters,” she writes, “Plants tell their stories not by what they say, but by what they do.” She tells the story of the Three Sisters which are three seeds: corn, beans, and squash. For millennia in Indigenous agriculture, these three seeds would be planted together in the same square foot or patch of soil.

Once established, corn comes out of the ground first, searching for light to grow up tall. Then, beans emerge to join the corn. She calls squash “the slow sister,” as she is the last to join and complete the trio. Kimmerer writes, “…each plant has its own pace and the sequence of their germination, their birth order, is important to their relationship and to the success of the crop.”

Once together above ground, each of the sisters does her own thing for her own propagation, and that thing also beautifully serves the others. The Three Sisters abide together. Corn grows tall with a strong stalk being top priority. Beans start out growing low to the ground and when the corn stalk is ready, the bean vine redirects its growth upwards, supported by the stalk.

Meanwhile, slow sister squash grows out over the ground away from the other two sisters. Sister squash’s wide leaves shelter the soil at the base of the corn and beans, keeping moisture in and other plants out.          

Kimmerer writes, “The organic symmetry of forms belongs together; the placement of every leaf, the harmony of shapes speak their message. Respect one another, support one another, bring your gifts to the world and receive the gifts of others, and there will be enough for all.”

This sentiment about The Three Sisters rings true of Christ Church, Galilee Ministries of East Charlotte, and many other communities around the city that build bridges for the common good: respecting one another, supporting one another, bringing their gifts to the world, receiving the gifts of others, so there will be enough for all.

Almighty God, we thank you for making the earth fruitful, so that it might produce what is needed for life: Bless those who work in the fields; give us seasonable weather; and grant that we may all share the fruits of the earth, rejoicing in your goodness; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

– Prayer for Agriculture, Book of Common Prayer, page 824

In service,

Emily+