What school sport has religious roots?

The Onandaga believe that the Creator gave them the sacred game called Deyhontsigwa’ehs, which roughly translates as “they bump hips.” Most schools call it Lacrosse. It is said to have healing power, which is why it is also known as the Medicine Game. Using hand-made sticks of hickory, the spirit of the tree connects the player to Mother Earth. After a ceremony of dunking the sticks in water, a shaman gives a spiritual/strategic pep talk.