 The sweet grass braid is a traditional item to the indigenous people. The people believe it to be the sacred hair of Mother Earth. The three chords of the sweet grass braid represent the mind, the body, and the spirit, or love, peace, and harmony. There are 21 strands that are used to make the sweet grass braid, all with meanings behind them. The first seven strands represent the seven generations that came before the people. The next seven rows of strands represent the seven grandfather teachings which include love, respect, honesty, courage, wisdom, truth, and humility. The final seven strands represent the seven generations that continue. These are children, grandchildren, and children yet to be born. Take your three rows of seven strands and simply braid them while tying the ends.