Sweetgrass (Hierochloe odorata)  is often seen as the hair of Mother Earth, and by braiding the grass in ceremony, one shows their love and care for Her. Each cord of the braid holds a specific significance, depending on the Indigenous community. 

For the Anishinaabe Confederacy of the Great Lakes Region, the three cords represent mind, body, and soul. Many Indigenous Peoples burn and smudge sweetgrass for purification and invoking good powers.