It was believed that salmon represented a race of supernatural beings who dwelled in a great house beneath the sea. When a salmon died, its spirit returned to its place of origin, and thus it behooved humans not to offend the salmon people by the careless disposal of their bones. If the bones were properly returned to the water, the being resumed a humanlike form without discomfort and could repeat the trip next season. All
In the cultural beliefs surrounding salmon, these fish were seen as embodying supernatural beings residing in an undersea realm. The life cycle of a salmon held great significance, as upon its death, its spirit was thought to return to its original home. This connection fostered a deep respect among humans, who were cautious to avoid disturbing the salmon people, especially in how they handled salmon remains.
The proper treatment of salmon bones was vital; returning them to the water was seen as a way to ensure that the salmon could transform back into a humanlike form comfortably. This ritualistic practice allowed the fish to continue its journey, suggesting a profound understanding of nature and spirituality in the interactions between humans and salmon.
