When an Apache man marries he goes to live with his wife's younger sister and his wife's younger brother. He also takes care of his wife's parents . An Apache man can have two wives if he can provide for both families. If he can't then he may only have one wife.
BELIEFS
In ancient times, the Apache believed that supernatural beings were with them. They could not see them, but they were there. They believed spirits also lived in mountains and in streams. Spirits were everywhere. They could even be found inside a rock. The Apache were very clean as took frequent baths because they believed they were cleaning their bodies from bad luck and evil spirits.
BOYS INTO MANHOOD
The Apache people prepare boys for manhood from when they are very young. They also presented tests for them to complete. One of the customs to help boys become strong, young warriors comes when the boys become annoying to an elder. The elder will tell the boys to run to the top of the mountain and come back again, not stopping until they get to the top. As they get older, the distance and height grow along with their ability. Fathers have their sons hold water in their mouths so that they breathe through their nose. Breathing through the mouth in the desert causes a person to dehydrate, which is fatal.
GIRLS PUBERTY CUSTOM
At puberty, girls have a rite of passage ceremony called the Sunrise Ceremony. This ceremony includes a special feast made by the girl's relatives with invitations sent to friends, neighbors and relatives. On the first day of the ceremony, the girl has a ritual bath given by a female member of the tribe. She dresses in a special outfit, after which a male ceremonial singer brings her a special structure where he chants creation songs as the girl performs ceremonial dances. In the evening, masked dancers come for more ceremonial dancing. Later, men and women come to dance together. The Sunrise Ceremony lasts for four days, ending the morning of the fifth day. Apaches believe this ceremony is essential to the long life and health of young women.
PICKING A LEADER
The tradition of picking a leader also included what to do if the family leaders did not agree with the choice. The family head would leave the meeting. If too many left the meeting, then the chief lost his standing. For the Apache, it was important to have a chief that the people respected and in which they could place their trust and hopes.