Wild Onion festivals are part of the cultural lives of southeastern Native American tribes who were removed to Oklahoma.[1] The event revolves around the appearance of wild onion shoots in the Spring, a food that was familiar to most of the Tribes east of the Mississippi.
"Wild onion" refers to several plant species but most commonly Allium vineale or Allium canadense. Allium tricoccum or ramps are a traditional food in the eastern United States[2] but not Oklahoma. Families often gather wild onions together[3] from February to April.[1] The plants can be found even in urban areas. The dishes served that feature wild onion are often accompanied by a side of pork. Typically the onions are fried with scrambled eggs. Poke salad can be added.[1] Frybread, corn bread, and grape dumplings are popular side dishes.[3]
Many of these feasts are held by cultural clubs, Indian churches, and stompgrounds.[3] They can include gospel sings or prayers in tribal languages.[1] Stickball tournaments are also common, a game that inspired the French adaptation of lacrosse.
A 1932 cookbook published by the Indian Women's Club of Tulsa suggests substituting scallions with one clove of garlic for wild onions, to be fried in bacon grease.[2] The Bartlesville Indian Women's Club has held an annual wild onion festival for over half a century.[4]