The Naming of the Berries
Cranberries were called different names by different Indians: “Sassamanesh” by eastern Indians and “Atoqua” by the Algonquians in Wisconsin. In New Jersey, where cranberries were the symbol of peace, “Pakimintzen” meant cranberry eater.
The word “cranberry” was a contraction of crane berry, an early name given to the berries because their pale pink blossoms resembled the head of a crane. Cranes were seen in the lowlands, enjoying the berries.
