What is the origin of the idiom "bury the hatchet" and when to use it?

The origin of the idiom "bury the hatchet" can be traced back to Native American traditions, particularly those of the Iroquois Confederacy. In Native American cultures, a hatchet or war club was a symbol of conflict and violence. When tribes or individuals wanted to signify the end of hostilities and the desire for peace, they would bury their hatchets or war clubs in the ground as a symbolic gesture. This act served as a visual representation of their commitment to resolving disputes and living in harmony. It is often employed when discussing personal disputes, interpersonal conflicts, or even larger-scale conflicts between groups or nations.