Introduction:
Zitkala, a Native American girl, experienced a range of emotions on her first day in the land of apples. She found herself in tears due to several reasons, including the new environment, cultural differences, and the forced assimilation practices she encountered.

New Environment:
The new environment in the land of apples was vastly different from Zitkala's familiar surroundings. She had grown up on the Yankton Indian Reservation and was now enrolled in a boarding school in a non-native community. This sudden transition could have been overwhelming for her, leading to a sense of confusion and discomfort.

Cultural Differences:
Zitkala was raised in the traditions and customs of her Native American tribe, which were deeply rooted in nature, spirituality, and communal living. However, in the land of apples, she encountered a different culture that emphasized individualism, materialism, and conformity to Western ideals. This clash between her upbringing and the new cultural norms could have caused her distress and a sense of alienation.

Eating by Formula and Cutting of Hair:
One of the practices that deeply affected Zitkala on her first day was the introduction of a new diet and the cutting of her hair. At the boarding school, she was forced to eat by a strict schedule and follow a predetermined menu, which was a stark contrast to the traditional Native American way of gathering and preparing food. This change in dietary habits could have made her feel disconnected from her cultural roots.

Furthermore, Zitkala's long, flowing hair held great significance in her Native American culture. It symbolized her identity, heritage, and spirituality. However, upon arrival at the boarding school, her hair was forcibly cut short, stripping her of this meaningful symbol. This act of cultural erasure and assimilation could have been deeply traumatic for her, leading to a flood of emotions and tears.

Conclusion:
Zitkala's tears on her first day in the land of apples were a result of multiple factors. The new environment, cultural differences, and the imposition of assimilation practices like eating by formula and the forced cutting of her hair all contributed to her emotional distress. These experiences marked the beginning of Zitkala's journey of navigating the challenges and injustices faced by Native Americans in a dominant Western society.