Native American Ceremonial Dances
Native American ceremonial dances often have a ritualistic or religious significance. For many Native Americans, ceremonial dancing marks a way of recalling traditions and showing pride in ancestry for new generations. Although the types of dances vary based on region and tribe, threads of continuity run throughout Native American ceremonial dances.
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History
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The Sun Dance was a religious ceremony held by the Plains Indians prior to European settlement when Christian missionaries suppressed Native American traditions. The United States government outlawed some aspects of the Sun Dance and other ceremonies in the early 1900's. The ban was repealed in the early 1970's under President Carter. Today, many tribes perform ceremonial dances at Pow Wows, a gathering of Native Americans that involves music, dancing, drumming, arts and crafts and other materials produced. Attending a Pow Wow provides a unique insight into Native American culture.
Features
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Although some of the ceremonial and dances have both men and women, they are sometimes restricted to one gender. How dances are performed varies from tribe to tribe, as each have different rituals. Traditionally, dancers wear headdresses, traditional clothing, jewelry and other accessories.
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Rain Dance
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The rain dance occurs during the planting season so that the right amount of rain can help produce a full crop and protect the harvest. Native Americans relied heavily on crops to survive the winter. The rain dance is performed dancing clockwise and is danced by both men and women.
Hunting Dance
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Some of the traditional dances in Native American ceremony focus on guaranteeing the success of a hunt, such as the Deer Dance or the Bear Dance. Different dancers represent the animals to be hunted and they shake rattles while drums maintain the rhythm.
Corn Dance
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The corn dance, a common tradition among numerous tribes, focuses on giving thanks for a new year, which occurs when the first corn has ripened. This marks a great celebration and involves a large feast.
Sun Dance
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The Sun Dance began with fasting and then dancing and drumming as a way to create a connection between the Great Spirit and the participants. Today, some tribes continue to celebrate this ceremonial dance, preserve it and pass it on to the younger generation. The Sun Dance generally lasts from four to eight days around the summer solstice and focuses on the cycle of life, from birth to death and rebirth.
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References
- Photo Credit native american powwow image by windzepher from Fotolia.com
