The Four Worlds International Institute

Sun Dance

One of the most sacred ceremonies of the Plains Indians was, and still
is, the Sun Dance. Each tribe had its own distinct variations of the
Sun Dance. For Stoney Bands, a Sun Dance would be held in times of
great need, or when a vision of a Sun Dance came to an individual. The
Sun Dance, for the Blackfoot, signified a vow made by a virtuous woman
of the tribe at a time of severe crisis. This would begin the
preparations for a Sun Dance. One example of how a Sun Dance began, was
with the Medicine Man going into the forest to fast for four days. The
four days of fasting was followed by four days of rest at home. Then,
he set out on foot to the ceremonial site. After arriving at the site
he would sweat and then go out and choose a tree for the centre pole.
This tree was placed into the centre of the large ceremony site. The
site was surrounded by a wall of leaves to prevent those not invited,
from seeing the ceremony. Before the dance began, coloured cloth
offerings would be tied around the top of the tree. These represented
the prayers of the people. The Sun Dance consisted of dancers attaching
themselves to the centre pole with bone or wood skewers. Then, dancing
around in a circle to the beat of drums and prayers, they pulled
against the pole to tear the skewers out. Some dancers also attached a
buffalo skull to their back. This form of self torture was considered
highly honourable. This ceremony would continue for four days with some
participants even dancing throughout the night. Their faces would be
painted. As they danced, they blew eagle bone whistles to call the
eagle spirit or Thunderbird. Those participating in a Sun Dance would
obtain a sense of well being, contentment, and harmony with the
universe. In the 1880's, the Canadian government officially discouraged
and in some places prohibited the Sun Dance.

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Replies to This Discussion

Sundance is a way of life...not something we choose to do 4 days a year. Once the pledge is made you commit to dance 4 years. For many of us it becomes a way of life. Piercing is not a form of self torture...it is an offering to show how committed you are to your prayer for the people...this "sacrifice" is given willingly. All we truly own in this life is our body...our blood...our flesh...our sweat...and our tears; are given freely, willingly that our people (the human beings) might live.

Heyapi! May I humbly say beuatifully and truthfully stated. My very exact words to my family when I was humbly honored to dance... A LIFETIME! Wopila for osting. Toksa Nape'

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