As I
continue to learn more about different Native American ceremonies and
traditions, I have decided this week to share some widely practiced Apache
ceremonies, the Sunrise ceremony and the Crown ceremony.
The Apache
are located in the southwest of North America and many Apache groups live on
reservations in Arizona and New Mexico. Many Native Americans are considered Apachean,
but groups break down further (having little political unity) to include the Navajo,
the Chiricahua, the Lipan, the Plains Apache, the White Mountain Apache and
more.
Native
American Dance Ceremonies and Social Traditions by Charlotte Heth describes the
dance from the White Mountain Apache of Pinetop, Arizona. The Sunrise dance is
performed over four days centered on a girl becoming a woman. Much like a Bat
Mitzvah or a Quinceanera, young girls look forward to this cultural tradition
and prepare physically and mentally for the responsibilities of womanhood.
The
Crown dance is often performed within the Sunrise Ceremony. It attempts to
awaken the mountain spirit, Gaan, to help with the transition.
The AZ
Central website provides an article that describes a personal account of a
young girl, Alexis, going through the Sunrise Dance as her mother once did.
Melissa, Alexis’ mother, believes that the Sunrise Dance gives such strength,
to those select women who choose to continue the tradition, that she was healed
from two accidental injuries she suffered as a result of the Dance.
The
Apache believe that this ceremony shows the value and strength in women and
with the help of the Gaan spirits, will prepare them for their future lives. In
order to perform this tradition, a girl like Alexis needs an abalone shell,
scratching stick, drinking reed, cane and eagle
feathers.
CG
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