Sun Dance

The Sun Dance is a sacred ritual first practiced by the Plains Indians of North America. Later, the Sun Dance ceremony was adopted by Non-Plains Native Americans as well. Different tribes employ diverse traditions surrounding the sun dance and how it is practiced, but the ceremony did foster unity among different tribes for the sake of a higher veneration. Certain Sun Dances have been said to have over one thousand participants at a single ceremony.

Lasting 4-8 days, near the time of the summer solstice, the Sun Dance is played out to give praise to the sun and everything on earth that it provides. The sun is also a symbol of continuity, rising and setting in a constant pattern, which parallels some Native American tribe's beliefs about the constant renewal of life. Some of the gifts the sun makes possible include the buffalo, an essential food and material source for Plains Indians. The Native Americans gave respect and thanks to the buffalo, knowing that the survival of the tribe was dependent on the death of the animal, again, demonstrative of the continuity of life. Basic components of the Sun Dance include fasting, dancing, meditation and singing, circling around the sun pole, erected at the beginning of the ritual. In addition, self mutilation was often practiced as a sacrifice to the sun and to pay homage to the buffalo. It was this practice of self mutilation which caused the US government to deem the ritual barbaric, banning the Sun Dance ceremony altogether in 1881, although it continued to be practiced in secret.

Often, after days of fasting and worship, participants are laid on beds of sage to rest and recount any visions experienced during the Sun Dance ceremony. These visions are said to contain prophecies important to the future and survival of the tribe.