THE SUN DANCE CEREMONY
Historically the Sun Dance was the predominant ceremony of the Great Plains Indians, however today it is practiced by many tribes as a prayer for mother earth, world renewal and gratitude. There is a belief that unless the Sun Dance is performed each year mother earth will become disconnected to the universe and the ability to regenerate will be lost.
The Sun Dance takes place on summer solstice and lasts four to eight days and involves fasting, singing, drumming, the experience of visions, and in some cases, self-torture.
The Sun Dance is a ceremony practiced differently by several North American Indian Nations, but many of the ceremonies have features in common, including dancing, singing and drumming, the experience of visions, fasting and, in some cases, self-torture.
Dance for the healing of others, for their people and their connection to spiritual realms.
Once the dancers complete their ritual, they are put down on beds of sage to rest where they share their visions of songs, prayers, dance steps, and even future prophecies. The outcome of the Sun Dance is unique to each individual brave enough to endure the journey, the end result being a reciprocity and rebirth between the people and the earth.