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Pow-wow originated from the Narragansett word for “wise speaker” and referred to a man with special skills for healing and advice. Shamans used prayers, songs, and dances in tribal ceremonies. Today, pow-wows are gatherings for Native Americans to dance, sing, sell crafts, and socialize. The ceremony begins with the Grand Entrance and honors veterans and ancestors. Powwows.com provides information about upcoming pow-wows. Visitors should dress comfortably, bring water, and be prepared to stay late.
Pow-wow comes from the Narragansett word for “wise speaker.” Initially, a pow-wow was the name of a man who had special skills for healing the sick or offering advice. Such wise men were used to interpret people’s dreams, help warriors find success in battle, and cure disease.
These shamans used prayers, songs and dances in tribal ceremonies. During ceremonies involving the sage, Native Americans traded, feasted, and socialized. Sometimes different tribes would come together to celebrate, playing music and dancing while participating in religious and spiritual festivals or ceremonies. Over time, these ceremonies came to be called pow-wow.
Today, pow-wows are held in North America, where Native Americans gather to dance, sing, sell traditional Native American crafts, and mingle with each other. Many people who are not Native Americans also enjoy attending such events. They scour the internet for upcoming firefights and travel great distances to participate.
The Circle is the spiritual center of the pow-wow and is blessed with a spiritual leader. Dancers can only enter the Circle from the east and travel in the same direction as the sun. Pow-wow singers sing in praise of the Creator; the drum serves as the heartbeat of the tribe. Together, the singers and drummers are called “the drum.”
The ceremony begins with the Grand Entrance. This is to honor the Creator and is a way for the dancers to say goodbye. After the Grand Entrance, there is song and dance honoring the veterans and ancestors. Participants hold flags during the procession. These flags typically include US flags, tribal flags, and POW flags.
After the veterans’ honor, more people join the dance. Pow-wow organizers, chieftains, princesses and elders are some of the people who enter the Circle. After this section of the pow-wow, a prayer is said and the dance continues. When the Round Dance is announced, everyone is invited to join.
Powwows.com is a website that contains information about upcoming pow-wows in North America. People who attend pow-wows can witness authentic ceremonies, listen to storytellers, purchase Native American handicrafts, and watch demonstrations. They can taste different types of Native American food and learn about the culture of various tribes.
Visitors to a pow-wow should dress comfortably and be prepared to stay late. Wear good walking shoes and a hat to protect yourself from the sun. It’s also important to bring plenty of water to avoid dehydration as most pow-wows take place outside.
