While the term pauwau or pauau, an Algonquin term referring to a gathering of tribal leaders was the original term for pow wow, the name and meaning have changed over the years. For, Native American Pow Wows are much different in the present than the past. In fact, the word pow wow was born after a group of early explorers misheard, mispronounced, then misspelled the original term.
While the ceremonies were very popular among the tribes, the Massachusetts General Court attempted to outlaw the practice based on the belief the tribes were worshiping demons or false gods in the mid-1600s. While the word is often separated in text, the actual syntax is one word powwow rather than pow wow. Regardless, the early ceremonies prior to the ruling of the court were far more sacred and serene than the ones produced by a number of Native American tribes and others which now take place on annual basis in the United States.
The ceremonies have evolved from a formal ceremony of the past into a blend of festival, family reunion and tribal dance. Most often famous for the beautiful and colors which are displayed along with dances, these events are now aimed at not only tribe members but the public at large.
Powwows are held in many different areas across North America from small towns such as that of White Eagle, Oklahoma to big cities like the one held in Los Angeles, California. A powwow can take place anywhere from cow pastures to college campuses to convention and event centers and are held year round. In most cases, the festivals take place over the course of a three or four day weekend though often draw visitors from all over the country.
Most individuals whom attend these events travel long distances in order to do so. While this is the case, the travel is often considered part of the journey and a method to better understand oneself and associated beliefs. While some come to participate in sacred ceremonies, others come to sing, dance and observe the festive atmosphere.
Most people having been to one of these events report having an overall good or pleasant sensation. Whereas, the feeling is often reported as being one of a mental, physical and spiritual nature. As such, it is believed that this is one reason so many return to these events year after year.
The first tribe to celebrate in this manner was that of the Ponca tribe in 1804. At the time, the celebration and ceremony was known as the Hethuska. Later, the ceremony was handed down over the decades to different tribes until reaching the Lakota tribe in the 1890s. It was at that time that the Lakota began holding the ceremonies on reservations, incorporating different aspects of past events.
During the time of the Lakota celebrations, the festival was known as Omaha or Grass Dance, a ceremony which spread across the land faster than that of the Ghost Dance during the same time period. Although, unlike other tribes which practiced ritual dances such as death, rain or marriage, the Grass Dance was danced solely for the pleasure of dancing. After which, most dances became an important aspect of pow wows and still remain so today.
While the ceremonies were very popular among the tribes, the Massachusetts General Court attempted to outlaw the practice based on the belief the tribes were worshiping demons or false gods in the mid-1600s. While the word is often separated in text, the actual syntax is one word powwow rather than pow wow. Regardless, the early ceremonies prior to the ruling of the court were far more sacred and serene than the ones produced by a number of Native American tribes and others which now take place on annual basis in the United States.
The ceremonies have evolved from a formal ceremony of the past into a blend of festival, family reunion and tribal dance. Most often famous for the beautiful and colors which are displayed along with dances, these events are now aimed at not only tribe members but the public at large.
Powwows are held in many different areas across North America from small towns such as that of White Eagle, Oklahoma to big cities like the one held in Los Angeles, California. A powwow can take place anywhere from cow pastures to college campuses to convention and event centers and are held year round. In most cases, the festivals take place over the course of a three or four day weekend though often draw visitors from all over the country.
Most individuals whom attend these events travel long distances in order to do so. While this is the case, the travel is often considered part of the journey and a method to better understand oneself and associated beliefs. While some come to participate in sacred ceremonies, others come to sing, dance and observe the festive atmosphere.
Most people having been to one of these events report having an overall good or pleasant sensation. Whereas, the feeling is often reported as being one of a mental, physical and spiritual nature. As such, it is believed that this is one reason so many return to these events year after year.
The first tribe to celebrate in this manner was that of the Ponca tribe in 1804. At the time, the celebration and ceremony was known as the Hethuska. Later, the ceremony was handed down over the decades to different tribes until reaching the Lakota tribe in the 1890s. It was at that time that the Lakota began holding the ceremonies on reservations, incorporating different aspects of past events.
During the time of the Lakota celebrations, the festival was known as Omaha or Grass Dance, a ceremony which spread across the land faster than that of the Ghost Dance during the same time period. Although, unlike other tribes which practiced ritual dances such as death, rain or marriage, the Grass Dance was danced solely for the pleasure of dancing. After which, most dances became an important aspect of pow wows and still remain so today.
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