While the term powwow was originally an Algonquin word spelled Pauwau or pauau for a gathering of medicine men and spiritual leaders, the word and meaning has changed over the years. Pauwauing was actually a religious ceremony related to curing and healing tribal members. Whereas, today's Native American pow wows were actually brought about when a group of early European explorers mispronounced the word as pow wow when talking with others.
In 1646, the Massachusetts General Court outlawed the practice due to the appearance of worshiping false gods, or the devil. While most often separated, the proper context of the word is actually powwow with no hyphen or separation between pow and wow. The ceremonies which existed prior to 1646 were much more sacred and serene than the ones currently produced by a number of Native American tribes each year in the United States.
Pow wows have evolved from the formal ceremonies of the past into a blend of tribal dance, family reunions and festivity. Widely known for the beautiful feathers and costumes displayed in tribal dance and ceremony, the events are now aimed as much at visitors as tribal members.
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 Poncas were the first tribe to create and celebrate a pow wow ceremony in 1804. After which, the ceremony was handed to down through several other tribes until the Lakota Sioux tribe began holding the ceremonies on reservations in the 1890s. Prior to that the Omaha and Kaw maintained the same sacred aspect of the ceremonies as that of the Poncas.
During the time of the Lakota ceremonies, the festival was known as the Omaha or Grass Dance, a ceremony which spread faster the Ghost Dance of the same period. Unlike other dances with a ceremonial purpose, the Grass dancers danced for the sole purpose of dancing rather than as a part of a religious or spiritual ceremony. After which, dance became a huge part of powwows as still remains the case today.
In 1646, the Massachusetts General Court outlawed the practice due to the appearance of worshiping false gods, or the devil. While most often separated, the proper context of the word is actually powwow with no hyphen or separation between pow and wow. The ceremonies which existed prior to 1646 were much more sacred and serene than the ones currently produced by a number of Native American tribes each year in the United States.
Pow wows have evolved from the formal ceremonies of the past into a blend of tribal dance, family reunions and festivity. Widely known for the beautiful feathers and costumes displayed in tribal dance and ceremony, the events are now aimed as much at visitors as tribal members.
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 Poncas were the first tribe to create and celebrate a pow wow ceremony in 1804. After which, the ceremony was handed to down through several other tribes until the Lakota Sioux tribe began holding the ceremonies on reservations in the 1890s. Prior to that the Omaha and Kaw maintained the same sacred aspect of the ceremonies as that of the Poncas.
During the time of the Lakota ceremonies, the festival was known as the Omaha or Grass Dance, a ceremony which spread faster the Ghost Dance of the same period. Unlike other dances with a ceremonial purpose, the Grass dancers danced for the sole purpose of dancing rather than as a part of a religious or spiritual ceremony. After which, dance became a huge part of powwows as still remains the case today.
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