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.
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.
Whether held in a small town such as White Eagle, Oklahoma or a big city such as Los Angeles, California, a pow wow can take place anywhere, even in a cow pasture. In most cases, the events are held on an annual basis, usually over a three day weekend. For, tribal members and visitors often travel from all over the country to attend these events.
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.
Whatever the reason, a powwow often provides good feelings, feelings that are both physical and mental. In most cases, this is believed to the be the reason that powwows have become so popular over the last several decades. Whereas, these ceremonies still serve as the main cultural activities and events of many Native American tribes.
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.
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.
Whether held in a small town such as White Eagle, Oklahoma or a big city such as Los Angeles, California, a pow wow can take place anywhere, even in a cow pasture. In most cases, the events are held on an annual basis, usually over a three day weekend. For, tribal members and visitors often travel from all over the country to attend these events.
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.
Whatever the reason, a powwow often provides good feelings, feelings that are both physical and mental. In most cases, this is believed to the be the reason that powwows have become so popular over the last several decades. Whereas, these ceremonies still serve as the main cultural activities and events of many Native American tribes.
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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