The Sun Dance ritual of the northern plains is a four day event in which the participants fast and dance in order to gain spiritual enlightenment.
The Sun Dance is a universal trait among indigenous societies throughout the northern plains region of North America. It is, however, difficult to generate a universally cohesive examination of the Sun Dance as the meaning of the ceremony and its associated rituals differ greatly throughout the area. To put it simply, the Sun Dance is an endurance test—a form of suffering that Indian men and women pledge themselves to as a means of demonstrating to the spirit world that they are worthy of its counsel and guidance. While the intrinsic value of certain rituals may differ from tribe to tribe, the underlying theme associated with the Sun Dance is to celebrate the duality of indigenous life.
The Sun Dance is held annually in late spring or early summer, depending on the tribal group, and can last up to four days. Men and women who participate in the ritual fast for the entire length of the ceremony and dance throughout the day and into the evening. In some tribes, the entire community takes part in this ritual. Costumes representing important cultural figures and animal spirits adorn tribal leaders while members of the community partake in purification rituals like the sweat lodge. In addition to the wide array of costumes, participants in the Sun Dance also wear body paint symbolizing individual honors, position within their society, and familial lineage. Songs are sung and ancient legends are retold by those vested with the responsibility of maintain the tribe’s oral tradition. In some societies, gifts are exchanged and promises to renew the ritual are made.
At the heart of the ritual is the drum, a staccato beat that represents the life spirit of the tribe. The beat is played throughout the experience and is often accompanied by flutes, rattles, and (in more recent years) trumpets. It is not uncommon to find a variety of home made as well as modern day instruments being utilized within the Sun Dance ceremonies. In the Lakota communities, the Sun Dance is referred to as Wi Wanyang Wacipi and it is among the seven principal rites of Lakota society. During Wi Wanyang Wacipi, a participant hopes to experience a vision. Since the underlying theme of the ritual is to endure the harsh rays of the sun and the cold winds of the plains night, it is no surprise that many participants collapse and experience a life altering vision. This same experience is equally valued among the Cheyenne and the Crow. In some instances, the interpreter of dreams can lead a Sun Dance. This makes the quest to experience a vision in the midst of the ceremony much more prevalent.
The Sun Dance is a community event. While not everyone who bears witness to the dance ritual experiences visions, everyone takes part in the ceremonies and carries something away from the event. Every aspect of the ritual is important; the costumes chosen represent the animal spirits of particular importance to the tribal group and the men and women enduring the four day dance itself dedicate themselves fully to the experience.
David M Jones and Brian L Molyneaux, Mythology of the American Nations. (London: Hermes House, 2006).
Gilbert Legay, Atlas of Indians. (Hauppage: Barron’s Educational Services, Inc., 1995)
Mark St. Pierre and Tilda Long Soldier, Walking in the Sacred Manner: Healers, Dreamers, and Pipe Carriers—Medicine Women of the Plains. (New York: Simon and Schuster,1995).
