Native American Sun Dance: Traditional ceremony emphasizes rebirth, giving

May 26, 2010 - PRLog -- Held in late spring or early summer each year, this ancient tradition often incorporates sacred songs, prayer, fasting, and ritual dancing. Dancers may seek a visionary experience to gain spiritual energy and insight.

“The Sun Dance is a beautiful but complicated rite among the Plain Indians,” said Dan Tribby, general manager of Prairie Edge, a Rapid City-based business that works to educate the public on Native American culture and offer an outlet for Indian artists to sell their work.

“This is the time of year when American Indians, and any non-Natives who are ritually engaged and traditionally involved in the culture, prepare for Hanblecheyapi (vision quest) and the Sun Dance ceremony,” Tribby said.

An important aspect of the annual Native American ceremonial cycle is the concept of giving: giving thanks for blessings and giving respect to certain individuals. Sun Dances often conclude with a ritual giveaway, usually of a prized Pendleton blanket or traditional Native American star quilt. The honoree is wrapped in the gifted blanked, in a literal and symbolic envelopment of good will and appreciation.

“Star quilts and Pendleton blankets have a strong connection to Native American culture, and play an important part in celebrating milestone events, from births to graduations to religious ceremony observances,” Tribby said. “We hope that people will be inspired to learn more about Indian culture, spirituality, and this ancient tradition.”

For more information, visit http://www.prairieedge.com

# # #

About Prairie Edge
Prairie Edge Trading Co. & Galleries has been dedicated to the education and preservation of the Native American culture for more than 35 years. Since its inception, this Plains Indian art and craft gallery has continually expanded its knowledge and expertise on various aspects of the American Indian culture.

Prairie Edge functions as a venue for Native American art, and also serves as a resource for promoting awareness of American Indian heritage and way of life. Their gallery features painted ceremonial robes, drums, beadwork, quilts, weaponry, jewelry, and clothing; their bookstore offers a wealth of educational resources on Native American culture, including books on Lakota rituals, spirituality, vision quests and the Sun Dance.