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.
Although the Massachusetts General Court outlawed the ceremonies due to what many considered to be worshiping the devil or false gods, tribes rebelled and kept the tradition alive in different areas of the country. While most often separated, the term actually does not include a hyphen or space between pow and wow. Ceremonies which existed prior to 1646 were far more sacred and spiritual than many of the powwows held on an annual basis in the United States today.
Today, these ceremonies have evolved from the formal ceremonies of that time into a vibrant blend of festivals, family reunions and tribal dances. Most often best know for the beautiful and colorful feathers and costumes and dances, pow wows are now aimed at visitors as well as tribal members. Although, while visitors most often come to observe, a number of tribes still consider these events to be one of the most cultural and sacred events of the year.
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.
Individuals whom travel to the events often see travel time as part and parcel to the overall journey. For, many use the time to contemplate personal beliefs and feelings with regards to the history of the Native Americans. In most cases, these individuals come to observe, sing, dance, play and keep the heritage and history of the Native American tribes alive.
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.
Known as the Omaha Grass dance once the Lakota presented the ceremonies, the ceremony became far more popular than that of the Ghost Dance during the same period. Although, unlike other dances, the Grass dancers were dancing solely for the pleasure of dance. After which, different tribal dances became a huge part of these events past and present.
Although the Massachusetts General Court outlawed the ceremonies due to what many considered to be worshiping the devil or false gods, tribes rebelled and kept the tradition alive in different areas of the country. While most often separated, the term actually does not include a hyphen or space between pow and wow. Ceremonies which existed prior to 1646 were far more sacred and spiritual than many of the powwows held on an annual basis in the United States today.
Today, these ceremonies have evolved from the formal ceremonies of that time into a vibrant blend of festivals, family reunions and tribal dances. Most often best know for the beautiful and colorful feathers and costumes and dances, pow wows are now aimed at visitors as well as tribal members. Although, while visitors most often come to observe, a number of tribes still consider these events to be one of the most cultural and sacred events of the year.
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.
Individuals whom travel to the events often see travel time as part and parcel to the overall journey. For, many use the time to contemplate personal beliefs and feelings with regards to the history of the Native Americans. In most cases, these individuals come to observe, sing, dance, play and keep the heritage and history of the Native American tribes alive.
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.
Known as the Omaha Grass dance once the Lakota presented the ceremonies, the ceremony became far more popular than that of the Ghost Dance during the same period. Although, unlike other dances, the Grass dancers were dancing solely for the pleasure of dance. After which, different tribal dances became a huge part of these events past and present.
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