The Ritual of The Sun

By Crusader1307

 Another Ancient Native American Religious Ceremony, used by some Tribes as a way to mark a young man’s “journey” into Manhood or Warriorship, The “Sun Dance” (also known as The “Vow To The Sun” – or Wi-wanyang-wa-ci-pi), is a hotly debated procedure among Native Americans and Historians. The Ceremony is closely linked to The Pacific Northwest and Great Plains Tribes and was only “witnessed” by one “White”, Naturalist and Artist George Catlin in the 1830s. Although “most” Lakota and Oglala Sioux “deny” it’s existence and usage, The Cheyenne and Crow acknowledge it (in part). There were similar Sun Rituals in many Tribes. Catlin’s writings and other sources set forth the following Ceremony. The Sun Dance required preparation. The initiate (roughly 16 years old), was taken to a “Sweat Lodge”, in which he was placed in a state of Fasting  (no food and little water). The initiate needed to “purify” his “body and Spirit”. This could take many hours. While this was occurring, a special Lodge was prepared. Spirit Drums and Charters were placed, as were Tribal Leaders and Family to witness the “spectacle”. The top of the Lodge was opened to the sky. This was seen as very critical to the Ceremony. The ritual had to coincide with the exact position of The Sun as it passed over the top of The Lodge. While The Sun passed over, it’s rats pinpointed and illuminated a specific point. Next, at the very top of The Lodge, a series of looped ropes were attached to poles.

Suitably prepared, The Initiate was brought in. Standing below The Sun’s rays, a Medicine Man made several deep incisions into the chest muscles of The Initiate. A pair of Bear Claws were passed through the cuts. Finally, The Initiate wad given an Eagle Feather and Bone Whistle. The Whistle was placed into the mouth. The loops of the hanging ropes from above were now attached to The Bearskin Claws. The initiate was now slowing pulled upwards, towards the Lodge top, still bathed on light. After achieving a height of perhaps 8-feet, The Initiate was slowly spun and twirled, thus his movements resembled a “dance”. Whoever pain (which was no doubt very intense) was felt, The Initiate blew the Whistle. If he cried out or screamed on pain, he failed his “test”. Should the ropes brake, the ceremony too was over, with no ill will set upon The Initiate. In fact it was thought that The Spirits had “tested” The Initiate enough. If the Rope did not break, the test lasted until the last rays of the Sun touched the body. Completion was greatly celebrated. The new Warrior was allowed to fight for his Tribe and even marry. If one failed, generally they were still considered a “boy” and not worthy. Sometimes, The Initiate was allowed to test again, after a period of time had passed.

As stated many of the more radical Traditionalists argue The Sun Dance was either not as brutal or flatly did not exist. Thus may be due to it’s very sacred and very secreted nature. The US Government outlawed it’s practice for a time, only allowing it to occur with formalization of Native American sovereignty within their Reservations. This was done with most Great Plains Tribes in the 1970s. Actual non-Native American witnesses have never been allowed to see The Ritual performed  (or any modifications made).