When Is The Native American Dance Stick Important
Native American dance sticks allow the user to become more involved in the ceremony
. The dance stick helps the dancer to focus their thoughts and energy to help make the dance a success. Dance is a way the Indians use to communicate a myriad of things. Some dances are for healing, while others may be strictly for celebration. Dance sticks add a visual as well as a spiritual meaning to any ceremony, and are treasured tribal items.Nearly all Native American tribes crafted dance sticks. Dance sticks were made for specific purposes within each individual tribe. Dance sticks are generally made of a length of wood with a section of antler on one or both ends. Prayers that are being sent to the Great Spirit are represented by particular feathers used. Representative of a tribe or individual, the colors used for a dance stick are chosen carefully. Some dance sticks had the skulls of animals attached, as well. Being passed down throughout generations, Native American dance sticks are sometimes heirlooms.
Although Indian dance sticks were used for war dances, there was another very important purpose. These sticks were used to bring honor to a much loved departed horse. Not even death could sever the bond between the Native American and his horse. An additional decoration was added when the dance stick was prepared for a special tribute to a beloved horse. To make sure that the prayers of the warrior were directed to the horse, hair from the horse's tail or mane was used to embellish the stick.
The healing ceremony is still a vital part of Native American tribal life. A shaman or medicine man will often use a dance stick in order to better direct the healing energies. The decorations on the stick have all been chosen for specific beneficial properties. A shaman will use a dance stick for both a healing dance and meditation. Often a medicine bag is attached to a healing dance stick, too.
Used for meditation as well as dancing, the Native American dance stick can be enjoyed by anyone. These beautifully decorated dance sticks will also add a natural touch to any room's decor. The bright colors and detailed decorations will make these dance sticks a treasured addition to the home. A dance stick will go perfectly with country decor as well as Southwest style decorating. A display of dance sticks can cheer and brighten a cabin or vacation home. A dance stick can add a touch of color and interest to a minimalist modern setting, too.
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