Powwows: Spiritual Experience or Strictly Social

[WhoMe]

If you are new to powwows, what was your impression?

Do they seem like a Spiritual Experience or do they seem more like only a social gathering?

[crazywolf]

If you are new to powwows, what was your impression?

Do they seem like a Spiritual Experience or do they seem more like only a social gathering?

Boozhoo,

I will say this, if it wasn't for that first pow wow I went to and then asked to dance by an elder, I would not be walking the path I am today, or having the spiritual experiences that I have today. One can have a spiritual experience if they want.

Just my two cents,

Derek

[gtbdave]

If you are new to powwows, what was your impression?

Do they seem like a Spiritual Experience or do they seem more like only a social gathering?

I think that people can flip flop on them being Holy as all get out, to being just a big fun get together, it depends on the circumstances. I see them no more than entertainment, and a money making enterprise. If they were Holy, or Spritual, they wouldn't charge admission, there wouldn't be prizes, and they wouldn't be open to the public. The traditionalist would insist on Pow Wows being private, and solemn, with huge respect given to every aspect. The non-traditionalist would be a bit more liberal, allowing prizes, charging admission, selling stuff like mad, and generally having a pretty good time. I think powwows are a good thing, it's good to see so many Native Americans having a good time, with some having experienced some pretty bad times in the past, but I do think that some of the traditionalist carry the Spirtual and solemn thing a bit too far. Of course it really depends on the powwow, some are real gungho on the solemn, others can take it or leave it. There are really no hard and fast rules, it just depends, no universal powwow etiquette, or rules, if anything, there is a big home court advantage, when it comes to the rules, etiquette, and traditions, they more or less make them up as they go along, to their advantage, of course. I don' really care, I just come to see the dancers, fancies, jingles, and shawls, let the fanatics worry about the other nonsense.

[tina fayta]

I think pow-wows can be both. I have been to a few in the past 4 years. I believe the spiritual feel depends on those who are gathered around the circle also. The individual heart and soul plays a significant part in a pow-wow. I am very thankful for all my spiritual experiences that came with many of the pow-wows I have attended. I have brought others with me to reach for healings. I have felt the spirituality and the holiness build as the pow-wows accelerated. I have witnessed the social side to them but I have also been happy to have been a part of the beauty, grace, harmony, peace, and healings that come with the drumgroups and the dancers, as well as the elders' prayers. Grateful to Native Americans for sharing such beauty and grattitude for Creator. I pray the gifts that come from Native American hearts never diminish.

[Kaina1128]

Deleted

[NorthofAda]

I've never been to a powwow that I would consider totally "secular" or without some spiritual overtones. There have been prayers at all of them and in at least 1 there was blowing of the eagle whistles. The traditional powwows I have attended have seemed to put more stress on the sanctity, if you want to call it that, of the circle with the MCs being very vocal about the place having been blessed and how it shouldn't be profaned in any way. That was probably on the far extreme of putting spiritual emphasis on it.

I don't see powwows in any way taking on the spiritual tones of what a ceremonial gathering might, though.

[FreeSpiritY]

If you are new to powwows, what was your impression?

Do they seem like a Spiritual Experience or do they seem more like only a social gathering?

I went to one this weekend. It went very well. It was mostly for social gathering. That and to share part of the ndn culture within the culture of the area it was held at. It was small and intimate which was very nice. I think about 15-20 dancers.

It was nice and soggy out. Plus the humidity was unreal! I know that on Sunday I had to pull my hair back because it was turning into a large fuzz ball.

There were plenty of bleachers for the spectators to watch from. And many did bring folding/lawn chairs, myself included.

I know that this is a rare thing; but when a powow is held in a culture in which not many people even know how to behave or act, it may have been nice to see some of the families or the hosts/organizers to go out and introduce/say hello, maybe see if anyone has questions about the dances, music etc. That and maybe state on the flyer/program where the participants are from.

I will say that in the opening ceremonies, during the song for the veterans I did get a bit teary eyed. Just touched my heart and soul.

FreeSpiritY

[New2itall]

I really think it is what the individual makes of it. All the people presenting the Pow Wow may consider it sacred, but if those attending consider it entertainment, then all is lost. I myself love the connection between those that hold tradition dear, and I ignore the rest. You get from it what you want to take from it. So, wannabes find what they are seeking, and NDNs find what they need.

[steelemagnolia63]

This is a good question...

I think that they are both... but I think that if you are just seeking a to fullfil a spiritual feeling or need, then you might be disappointed with the more social overtones at most pow-wows.

I have been to them that were totally a social gathering, and to ones that I felt strong spiritual feelings at. I think that it is what you get out of them personally.

I do wonder at times how we can think of it a totally a spiritual or cermonial gathering when we invite the general public to join us. Most people do not know our customs, and MC's and Dancer's can not be the pow-wow police and try to weed out the public that is going into our circles with bad ways, drinking, using drugs, or other issues that would "profane" the circle. Not to mention that I have never heard anyone mention to women that if it is your Moon-time that you can't join us in the circle.

So I think that it's a feeling that each person must find for themselves...

[WhoMe]

I appreciate everyone's response to this thread.

Question...



If a powwow bills itself as a traditional powwow and they charge admission, IS THIS TRADITIONAL?

If you payed for admission and to park, are you still in the mood to have a spiritual experience?

[Kaina1128]

I appreciate everyone's response to this thread.

Question...



If a powwow bills itself as a traditional powwow and they charge admission, IS THIS TRADITIONAL?

If you payed for admission and to park, are you still in the mood to have a spiritual experience?

Think of it like a collection plate. Powwow committees have a lot of bills to pay, requirements to meet for their venues, and many give gifts of money to the dancers in attendance. I've been to many traditional powwows where I paid for parking and admission. Dropping $10 for a powwow shouldn't put you "out of the mood" to have a "spiritual experience"...

[WhoMe]

Think of it like a collection plate. Powwow committees have a lot of bills to pay, requirements to meet for their venues, and many give gifts of money to the dancers in attendance. I've been to many traditional powwows where I paid for parking and admission. Dropping $10 for a powwow shouldn't put you "out of the mood" to have a "spiritual experience"...

Kaina,

Would paying for a family of 10 at $10 apiece increase or decrease your spiritual experience at a powwow?

[timmy tiger]

Well, my Uncles always tell me that Pow Wow's are gatherings of people. That if they were spiritual, then there would be no money involved with it at all. Just the way that we see it.