The Ghost Dance is a spiritual movement that came about during a time of great suffering and turmoil for many Native American tribes in the late 19th century The dance was seen as a means of restoring the world to right and bringing spiritual peace, harmony, and health back to the people. The Ghost Dance was also seen as a way to bring back the buffalo, and to combat the devastating effects of the white man’s encroachment on the land and cultures of the Native Americans.
The origins of the Ghost Dance are not entirely known, but it is thought to have originated with the Paiute medicine man Wovoka in the late 1880s. Wovoka believed that if his people followed his teachings, they would be able to bring back the buffalo, ensure health and prosperity for their people, restore the old ways, and combat the devastating effects of the white man’s encroachment on their homeland. He taught that through the Ghost Dance, the spirit of their dead ancestors would return and take the Native Americans to a better life.
The five best examples of the Ghost Dance are:
1. The Lakota Sioux Ghost Dance: The Lakota Sioux Ghost Dance originally started in 1890 as a response to the death of Sitting Bull, a prominent figure in the tribe. In the dance, the tribe moved in a circular formation, in which each participant wore a ghost costume, shaking rattles and singing the traditional Lakota songs and chants.
2. The Navajo Ghost Dance: The Navajo Ghost Dance is a dance that has been performed since the 1800s, and is still practiced today. During the dance, participants move in a circular motion and sing traditional Navajo songs, while drums and rattles are played. The dance is believed to bring good fortune and healing to the participants.
3. The Ojibwe Ghost Dance: The Ojibwe Ghost Dance, also known as the Midewiwin, is a traditional dance that has been practiced by Ojibwe peoples since the 17th century. During the dance, participants move in a circle and sing traditional Ojibwe songs, while drums, rattles, and bells are played. The dance is said to bring guidance and protection to the participants.
4. The Apache Ghost Dance: The Apache Ghost Dance is a spiritual ritual that dates back to the late 19th century. During the dance, a medicine man leads a procession of dancers in a circle, singing traditional Apache songs and shaking rattles. The purpose of the dance is to bring good luck, protection, and guidance to the Apache people.
5. The Yurok Ghost Dance: The Yurok Ghost Dance is a traditional dance that has been practiced by the Yurok tribe since the late 19th century. During the dance, participants move in a circle and sing traditional songs, while rattles and drums are played. The Yurok Ghost Dance is said to bring healing, protection, and prosperity to the people.
The Ghost Dance movement was one of the most powerful forces of spiritual resistance against the encroachment of white settlers on Native American land and culture. It brought hope in the midst of despair and suffering, and was a rallying cry for the people to stand up against the oppressors of their way of life. Although the Ghost Dance movement did not ultimately succeed in its goals, the spirit of this movement remains strong today, inspiring people to fight for the rights and cultural identity of their people.