The Sunrise Dance
May 30, 2006 by admin
Filed under Images & Photos, Reference
From Harvard, you can learn more about the Sunrise Dance:
“Traditionally, almost every Western Apache girl had a puberty ceremony, or na’ii’ees (’preparing her,’ or ‘getting her ready’), known popularly as the Sunrise Dance. Today, this is no longer true. Although puberty ceremonies continue to be performed on a regular basis, most Apache girls now must do without them. Two reasons for this decline are apparent. First, as a result of inroads made on the traditional religion by missionaries, some Apaches no longer believe in the effectiveness of na’ii’ees. A second reason that na’ii’ees is held less and less is its prohibitive cost. The amount of money and work required is staggering and this condition makes the ceremony impossible for many people.”
Hi, I just wanted to thank you for your intrest in our culture. I am a member of the White Mountain Apache Tribe, and also a “survivor” of the Surise dance ceremony. The four day training of physical and mental challenges has thus far made my life a lenient expericence.
Greetings, my name is Jacqueline James and Im from the San Carlos Apache Tribe. My daughter will be having a Sunrise Dance in April 11,12,13th at Calva a place where alot of the Apache people were kinda nervous to have their dance their. Because of no running water, or electricty there, I myself am nervous of the cost. But you’r all welcome to attend…email me for any questions..
Thank you..
Are non natives welcome and What do the Crown Dancers do to prepare themselves for this ceremony?
no non white are allowed and no picture taking is allowed.
How did it go Jacqueline?
I was sorry not to know then…it’s a big effort, I have gone last summer to my friend’s at San Carlos and it was costly, difficult- and wonderful , inspiring and made the girl so proud…as I guess it is for many.
Linda
hi dis is a really intersecting story and i am also doing a report on sunrise dance and i also diod have one my self……will almost in may. so any questions or may wnat to help just e-mail me .
oh……………so i really like this story for the sunrise dance ceremony!!!!!!!also, is i am doin’ a class report on this so any questions are comments i am free to help and just email me whenever you are free/
hi ppls
HEY IF YOU WANT YOUR CHILD TO BE A SUNRISE DANCE HOW DO YOU WANT THEM TO HAVE A SUNRISE DANCE HOW DO YOU APLY
HEY PPLZ