Sun Dance Research Paper

Rituals and myths have always been a sore thumb sticking out of world history. Many people forget or are forced to forget and change perspectives and ancestral practices. Such scenarios have happened many times in the United States, especially with Native Americans. Fortunately, the efforts of Native American culture have not gone to waste, as some rituals and myths are still around to this day. Native Americans, more specifically, the Lakota Sioux, engage in a significant ceremonial practice known as the Sun Dance, recognized as one of the seven sacred rites within their cultural traditions. The Sun Dance is among six other rites of the Lakota religion that are known to have survived the tides of time. As such, the Sun Dance ritual is a vital …show more content…
Through Sun Dance participation, essential aspects of renewal, such as sacrifice and ethical behavior, are taught to everyone involved. These teachings contribute to a sense of community and sacredness, reinforcing strong bonds among community members and emphasizing the unique and sacred nature of their connections, something not to be taken for granted and not common to every community or group of people. Although the Sun Dance has many benefits and impacts for the Lakota Sioux, some may argue that it may not be the most impactful or important ritual and that there are other means of bonding, healing, and strengthening for the Lakota Sioux tribe. Naturally, I agree with their arguments as there could be other means and rituals that excel in a specific area. However, if we look through the other six sacred rites of the Lakota Sioux, most of all could be seen in the Sun Dance. For example, the Inipi, which is the sweat lodge, and the Hanblecha, the vision quest, are all apparent throughout the Sun Dance. Sweat lodges are used to purify the body before the Sun Dance and people search for visions during the Sun