Krisitne Penningroth-- Sun Dance (outside reading)

For my paper topic I decided to look more deeply into dance and how it was used by different religions. What I came accross really didn't shock me and that was that most religious groups do not incorporate dance into their usual rituatls. The interesting that struck me though was the Native American Tribes of North America such as the Sioux, and the Cheyenne. They partcipate in the Sun Dance. I find this really interesting because the Native Americans are not afraid to revert back to their more primitive instincts. Their dance comes around to usher in the summer solstis and it is important that they celebrate with movement. Dance is in every aspect of their lives and it started from the first member of the tribe. Dance is an important aspect to worship becasue it causes us to move from one state to another and ther are two different feelings. Van der Leeuw tells us that when dancing we become one with the Divine and are able to better understand him. The Sun Dance drives that point home. The Native Americans sing, and shant and add movement, whether it be hopping, walking, or dancing to be come one with the spirit they are praining. They reach another level that otherwise could not be reached. It is carried from generation to generation and the meaning just gets strengthened with every time it is performed. There is also sacrificing that accompanies the ceremony but even the sacrifices are celebrated with singing as well as dancing. It is a way of life that should be embraced and taught to and by more religions.