Comparing Pagan Ritual Dance to Native American Ritual Dance
For eons early man has been dancing in order to connect with their gods or deities. They danced to
appease and ask help of the spirits and gods. Early hunters were prompted to dance as a way to pay
respect to the animals they hunted and depended upon for survival. Dance was a way for indigenous
peoples to be in touch with ancestors and deceased loved ones. Ritual dance was also a critical tie to
ceremonies and tributes within said communities and belief systems.
This paper will be taking a look at both Pagan Ritual Dance and Native American Ritual Dance. It will
show how without knowledge of each other, they became very similar acts. Trying to keep in mind that
these dances originated in different time periods on separate hemispheres. So , onto the facts!
Pagan Ritual Dance
For Pagans , Ritual Dance has been a crucial form of religious right. There are many different dances
for many different reasons. For every Sabbat (a meeting of Pagans to worship) there is a specific
dance , chant & ceremony. In all of these Rituals , there is a “call and response” that is adhered to.
When a Priest or Priestess (the person chosen to lead the group) calls out a chant, the coven (group of
practicing Pagans) is expected to respond by either repeating , calling out , or executing a dance phrase.
Pagan Ritual Dance was never meant to be technically profound , as it is a means for the Pagan to be in
touch with the spirits , deities , or elements. There is really no right or wrong way for these dances to be
performed , mostly because they were never meant for a physical audience. The following will touch
on the different times , reasons , and actual acts of these significant Pagan Ritual Dances. Almost all
Pagan Ritual Dances begin by “calling” to the elements , that are held in high regard to the Pagan.
These elements are tied to nautical directions. For example Earth is associated with North , Air to East,
Water to West , and Fire to the South.
Generally Yule dances consist of a small gathering of Pagans , holding hands in a circle. Moving right
to left , while chanting. The actual chant and footwork varies from coven to coven. In some there is a
series of stomping motions , hops , leaps , and exaggerated steps. Yule, also known as the Winter Solstice , happens around December 20th to the 23rd. Yule was initially celebrated by the Germanic peoples (as a festival) , and has been absorbed by the Christian holiday of
Christmas. Dances conducted during this celebration are extremely simple and hold a strong sense of
family and togetherness. Another type of dance done during Yule , is called The Sword Dance.Breaking free from the tradition of gathering in a circle , this dance is a procession. There are 6 to 8
dancers , that hold ceremonial swords. The participants use the swords to make various geometric
shapes and designs , and rap the swords on the ground at precise moments during the dance. Often the
dance is concluded with a “mock” death and a revival by a “healer”. The celebration is ended with
assorted foods and wine for all who attend.
Eostar , Spring Equinox-
This Sabbat marks when Pagans “shake off” the coldness of winter, to embrace all of the things that
come with Spring. Again the specific rights to this celebration differ from coven to coven. The general
concept of this ritual is to “cast off” all inner things that bind the Pagans who participate and to begin
anew with the coming of Spring. For example one may choose to cast away guilt that binds them.
Participants engage in calling of the elements , to start. Each attendee can choose whatever they want to
cast out, but is urged to find something that is the most meaningful to them. Gathered by peers each
member is asked by the Priest or Priestess , “What binds you?”
The coven members then cast out their chosen “binder” by going to the elemental direction that was
appointed to them by the Priest/Priestess , and spinning counter clockwise. Spinning counter clockwise
is said to release these embodiments. Once the Priest feels that the circle has been cleansed , he/she
calls out , “what does your spirit need?”
Each attendee states what they “need” and the Priestess then cues the next steps. Again the appropriate
elemental direction is taken , and the participants are told to spin clockwise. The Priest then decides
when the dancers have achieved acknowledgment of the deities and calls the dance to an end. Before
the ritual has been declared over , the coven gathers in a circle and shares with their peers what they
have asked the spirits to bless them with. The group thanks the spirits for hearing their “prayers” and
closes the circle. They then partake in food and wine before departing from the celebration.
Beltane, May's Eve-
This Sabbat begins on or Near April 30th and is commonly associated with The Maypole Dance.
Beltane marks the beginning of the growing season, Summer. The Maypole is a phallic symbol and the
dancers that encompass it are representing of the female reproductive organs. This ritual is about
fertility.
There are a few different types of these dances. This one is less known and is ribbon-less. Dancers
form a large circle facing the Maypole , standing shoulder to shoulder. Typically this is done with an
even number of men and women , but there aren't always an even number in a coven. Most times there
are a few people in a coven that will act as a band and play some folksy type of music for the event. If
no such people are present a drums can be played or recorded music is played. Once the music has
begun , the dancers grasp each others hands and take four large steps forward , while looking upward
to the sky. They stop for 2 beats and gaze upon the Maypole. They then , keeping rhythm to the music ,
take four large steps back to where they began. While stepping they are sending energy through their
feet down into the Earth, with grounded firm motions. Next they release hands , turn right (counter
clockwise)and skip forward 16 paces. They then reverse (clockwise) and skip another 16 paces. They
then turn to face the Maypole once again returning to their original positions and once again grasping
hands until the music stops.
Another type of Maypole Dance , includes a ribbon and requires an even number of men and women ,
or dancers made to represent an even amount of men and women. Much like the preceding dance , the
pole in the center of the circle is the main focal point for the dance. Women stand 1 step in front of the
men , with their backs to the Maypole. Men face the Maypole in a larger circle outside of the women.
Both grasp the ribbons that are attached to the pole , with their right hands. As the music begins the
women move clockwise , going in front of the first man and behind the second , repeating this motion
over and over. Meanwhile the men are doing the same motion but in a counter clockwise movement.
Once the ribbons get shorter , the music winds down and the ribbons are tied off. Because Pagans
believe that “everything comes full circle” , the ribbons will be saved for the next years festivities and
burned symbolically , as a vision of death and rebirth. Once again ,the celebration is brought to an end
with a large feast of fresh fruits and vegetables along with wine.
Lughnassad- Oat Harvest
This Pagan holiday marks the days when the first oats are being ground into bread and is celebrated
near the 1st of August. Coven members are gathered in a circle around several large wooden or clay
bowls that are brimming with freshly made bread. Dancers stand shoulder width apart passing smaller
bowls to their right chanting , “Now do I give thanks for an abundant harvest, the seed which was
planted in the Spring , now gives us life.” Once the bowls have made 1 full rotation , the
Priest/Priestess then fills them with bread and passes them back to the circle of coven members. Now
each member is to take a bite of the bread and pass the bowl to the left , to the next in line. Once again,
when the bowls have made a full rotation , the group chants , “Light does not die , it just turns into
another form.” The Priest/ Priestess then encourages the participants to engage in any movement they
feel compelled to do. The elements are thanked for blessing the coven , and the circle is closed. The
coven ends the ceremony with more bread , fall vegetables , and red wine.
Pagans are rather secretive about their rituals , and we are lucky to know as much as we do about them.
So far , each dance has incorporated a sense of unity , togetherness , family , food , and drink. Most of
these rituals are executed in a circle and done in a specific place. All of the dances are comprised of
natural movements that most humans are capable of.
Native American Ritual Dance
Dance in the Native American culture is abundant and varied. Music and dance combine culture ,
spirituality , and expression – all of which are held as an important right to the Native American
peoples. For these people dance is a way to maintain cultural identity , satisfy community and family
responsibilities , and enjoy the feeling of belonging to a group. Either for ritual , ceremonial , or social
reasons these dances were never meant to be entertainment – but they can be very entertaining. The
next part of this paper will be taking a look at a few different Native American Ritual Dances , how
they are performed , and what significance they hold to these peoples. The vocabulary of movement in
all of these dances are generally the same ; jumping , kicking, stepping , stomping , spinning , whirling.
All movements that compose most Native American Dance.
The Bear Dance- By the Ute tribe of Colorado , this dance is performed in late May or early June. This
dance is meant to depict mating or courtship. This tradition dates back to the 15th century. It is also
meant to welcome the arrival of Summer. According to legend the bear brings special powers to make
one strong. The people were anxious to be outside with the coming of Summer , and related that to the
waking of a hibernating bear.
The Bear Dance took place in an open field surrounded by a fence made of woven brush or branches in
the shape of a large circle. Both men and women wore large colorful plumes as they danced. The
women wore brightly colored shawls. The women selected partners by flicking the fringe of their
shawls at one of the men. The dance begun by the dancers being divided into two lines of couples. One
of the dancers was chosen to play the role of the “cat” , who used a switch to encourage the dancers to
move faster. Spectators lined up at the outermost area of the fence. The couples then face each other
and shuffle away from each other and back. Keeping their feet to the rhythm of the singers that were
sometimes accompanied by instruments such as morache and rasps. The exact dance motions are only
taught to the people in the tribe and are not to be passed on to anyone outside of the community. This
dance lasts for 4 to 5 days and ends when the first couple drops to the ground from exhaustion.
The Sun Dance – This ritual is celebrated in Late June , and participants include several different
tribes such as the Cheyenne , Crow , Shoshone , and the Ute. It marks the last of the buffalo hunts and
happens to coincide with the Summer Solstice. It is meant to call on the powers of the Sun for
regeneration.
Historically this dance was fraught with self mutilation , but the Native Americans no longer observe
those acts, as they do not want to be labeled as barbaric. Today's Sun Dance is a favored large event ,
lasting four to eight days. On the first day a large circular area , that has been chosen by the elders , is
cleared and is where the ritual is to take place. The most senior elder then locates a suitable tree that is
to be used for a center pole. This tree is trimmed and placed upright in the center if the circular area.
This is intended to symbolize a unity of Heaven and Earth. This is where all prayers and various ritual
acts will take place for the duration of the ceremony. On the second day as the sun rises , the ritual
continues. Antone who wishes to dance at this time , is allowed to , while the ceremonial dancers
prepare for the ritual.
Once the main dancers have readied , the tribes drummers begin beating a slow rhythmic beat and the
main Sun Dance actually begins. The dancers make small spirals with exaggerated steps as they move
to the rhythm of the drums. While dancing the participants keep a constant gaze on the sun and recite
prayers taught to them by mentors who pass these traditions down generation to generation. Originally
men were pierced and tethered to the center pole , this is no longer done. Now dancers are just tied to
the pole. While dancing the men were continually pulling on their tethers , trying to break free. This
was intended to symbolize triumph over obstacles. Those who have not broken free of their tethers by
sundown are then assisted by the mentors that taught them the ceremony. If one did not break free on
their own accord they were not allowed to teach the dance to others , and were expected to repeat the
ceremony in the next year. A magnificent feast prepared just for the ceremonial dancers is then
presented to them. Attendees were not permitted to eat until the dancers have begun eating , then an
extremely large potluck type meal ends the ritual.
The Corn Dance – This ritual takes place during the beginning of Spring (around mid March) and is a
tradition of the Santa Clara Pueblo Indians. This dance is intended to ask the spirits for favorable
weather , abundant rain , and bountiful crops. It is performed by young tribe members (all past puberty
but not quite adults) , symbolizing young corn stalks that contain both male and female properties.
The dance begins mid day , when the sun is at it's highest point and continues until nightfall. The young
women are dressed in eye-catching regalia that consists of vibrantly colored dresses , white wrapped
leather moccasins , and large head pieces painted yellow and turquoise. The young men arrive with
white painted upper legs and hands , wearing kilts that have bright and intricate geometric designs. An
equal amount of the young men and women are lined up female on one side and male on the other ,
forming two strait lines. Dancers lift their feet silently grouping into circles and then back into parallel
lines. In unison , both sexes dance keeping their steps to the rhythm of the large round drum being
played in the distance. They will dance for the next five to seven hours , changing the patterns that they
make as the song “directs”. There is very little information on the exact motions that are made , as this
is a sacred tradition held by the Pueblo people. Once the sun sets , the dance is brought to an end. As
they have for hundreds of years they then indulge in vast amounts of traditional foods like breads ,
hominy , and different kinds of chilli.
The Hoop Dance – This ritual is observed by the White Mountain Apache. It is held on nights of the
full moon , throughout the year. This ritual is intended to heal sick or ailing peoples.
The person in need of healing is seated on a hand woven blanket facing east , in the middle of a special
ceremonial dancing area. An equal amount of young men and women (normally 4 of each) surround the
ill person. I boy and one girl stand at each of the nautical points - north , south , east , and west. A
medicine man is present and marks the beginning of the ritual when he starts to sing. The young men
are holding hoops made from pliable branches. The young women are holding cross-like figures. Once
the medicine man begins singing , the young ones shuffle forward toward the “patient” , until they are
within arms reach. The young men hold their hoops over the ailing persons head until the hoops
encompass the ill person's head. The young women hold their cross-like items over the “patient's” head
standing at the four nautical points at which they began. Through a cue in the song , the dancers raise
and remove their items , and return to their original positions. This will be repeated until the medicine
man has sung four songs. An elder then enters and sings for the medicine man , so that he can
participate in the actual dance. At the beginning of the 5th song the medicine man then approaches the
young man standing at the east point. The medicine man then takes the hoop from the young man and
places it over the ill person , once again encompassing them. The “patient” is then turned to the south
and the hoop of the young man standing there is placed over the ailed person. This is repeated until all
of the hoops are around the ill one. As the hoops are utilized all of the cross-like items are placed in the
medicine man's hands , and then placed on the “patient” in the area(s) that are being troublesome. This
ritual is not ended until the medicine man feels that the sick person is healed , and can be repeated four
to eight times in one night.
The Buffalo Dance – This ceremony is held by the Tewa Pueblo Indians in the harshest parts of winter.
It is a celebration of abundance , a prayer for snow and good hunting. It is symbolic of triumph over
famine.
Eight men are adorned with bells on their ankles and a full pelt from a buffalo. Each dancer also holds
a six foot ceremonial spear in his left hand and a gourd rattle in his right hand. They all wear a head
pieces made from green willow branches. They are evenly dispersed to the four directions of the
compass. One at a time , each dancer makes a circle around each of the seven other dancers. Making
galloping motions and hunched over to resemble a buffalo. They also move their heads in a fashion
much like a buffalo “rooting” with their horns. Once the dancer has circled each of the other dancers , it
is the next dancers turn. The dance is done when all of the dancers have had a turn. The celebration is
capped by a enormous feast , that much resembles American's Thanksgiving , that is attended by the
entire tribe
.In both Pagan and Native American Ritual Dance we see ; people gathering in a circle, executing
.In both Pagan and Native American Ritual Dance we see ; people gathering in a circle, executing
natural almost primitive movements , a sense community , and enjoyment of food and family. Actions
that both cultures/religions carry out due to their symbolic values , prescribed by the traditions of their
forefathers. Due to the symbolic nature , there is really no limits to the vocabulary of these dances.
However these dances are profoundly similar despite the fact that they originated on separate
hemispheres , during different time periods. All of this is extremely fascinating to me , their beliefs not
being exactly alike , but the ritual dances being connatural.
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