What Started the Ghost Dance? - Oleosymusica.blog

Origin of the Ghost Dance Movement

The Ghost Dance movement originated in 1889 when Wovoka, a Paiute man also known as Jack Wilson, prophesied the extinction of white people and the return of the old-time life and superiority of the Indians. Wovoka’s vision served as the catalyst for the Ghost Dance movement, which aimed to bring about a peaceful world and restore Indian prosperity.

Wovoka’s Vision

Wovoka had a significant vision during a solar eclipse in 1889. In his vision, he witnessed the departure or disappearance of European settlers, the revival of the buffalo, and the restoration of land to Indian peoples across the continent. Central to Wovoka’s teachings was the emphasis on maintaining peaceful relations with white Americans. He believed that by practicing the circle dance ceremony, his vision of a harmonious world would be realized.

Spread of the Movement

The Ghost Dance movement quickly spread among various Indian tribes. Representatives from different tribes traveled to meet Wovoka, and letters were sent to other Indian communities to explain the vision and the associated ceremony. Leaders of the movement visited different Indian nations, disseminating knowledge about the vision and the dance. Consequently, the Ghost Dance ceremony gained popularity and rapidly spread among many Indian tribes, primarily in Western states.

The Ghost Dance Ceremony

The Ghost Dance was based on the round dance, a common social dance among many Indian tribes. Participants formed a circle, holding hands, and danced with a shuffling side-to-side step, swaying to the rhythm of the songs they sang. The dance aimed to induce a trance-like state in some dancers, with the possibility of experiencing visions. Faster-paced songs were sung to assist dancers in achieving a trance state.

Misunderstandings and Tragedy

The Ghost Dance movement was frequently misunderstood by European Americans, who mistakenly perceived it as a militant and warlike movement. In reality, the movement was a peaceful resistance rooted in Indian beliefs. It emerged during a time of desperation for Indian peoples, as their treaties were violated and their way of life was under threat. Tragically, the events at Wounded Knee in 1890, where hundreds of Lakota Sioux were killed, became associated with the Ghost Dance movement, further fueling misconceptions.

In conclusion, the Ghost Dance movement began with Wovoka’s profound vision of a transformed world. It spread rapidly among different Indian tribes, offering hope and a sense of unity during a challenging period. The Ghost Dance ceremony, with its emphasis on peaceful coexistence and the revival of traditional practices, played a significant role in preserving Native American heritage and spirituality.

Sources:

“Ghost Dance” in The Encyclopedia of Oklahoma History and Culture. Retrieved from https://www.okhistory.org/publications/enc/entry?entry=GH001
James Mooney Recordings of American Indian Ghost Dance Songs, 1894. Retrieved from https://blogs.loc.gov/folklife/2017/11/james-mooney-recordings-ghost-dance-songs/
“Ghost Dance” in Britannica. Retrieved from https://www.britannica.com/topic/Ghost-Dance

FAQs

What is the origin of the Ghost Dance movement?

What was Wovoka’s vision that led to the Ghost Dance movement?

During a solar eclipse in 1889, Wovoka had a vision in which he saw the departure or disappearance of European settlers, the revival of the buffalo, and the restoration of land to Indian peoples across the continent.

How did the Ghost Dance movement spread among different Indian tribes?

The Ghost Dance movement spread through tribal representatives who traveled to meet Wovoka and through letters sent to other Indian communities. Leaders of the movement also visited various Indian nations to teach them about the vision and the dance, resulting in its rapid spread among many Indian tribes, primarily in Western states.

What were the key elements of the Ghost Dance ceremony?

The Ghost Dance ceremony was based on the round dance, a common social dance among many Indian tribes. Participants formed a circle, held hands, and danced with a shuffling side-to-side step, swaying to the rhythm of the songs they sang. The dance aimed to induce a trance-like state, and faster-paced songs were sung to assist dancers in achieving this state.

How was the Ghost Dance movement misunderstood?

The Ghost Dance movement was often misunderstood by European Americans, who mistakenly viewed it as a militant and warlike movement. In reality, it was a peaceful resistance rooted in Indian beliefs and emerged during a period of desperation for Indian peoples, as their treaties were violated and their way of life was under threat.

What was the tragic association between the Ghost Dance movement and Wounded Knee?

The events at Wounded Knee in 1890, where hundreds of Lakota Sioux were killed, became associated with the Ghost Dance movement. However, it is important to note that the movement itself was a peaceful resistance movement, and the tragic events at Wounded Knee were not representative of its true nature.