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Just thought I’d post this here for visitors who may not know much about Pow Wows.
One site has terminology and the other has information about Pow Wow Etiquette. And of course, they also have other information also. 🙂
http://library.thinkquest.org/3081/terms.htm
http://www.powwows.com/gathering/articles.php?action=viewarticle&artid=3
You are welcome Erica,
It looked like one of the sites had some other good stuff to look at too. The ladies on one of the beading forums I’m on were talking about Pow Wows and some of them had never been to one. So a lady sent these links to that list.
I thought it might be a good idea to put it here too because we do get visitors who may not have been to a Pow Wow yet, but who may want to go to one. And of course it’s always good to know what the ettiquete is for any gathering you go to.
The main thing about attending a pow wow is respect. Respect the regalia and ask before touching or taking pictures. Respect for the circle, it’s not kosher to just duck under the rope just like you wouldn’t jump up on an altar in a church.
The other thing I have run into at pow wows is when the Eagle whistle is blown or the drum brushed, most folks have no idea what is going on and have no idea that pictures should not be taken at that time. Hopefully, the emcee will let you know….but, keep in mind that it may be dancers or audience members that ask you to not take pictures right now. It’s not that you have done anything wrong, it’s just out of respect.
The last thing is animals…don’t take your family dog to a pow wow. The sounds and sights can upset them. I have been to a pow wow where someone rode up on horses…the horses spooked and I thought we were gonna have a real problem. Once again, respect, you wouldn’t take an animal to church….don’t take them to pow wows.
But, once you have attended a pow wow and seen Creator’s power and the ancestors speaking to the dancers….you will never be the same again. It’s an awesome thing to witness….
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