Don’t happen often enough! When it does, I always seem to miss it.
I have been very drawn to the Native American culture over the last five years or so. Unfortunately, I always seem to be in the wrong place when they have an event. I’ve never seen anything like it!
On my way home the other day I saw something out of the corner of my eye. “That looks like… I think… it IS! It’s a teepee! They’re there!” How fast can you cross three lanes of Beretania Street without killing yourself or getting a ticket? Don’t ask, I just did.
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I just had to! I had to find out more, to know more about a culture that continues to elude me. Native Americans share heartaches that are not dissimilar to those of Native Hawaiians.
My heart goes out to them and seeing, learning, and sharing in the beauty of their culture means so much to me. Perhaps the fact that they are so geographically removed from Honolulu just adds to the mystique.
Ovwer the years they have assimilated quietly here and they have become part of our society’s makeup. I just want to “know” them.
I had to understand what the above activity was all about so, I asked! I was told that this is a healing dance done to help those who are ailing. Each ring respresents whatever ails you.
I was amazed at the agility and ability with which the rings can be handled and the spheres that the dancer above was able to create.
Anyone would feel better after watching this!
I must admit, I did take a lot of pictures. It was hard to resist! Traditional dress is often very colorful and the feathers just make it all the more fascinating!
The little ones get involved as well.
This afternoon was all about my desire to understand more of the culture and customs of our Native Americans. The good part of this visit was that I got myself added to their notification list so, hopefully, I will know well ahead of time when these events are about to take place!
What did I take away from this? Pow wow etiquette!
It would be a good thing to put together a list of questions for the next time I’m lucky enough to run into this!
Many thanks go out to the various participants for sharing their culture with everyone! I’m looking forward to the next pow wow!
