Native American Religion
1. Canupa: The Sacred Pipe Ceremony
2. Inipi: The Sweat Lodge
3. Hanblecha: The Vision Quest
4. Wiwangwacipi: The Sun Dance
5. Hunkapi: The Making of Relatives
6. The Keeping of The Soul
7. Ishna Ta Awi Cha Lowan: Preparing a Girl for Womanhood
First rite.
"The first of the Seven Sacred Rites (thoughthey are not chronological) is Inikagapi or Inipi (to renewlife). A sweat lodge is held in a dome-shaped structure madeof saplings and covered with hide or tarps that symbolizesthe shape of the universe and/or the womb of a pregnantwoman. Heated stones are placed in a central hole in thelodge and water is poured over them by an itancan (leader)to create steam. The purpose of the ceremony is to pray forhealth and well-being, spiritually and physically. The lodge“utilizes all the Powers of the universe: earth, and the thingswhich grow from the earth, water, fire, and air” (p.33)
Second rite.
"The second rite is Hanbleceyapi (crying fora vision). The vision quest is undertaken by an individualwith the help and guidance of a holy man. A person electsto go on a vision quest to pray, communicate with the spirits,and attempt to gain knowledge, strength, and understand-ing. The person pledges to stay on an isolated hill for oneto four days with a blanket and a pipe, but without food orwater. Upon returning, the vision may be discussed with thewicasa wakan (holy man). Often the meaning of the visionis not readily apparent and the individual may be told to waitfor knowledge and understanding" (5297)
Third rite. The third rite is Wanagi Wicagluha (keepingof the spirit). Spirit keeping is a rite performed by a mournerfor one year to grieve for a lost loved one. When a person dies the spirit can linger around the family and community.According to Black Elk, “this rite purifies the souls of ourdead, and our love for one another is increased” (p. 10). A special place is set up for the spirit, who is fed every day.Members of the family and community can come and visit,eat, and sit with the spirit and family. After one year the spirit is ceremonially released and the mourning period is formallyended. It is usual among the Lakota for the mourning familyto refrain from attending or participating in secular activities,gatherings, or events during this formal grieving period" (5297).
Fourth rite.
"The fourth rite is Wiwanyang Wacipi (sundance). The Sun Dance is often considered the most impor-tant rite, and it is held during the summer when the moonis full. In times past a number of Plains bands of the Lakotawould gather at a prearranged location for the annual meet-ing of the Oceti Sakowin; this was the occasion prior toGreasy Grass. It was during this annual gathering that theSun Dance ceremony was held. During the ceremony, danc-ers pledge to make offerings of their flesh so that “muchstrength would be given to the nation” (p. 99) and to fulfillpersonal vows. The choice to participate is solely that of eachindividual. It is usually the result of receiving a sacred dreamor is undertaken to seek assistance in healing a sick loved one.The sacred tree that is placed at the center of the dance areasymbolizes Wakan Tanka, the center of the universe." (5297)
Fifth rite.
"The fifth rite is Hunkapi (making relatives).It establishes a “relationship on earth, which is a reflectionof that real relationship” with Wakan Tanka (p. 101). It wasusually performed to unite a younger person with a family,and it can be a way of solidifying relationships with other in-dividuals as well as Wakan Tanka. This ceremony representsthe formal adoption of people as relatives." (5297)
Sixth rite.
"The sixth rite is Isnati Awicalowanpi (pubertyceremony). The ceremony takes place after a girl’s first men-ses, and prayers are said to ensure the girl will grow up tohave all the virtues of a Lakota woman and understand themeaning of her new role, and to formally announce her eligi-bility as a potential wife and mother." (5298)
Seventh rite.
"The seventh rite is Tapa Wankayeyapi(throwing the ball), a game “which represents the course ofa man’s life” (p. 127). A young girl stands at the center andthrows a ball upward and to the four corners as people vieto catch it. The person to catch the ball is considered morefortunate than the others, for the ball is symbolically equated with knowledge." (5298)
