Washington Area Powwows POWWOW ETIQUETTE  Before attending a Powwow, there are several things you should know. Powwows have rules of etiquette that should be followed. These rules have been handed down over generations from elders to youth and represent respect, friendship, and courtesy for the tradition and life.   Every Powwow has a "Master of Ceremony." The "Master of Ceremony" is usually a tribal head or an elder. The job of the "Master of Ceremony" is a demanding one, for it is this person who leads the entire experience. The "Master of Ceremony" begins the "Grand Entry" where the dancers enter the ring and are seen in full regalia for the first time. This person also has control of any activity within the Powwow and leads many prayers. The arena is the area where dancers step lively and show their traditional dancing skills. The arena is in the form of a circle. The reason the dancers always dance within this circle is because the circle represents "The Circle of Life." Being invited to dance in the circle is the only time a spectator is allowed in the arena. If you wish to take pictures or make recordings of any kind, you should get permission. The "Master of Ceremonies" will instruct you and either grant or deny permission. It is important that you follow his instruction because many Native Americans do not want their pictures taken for religious reasons. To take a photograph or make a videotape, or even make a sound recording, without permission shows lack of respect for the culture. Expect to remain seated for most of the Powwow. You will be asked to stand during Grand Entry, Flag Songs, and the National Anthem. You will also be asked to stand during invocation, special prayers, and also the closing of the Powwow. At closing, a prayer will be said to send you on your way. The Master of Ceremonies will determine if you should or should not stand during closing prayer. If you are near the arena and dancers are dancing, you should sit down until the dance is finished. Exercise respect during these special times because these are the most sacred times during a Powwow. Exercise good judgment at all times. No matter how tempting, do not touch the regalia of any of the dancers. Touching any part of a dancer’s costume shows lack of education for the culture as well as lack of respect for tradition. Many of the parts of dancers’ costumes are eagle feathers that have been blessed. If you touch these, the dancer will need to disrobe and have the parts blessed again. In extreme cases, the dancer will not be allowed to dance. No one will be allowed to sit at the drum without permission of the head singer. Again, the drums are sacred, and it is believed that anyone who takes a place behind the drums has been selected by God to be there. No one drums without special permission, and no one sits in the drumming area without special permission. Great offense is taken if you choose to sit in this area. You should never turn down an invitation by anyone, especially elders, during a Powwow. No one will make unreasonable demands; you can count on that. The invitation may be for a simple dance. You should accept all invitations graciously and enjoy yourself. Even if you do not know the dance steps, most are easily learned and someone will instruct you as you go. Never bring alcoholic beverages, drugs, or attend a Powwow under the influence of any such substance. The Powwow is a place of happiness and camaraderie so do not spoil it for yourself or others by attending under the influence. There is so much to be learned from a Powwow. You will indeed be enriched by knowledge of and respect for a culture that is the oldest in this country. You will also reap the blessings that everyone receives from attending a Powwow. Adapted from resource found at: http://www.essortment.com/all/powwowamerica_rnqu.htm

Posted on Monday, August 11, 2008 (Archive on Thursday, September 11, 2008) Posted by shaworth  Contributed by shaworth

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