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July 26, 2006

Native American Indian Celebrations, Music & Healing

One of the ways Native Americans celebrate is through music, particularly through the music of the Native American flute and Indian drums. Mothers of small children often find that Native American flute music is very soothing for their babies. Songs played on the Indian flute can be introduced during naptime and before bedtime to calm children down. Experts have also recommended Native American flute music to families with small babies that have a hard time getting to sleep as a way to prepare them for sleep. It is often difficult for small babies to adjust to the confusion and noise created by a large number of people at special occasions, and playing Native American flute music can help to calm a baby down in these circumstances.  Adults also enjoy the music of the Native flute. It is easy to find interesting and unique Native American flute music on the Internet, since many online stores offer selections of alternative music. It is also possible to purchase Native American flutes and sheet music.

Many of the ancient cultures of the world celebrate and adhere to one or another form of Shamanism. This is a tribal healing tradition where a Shaman is said to transcend the boundaries of our conscious world and travel to a world unknown to the ordinary man. Shamans are then experts employed by animistic societies to work on behalf of ordinary men.  The difference between the ordinary man and the Shaman is that while the man is possessed by spirits, the Shaman seems to be able to control the spirits in varying degrees.   Native Americans are said to perform Soul Flights to heal. In Tibet, the Shaman uses a drum to help them in soul retrieval. Shamanism has also found a place in modern day healing because of the importance it places in the areas of the soul, mind and spirit. Shamanic healing includes many forms including pain relief, anxiety and stress reduction and emotional or mental healing.

This most well known celebration of Native American Indians is the pow wow which is an occasion filled with colorful ceremonial dress and regalia designed and worn  by each dancer that articipates.  The different American Indian tribes each have their traditional costume. Each dancer performs to the beat of the Indian drums and the Indian chants by fellow tribal gatherers.  Native American tribes and their particular festivals, ceremonies and celebrations are not limited to the United States of America, but other Indian tribes are also present from Canada to South America.  One of the most famous is the Tarahumara Indian festival of Semana Santa where ceremonial hoop drums are painted with natural red stain and used by drummers during the ceremony. This article may be freely reproduced with active html links included. http://www.missiondelrey.com   info@missiondelrey.com

December 15, 2005

History & Culture of the Tarahumara Indians

 

Tarahumara Indian
We operate the Mission Del Rey among the Tarahumara Indians. The Tarahumara are a proud people that have endured many hardships. They lead very rough and often difficult lives. They are teetering between their traditional lifestyle and assimilation into the Mexican culture. Unfortunately, they are somewhat stuck between the two and often live hand to mouth. Hunger and exposure are too well known among the people. By being able to continue their traditional crafts, they preserve their cultural roots and their dignity as they work to provide for their families.

 

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