The Butterfly Dance
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In a previous blog the history of Chimney Rock was discussed, and interestingly enough there is a yearly festival that is held in the springtime at this very location. Like many cultures the spring season represents rebirth, renewal, regeneration, and regrowth.
For the Native American, there are many traditional dances that takes place in the four corners during the spring but my favorite is called the Butterfly Dance. Let me share the story with you of this very sweet dance, and the most recent experience I was able to witness at The Great Kiva located at Chimney Rock. First, let us go over some of the historical facts about the Great Kiva.
The Great Kiva
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The Great Kiva located in Chimney Rock is one of the largest structures in the High Mesa. The word Mesa literally means tableland and is a landmass elevated with a flat top and is surrounded by steep cliffs. According to a tree-ring dating method, the Great Kiva was constructed in 1084 AD. The word kiva is a Hopi term that means ceremonial house.
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To be called a Great Kiva, the dimensions must be 35 feet or more. The Chimney Rock Great Kiva is close to 44 feet and include special features. These special features include benches, foot drums, a fire pit, and 14 subfloor vaults. Typically, kivas have what is called a sipapu or what is known as an entrance into the spirit world. According to archaeologists that have researched Chimney Rock, they have not found the spiritual doorway. As a Native American, I can assure you the doorway is there. The rooftop has also been a mystery to archaeologists, but according to oral tradition the roof would have been made out of natural materials that would have deteriorated with time.
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Kivas were used for ceremonial purposes centuries ago and are still used for ceremony to this very day. As an inside source, kivas that are located on all sacred lands are used for very special ceremonial purposes. So it is a treat to the public for a kiva ceremony like the one held at Chimney Rock to be open for all to see, let alone at the Great Kiva. Now that we have reviewed some of the history of the location of the special Butterfly Dance, let us now go over what the Butterfly dance signifies.
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The Butterfly Dance
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The Butterfly dance is a celebration by both the Tewa and the Hopi tribes of North America. They both have different characteristics but the same intention. The Tewa and Hopi are related in ancestry so there is this special connection between the tribes. In the traditional sense, the Butterfly dance is social in nature and held in the late summer or early Autumn. The ceremony is one of gratitude for the harvest season, mainly corn.The Butterfly dance is a cry for rain, good health, and long life for humankind. The dance also shows respect for the butterfly and its part in the pollination of plant life.
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The Legend of the Butterfly dance begins with the Butterfly clan, a clan that was assigned to preserve legends and history. The Butterfly clan were kin to the Tewa and the word buli (fioli) butterfly is Tewa in its origination. Pottery has been found throughout the four corners with images of butterflies, moths and dragonflies to support the origination of the tribes.
As with many First Nation ceremonial dances, each dancer is respected for their fancy footwork, beautiful appearance, and endurance. The choreography for the Butterfly dance includes small jumps and the partners move toward and away from one another. The clothing for both tribes is different but the symbolism is the butterfly, clouds, and sunflowers.
The Butterfly dance held at the Great Kiva is different in that the underground chambers are not used, the celebration is much shorter, and instead of the dance being held in the traditional summertime it is held in the springtime. Before the dancers enter the Great Kiva they offer respect by sprinkling corn pollen on the ground. The Tewa dancers are also children, which is an offering of innocence and respect for the newborn spring. What was most special about the day I watched the Butterfly dance at the Great Kiva, (especially to a Native American), was the appearance of a group of butterflies flying intermittently from the beginning of the dance until the end of the dance. For the parents and children of the Butterfly dancers this was a special message that was a sign of approval from above. The experience was not only a visual confirmation but a feeling of pure connection to Spirit for those who understand nature and the spirit world.
The Butterfly dance on the Hopi reservation is much more complex and involves days of celebration. Unmarried men and women are chosen to take part of the dance, the clothing is much more intricate and sacred symbolism is used. For instance, the women paint their feet yellow in the image of eagle feet in order for her to dance lightly throughout the day. If you know my writing by now, you know I had to throw in a small tidbit of information about the eagle .
Everyone in the entire village are participants from the men of the tribe choosing the songs, to the families of the dancers preparing food, and everyone gift giving. If you do not know anything about First Nation custom, just remember we love gifts and any gift is appreciated. For the Hopi, and this particular celebration, food is the typical gift. Each villager brings food to share, the female dancers make baskets, and the male dancers bring blankets. These are customary gifts of any tribal nation.
To be a Tewa or Hopi is to attain to a respect for all living things, to find peace, and live in accordance with Creator. These two tribes practice all ancient traditions for the sake of the entire world. It is the hope that through their practice, that humankind in its entirety will understand that we all need to work together to attain respect for all life, peace for all nations, and understanding the importance of the Creator.
So, if you are ever in the vicinity of Chimney Rock in the springtime you might enjoy watching this beautiful energetic ceremony in The Great Kiva. Peace.
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Yay, thank you so much!
Really interesting and well presented; a pleasure to up vote and comment!
Thank you so much @cathi-xx, I truly appreciate you stopping by reading and commenting. Also your kind words regarding the presentation. Blessings.
Wow, another glimpse of your rich history Cass! I wonder where the doorway is. I saw the dance too, love it!
Hi @dawnsheree, yes a rich history. if you are ever here i will show you. would you walk through or stay? i'm glad you saw the dance and enjoyed it. Yay! Hugs my friend. xx
I'd love to try it out, is it scary? ^^ xxx
LOL! It would be traveling to another realm, spiritual and you may not come back here. What do you think about that? xx
Not coming back! lol I'm not too sure about that. I'd love to get in and then get out. ^^
LOL! Maybe do some research on realm travel. :)
It's a choice really, not for me either. xx
Loved it. Those pics are beautiful. The vid reminded me of the performances kids do at school (only the school plays have nothing to do with culture – Wizard of Oz was the last effort).
Handmade gifts are always so special. Someone put everything into making it for you rather than clicking 'add to cart'.
It's always a pleasure to read about other cultures from an inside source rather than stuffy textbooks. Nice job, Eagle.
PS I didn't realise you were Native American. How cool is that!!!
Cheers
Anj x
Dear @anjkara thank you so much for loving my post! I know right the kiddies were so cute. It was very hot and they danced for over an hour, it was a lot for them. They were so adorable and trying real hard.
yes, handmade gifts are the best!
I appreciate your kind words and connecting with my writing. yes, i am 1/2 native american. LOL
Hugs.
No, the pleasure's all mine.
1/2... still cool :D
Laters
Anj x
Yes half is not so bad at all! :)
Laters Mama, xx
Loved it!
Really well worked on and you can see a lot of heart went into making this post. Be proud of your traditions and of your roots always :)
Really liked it Eagle.
Cheers
Thank you so much Maxy! You taking the time to read and make a comment means a lot to me. Yes, I am very happy to the reconnections I made with my culture and being able to share some of them with others. So glad you were able to see my work. Hugs.
I found this through the wonderful @ocd resteem project, and this is definitely worthy! Thank you for not only sharing the dance itself, but also the rich history and intricate meanings of this sacred ritual. I look forward to reading more of your posts soon!
Hello @mwoodall, thank you so much for letting me know how you heard about my post. I greatly appreciate you stopping by and reading. I am happy you like my post and look forward to more, this means a lot to me. Blessings.
Great article. I love the information and the work you put into it. you are verry passionate and should be. I will be posting some information about our local Aboriginals and some of their sacred grounds in the local area where i live .
Hi @sanddrift thank you for your appreciation and enjoyment of the information I shared. I am so thankful that you took the time to read my post and share your thoughts. I look forward to your writing. Are you aboriginal? Are you in Australia? xx
What a fun tradition. I have to say though... the dance itself isn't so exciting to watch by itself. But perhaps it doesn't capture the energy of having the community gathered around and an overall celebratory atmosphere. And nice butterfly wings too!
@eonwarped, be nice they are only children LOL
The big one on the Hopi Rez is much more traditional, entertaining and you might get kidnapped! How is that for excitement?
You might even get transported to another realm for awhile so leave Opal at home. LOL
Woah... Far out! Haha yeah that was a little harsh sorry :). I don't know if I would want to be kidnapped to another dimension.
yeah you would trip out for sure .. no worries on the harsh, the kids might cry but they're a tough breed. LOL
Well, at least you know you do not wan to be kidnapped. LOL!
Oooh, this is super cool! I'm going to nominate this post to @geopolis, this is right up their alley.
My friend@moutainwashere,thank you so much! I really appreciate your reading and commenting. Also, your nomination. Hugs.
Thanks for writing this!
Thank you too! xx
This is brilliant! What a amazing peice of history that is still being used today!
In my free time I go and find Cairns or Burial Chambers from the Neolithic to Bronze Age period. These are also places of spirituality and usually circular.
The dance looks beautiful and meaning for what the Great Kiva was used full of colour and life.
I hope such traditions continue for many years to keep the vital connection with our ancestors open.
I can only imagine the sensation and feeling you obtain from visiting as I certainly pick up a feeling and a calmness when I visit local sites to me.
Thank you so very much @pumpkinsandcats, I love your name by the way it is the cutest ever!
wow that is super cool, that you go looking for burial chambers. you would get lost in the four corners for sure. LOL
yes very colorful and full of beautiful energy.
I agree with you, i hope tradition does not die. This dance you see is an initiative of a dance group that tries to ensure the old ways do not die.
oh yes, the first time i saw this site from the highway i saw a rainbow hit the big kiva on the mountain, it as amazing. in my soul i felt i had to go there someday ... it took me a year but i went back and it was so special. thank you again for your read and comment. xx
You are more than welcome! Just looks an amazing place to visit
You would totally love visiting!