Transcript Native American Sweat Lodge

Native American Sweat Lodge
By: J.C. Snyder
History
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It was prompted by the influence of
European culture with its corrupting effect
on native culture. With the introduction of
alcohol and the inhumane treatment of
native people, the need to re-purify
themselves.
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With the help of Medicine Men and
Women, they could repair the damage done
to their spirits, their minds and their bodies.
Importance

The fire that is outside the Sweat Lodge is
facing the East. Each new day for all begins
in the East with the rising of Father Sun, the
source of life and power, dawn of wisdom,
while the fire heating the rocks is the
undying light of the world, eternity.
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Four rounds or sessions.

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First-is for recognition of the
spirit world of the black West.
Fourth-Stands for the growth
and healing of the yellow South.

Six colors are also symbolic
during the ceremony.

Black
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White
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Red
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Yellow
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Green
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Blue
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Second-recognition of courage,
endurance, strength, cleanliness,
and honesty of the white North.
Third-The recognition of
knowledge and individual prayer
symbolize of the red East.
Interview
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“They had to fast before the sweat” This is typically around 24
hours before.

They were told that they only are aloud to use certain wood and
have to build the lodge also a certain way. Everything has a purpose
and meaning.
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Very dark!!! Extremely hot from the rocks. (sauna)
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The Medicine Man did his chants in Native tongue.
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“They went to four sessions each lasting around 20-30 minutes.
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Very very intense! “They chants would give me the
chills!”
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“When we finished all four rounds/sessions your
body just felt pure or clean!”
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Very sacred ceremony!
Sources
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http://www.barefootsworld.net/sweatlodge.html
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http://www.cyberbohemia.com/Pages/historysweat
lod.htm
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My mom and sister