Sioux Tribe Research Paper

Words: 482
Pages: 2

The Sioux tribes everlasting but diminishing culture has survived the destruction of the European and continuous persecution of the government. The foundation religious and cultural foundation of Sioux tribe is the belief system of shamanism, polytheism, and animism that thrives among the youth of the tribe. However, the spiritual and physical environment deeply connects them to the souls of every living or nonliving thing on the earth which is a common thread in the native American culture.

Particularly in the Sioux tribe, a common symbol referring to the unity between the spiritual and physical realm is called the “ Black Elk” . Black Elk refers to the Sioux tribe as part of the sacred hoop which represents the unity of the nation. Circular shapes also contribute to the recognition of the sacred hoop such as the medicine wheel which is a key opponent in the religious beliefs of the Sioux tribe. The medicine wheel encompasses the four directions including Mother Earth, Father Sky, and Spirit Tree. The Medicine wheel represents the cycle of life encompassing the health of the tribe. Thus the Medicine wheel take in many forms including artifacts, paintings, or physically engraved marks on the earth. The movement of the Medicine is clockwise or aligns with the
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The most sacred of these ceremonies is the “ Sun Dance” and the “ Ghost Dance”. The most sacred of both is the Sundance, “ The Sun Dance, was a self-sacrifice ritual that includes dancing, drums, praying, and self-inflicted lacerations.” The laceration symbolizes a sacrifice for the betterment of the tribe members. The prayers are used for individuals to become united with the world tree. Originally "The Ghost Dance" was to bring harmony between the with the European settlers, however, over a period of time it transformed into a cleansing process to get rid of the Europeans from their