The Sunrise Dance
From Harvard, you can learn more about the Sunrise Dance:
“Traditionally, almost every Western Apache girl had a puberty ceremony, or na’ii’ees (’preparing her,’ or ‘getting her ready’), known popularly as the Sunrise Dance. Today, this is no longer true. Although puberty ceremonies continue to be performed on a regular basis, most Apache girls now must do without them. Two reasons for this decline are apparent. First, as a result of inroads made on the traditional religion by missionaries, some Apaches no longer believe in the effectiveness of na’ii’ees. A second reason that na’ii’ees is held less and less is its prohibitive cost. The amount of money and work required is staggering and this condition makes the ceremony impossible for many people.”
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7 opinions for The Sunrise Dance
Tessay
Nov 18, 2007 at 12:06 am
Hi, I just wanted to thank you for your intrest in our culture. I am a member of the White Mountain Apache Tribe, and also a “survivor” of the Surise dance ceremony. The four day training of physical and mental challenges has thus far made my life a lenient expericence.
JACQUELINE
Jan 7, 2008 at 10:23 am
Greetings, my name is Jacqueline James and Im from the San Carlos Apache Tribe. My daughter will be having a Sunrise Dance in April 11,12,13th at Calva a place where alot of the Apache people were kinda nervous to have their dance their. Because of no running water, or electricty there, I myself am nervous of the cost. But you’r all welcome to attend…email me for any questions..
Thank you..
giggles
Apr 30, 2008 at 3:15 pm
hi dis is a really intersecting story and i am also doing a report on sunrise dance and i also diod have one my self……will almost in may. so any questions or may wnat to help just e-mail me .
giggles
May 16, 2008 at 4:06 pm
oh……………so i really like this story for the sunrise dance ceremony!!!!!!!also, is i am doin’ a class report on this so any questions are comments i am free to help and just email me whenever you are free/
emily
May 20, 2008 at 3:10 pm
hi ppls
ASHLEY BEACH
Nov 1, 2008 at 4:48 pm
HEY IF YOU WANT YOUR CHILD TO BE A SUNRISE DANCE HOW DO YOU WANT THEM TO HAVE A SUNRISE DANCE HOW DO YOU APLY
ASHLEY BEACH
Nov 1, 2008 at 4:50 pm
HEY PPLZ
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