Native American children: our chiefs of tomorrow
Hello everyone!
Achomawi baby in beaded cradle board-1910
If you like my Facebook page, then you probably know that I like Pow wow regalia! And that I really like Native American children regalia. Every time, I attend a Pow wow, it just warms my heart to see children dressed in either regalia or traditional wear. You can also check out my post about Pow wows here or here. Or learn about Pow wow dances and their meaning here.
Children are our future. They are the ones who will keep the culture alive when we have passed on to the spirit world. I think they need to be taught about their culture so they can take pride in their traditions. I have attended Pow wows where mothers go dance with infants strapped to their back. The child moves along to the music with their mother. They feel the vibration of the drum and I can honestly say I have never seen a child cry when there is singing and drumming. Even if it can be very very loud. One would think that the music would frighten them but it rarely does.
Traditional music and children
Ojibwe-Cree boy dancing, Montata
The music, the rhythm seems to soothe children, reminiscent of their mother heart beat (what the rhythmic drumming symbolizes). I have seen many young kids, toddlers, just stop and listen when singing begins. Just like the little 2 year old girl who was attending the Brushing off ceremony I attended. She just sat on her dad’s lap and seemed mesmerized by the singing. I have said before that traditional songs are passed down from generation to generation, songs that are actually prayers. And it is as though children understand intuitively the message contained in those songs.
One reason for this might be related to the fact that children are just out of the spirit world. Remember that we enter the physical world from the spirit world, to return to the spirit world at death. Remember the directions of the Medicine Wheel. We move from the spirit word to the physical world to return to the spirit world. Death is just a change in worlds. When remembering this, it makes sense that children would understand songs that came to be from the spirit world.
Children and Elders
As an example, have you noticed how easy it is for older people to connect with babies? Or how children seem attracted by older individuals? They recognize one another. One just left a world that the other one is entering. It’s easy for them to interact. Their soul is pure, open to the unseen. Older people will often reminisce about their youth. Some will find it annoying, reminding them that it’s in the past. But to them, it is where they are now. They have returned to their child state, in preparation for the spirit world that awaits. I was once told that every child is born an Elder. They are born pure, without malice, they are born teachers and Elders. And I truly believe that. Every child has the potential to later be an Elder. The effects of colonization get in the way though. The teachings, the language get lost.
So when children are involved in and taught their traditions, it is a beautiful sight. It is the sight of a culture that is alive. It is the sight of a culture that is not forgotten. Our children need to be taught, so they can keep the culture alive, as they will become the teachers. So, I am leaving you with a series of photos of youngsters involved in and proud of their traditions. It makes my heart smile to see them. Enjoy those beautiful Native American children in their regalia.
2012 Hunting Moon Pow wow
Fancy Pow wow shawl. It moves beautifully when one dances
2012-Santa Fee. How cute!
2012-Santa Fe
Tiny Tots grass dancer-a type of dance often seen in Pow Wows
Grass dancer
Pow wow 2012
Little jingle dress dancer
Little girls in jingle dresses
Jingle dress in movement. The movements in such dancing are so graceful
Oglala Lakota nation Pow wow-Pine Ridge Reservation-SD
For beautiful children regalia items, click here.
All My Relations
What a fantastic post. I have always been fascinated with the Native American culture so this was a very interesting read for me. Love those kids, so cute!
thanks Don! yes they are just adorable!
I love the traditional outfits worn by the children and adults alike. There is much detail and hard work involved in their making, but are always so beautiful! And it is sad that so many children get ‘brainwashed’ by society when they are born so pure! Great article and beautiful pictures!
yes it is heartwarming to see children wearing their traditional attire. It is up to the adults to make sure they are surrounded by their culture and traditions, something not always easy to do
I love the photos!
The children are so adorable in their regalia.
I agree that it is important to teach our children about their culture and tradition.
A lot of parents nowadays forget about the importance of keeping our culture alive.
Thanks for sharing!
thanks Sylvia! Yes we tend to forget that we need our culture alive, not dead!
wow really informative, and great photos!!
Great site! very cute and interesting outfits!!
yes Ryan, they are gorgeous outfits! Such vibrant colors 🙂
Love the images of the children in their traditional costumes, and the explanations of the culture. Great site well done. 🙂
thank you Peter! Their attire is just gorgeous.
Just discovered your Website, and I love it!
Thank you Emily for this great Post. It is so beautiful!!
Will come back to read more.
Andre
you are welcome Andre! Keep exploring the site and do come back 🙂
Wow! Such incredible information and powerful photos. I found this to be so interesting and you are really doing a service addressing the topics that you have. My site also deal with helping not only adults, but children, too. I really learned so much just in this one article and really look forward to reading more from you. You should be proud and I can’t wait for your next post. Thanks and all the best!
well thank you Howie!! That is good to hear. Yep it is a site to help communicate information that is not well known, the history and the beauty of the native people. Glad you enjoyed it!
OMG I love the traditional costumes! They are so vibrant and interesting compared to what you see when you walk through a metropolitan city.
Yes Theo those beautiful clothes. The word attire or regalia is preferred over costumes as they are not dressing up in a costume but rather showing their traditions
I’m in awe with the photos in this article, Emily. So much beauty and cuteness on one page, combined with a very informative and well written article. Highly enjoyed reading it.
thank you Claudio! The little kids are indeed very cute!
Wow! A very respectable culture Emily! You teach your children well. And I totally agree with your insights with children and elders. They do have stronger connections with the spirit world. The children’s and elders’ souls are sensitive to spiritual connections. I do have experiences of that. Having the heart of a child means you are open to spiritual messages.
I am intrigued truly by your story here Emily! I do respect your native American culture…:)
thank you Paul! it is a culture rich in history and spirituality
Well I love discovering things I know nothing about so this site is beautiful and very interesting so thankyou. I love the comment that children seem attracted by older individuals – I always think children are drawn to older souls. My 2 year old has always been happy in the company of older men from a very early age. I always thought that maybe in a past life a grandad was very special to him. Who knows but anyway I’ve bookmarked your site to read more great articles.
Thank you Sophie, do keep coming back. And yes elders and children do connect, their soul, they are closer than we think
Yes, this really is a great post! I love the pictures of the children all dressed up and looking so proud and happy. Beautiful! Thanks.
thank you for visiting Peter! Yep they are proud 🙂
This was very educational! I enjoyed what I read and learned, and I LOVED all those pictures of cute kids! =)
thank you! yes such cuties in those pictures! All my relations
You’ve made me want to attend a Pow Wow 🙂
go for it Martina 🙂
Hi Emily,
Long time no see.
Your post “Native American children: regalia and culture” is really dazzling with all the colorful costumes and beautiful kids. You’re so lucky to be around so much of the culture. Cheers 🙂
hi Ed!
thanks for coming back 🙂 the Pow wow attire is indeed gorgeous and colorful. I am enjoying being surrounded by the culture 🙂
Wow! Those costumes are incredible! It must be exhilarating to witness these traditional native ceremonies live as well. Do you go to many of these events?
hi Steve
the regalia is awesome indeed! Even better in person. I go to Pow wows as often as possible. Every month if I can 🙂
JiNgle dress, not jiggle. You don’t even wanna know what comes up when you google that. Please correct it for the sake of the respect of the women and children on your page.
wow thank you so much for pointing that out! I cannot believe I wrote it 3 times! Wow, I corrected it.