http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-14414-Columbus-Interfaith-Spirituality-Examiner~y2010m5d31-Spirituality-and-Memorial-Daycontinued from my examiner column . . .
Its amazing how the theme of feathers connect with many ancient peoples in other places around the globe from Africa to the Aborigines, to New Guinea to Latin America to Mongolia. It’s an ancient spiritual practice to express oneself in sacred dance, though some fundamentalist religious traditions forbid dancing. Today’s Memorial Day Native American Pow Wow captures the Spirit. http://www.naicco.org/
The Native American Indian website reports that ‘Powwow’s have been an integral part of many Native American cultures since the first relocation of Native people to reservation lands. Native American art is traditionally a functional art form; Powwow’s are the greatest expression of Native American Indian art. As well as being a wonderful social occasion; they encompass the values, traditions and spirituality of many native cultures. Participants adorn themselves in their finest and most highly decorated clothing and enter the sacred circle to dance, sing and rejoice in coming together. It is a time to share accomplishments, celebrate special occasions or to remember those who have walked on with feasts, giveaways and traditional honoring songs.’ [Howard County Maryland 2007 Pow Wow photo by Jeff Kubina]
All cultures sing, celebrate and honor their warriors. One more typically thinks of Revolutionary War, Civil War, WWI, WWII, Korea, Vietnam . . . on Memorial Day. War is not only the enduring Achilles heel of civilizations, but a very ancient recurring theme. This article in Truthout explains, 'US law officially proclaims Memorial Day "as a day of prayer for permanent peace."
However, the US is much closer to permanent war than permanent peace. Corporations are profiting from wars and lobbying politicians for more. The US and the rest of the world cannot afford the rising personal and financial costs of permanent war.' http://www.truthout.org/corporations-profit-from-permanent-war-memorial-day-201059924 We not only make war on each other, those different from ourselves, but the waters, sky and earth itself: witness the disaster unfolding in the Gulf. That is war on the planet.
Homer's Iliad and Odyssey certainly captured a Greek epic, with war no small part of the story. Visit the Field Museum in Chicago and other great museums around the globe to see ancient pottery depicting scenes of war with welcoming celebrations, feasting, laurels, wreaths and garlands for the heroes. In the case of the Native American population which suffered genocide and resettlement, we tend to forget this was their land before the Indian, Revolutionary, Spanish American and Civil War. There were countless tribes and peoples here, each with their own traditions, arts, cultural practices, legends and spirituality. [June 21st commemorates National Aboriginal Day in Canada.]
However, the US is much closer to permanent war than permanent peace. Corporations are profiting from wars and lobbying politicians for more. The US and the rest of the world cannot afford the rising personal and financial costs of permanent war.' http://www.truthout.org/corporations-profit-from-permanent-war-memorial-day-201059924 We not only make war on each other, those different from ourselves, but the waters, sky and earth itself: witness the disaster unfolding in the Gulf. That is war on the planet.
Homer's Iliad and Odyssey certainly captured a Greek epic, with war no small part of the story. Visit the Field Museum in Chicago and other great museums around the globe to see ancient pottery depicting scenes of war with welcoming celebrations, feasting, laurels, wreaths and garlands for the heroes. In the case of the Native American population which suffered genocide and resettlement, we tend to forget this was their land before the Indian, Revolutionary, Spanish American and Civil War. There were countless tribes and peoples here, each with their own traditions, arts, cultural practices, legends and spirituality. [June 21st commemorates National Aboriginal Day in Canada.]
The NAICCO website says, ‘It is only by educating the non-Indian world and re-educating the Native community that we can hope to preserve, protect and promote all that defines the native peoples of this land. The Powwow provides this opportunity. Powwow’s bring people together to share and learn about native cultures. To develop an appreciation for and an increased knowledge of each other and the diversity that God has bestowed upon us. Listen to the songs and witness the swirl of color around you; feel the healing beat of the drum touch your soul.’
One day at seminary, drumming filled the air, drawing everyone into Gloria Dei center in curiosity and wonder. An African student said, ‘Now it feels like I am coming home. This is what marks the start of worship as a special event, set apart from everyday life.’ But as the Native Americans believe, we are all standing on holy ground; its all sacred. A significant, prolonged drum roll please. As soldiers deployed for far too long return to walk into the arms of waiting family members, a prolonged drum roll please. Now what are you most thankful for this Memorial Day? Its certainly a different type of thanksgiving today- one of celebrating sacrifice rather than celebrating abundance. There is much loss and sacrifice to remember beyond our warriors: health-mental and physical, economy, families, cultures, tribes, traditions, practices, wisdom and environment . . . This is a solemn holiday.
One day at seminary, drumming filled the air, drawing everyone into Gloria Dei center in curiosity and wonder. An African student said, ‘Now it feels like I am coming home. This is what marks the start of worship as a special event, set apart from everyday life.’ But as the Native Americans believe, we are all standing on holy ground; its all sacred. A significant, prolonged drum roll please. As soldiers deployed for far too long return to walk into the arms of waiting family members, a prolonged drum roll please. Now what are you most thankful for this Memorial Day? Its certainly a different type of thanksgiving today- one of celebrating sacrifice rather than celebrating abundance. There is much loss and sacrifice to remember beyond our warriors: health-mental and physical, economy, families, cultures, tribes, traditions, practices, wisdom and environment . . . This is a solemn holiday.
Here's how war, sacrifice, appreciation and environment come together for one late author:
'The future of humankind lies waiting for those who will come to understand their lives and take up their responsibilities to all living things. Who will listen to the trees, the animals and birds, the voices of the places of the land? As the long-forgotten peoples of the respective continents rise and begin to reclaim their ancient heritage, they will discover the meaning of the lands of their ancestors. That is when the invaders of the North American continent will finally discover that for this land, God is red.' p296 Vine DeLoria God is Red, A Native View of Religion
copyright 2010, Patricia A. Rodemann
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