Cool Stuff

 After listening to the Northern Cree Singers, I learned several new things not only about them, but also about their culture. One of the things that I learned was that they dance in a circle while others sing and beat on a drum. That alone was not enough for me, so, I decided that I wanted to know why they danced in a circle. Interesting enough, after looking it up, they dance in a circle to honor the Northern Lights. They believe in their culture that it is regarded as a good sign if the northern lights dance as the people dance. To end the circle dance as the northern lights fade away, they each weave their way out of the circle one by one. 

After listening to the Six Nations Women, I learned that they do a shuffle dance. I also learned that they use shakers instead of using drums. I wanted to learn how the Native Americans made their shakers. Well, for starters, I learned that the correct term for the shakers is "Rawhide Rattles". Secondly, I learned that they are usually made from some kind of animal shell, rawhide or leather, with corn, small rocks, or seeds that are placed inside to create the sound. They are then decorated with beads, feathers, and materials from nature. Another thing that I learned about the rattles is that they were also created for ceremony's, and healing meditations. Below is a DIY video of  how one would make a rawhide rattle. 

Lastly, after learning about and listening to the disjunct music of the Navajo Nation, I wanted to learn more about their songs and music. One song in particular, called the "Corn-Grinding Songs" caught my attention. Of course, just as it is named, the Navaho Nation members sing these corn-grinding songs while they grind corn. But, it is not just any member who sings these songs. Apparently, during the process of a girl's puberty ceremony, she is encouraged to grind her own corn. While she grinds the corn, the corn grinding songs can be sung to make the process more enjoyable and fun with the rhythm of the song. The purpose of the ceremony is to prove the girls strength and responsibilities so that she will be able to take care of her family and kids. The corn that she grinds up is used for their cake.