Gourd Dancing

Today was a special day for many reasons. At my school their was a gourd dance.
Gourd Dancing is not actually a pow wow dance style, but it is more of a separate type of dance performed by some Southern tribes (Kiowa, Commanche). Gourd Dancing occurs before the Grand Entry, when the drum sings gourd songs for the dancers as they dance. Only Gourd Dancers may dance a Gourd Dance, but the regalia of a gourd dancer is not too elaborate- it usually consists of a long sleeve shirt and pants, a gourd sash or vest, and a rattle.

The dance is very simple- the dancers stand around the outside of the arena and shake their rattles and lift their heels with the beat of the drum. When the song then reaches a point, the dancers slowly dance away from their spot. Gourd Dances are usually held in sets, with about three or four songs a set, after which people will take a small break. The Gourd Rattle used in pow wows is not a gourd but instead a tin or silver cylinder filled with beads on a beaded handle. There are many fine rattles that are totally peyote beaded around the handle with white horsehair tufts on top of the rattle. There are two different sashes worn by gourd dancers. The first is half red and half blue, and is worn draped around the neck, reaching the ground. It is made of wool tradecloth. Many people add ribbons earned in military service on these sashes. The other type of sash is worn around the waist. It is made of velvet or something simliar and wraps down to the knees. The ends of the sash are peyote beaded and have thick chainette fringe hanging down.
source: http://library.thinkquest.org/3081/gourd.htm

Some reasons why today was special:

1) I had the opportunity to see a 4 time recipient of a purple heart veteran and many other amazing men perform in the gourd dance.

2) I also had the opportunity to see an honor dance unfold right in front of my eyes. Two girls and two boys were called down to the floor and beside their obvious embarrassment they went down. I would have been embarrassed to, but as the ceremony progressed on so did my jealousy. Those four students were a representation of our school and the praise, money, and gratitude all went to them. I cannot deny that they were the apple of my envy.