Ghost Dance

The ceremony for the earth’s regeneration and the restoration of the caretakers of the earth to their former life of bliss is called the ghost dance. The religion experienced its height of popularity during the late 19th century. This was the height of the devastation of the land, the buffalo and the Native American guardians. Wovoka, a proclaimed visionary and Messiah by many desperate nations, was said to have received emissaries from different tribes between 1888 and 1890. Wovoka said that Spirits had shown him certain songs and movements after he had died for a short period of time. Wovoka preached non-violence, and most tribes abandoned their war-like ways in preparation for future happiness. The dance quickly spread to various American Indian nations, and as it spread, it took on additional meanings. While performing the ceremonial dance, it was believed that you could visit relatives who had left their bodies.