The Bear Dance, a Mountain Maidu Indian ceremony, takes place each spring. Prior to the 1900s, its purpose was to share food among the Indian people, and to celebrate life. Although its original meaning is unchanged, the Bear Dance also symbolizes the celebration of the beginning and connecting of all beings, both animate and inanimate. People who participate in the dance share food, prayers, and thanksgiving for their world, as well as respect for two animals that live in the area. The right of the bear and the rattlesnake to co-exist is acknowledged along with their right to use the same environment. Another important aspect of the Bear Dance is the cleaning of the outward body with medicinal wormwood immediately following the ceremony. During the hours prior to and after the ceremony, many people play hand games or grass games. These, along with the oak and the ceremonial practices, were given to the Maidu to remind them who they are, where they are going, and their right to choose their own direction.

The "Bear Dance" Celebration Let there come to each of us a quietness of soul, As we join in this celebration both young and old. We will share food and prayers dance and give thanks as we celebrate, The beauty of God's earthly creations both animate and inanimate, For the right to choose our own direction in this life we've been given, To be able to coexist with whom we choose in this wonderful world that we live in. We have come far from where we began, And now there are many of us living across this great land. Today is a symbol of our very beginning, Bringing us all together no matter where we are living. It is but a reminder to both young and old, As are the stories for many years that have been told, That those who walked before us built for us this foundation, And today we give thanks through this our "Bear Dance" celebration. Written for the Maidu Peoples by Janet Ritchie, Gods Poet

This page was last updated on: April 12, 2006

Music playing, "Bear Claw by elan Michaels."