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“Primal peoples are not blind to nature’s differences; they are famous for their powers of observation. The point is rather that they see distinctions as bridges instead of barriers”（ Smith 376）. It i...s precisely this concept that is at the heart of the Sun Dance of the Plains Indians. The intention of the present paper is to explore how and by what means, symbolism, and religious function a single ritual evokes in the minds of the participants an intensification of “bridges,” i.e. the ritual of emphatic connection to the spirit world around human life. First a brief exposition of the procedures of the Sun Dance will lead to a commentary highlighting the general world view of Native American religions. We will conclude with a discussion of whether or not such a ritual should be considered truly religious in character or as a practice of magic.show more
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