Keesdas, or feasts, are hosted by girls' families when girls reach puberty. At her feast, the girl must dance for four whole nights with a boy chosen by her parents. The dancing takes place in sacred tipis (teepees). Guests gather around the tipi for soup, fry bread, and other traditional food. The larger the gathering of guests, the more fruitful the life of the young woman will be. The
Jicarilla website says, "One must not go just to eat, but also to pray for the maiden and the brave and give thanks for the food."
This site, about the Mescalero Apache celebration, has good photos and additional information.
The teachers were all invited to a feast last weekend. We didn't see the girl, but were honored to be included in her celebration. This picture shows the place where the dining took place. You can also see the top of the tipi in the background.
2 comments:
such interesting traditions. just love everything traditional. how impressive that you were invited to this.
hope your days are filled with hard work and joys.
Hello, I like this blog.
Sorry not write more, but my English is not good.
A hug from Portugal
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