FeedBurner
Summer solstice events at Chaco Canyon are well worth attending, even with the extreme desert heat. The summer heat kept me away for many years, but now the opportunity to see the ancestors of the ancient Chacoans, the pueblo people, dance in the great plaza at Pueblo Bonito, brings me back. It is a special and sacred event - both for the dancers and for the visitors.
The people of Acoma Pueblo will be dancing this summer, on Saturday, June 21. Check the park web site and visitor center for details. The past two years I've had the pleasure of seeing the Zuni (2007) and the Hopi (2006) (see photo of dancers in Pueblo Bonito above). I enjoy it so much that I hope to attend every summer.
Why Attend?
The current pueblo people are the descendants of those who lived at Chaco Canyon 1000 years ago. As I explore the beautiful masonry structures they left behind, I imagine who lived here, what they looked like, what daily life was like.
Adding the missing element - people
The dancers at summer solstice add the missing element - the people - who were Chaco's heart and soul. For me, this time is magical. The sights, sounds, and feelings allow me to more fully experience Chaco.
Sacred time for dancers and visitors
For the pueblo people who come this time is sacred, as they participate in ceremonies just as their ancestors would have done.
There will be a sunrise ceremony at Casa Rinconada, and dances in the great plaza at Pueblo Bonito three times during the day.
They tell us that they dance not only for themselves, their ancestors, or us, but for all living things. They are warm and open and inclusive. The ceremonies and dances are their prayers to bring rain, which sustains life, and to bring peace and harmony to all living things, to all the world. It is a great gift and honor for us to be invited to share in that experience.
Young people carrying on traditions
The dancers are often extended families, including many children and young people. By learning the dances and songs that they then share with us, they are helping to carry on their sacred traditions. The young people (children and teenagers) I have spoken to are excited to learn the traditional songs and dances - how wonderful!
After a delightful dinner spent with the Hopi on solstice evening, the children were heard singing the traditional songs - not because they were told to, but because it was fun for them. That gives me great hope.
Volunteering
I have had the privilege of volunteering during the past two summer solstice events (2006 and 2007). Hopefully I will do the same this year. So if you see me at solstice, directing traffic at sunrise at Casa Rinconada, or at Pueblo Bonito for the dances, be sure to say Hi!
Notes:
1) The photo above was the inspiration for my Spirit of Chaco logo (designed by April Carter Grant)!
2) I considered not sharing with you how wonderful summer solstice is,
for fear of overcrowding -but obviously decided to let you in on it!
Don't know what is wrong what is rite but i know that every one has there own point of view and same goes to this one
Posted by: Paket Shop Hermes | December 10, 2011 at 12:35 PM