Navajo and the White Mountain Apache Ceremonial Dances

The Navajo and White Mountain Apache have several things in common in regards to their spiritual ceremonial dances and prayers.  First, both the Navajo and Apache’s ceremonial rituals and dances are rooted in healing and reconnecting the individual with nature to heal them spiritually.  The Navajo’s “Blessingway” is performed to prepare an individual for all of the good things that will occur in their life.  Similarly, the Apache’s spiritual ceremonies are deeply rooted in healing an individual and ridding the individual of evil. An example of this is when special dancers drive away evil spirits during the Crown Dance. 

Also, both the Navajo and White Mountain Apache have spiritual dances for women after they begin their menstrual cycle.  In both cultures, ceremonies take place to prepare the girl for womanhood and ultimately motherhood. In the White Mountain Apache culture, the Sunrise Dance is a ceremonial dance that takes place a month after a woman begins her menstrual cycle.  The ceremony takes place to help the woman transition into womanhood. Similarly, The Navajo’s Blessingway covers this part of a woman’s life, as it is considered a good thing, and all good things are celebrated through this spiritual ceremonial dance.

Furthermore, the Navajo and White Mountain Apache music and dances aim to enact the power of the Creator and reference the myths behind the creation of the universe.  These spirits dwell in nature, specifically the mountains. One possible reason for the similarities in the two tribe’s spiritual ceremonies and dances is because they are close in region.  Both tribes are from around the Arizona, New Mexico area, thus it is possible that ideas spread due to the proximity of the tribes and possible interactions.