sun dance

noun

1. a religious ceremony associated with the sun, practiced by North American Indians of the Plains, consisting of dancing attended with various symbolic rites and commonly including self-torture.

sun dance

noun

1. a North American Indian ceremony associated with the sun, performed at the summer solstice

Word History and Origins

Origin of sun dance¹

An Americanism dating back to 1840–50

Example Sentences

If they would honour him once a year in a Sun Dance he would consent to heal their sick.

From Project Gutenberg

The wailing of the children at the sun dance as their ears were slit will always be to me a most distressing memory.

From Project Gutenberg

It is stated by Kelly that all warriors who go through the sun dance of the Sioux rank thereafter as medicine-men.

From Project Gutenberg

This would indicate a vestige of tree worship, such as is to be noticed also at the sun dance of the Sioux.

From Project Gutenberg

If he wishes for sun or wind or rain, "he summons his tribe, and dances a sun dance or a wind dance or a rain dance."

From Project Gutenberg