sun dance

American  

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.

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sun dance British  

noun

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

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Etymology

Origin of sun dance

An Americanism dating back to 1840–50

Example Sentences

Mr. Trosper, whose great-grandfather taught him how to run the sun dance, said that when the current bison head is retired, the Eastern Shoshone people plan to replace it with one from their own lands.

From New York Times

Black Elk grew up in the community with a mother who was deeply traditional and a father who had been a Benedictine monk, attending traditional sun dances every summer and Catholic Mass every Sunday.

From Washington Post

He said that fans made from the feathers are used for healing and blessing purposes while eagle bones can be shaped into whistles for sun dance ceremonies and other rituals.

From BBC

In just an hour’s drive, you’re transported from landlocked Lecce, where the sun dances across limestone churches and streets paved in marble, to a quiet seaside town.

From New York Times

As the sun dances on the plants, the garden feels like an extension of the Spanish Revival home.

From Los Angeles Times