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

For years, meals at the summer sun dance ceremonies on the Eastern Shoshone tribe’s lands in Wyoming were missing something that was once a staple of the sacred rituals.

From New York Times • Jul. 4, 2023

When that date came, thousands reported seeing the sun dance in the sky.

From Slate • Mar. 24, 2022

“After that run, I didn’t need to see the sun dance in the sky or the sea part. I saw it already,” Brown said.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 30, 2018

I’d also show you the Mexican indigenous community – we do a lot of ceremonies, sweat lodges, name-giving, sun dance, moon dance.

From The Guardian • Jun. 26, 2015

Rays of sun dance through the valley, painting light on the plains even as the floating isles cast patches of shadows; flocks of white birds cry out in formation below us.

From "Warcross" by Marie Lu