Last Updated: 19 years ago
The practice of using fans holds significant cultural and spiritual weight for Native Americans. Passed down through generations, these fans serve as integral tools within the Native American Church, accompanying songs and prayers, and also play a vibrant role in Pow Wows as dance implements. This article delves into the rich symbolism and construction of these fans, primarily through the lens of Navajo (Dine) teachings, while acknowledging the variations that exist across different tribes. The intention is to illuminate the deep meaning imbued within each element of these carefully crafted objects, fostering a greater understanding and appreciation for their purpose. The **meaning of prayer or dance fans explained** here, therefore, is rooted in Navajo tradition, although acknowledging the diversity of Native American cultures.
According to Navajo elders, the components of these fans are far from arbitrary; they are meticulously chosen and arranged to represent fundamental aspects of life, spirituality, and connection to ancestry. This knowledge, shared by elders, allows us to understand the **meaning of prayer or dance fans explained**.
The legends surrounding these fans, passed down through oral tradition, offer a profound understanding of their purpose and symbolism.
## Roots and Representation: The Significance of Fringes
The fringe adorning the handle of gourd rattles and fans holds deep significance, representing the very roots of the individual and the culture. Typically, twelve fringes are incorporated, each alluding to a different aspect of Navajo life. These twelve fringes are multifaceted symbols, representing the twelve months of the year, the twelve tail feathers of eagles and hawks (discussed in greater detail later), the sacred Hogan songs, the Mountain Song, and the songs sung at early dawn. In essence, the fringes embody the foundation upon which Navajo identity is built.
The Navajo people maintain a profound connection to their roots, which encompasses their origin, the clan system passed down through the maternal line, the wisdom of their elders, and the network of kinship that binds them together. The fringes, crafted from buckskin, further symbolize the necessities of life. The deer, historically, provided sustenance, clothing, and shelter, underscoring the interconnectedness between the people and the natural world. Just as a deer was essential for life, the buckskin fringes reminds us of the importance of maintaining strong ties to our origins, nurturing relationships with elders, and honoring the past. The inclusion of twelve fringes on both fans and gourd rattles serves as a constant reminder of these fundamental values.
## Beadwork and Floral Decorations: A Tapestry of Life
The beadwork and floral decorations that adorn the fans are not merely aesthetic embellishments; they are carefully chosen to depict the cyclical nature of life and the ever-changing beauty of the world. Each color and pattern is intended to represent the morning dawn, the sunrise, the sunset, the darkness of night, and the distinct seasons of the year. This intricate artistry captures the full spectrum of human experience, from birth and life to death and rebirth, reflecting the continuous cycle that governs all existence. The decorations acknowledge the diverse paths individuals take and the myriad experiences that shape their lives.
## Meaning of an Eagle Tail or Hawk Tail Fan
Eagle and hawk tail feathers hold particular significance in the construction and symbolism of these fans. An eagle or hawk tail consists of twelve feathers, each carrying a specific meaning within Dine (Navajo) legends. The central right tail feather embodies *Naghee’nezhghani*, or Monster Slayer, representing the male aspect and the realm of the sky. Conversely, the central left tail feather represents *Tobaghishchini*, meaning “One born for the water,” embodying the female aspect and the life-giving properties of water.
The five feathers on the right side of the fan symbolize the paternal side, associated with red colors, strength, the element of fire, the role of the hunter, and firm teachings. The five feathers on the left side represent the maternal side, associated with blue colors, calmness, comfort, and nurturing qualities. Together, these two sides represent the duality inherent in human existence.
This duality extends to the five dimensions of being human: social, physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual. Each feather on the right side embodies these dimensions as experienced through the father’s influence, while each feather on the left side embodies these dimensions as experienced through the mother’s influence. A balanced upbringing incorporates all these dimensions, fostering a well-rounded individual. During blessings, boys and men traditionally bless their right side first, while girls and women bless their left side first, honoring the respective influences of the paternal and maternal lines.
Immature Golden Eagle feathers, characterized by their black and white coloration, represent the darkness and the early morning dawn, respectively. These tails are often incorporated into bonnets worn by *Ye’iis* (holy people), symbolizing the blessings of life. This type of fan is typically associated with the east. In contrast, the red-tailed hawk is associated with the west and is often represented in fans carried by women in Dine culture.
## Different Types of Fans
The construction and style of fans vary depending on their intended use and the preferences of the individual. Several distinct types exist, each with its own unique characteristics:
* **Flat Fan:** This style features feathers loosely strung together, allowing the fan to open and close for easy storage in a gourd box. Some flat fans lack beads, causing the feathers to droop. This type is commonly used by men in dances, peyote ceremonies, and personal devotions.
* **Stiff Flat Fan (Grouped Fan):** In this style, the feathers are permanently fixed in place, creating a rigid fan. The featherwork is applied as a single piece around the feathers, with designs on both the front and back. This fan is typically favored by women, particularly jingle dress dancers and women participating in peyote ceremonies.
* **Stiff Flat Fan (Individual Fan):** This variation distinguishes itself through individually worked feathers, each meticulously adorned. The feathers are permanently set, creating a stiff fan. This style is popular among traditional dancers (both men and women) and jingle dancers. Due to its size, this type of fan typically requires a larger box for storage.
* **Double Sided, Stiff Flat Fan:** Featuring twenty-four tail feathers, this fan is designed with identical designs on both sides, allowing it to be held from either side. It can be converted into a side drop fan by loosening the feathers. This type of fan is commonly used in peyote ceremonies and by straight dancers in pow wows.
* **Side Drop Fan (Alexandria Feathers Fan):** This fan opens only to the side, not downward. It is popular among gourd dancers, members of the Native American Church, and Straight Dancers.
## Before a Fan is Assembled
The creation of a fan is a meticulous and time-consuming process. Weeks or even months are dedicated to gathering the perfect feathers and matching them in pairs. Each feather undergoes a cleansing ritual using traditional Navajo herbs, a practice passed down through generations. The feathers are then steamed, flattened, and extended with bamboo sticks, a process that can take up to two days. The featherwork itself varies depending on the intended use of the fan, whether it be for Native American Church ceremonies, Pow-wow dances, or other tribal customs.
## Types of Feathers Used in Fans
The use of eagle, hawk, and other federally protected bird feathers is restricted to Native Americans who are at least one-quarter Native American Indian and federally recognized by the United States government. These feathers are considered sacred and their possession is governed by specific regulations. For individuals who do not meet these criteria, parrot, macaw, pheasant, Impeyan, and turkey feathers are all legal alternatives.
The number of tails incorporated into a fan varies based on the individual’s preferences. Flat fans typically feature an odd number of tails, with a central feather. However, fans with an even number of tails are also occasionally created. Wing feathers are primarily used by dancers, while tail feathers are preferred by participants in Native American Church ceremonies.
These fans are deeply respected by Native American people, and it is essential to approach them with reverence and to uphold the teachings associated with them. Understanding the **meaning of prayer or dance fans explained** here is crucial to respecting their cultural significance. The article provides a brief overview of the profound **meaning of prayer or dance fans explained**.