Suspension as part of a native ceremony refers to a sacred practice where individuals are suspended from ropes or skewers attached to their skin, typically as part of a spiritual ordeal. This ritual is most famously associated with the Sun Dance ceremony of various Plains Indigenous peoples, such as the Lakota, Dakota, and Cheyenne. Understanding the cultural roots, purpose, and proper context of suspension is essential for anyone seeking to learn about Indigenous spirituality. This article explores the historical and cultural background, the process and meaning of the ritual, contemporary perspectives, and practical guidance for respectful engagement.
Historical and Cultural Context
The Sun Dance Tradition
The Sun Dance is a central ceremony among many Plains tribes, involving prayer, sacrifice, and renewal. Historically, the ceremony was performed annually to give thanks to the creator, to ensure the well-being of the community, and to maintain the balance of the world. Within this ceremony, a form of suspension—often involving piercing the chest or back and being attached to a central pole—was undertaken by some participants as an act of personal sacrifice and spiritual devotion. This practice was not for spectacle but was a deeply solemn vow, usually made in response to a vision or a personal need.
Purpose and Spiritual Significance
The act of suspension in these ceremonies is not about pain or endurance as an end in itself. Rather, it symbolizes a profound connection to the divine, a sacrifice of one's own comfort for the benefit of the community, and a reenactment of creation stories. The piercing represents the individual being bound to the people and the earth, while the suspension itself is a form of prayer in motion, often accompanied by songs and prayers. The person undergoing the ordeal is considered to be in a state of heightened spirituality, and the experience is believed to bring visions, healing, and blessings.
The Process of Suspension
Preparation and Rituals
Participation in a suspension ritual requires extensive preparation—physical, mental, and spiritual. Ceremonial leaders guide the participant through fasting, purification in a sweat lodge, and instruction on the prayers and symbolism involved. The day of the ceremony is marked by sacred songs, drumming, and the presence of the community. The piercing is done by a respected medicine person, using sterile instruments (traditionally sharpened bone or quill, but modern ceremonies may use surgical steel). The participant is then attached to a rope connected to the Sun Dance pole.
Physical Experience
During the suspension, the participant may dance, move, or simply hang, depending on the specific tradition. The duration can vary from a few minutes to several hours. The physical sensation is intense, but the spiritual focus is paramount. Many participants describe a sense of transcendence, where pain transforms into a deep connection to the earth, sky, and ancestors. After the suspension, the participant is carefully lowered, wounds are tended, and the recovery period involves rest and continued fasting. The entire process is a team effort, with elders and supporters providing care.
Contemporary Perspectives
Revival and Adaptation
In the late 20th and early 21st centuries, many Indigenous communities have revived the Sun Dance and its suspension practices after periods of suppression by colonial laws and missionary efforts. Today, these ceremonies are conducted with renewed cultural pride, often with adjustments for safety and privacy. Some non-Indigenous people have expressed interest in participating, but it is crucial to understand that these ceremonies are closed to outsiders unless specifically invited. The suspension practiced in mainstream contexts (e.g., modern body suspension hook hangs) is a separate phenomenon and should not be conflated with Native ceremonies.
Respect and Understanding
For those curious about suspension as part of a native ceremony, the most important step is to learn from genuine Indigenous sources. Many tribes have cultural centers, museums, or official websites that provide accurate information. It is disrespectful to seek out video recordings or attempt to replicate the ceremony. The practice is sacred and must be approached with humility and a willingness to listen, not appropriate.
Practical Guidance for Those Interested
- Educate yourself: Read books by Indigenous authors, attend public lectures by Native speakers, and visit cultural heritage sites that explain the Sun Dance respectfully.
- Avoid commodification: Do not buy or sell items related to the ceremony, and do not pay to observe private rituals.
- Support Indigenous communities: Donate to organizations that support cultural preservation and land rights.
- If invited: If you are ever invited to participate (a rare occurrence for non-Natives), be prepared to follow all protocols exactly, without any modifications.
Final Recommendation
The suspension ritual in Native ceremonies is a profound expression of faith and community that has endured for centuries. For anyone looking to understand it, start by acknowledging that it is not a performance or a trend. Seek knowledge from Indigenous scholars and elders, and always prioritize respectful distance over personal curiosity. By doing so, you honor the tradition and the people who keep it alive.