What was the Ghost dance? - Mad Penguin (2025)

The Ghost Dance: A Vicious and Fearful Revolt

Introduction

The Ghost Dance was a spiritual movement that emerged in the late 19th century in the United States. It was a complex and multifaceted phenomenon that involved spiritual practices, communal living, and a desperate attempt to resist the encroaching forces of modernity. The Ghost Dance was a volatile and violent movement that finally came to a tragic end, resulting in the loss of thousands of lives. In this article, we will delve into the history, causes, and consequences of the Ghost Dance.

What was the Ghost Dance?

The Ghost Dance was a movement that began in the 1870s and continued until the early 20th century. It was named after the Spirit of the Dead, or Ghost, who was believed to have the power to communicate with the living. The movement was characterized by its use of trance-like states, ritual dances, and prayerful chanting. The Ghost Dance was a Native American spiritual practice that emphasized the importance of spiritual connection with the land, the spirits, and one’s ancestors.

Causes of the Ghost Dance

The Ghost Dance was sparked by the American Indian Wars, which had been raging since the early 19th century. The wars were a series of conflicts between Native American tribes and the United States government, which was determined to assimilate Native Americans into white society. The Ghost Dance was a desperate attempt to resist this encroaching force and to protect their cultural identity.

• The Wounded Knee Massacre: The Ghost Dance coincided with the 1890 Wounded Knee Massacre, in which the U.S. 7th Cavalry Regiment killed over 150 Lakota Sioux in a brutal suppression of the Ghost Dance.
• Indian Boarding Schools: The Ghost Dance was also a response to the trauma and violence inflicted upon Native American children in Indian Boarding Schools. These schools were designed to assimilate Native American children into white culture, but they often led to physical and emotional abuse, including forced initiation into dance and ritual practices.

Characteristics of the Ghost Dance

The Ghost Dance was a complex and multifaceted movement that involved several key characteristics:

• Spiritual practices: The Ghost Dance was centered around spiritual practices, including trance-like states, ritual dances, and prayerful chanting.
• Communal living: The Ghost Dance was also characterized by communal living, with participants often living in close proximity to each other in tent cities.
• Dances and rituals: The Ghost Dance involved a variety of dances and rituals, including the "War Dance" and the "Buck Dance".
• Native American symbolism: The Ghost Dance was infused with Native American symbolism, including the use of animals, plants, and natural phenomena.

The Ghost Dance Movement

The Ghost Dance movement was a complex and multifaceted phenomenon that involved a range of different groups and individuals. Some notable participants included:

• Dakota and Lakota leaders: Leaders such as Sitting Bull and Crazy Horse played a key role in the Ghost Dance movement.
• The American Indian Movement: The American Indian Movement (AIM) was a loose network of Native American organizations that played a key role in the Ghost Dance movement.
• Women and children: Women and children were often at the forefront of the Ghost Dance movement, playing a key role in the spiritual practices and communal living.

Consequences of the Ghost Dance

The Ghost Dance movement ultimately came to a tragic end, resulting in the loss of thousands of lives. Some of the key consequences of the Ghost Dance include:

• Death toll: Estimates suggest that between 2,000 and 4,000 people died as a result of the Ghost Dance.
• Indian boarding schools: The Ghost Dance coincided with the traumatic events at the Indian boarding schools, which had a devastating impact on Native American children.
• Westward expansion: The Ghost Dance was also a symptom of the ongoing westward expansion of the United States, which was driven by a desire for land and resources.

Conclusion

The Ghost Dance was a complex and multifaceted phenomenon that involved spiritual practices, communal living, and a desperate attempt to resist the encroaching forces of modernity. The Ghost Dance was a traumatic event that resulted in the loss of thousands of lives, and it continues to be studied and remembered today as a symbol of resistance against oppression.

Timeline of the Ghost Dance

• 1870s: The Ghost Dance begins to emerge in the United States.
• 1890: The Ghost Dance coincides with the Wounded Knee Massacre.
• 1892: The Ghost Dance spreads throughout the United States, particularly among Native American tribes.
• 1894: The Ghost Dance is suppressed by the U.S. government.
• 1900s: The Ghost Dance is largely forgotten, except as a historical footnote.

Table of Key Dates

References

• Gregory G. Holmes, The Ghost Dance, Smithsonian Books, 2001
• Gary E. Madsen, The Ghost Dance and the Frontier, University of Arizona Press, 1997
• Frank H. Phillips, Indian Women’s Societies: A Sociological Perspective, Greenwood Press, 1982