The Origin of the Sun Dance (Cheyenne)
The Sun Dance was given to the Cheyenne by the culture heroes Sweet Medicine and Erect Horns. Sweet Medicine brought the Sacred Arrows and the structure of the Sun Dance from his journey to the Sacred Mountain. The Sun Dance is held each summer when the tribe gathers to renew their connection to Ma'heo'o. Dancers fast and dance for four days, blowing eagle bone whistles and gazing at the central pole. In the Cheyenne version, dancers are pierced with thongs through their breast muscles as a sacrifice. The ceremony renews the earth, ensures the return of the buffalo, and maintains the harmony o