WHEN
AN EAGLE FEATHER IS DROPPED
The
Eagle is accorded the highest respect by all Indian tribes. The eagle
is often depicted as representing the Thunderbird. The Thunderbird is
the messenger of the Creator by those tribes who recognize the Creator
as a part of their religion. Thus the Eagle feather is worn at Pow Wows
only by Indian Veterans who have been in combat, and persons who have
been awarded Eagle feathers by Indian combat veterans.
When,
by accident, an Eagle feather is dropped in the arena by a dancer, the
feather is immediately danced over and protected by the veteran who
sees it first. After that dance is over, a drum (if possible a traditional
drum) is selected to sing a "Brave Man" or veterans' song.
The arena is cleared, and everyone stands as a sign of respect as an
Indian veteran who has been wounded in combat (a Brave Man) dances to
the song, and picks up the feather at the song's conclusion. The Brave
Man then returns the eagle feather to its owner, and the owner gives
him a gift in appreciation of the services the Brave Man has performed
for him.
The
information in this section of the website is courtesy of 'Chicago Original
Powwow' 48th Annual Pow Wow Flyer.
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