Schemitzen 2018

Schemitzen 2018 - Feast of the Green Corn and Dance

  Schemitzun, the Feast of Green Corn and Dance, is a celebration of harvest, ancestors, elders, veterans, family and Native American heritage. Held on the grounds of the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation, Schemitzun is a time to honor  Mantoo, our Creator and provider of all things. 

The circular shaped awning is draped in pine branches, and surrounds a central lawn area for dance competitions.

 The announcer explained the purpose of the Native American tradition of doing all things in the round is because they have listened to the Creator who told them there is power in the shape of a circle. The Earth is round, the wind whirls in a circle, and man's life is circular.

We sat among participants changing in to native costume, catching up on news, and preparing to dance.

Sicanni Purizaca performed on flute and other wind instruments.

 We really enjoyed the performance by Sicanni Purizaca. His outdoor performance felt and sounded like nature itself. Fortunately for me, friend Linda bought Sicanni's Meditation 2 CD for me! I played it on my way home, and then again while showing my husband a slide show of the day's events. I'm listening to it now while I type - so wonderful and relaxing.

 

Drums were heated by the fire in the center of the performance area.

Beautiful bead work is used to decorate hair ornaments, costumes, and bags.

 We listened to a drumming and chanting competition. There was a flurry of activity and calls for participants to line up for the flag dance. Then the procession began, followed by dance competitions.

 

 

The women were all very dignified, heads held upright.

  

 

The men and children were much more animated.

 

 

 

Lunch was phenomenal! I ordered smoked salmon, butternut squash, and a salad with raspberry vinaigrette. My ice tea was made with blueberries, maple, and mint - very refreshing on a hot summer day. Linda ordered the Indian Taco made with venison, rice, cheese, and served on a flat bread. We found a picnic bench in the shade and enjoyed our feast while visiting with a woman whose son travels all over the eastern U.S. competing in Pow Wow dance competitions. Very interesting!

 The individual dance competitions were next. The men were first, with feathers and weapons. Then the women danced displaying their colorful blankets.

 

Many vendors set up displays of fur, leather, dream catchers, beading, and lots of Native American jewelry featuring sterling silver, wampum (shell), turquoise,  and other stones. I bought some turquoise earrings that matched my top perfectly!

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