Difference between revisions of "Sweat lodge" - New World Encyclopedia

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[[Category:Politics and social sciences]]
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[[Image:Sweat lodge nez.jpg|thumb|300px|[[Nez Percé]] sweat-lodge]]
 
[[Image:Sweat lodge nez.jpg|thumb|300px|[[Nez Percé]] sweat-lodge]]
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The '''sweat lodge''' is a [[Ceremony|ceremonial]] [[sauna]] and an important ritual used by North American [[First Nations]] or [[Native Americans in the United States|Native American]] peoples. There are several styles of sweat lodges that include a domed or oblong hut similar to a [[wickiup]], a [[teepee]], or even a simple hole dug into the ground and covered with planks or tree trunks.  Stones are heated in an exterior fire and then placed in a central pit in the ground.  Often the stones are [[granite]] and they glow red in the dark lodge.
 
  
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[[Image:Sweat lodge frame loc cropped.jpg|thumb|left|250px|[[Cheyenne]] sweat lodge frame]]
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[[Image:Sweat lodge frame loc cropped.jpg|thumb|250px|[[Cheyenne]] sweat lodge frame]]
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The '''sweat lodge''' (also called '''purification ceremony''', '''sweat house''', '''medicine lodge''', '''medicine house''', or simply '''sweat''') is a [[Ceremony|ceremonial]] [[sauna]] and is an important event in some North American [[First Nations]] or [[Native Americans in the United States|Native American]] cultures. There are several styles of sweat lodges that include a domed or oblong hut similar to a [[wickiup]], or even a simple hole dug into the ground and covered with planks or tree trunks.  Stones are typically heated in an exterior fire<ref>Ella E. Clark, ''Indian Legends of the Pacific Northwest'', illustrated by Robert Bruce Inverarity, 2003, University of California Press, 225 pages ISBN 0520239261</ref> and then placed in a central pit in the ground.
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==World examples==
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One of the early non-Indian occurrences can be found in the fifth century [[Before Christ|BC]], when [[Scythian]]s constructed pole and woolen cloth sweat baths.<ref name="Bruchac">Joseph Bruchac, ''The Native American Sweat Lodge: History and Legends'', 1993, The Crossing Press, 145 pages ISBN 089594636X
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</ref>
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Vapour baths were in use among the Celtic tribes, and the sweat-house was in general use in Ireland down to the 18th, and even survived into the 19th century. It was of beehive shape and was covered with clay. It was especially resorted to as a cure for rheumatism.<ref>{{Cite encyclopedia | title = SWEAT, SWEAT-HOUSE | encyclopedia = Encyclopædia of religion and ethics | volume = 12 | page = 128 | publisher = T. & T. Clark | year = 1922 | accessdate = 23 Nov 2010 (text verbatim)| url = http://books.google.com/books?id=UD8TAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA128#v=onepage&q&f=false}}</ref>
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[[Indigenous peoples of the Americas|Native Americans]] in many regions employed the sweat lodge. For example, [[Chumash people|Chumash]] peoples of the central coast of [[California]] built sweat lodges in coastal areas<ref>[http://www.megalithic.co.uk/article.php?sid=18353 C. Michael Hogan, ''Los Osos Back Bay'', Megalithic Portal, editor A. Burnham]</ref> in association with habitation sites.
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==Traditions==
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[[image:Hupa Sweat House.jpg|thumb|[[Hupa]] Indian underground building covered with wood plank roof and surrounded by a wall of large rocks]]
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Rituals and traditions vary from region to region and from [[tribe]] to tribe. They often include prayers, drumming, and offerings to the [[spirit world]]. In some cultures a sweat-lodge ceremony may be a part of another, longer ceremony such as a [[Sun Dance]]. Some common practices and key elements associated with sweat lodges include:
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* Orientation – The door usually faces the fire. The cardinal directions usually have distinct symbolism in Native American cultures. The lodge may be oriented within its environment for a specific purpose. Placement and orientation of the lodge within its environment often facilitates the ceremony's connection with the spirit world.
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* Construction – The lodge is generally built with great care and with respect to the environment and to the materials being used. Many traditions construct the lodge in complete silence, some have a drum playing while they build, other traditions have the builders fast during construction.
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* Clothing – In Native American lodges participants usually wear a simple garment such as shorts or loose dresses.
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* Offerings – Various types of plant medicines are often used to make prayers, give thanks or make other offerings. [[Prayer tie]]s are sometimes made.
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* Support – In many traditions, one or more persons will remain outside the sweat lodge to protect the ceremony, and assist the participants. Sometimes they will tend the fire and place the hot stones, though usually this is done by a designated [[firekeeper]]. In another instance, a person that sits in the lodge, next to the door, is charged with protecting the ceremony, and maintaining lodge etiquette.
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* Darkness - Many traditions consider it important that sweats be done in complete darkness.
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==Etiquette==
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The most important part of sweat lodge [[etiquette]] is respecting the traditions of the lodge leader.  Some lodges take place in complete silence, while others involve singing, chanting, drumming, or other sound. It is important to know what is allowed and expected before entering a lodge. Traditional tribes hold a high value of respect to the lodge.  In some cultures, objects, including clothing, without a ceremonial significance are discouraged from being brought into the lodge. Most traditional tribes place a high value on modesty as a respect to the lodge.  In clothed lodges, women are usually expected to wear skirts or short-sleeved dresses of a longer length. In some traditions, nudity is forbidden, as are mixed sex sweats, whereas in others nudity is considered to have a greater connection with the spiritual aspect of your sweat. Some lodge leaders do not allow [[Menstrual cycle|menstruating]] women.  Perhaps the most important piece of etiquette is gratitude.  It is important to be thankful to the purpose of the sweat, the people joining you in the lodge, and those helping to support the sweat lodge.
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==Risks==
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Wearing metal jewelry can be dangerous: metal objects may become hot enough to burn the wearer. [[Contact lens]]es and synthetic clothing should not be worn in sweat lodges as the heat can cause the materials to melt and adhere to eyes, skin, or whatever they might be touching. Because of the danger of melting, cotton clothing is better for lodges than synthetic.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/27/world/asia/27iht-kiln.html | work=The New York Times | first=Choe | last=Sang-Hun | title=Kiln Saunas Make a Comeback in South Korea | date=August 26, 2010}}</ref>
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There have been reports of lodge-related deaths resulting from overexposure to heat, [[dehydration]], [[smoke inhalation]], or improper lodge construction leading to suffocation.<ref name="Dehydration and heat-related death">{{cite journal |author=Byard RW, Riches KJ |title=Dehydration and heat-related death: sweat lodge syndrome |journal=Am J Forensic Med Pathol |volume=26 |issue=3 |pages=236–9 |year=2005 |month=September |pmid=16121078 |url=http://meta.wkhealth.com/pt/pt-core/template-journal/lwwgateway/media/landingpage.htm?issn=0195-7910&volume=26&issue=3&spage=236}}</ref><ref name="2 die in new-age sweat lodge">{{cite news|first=Suzanne|last=Herel|work=[[San Francisco Chronicle]]|publisher=[[Hearst Communications]]|title=2 seeking spiritual enlightenment die in new-age sweat lodge|url=http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/chronicle/archive/2002/06/27/BA212763.DTL|date=2002-06-27|accessdate=2006-09-26}}</ref> In October 2009, during a [[New Age]] retreat organized by [[James Arthur Ray]], three people died and 21 more were sickened from an overcrowded and improperly set up sweat lodge containing some 60 people and located near [[Sedona, Arizona]].<ref>[http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/12/us/12lodge.html John Dougherty, New York Times, "Deaths at Sweat Lodge Bring Soul-Searching]</ref> Ray was arrested by the Yavapai County Sheriff's Office in connection with the deaths on February 3, 2010, and bond was set at $5 million.<ref>[http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100204/ap_on_en_ot/us_sweat_lodge_deaths_5 Felicia Fonseca, Associated Press "Motivational speaker charged in sweat lodge deaths"]</ref> In response to these deaths, [[Lakota people|Lakota]] spiritual leader Arvol Looking Horse issued a statement reading in part:
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{{quote|Our First Nations People have to earn the right to pour the ''mini wic'oni'' (water of life) upon the ''inyan oyate'' (the stone people) in creating ''Inikag'a'' - by going on the vision quest for four years and four years Sundance. Then you are put through a ceremony to be painted - to recognize that you have now earned that right to take care of someone's life through purification. They should also be able to understand our sacred language, to be able to understand the messages from the Grandfathers, because they are ancient, they are our spirit ancestors. They walk and teach the values of our culture; in being humble, wise, caring and compassionate. What has happened in the news with the make shift sauna called the sweat lodge is not our ceremonial way of life!<ref name=lookinghorse1>[http://www.indiancountrytoday.com/opinion/columnists/64486777.html Concerning the deaths in Sedona] By Arvol Looking Horse. Published: Oct 16, 2009</ref>}}
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Even people who are experienced with sweats, and attending a ceremony led by a properly-trained and authorized Native American ceremonial leader, could suddenly experience problems due to underlying health issues. It is recommended{{By whom|date=April 2010}} that a physician check people intending to have a sweat-lodge experience, and that people only attend lodges with reputable people.
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If rocks are used, it is important not to use river rocks, or other kinds of rocks with air pockets inside them. Rocks must be completely dry before heating. Rocks with air pockets or excessive moisture will likely crack and possibly explode in the fire or when hit by water. This can result in razor-sharp fragments and splinters striking participants with sufficient force to effect injury. Even rocks used before may absorb humidity or moisture leading to cracks or shattering.
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There is also a risk posed by modern chemical [[pesticide]]s, or inappropriate woods, herbs, or building materials being used in the lodge.
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==Deaths==
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A list of sweat lodge related deaths.
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Lizbeth Neuman 49 (died Oct 17, 2009)
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<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.myfoxtwincities.com/dpp/news/mi...October_17_2009}}</ref>
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Kirby Brown, 38 (died Oct 9, 2009)
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<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/10/10/k...v_n_316538.html}}</ref>
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<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.cnn.com/2011/US/04/13/kirby.brown.sweat.lodge/index.html?hpt=C1 | work=CNN | title=Sweat lodge ends a free spirit's quest | date=April 13, 2011}}</ref>
  
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===Construction===
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James Shore 40 (died Oct 9, 2009)
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<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.jsonline.com/news/milwaukee/63937037.html}}</ref>
  
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In the northern part of North America, the sweat lodge is a low [[dome]]-like structure built on  earth (as opposed to grass or forest brush). Traditionally it is built with a frame of tree shoots or branches, which are long, thin and very flexible. The tree most commonly used is [[willow]] although many other species are used such as lodgepole. Lodges range in size, from diameters of nearly 2 m (six feet) to well over 6 m (eighteen or nineteen feet). They range from 1-1.5 m (three to five feet) in height, as the participants sit or lay down during the ceremony. The lodge is aligned with the [[Cardinal direction|four directions]], and room for a doorway is provided.
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Rowen Cooke 37 (died 2004)
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<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2004/11/...l?from=storylhs}} {{Dead link|date=May 2011|bot=RjwilmsiBot}}</ref>
  
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The wood structure is then covered with either blankets, canvas, or sometimes animal skins, and the  doorway is made on the east or south side. Sometimes permanent walls of clay are built over the wooden frame. The walls must be thick enough for the lodge to be completely dark inside and to keep in as much heat as possible. In some, a shallow pit is dug in the earth in the center of the lodge where the hot stones from the fire pit will be placed. The lodge is also known in Mexico with the name of [[temazcal]].
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Kirsten Babcock 34 (died 2002)
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<ref>{{cite news|url=http://articles.sfgate.com/2002-06-27/bay-...t-hot-rocks-owl}} {{Dead link|date=May 2011|bot=RjwilmsiBot}}</ref>
  
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During the ceremony, the participants encircle the stone pit inside the lodge. The [[medicine man]], leader of the ceremony, or elder, perhaps better referred to as the pourer, receives the glowing hot stones from the firekeeper and places them in the pit, using a pitch fork and/or deer [[antler]]s<ref>Bucko, P. 3</ref>. When enough stones have been placed in the lodge, the medicine man (pourer) closes the door and pours water on top of the stones to fill the lodge with steam.  This happens usually four times, with periods of between ten minutes to hours spent [[Perspiration|sweating]] in the lodge. 
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David Thomas Hawker 36 (died 2002)
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<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.rickross.com/reference/general/general610.html}}</ref>
  
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In [[Ojibway]] or [[Anishinaabe]] ceremonies, there are many songs sung with a drum and rattles, prayers given, and attempts to heal the sick.  The lodge door is in the east, toward the sacred fire, and there are rattles for each of the directions.  A fire keeper or helper outside passes the red hot granite stones, or ''grandfathers'', into the lodge, and puts prayer offerings of [[tobacco]] into the fire.  The grandfathers are placed into the pit at the center of the lodge.  Before the ceremony, there is a cedar strip or line along the ground that is not to be crossed.  The little boy water drum is often used in the ceremonies, along with certain medicines that are burnt on the hot stones.  As each person enters the lodge on hands and knees, they say their name in Ojibway, and crawl, like a baby, into the womb of the lodge. The women sit on one side, and the men sit on the other. The sweat lodge represents birth and being born out of the darkness, the red glow, the warmth, the wetness, and the small space like a womb.  One also crawls out of the lodge, humbled, and like a baby.  Everything is usually done in a clockwise direction in the lodge, the same way as the sun travels across the sky.  One enters in a clockwise direction, passes rattles clockwise, songs and prayers are given clockwise, and each one leaves clockwise. Most people get their traditional names during the ceremony, and offerings are given of tobacco, food, and other things. The little boy drum is ceremoniously prepared before each sweat lodge and tied in a certain way depending on the teaching given.
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Gordon Reynolds 43 (died November 21, 1996)
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<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Dad+dies+in+...gedy-a061269655"}}</ref>
  
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==Origins==
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== Lawsuit filed by the Lakota Nation ==
  
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The claims of origin of the sweat lodge are as many as there are tribal cultures. One general version is that the [[Creator deity|Creator]] gave the lodge to the people as a way to directly pray or talk with the Creator. The lodge is often seen as a womb, that gives birth and life, and it provides important teachings to the people. Entering the lodge is a [[Sacred (comparative religion)|sacred]] happening that involves important rituals and memories. The lodge provides a cleansing of the body, spirit, heart, and mind. Utmost respect is given to the Creator, the lodge, the fire, the medicines, the animals, the four directions, the elders, the participants, and the ceremonies. Thanks are given for the fire's warmth, the importance of the grandfather rocks, the animals for their skins, and the plants for their medicines. Thanks are given for all the necessary elements of nature that provide us with life and survival.
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On November 2, 2009, the [[Lakota people|Lakota]] Nation filed a lawsuit against the United States, Arizona State, [[James Arthur Ray]] and Angel Valley Retreat Center site owners, to have Ray and the site owners arrested and punished under the [[Sioux Treaty of 1868]] between the United States and the Lakota Nation, which states that “if bad men among the whites or other people subject to the authority of the United States shall commit any wrong upon the person or the property of the Indians, the United States will (...) proceed at once to cause the offender to be arrested and punished according to the laws of the United States, and also reimburse the injured person for the loss sustained.”{{Citation needed|date=February 2010}}
  
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The lodge is a natural way to bring fire, earth, rocks, water, air, human life, animals, and plants together into one, or close association and contact.
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The Lakota Nation holds that James Arthur Ray and the Angel Valley Retreat Center have “violated the peace between the United States and the Lakota Nation” and have caused the “desecration of our Sacred ''Oinikiga'' (purification ceremony) by causing the death of Liz Neuman, Kirby Brown and James Shore”. As well, the Lakota claim that James Arthur Ray and the Angel Valley Retreat Center fraudulently impersonated Indians and must be held responsible for causing the deaths and injuries, and for evidence destruction through dismantling of the sweat lodge. The lawsuit seeks to have the treaty enforced and does not seek monetary compensation.<ref name="lakotalaw">Nina Rehfeld, "Lakota Nation files lawsuit against parties in sweat lodge incident", www.sedona.biz, 11/12/2009 [http://www.sedona.biz/lakota-tribe-files-lawsuit-sweat-lodge-incident-sedona111209a.php]</ref>
  
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==Traditions==
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Preceding the lawsuit, Native American experts on sweat lodges criticized the reported construction and conduct of the lodge as not meeting traditional ways ("bastardized", "mocked" and "desecrated").  Indian leaders expressed concerns and prayers for the dead and injured. The leaders said the ceremony is their way of life{{Citation needed|date=March 2010}} and not a [[religion]], as white men see it. It is Native American [[property]] protected by U.S. law and [[Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples|United Nation]] declaration. The ceremony should only be in sanctioned lodge carriers' hands from legitimate nations. Traditionally, a typical leader has 4 to 8 years of apprenticeship before being allowed to care for people in a lodge, and have been officially named as ceremonial leaders before the community. Participants are instructed to call out whenever they feel uncomfortable, and the ceremony is usually stopped to help them. The lodge was said to be unusually built from non-breathable materials. Charging for the ceremony was said to be inappropriate. The number of participants was criticized as too high and the ceremony length was said to be too long.  Respect to elders' oversight was said to be important for avoiding unfortunate events. The tragedy was characterized as "plain carelessness", with a disregard for the participants' safety and outright negligence.<ref>Bob Goulais,"Dying to experience native ceremonies",North Bay Nugget, 10/24/2009 [http://www.nugget.ca/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=2144903]</ref> The Native American community actively seeks to prevent abuses of their traditions. Organizers have been discussing ways to formalize guidance and oversight to authentic or independent lodge leaders.<ref name="lakotalaw"/><ref>Chief Chemito, Comments reported on Phoenix Fox 10 by Miriam Garcia, 10/10/2009 [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wLILFSrfmBs]</ref><ref>Valerie Taliman, "Taliman: Selling the sacred", Indian Country Today, 10/13/2009 [http://www.indiancountrytoday.com/opinion/64077357.html]</ref><ref>Lindsay Hocker, "Sweat lodge incident 'not our Indian way", Quad-Cities Online, 10/14/2009 [http://qconline.com/archives/qco/display.php?id=462433]</ref><ref>Chief Arvol Looking Horse, "Concerning the deaths in Sedona", Indian Country Today, 10/16/2009 [http://www.indiancountrytoday.com/opinion/columnists/64486777.html]</ref><ref>All Nations Indigenous Native American Indian Cultural Center, "Native Elder Addresses Deaths In Sweat Lodge", BlackHillsToday, 10/17/2009 [http://www.blackhillsportal.com/npps/story.cfm?ID=3492]
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</ref>
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==Inipi (Lakota Sweatlodge)==
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The '''''I-ni-pi''''' ceremony, a type of [[sweat lodge]], is a [[Lakota people|Lakota]] purification ceremony, and one of the Seven Sacred Rites of the Lakota people.<ref name="poc1">[http://www.123hjemmeside.dk/indianerforedrag/5945831 "Looking Horse Proclamation on the Protection of Ceremonies"], March 13, 2003. Retrieved April 21, 2008</ref> It is an ancient and sacred ceremony of the Lakota people and has been passed down through the generations of Lakota.
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The full ceremony is not taught to non-Lakotas, but in rough detail it involves an ''I-ni-pi'' lodge - a frame of saplings covered with hides or blankets. Stones are heated in a fire, then placed into a central pit in the lodge. Water is then poured on the stones to create hot steam. Traditional prayers and songs are offered in the Lakota language.
  
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Rituals and traditions vary from region to region and [[tribe]] to tribe. They often include prayers, drumming, and offerings to the spirit world. Often easier methods and ways are discovered and used, such as using a lighter to start the fire, and using a truck to haul wood and rocks.  Even the use of a pitch fork, shovel, and canvas would not be of the oldest traditions. These ceremonies can change over time as certain needs arise. Some common practices and key elements associated with sweat lodges include:
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Those who have inherited and maintained these traditions have issued statements about the standards to be observed in the ''I-ni-pi''.<ref name="poc1"/><ref name="dow1">[http://www.aics.org/war.html "Declaration of War Against Exploiters of Lakota Spirituality"] June 10, 1993. Retrieved April 21, 2008</ref> In the March 2003 meeting it was agreed among the spiritual leaders and Bundle Keepers of the Lakota, Dakota, Nakota, Cheyenne and Arapahoe Nations that:
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*Orientation – The door usually faces the fire, forming a [[wikt:duality|duality]] between the lodge and the fire. This duality is, in many traditions, symbolic of the male-female or heaven-earth dualities. Directions usually have distinct symbolism in Native American ceremonies. The lodge may be oriented within its environment for a specific purpose; for example, a lodge constructed near a lake could be run with the intention of connecting to the spirit of the lake.  Placement and orientation of the lodge within its environment often facilitates the ceremony's connection with the spirit world.
 
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*Construction – The lodge is generally built with great care and with respect to the environment and to the materials being used. Many traditions construct the lodge in complete silence, some have a drum playing while they build, other traditions have the builders fast during construction. Often, tobacco is placed in each hole made into the Earth and prayed over before the willow pole is placed.
 
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*Clothing –  In traditional lodges, participants are nude.  In more comtemporary lodges participants wear a simple brief garment or towel and nudity is most common with male only lodges. Where aversion to nudity is stronger, and where traditions vary, participants may be more fully clothed.
 
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*Offerings – [[Tobacco]], [[sweet grass]], [[redcedar]], and other plants are often used to make prayers, give thanks or make other offerings. They can be smoked in a stone pipe, sprinkled on the hot stones or offered to the fire. [[Prayer tie]]s are also made in many traditions to set the intention of the lodge, show gratitude, purify one's self before the lodge, summon support from the spirit world, and other such purposes.
 
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*Support – In many traditions, one or more persons (sometimes called "dog soldiers") will remain outside the sweat lodge to protect the ceremony, and assist the participants. Sometimes they will help tend the fire and place the hot stones, though usually this is done by a designated [[firekeeper]]. In another instance, a person that sits in the lodge, next to the door, is charged with protecting the ceremony, and maintaining lodge etiquette.
 
  
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==Etiquette==
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<blockquote>I-ni-pi (Purification Ceremony): Those that run this sacred rite should be able to communicate with Tun-ca-s'i-la (our Sacred Grandfathers) in their Native Plains tongue. They should also have earned this rite by completing Han-ble-c'i-ya and the four days and four years of the Wi-wanyang wa-c'i-pi.<ref name="poc1"/></blockquote>
  
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The most important part of sweat lodge [[etiquette]] is respecting the traditions of the lodge leader.  Some lodges are done in complete silence, while others involve singing, chanting, wailing, drumming, or other sound. It is important to know what is allowed and expected before entering a lodge. Traditional tribes hold a high value of respect to the lodge.  In some cultures, objects, including clothing, without a ceremonial significance are discouraged from being brought into the lodge. The tenet is: enter the lodge as you came into this world. Alternately, other traditional tribes place a high value on modesty as a respect to the lodge.  In clothed lodges, women are usually expected to wear skirts or short-sleeved dresses of a longer length. In some traditions, nudity is forbidden in mixed sex sweats. In other traditions mixed gender sweats are forbidden.  Still others encourage, if not require, mixed gender sweats. Many lodge leaders do not allow [[Menstrual cycle|menstruating]] women (these women are often referred to as being on their moon-time) to participate in ceremonies. Some will run a separate lodge for menstruating women. Still others allow them into the lodge after they have completed a purifying ritual, such as making a belt of [[prayer tie]]s. Perhaps the most important piece of etiquette is gratitude.  It is important to be thankful to the people joining you in the lodge, and those helping to support the lodge.
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This also follows upon the decisions made at the Lakota Summit V, an international gathering of US and Canadian Lakota, Dakota and Nakota Nations, where about 500 representatives from 40 different tribes and bands of the Lakota unanimously passed a "Declaration of War Against Exploiters of Lakota Spirituality." The declaration was unanimously passed on June 10, 1993. Among other things, it specifies that these ceremonies are only for those of the Lakota, Dakota and Nakota Nations.<ref name="dow1"/>
  
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==Risks==
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One concern about outsiders trying to perform these ceremonies is that, not only does it go against the express wishes of the traditional healers who have inherited these ceremonies, but that those who do not know how to do them properly have in some cases caused dehydration and heat stroke, resulting in injury and even deaths.<ref name="Dehydration and heat-related death">{{cite journal |author=Byard RW, Riches KJ |title=Dehydration and heat-related death: sweat lodge syndrome |journal=Am J Forensic Med Pathol |volume=26 |issue=3 |pages=236–9 |year=2005 |month=September |pmid=16121078 |doi= |url=http://meta.wkhealth.com/pt/pt-core/template-journal/lwwgateway/media/landingpage.htm?issn=0195-7910&volume=26&issue=3&spage=236}}</ref><ref name="2 die in new-age sweat lodge">{{cite news|first=Suzanne|last=Herel|work=[[San Francisco Chronicle]]|publisher=[[Hearst Communications]]|title=2 seeking spiritual enlightenment die in new-age sweat lodge|url=http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/chronicle/archive/2002/06/27/BA212763.DTL|date=2002-06-27|accessdate=2006-09-26}}</ref>
  
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Wearing metal jewelry can be dangerous as metal objects may become hot enough to burn the wearer. Contact lenses and synthetic clothing should not be worn in sweat lodges as the heat can cause the materials to melt and adhere to eyes, skin, or whatever they might be touching. Cotton clothing is recommended for lodges.  
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==Temazcal (Mexican & Central American Native Sweatlodge)==
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{{Other uses|Temascal, Oaxaca}}
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{{Unreferenced|date=December 2008}}
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ImageFile:Temazcal en Joya de Ceren.jpg|thumb|250px|Temazcal]]
  
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Although the temperature in a sweat lodge can exceed that of a traditional sauna, partakers in a ceremony can stay inside for several hours at a time. Some argue that this is due to the ceremonial nature of the lodge.  However, emphasis is placed on knowing one's own limits and knowing when to leave. There have been reports of lodge-related deaths resulting from overexposure to heat, [[dehydration]], and smoke inhalation. Even people who are experienced with sweats could suddenly experience problems due to underlying health issues. It is recommended that a physician check people intending to have a sweat lodge experience.  
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A '''temazcal''' is a type of [[sweat lodge]] which originated with [[pre-Hispanic]] Indigenous peoples in [[Mesoamerica]]. The word temazcal comes from the [[Nahuatl]] word ''temazcalli'' ("house of heat"){{Citation needed|reason=contradicts other citation|date=May 2011}}, or possibly from the Aztec ''teme'' (to bathe) and ''calli'' (house)<ref>Aaland, Mikkel. "Origin of the Temescal". http://www.cyberbohemia.com/Pages/originoftem.htm</ref>. Temazcal in [[English language|English]] is also written as temezcal, temascal, or temescal. In ancient Mesoamerica it was used as part of a curative ceremony thought to purify the body after exertion such as after a battle or a ceremonial ball game. It was also used for healing the sick, improving health, and for women to give birth. It continues to be used today in Indigenous cultures of [[Mexico]] and [[Central America]] that were part of the ancient Mesoamerican region for spiritual and health reasons. It is currently being recovered by all sectors of society in that part of the world and is used as a cleansing of mind, body and spirit.  
  
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If rocks are used, it is important not to use river rocks, or other kinds of rocks with air pockets inside them. Often, [[Igneous rock|igneous]] [[basalt]] is the best type of rock to consider. Rocks must be completely dry before heating. Rocks with air pockets or excessive moisture will most likely crack and possibly explode in the fire or when hit by water. This can result in razor-sharp fragments and splinters striking participants with sufficient force to injure or blind. Even rocks used before may absorb humidity or moisture leading to cracks and or shattering.
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The sweatlodge in Mesoamerica is usually a permanent structure, unlike in other regions. The temazcal is usually constructed from [[volcanic]] rock and [[cement]] and is usually a circular dome, although rectangular ones have been found at certain [[archeological]] sites and this shape is also used. To produce the heat, volcanic stones are heated. Volcanic stones are safe because they do not explode from the temperature. They are then placed in a pit located in the center or near a wall of the temazcal.
  
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There is also a risk posed by modern chemical [[pesticide]]s. When [[sweet grass]], [[cedar]], or certain other plants are sprinkled on the hot rocks, any pesticides accumulated on them can be turned into airborne toxins. These toxins can then be inhaled by the participants. In the past, the potential for the inhalation of carcinogenic (cancer-causing) chemicals was not well known. This risk should be considered before participating in a sweat lodge.
 
  
 
==Notes==
 
==Notes==
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{{Reflist}}
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<references/>
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==References==
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* {{cite book | last = Bucko | first = Raymond A. | title = The Lakota Ritual Of The Sweat Lodge | publisher = University of Nebraska Press | year = 1998 | isbn = 0-8032-1272-0 }}
  
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==Bibliography==
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==External links==
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*Bucko, Raymond A. ''The Lakota Ritual Of The Sweat Lodge''. Lincoln: University of Nebraska Press. 1998  ISBN 0803212720
 
  
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==See also==
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* [http://www.tfn.net/Museum/culture/sweat_lodge.html Adapted from the notes of Hopoyv Fekseko (D. Joseph Alderson)]
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* [[Sauna]]
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* [http://www.tlahui.com/temaz1.html Article on Temazcal] (in English)
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* [[Kiva]]
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* [http://www.oaxacainfo.com/oaxaca/temazcal.htm Article on Oaxacan Temazcal]
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* [[Yurt]]
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* [http://www.ethnografica.com/kevingroark/pdf/Groark_1997.pdf  Article on the use of the temazcal among the Tzeltal-Tzotzil Maya of Chiapas, Mexico]
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* [[Long house]]
 
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* [[Temazcal]]
 
  
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[[Category:Philosophy_and_religion]]
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{{Credits|Sweat_lodge|431905632|Inipi|414944042|Temazcal|427441590}}
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[[Category:Philosophy]]
 
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{{credits|169250048}}
 

Revision as of 16:17, 14 June 2011


Nez Percé sweat-lodge
Cheyenne sweat lodge frame


The sweat lodge (also called purification ceremony, sweat house, medicine lodge, medicine house, or simply sweat) is a ceremonial sauna and is an important event in some North American First Nations or Native American cultures. There are several styles of sweat lodges that include a domed or oblong hut similar to a wickiup, or even a simple hole dug into the ground and covered with planks or tree trunks. Stones are typically heated in an exterior fire[1] and then placed in a central pit in the ground.

World examples

One of the early non-Indian occurrences can be found in the fifth century B.C.E., when Scythians constructed pole and woolen cloth sweat baths.[2]

Vapour baths were in use among the Celtic tribes, and the sweat-house was in general use in Ireland down to the 18th, and even survived into the 19th century. It was of beehive shape and was covered with clay. It was especially resorted to as a cure for rheumatism.[3]

Native Americans in many regions employed the sweat lodge. For example, Chumash peoples of the central coast of California built sweat lodges in coastal areas[4] in association with habitation sites.

Traditions

Hupa Indian underground building covered with wood plank roof and surrounded by a wall of large rocks

Rituals and traditions vary from region to region and from tribe to tribe. They often include prayers, drumming, and offerings to the spirit world. In some cultures a sweat-lodge ceremony may be a part of another, longer ceremony such as a Sun Dance. Some common practices and key elements associated with sweat lodges include:

  • Orientation – The door usually faces the fire. The cardinal directions usually have distinct symbolism in Native American cultures. The lodge may be oriented within its environment for a specific purpose. Placement and orientation of the lodge within its environment often facilitates the ceremony's connection with the spirit world.
  • Construction – The lodge is generally built with great care and with respect to the environment and to the materials being used. Many traditions construct the lodge in complete silence, some have a drum playing while they build, other traditions have the builders fast during construction.
  • Clothing – In Native American lodges participants usually wear a simple garment such as shorts or loose dresses.
  • Offerings – Various types of plant medicines are often used to make prayers, give thanks or make other offerings. Prayer ties are sometimes made.
  • Support – In many traditions, one or more persons will remain outside the sweat lodge to protect the ceremony, and assist the participants. Sometimes they will tend the fire and place the hot stones, though usually this is done by a designated firekeeper. In another instance, a person that sits in the lodge, next to the door, is charged with protecting the ceremony, and maintaining lodge etiquette.
  • Darkness - Many traditions consider it important that sweats be done in complete darkness.

Etiquette

The most important part of sweat lodge etiquette is respecting the traditions of the lodge leader. Some lodges take place in complete silence, while others involve singing, chanting, drumming, or other sound. It is important to know what is allowed and expected before entering a lodge. Traditional tribes hold a high value of respect to the lodge. In some cultures, objects, including clothing, without a ceremonial significance are discouraged from being brought into the lodge. Most traditional tribes place a high value on modesty as a respect to the lodge. In clothed lodges, women are usually expected to wear skirts or short-sleeved dresses of a longer length. In some traditions, nudity is forbidden, as are mixed sex sweats, whereas in others nudity is considered to have a greater connection with the spiritual aspect of your sweat. Some lodge leaders do not allow menstruating women. Perhaps the most important piece of etiquette is gratitude. It is important to be thankful to the purpose of the sweat, the people joining you in the lodge, and those helping to support the sweat lodge.

Risks

Wearing metal jewelry can be dangerous: metal objects may become hot enough to burn the wearer. Contact lenses and synthetic clothing should not be worn in sweat lodges as the heat can cause the materials to melt and adhere to eyes, skin, or whatever they might be touching. Because of the danger of melting, cotton clothing is better for lodges than synthetic.[5]

There have been reports of lodge-related deaths resulting from overexposure to heat, dehydration, smoke inhalation, or improper lodge construction leading to suffocation.[6][7] In October 2009, during a New Age retreat organized by James Arthur Ray, three people died and 21 more were sickened from an overcrowded and improperly set up sweat lodge containing some 60 people and located near Sedona, Arizona.[8] Ray was arrested by the Yavapai County Sheriff's Office in connection with the deaths on February 3, 2010, and bond was set at $5 million.[9] In response to these deaths, Lakota spiritual leader Arvol Looking Horse issued a statement reading in part:

Our First Nations People have to earn the right to pour the mini wic'oni (water of life) upon the inyan oyate (the stone people) in creating Inikag'a - by going on the vision quest for four years and four years Sundance. Then you are put through a ceremony to be painted - to recognize that you have now earned that right to take care of someone's life through purification. They should also be able to understand our sacred language, to be able to understand the messages from the Grandfathers, because they are ancient, they are our spirit ancestors. They walk and teach the values of our culture; in being humble, wise, caring and compassionate. What has happened in the news with the make shift sauna called the sweat lodge is not our ceremonial way of life![10]

Even people who are experienced with sweats, and attending a ceremony led by a properly-trained and authorized Native American ceremonial leader, could suddenly experience problems due to underlying health issues. It is recommended that a physician check people intending to have a sweat-lodge experience, and that people only attend lodges with reputable people.

If rocks are used, it is important not to use river rocks, or other kinds of rocks with air pockets inside them. Rocks must be completely dry before heating. Rocks with air pockets or excessive moisture will likely crack and possibly explode in the fire or when hit by water. This can result in razor-sharp fragments and splinters striking participants with sufficient force to effect injury. Even rocks used before may absorb humidity or moisture leading to cracks or shattering.

There is also a risk posed by modern chemical pesticides, or inappropriate woods, herbs, or building materials being used in the lodge.

Deaths

A list of sweat lodge related deaths.

Lizbeth Neuman 49 (died Oct 17, 2009) [11]

Kirby Brown, 38 (died Oct 9, 2009) [12] [13]

James Shore 40 (died Oct 9, 2009) [14]

Rowen Cooke 37 (died 2004) [15]

Kirsten Babcock 34 (died 2002) [16]

David Thomas Hawker 36 (died 2002) [17]

Gordon Reynolds 43 (died November 21, 1996) [18]

Lawsuit filed by the Lakota Nation

On November 2, 2009, the Lakota Nation filed a lawsuit against the United States, Arizona State, James Arthur Ray and Angel Valley Retreat Center site owners, to have Ray and the site owners arrested and punished under the Sioux Treaty of 1868 between the United States and the Lakota Nation, which states that “if bad men among the whites or other people subject to the authority of the United States shall commit any wrong upon the person or the property of the Indians, the United States will (...) proceed at once to cause the offender to be arrested and punished according to the laws of the United States, and also reimburse the injured person for the loss sustained.”[citation needed]

The Lakota Nation holds that James Arthur Ray and the Angel Valley Retreat Center have “violated the peace between the United States and the Lakota Nation” and have caused the “desecration of our Sacred Oinikiga (purification ceremony) by causing the death of Liz Neuman, Kirby Brown and James Shore”. As well, the Lakota claim that James Arthur Ray and the Angel Valley Retreat Center fraudulently impersonated Indians and must be held responsible for causing the deaths and injuries, and for evidence destruction through dismantling of the sweat lodge. The lawsuit seeks to have the treaty enforced and does not seek monetary compensation.[19]

Preceding the lawsuit, Native American experts on sweat lodges criticized the reported construction and conduct of the lodge as not meeting traditional ways ("bastardized", "mocked" and "desecrated"). Indian leaders expressed concerns and prayers for the dead and injured. The leaders said the ceremony is their way of life[citation needed] and not a religion, as white men see it. It is Native American property protected by U.S. law and United Nation declaration. The ceremony should only be in sanctioned lodge carriers' hands from legitimate nations. Traditionally, a typical leader has 4 to 8 years of apprenticeship before being allowed to care for people in a lodge, and have been officially named as ceremonial leaders before the community. Participants are instructed to call out whenever they feel uncomfortable, and the ceremony is usually stopped to help them. The lodge was said to be unusually built from non-breathable materials. Charging for the ceremony was said to be inappropriate. The number of participants was criticized as too high and the ceremony length was said to be too long. Respect to elders' oversight was said to be important for avoiding unfortunate events. The tragedy was characterized as "plain carelessness", with a disregard for the participants' safety and outright negligence.[20] The Native American community actively seeks to prevent abuses of their traditions. Organizers have been discussing ways to formalize guidance and oversight to authentic or independent lodge leaders.[19][21][22][23][24][25]

Inipi (Lakota Sweatlodge)

The I-ni-pi ceremony, a type of sweat lodge, is a Lakota purification ceremony, and one of the Seven Sacred Rites of the Lakota people.[26] It is an ancient and sacred ceremony of the Lakota people and has been passed down through the generations of Lakota.

The full ceremony is not taught to non-Lakotas, but in rough detail it involves an I-ni-pi lodge - a frame of saplings covered with hides or blankets. Stones are heated in a fire, then placed into a central pit in the lodge. Water is then poured on the stones to create hot steam. Traditional prayers and songs are offered in the Lakota language.

Those who have inherited and maintained these traditions have issued statements about the standards to be observed in the I-ni-pi.[26][27] In the March 2003 meeting it was agreed among the spiritual leaders and Bundle Keepers of the Lakota, Dakota, Nakota, Cheyenne and Arapahoe Nations that:

I-ni-pi (Purification Ceremony): Those that run this sacred rite should be able to communicate with Tun-ca-s'i-la (our Sacred Grandfathers) in their Native Plains tongue. They should also have earned this rite by completing Han-ble-c'i-ya and the four days and four years of the Wi-wanyang wa-c'i-pi.[26]

This also follows upon the decisions made at the Lakota Summit V, an international gathering of US and Canadian Lakota, Dakota and Nakota Nations, where about 500 representatives from 40 different tribes and bands of the Lakota unanimously passed a "Declaration of War Against Exploiters of Lakota Spirituality." The declaration was unanimously passed on June 10, 1993. Among other things, it specifies that these ceremonies are only for those of the Lakota, Dakota and Nakota Nations.[27]

One concern about outsiders trying to perform these ceremonies is that, not only does it go against the express wishes of the traditional healers who have inherited these ceremonies, but that those who do not know how to do them properly have in some cases caused dehydration and heat stroke, resulting in injury and even deaths.[6][7]

Temazcal (Mexican & Central American Native Sweatlodge)

For other uses, see Sweat lodge (disambiguation).
This article or section does not cite its references or sources.
You can help this encyclopedia by introducing appropriate citations.

ImageFile:Temazcal en Joya de Ceren.jpg|thumb|250px|Temazcal]]

A temazcal is a type of sweat lodge which originated with pre-Hispanic Indigenous peoples in Mesoamerica. The word temazcal comes from the Nahuatl word temazcalli ("house of heat")[citation needed], or possibly from the Aztec teme (to bathe) and calli (house)[28]. Temazcal in English is also written as temezcal, temascal, or temescal. In ancient Mesoamerica it was used as part of a curative ceremony thought to purify the body after exertion such as after a battle or a ceremonial ball game. It was also used for healing the sick, improving health, and for women to give birth. It continues to be used today in Indigenous cultures of Mexico and Central America that were part of the ancient Mesoamerican region for spiritual and health reasons. It is currently being recovered by all sectors of society in that part of the world and is used as a cleansing of mind, body and spirit.

The sweatlodge in Mesoamerica is usually a permanent structure, unlike in other regions. The temazcal is usually constructed from volcanic rock and cement and is usually a circular dome, although rectangular ones have been found at certain archeological sites and this shape is also used. To produce the heat, volcanic stones are heated. Volcanic stones are safe because they do not explode from the temperature. They are then placed in a pit located in the center or near a wall of the temazcal.


Notes

  1. ↑ Ella E. Clark, Indian Legends of the Pacific Northwest, illustrated by Robert Bruce Inverarity, 2003, University of California Press, 225 pages ISBN 0520239261
  2. ↑ Joseph Bruchac, The Native American Sweat Lodge: History and Legends, 1993, The Crossing Press, 145 pages ISBN 089594636X
  3. ↑ "SWEAT, SWEAT-HOUSE". Encyclopædia of religion and ethics 12. (1922). T. & T. Clark. Retrieved on 23 Nov 2010 (text verbatim).
  4. ↑ C. Michael Hogan, Los Osos Back Bay, Megalithic Portal, editor A. Burnham
  5. ↑ Sang-Hun, Choe, "Kiln Saunas Make a Comeback in South Korea", The New York Times, August 26, 2010.
  6. ↑ 7.0 7.1 Herel, Suzanne, "2 seeking spiritual enlightenment die in new-age sweat lodge", San Francisco Chronicle, Hearst Communications, 2002-06-27. Retrieved 2006-09-26.
  7. ↑ John Dougherty, New York Times, "Deaths at Sweat Lodge Bring Soul-Searching
  8. ↑ Felicia Fonseca, Associated Press "Motivational speaker charged in sweat lodge deaths"
  9. ↑ Concerning the deaths in Sedona By Arvol Looking Horse. Published: Oct 16, 2009
  10. ↑ Template error: argument title is required.
  11. ↑ Template error: argument title is required.
  12. ↑ "Sweat lodge ends a free spirit's quest", CNN, April 13, 2011.
  13. ↑ Template error: argument title is required.
  14. ↑ Template error: argument title is required.
  15. ↑ Template error: argument title is required.
  16. ↑ Template error: argument title is required.
  17. ↑ Template error: argument title is required.
  18. ↑ 19.0 19.1 Nina Rehfeld, "Lakota Nation files lawsuit against parties in sweat lodge incident", www.sedona.biz, 11/12/2009 [1]
  19. ↑ Bob Goulais,"Dying to experience native ceremonies",North Bay Nugget, 10/24/2009 [2]
  20. ↑ Chief Chemito, Comments reported on Phoenix Fox 10 by Miriam Garcia, 10/10/2009 [3]
  21. ↑ Valerie Taliman, "Taliman: Selling the sacred", Indian Country Today, 10/13/2009 [4]
  22. ↑ Lindsay Hocker, "Sweat lodge incident 'not our Indian way", Quad-Cities Online, 10/14/2009 [5]
  23. ↑ Chief Arvol Looking Horse, "Concerning the deaths in Sedona", Indian Country Today, 10/16/2009 [6]
  24. ↑ All Nations Indigenous Native American Indian Cultural Center, "Native Elder Addresses Deaths In Sweat Lodge", BlackHillsToday, 10/17/2009 [7]
  25. ↑ 26.0 26.1 26.2 "Looking Horse Proclamation on the Protection of Ceremonies", March 13, 2003. Retrieved April 21, 2008
  26. ↑ 27.0 27.1 "Declaration of War Against Exploiters of Lakota Spirituality" June 10, 1993. Retrieved April 21, 2008
  27. ↑ Aaland, Mikkel. "Origin of the Temescal". http://www.cyberbohemia.com/Pages/originoftem.htm

References
ISBN links support NWE through referral fees

  • Bucko, Raymond A. (1998). The Lakota Ritual Of The Sweat Lodge. University of Nebraska Press. ISBN 0-8032-1272-0. 

External links

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