"We want storm and rain from every direction so our springs may be filled and the life-saving corn may grow, and so we will have food for our children. Then when our children have eaten may there be food for all." - Hopi prayer chanted at beginning of 9-day Hopi festival, August 16, 1936.
By August 23rd, rain had drenched their mesa country, and the Hopi were thankful. "They could follow without hesitation the exhortations of the crier who long before daylight called out from his housetop: 'You people awake, paint yourselves gladly and bravely, array yourselves gladly, and bravely. Come out now for the races gladly and bravely.' "
The following year:
They now have women "squaws" perform a "Charge of the Warrior Maiden" dance, they say is symbolic of the grief of the squaws following an invasion by the enemy.
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1937, May 23 Arizona Republic |
"While the dancers chanted and danced in the Plaza their rites were recorded by motion picture cameras and described over a radio network." 5000 spectators are expected.
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1937, June 14 Albuquerque Journal |
"These ceremonials" say Smoki leaders "will be handed down so the impressive rituals of the Indians, some of whom have abandoned their tribal rites, will not die."
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1937, June 14 The Times Herald |