Eagle Flute – Photo: L. Weikel
Ears of Corn
Although I haven’t yet this season, I do intend to buy some local ‘salt and sugar’ ears of corn before the season ends. That’s a late summer delicacy that’s hard to top. Rolled in butter and perhaps dusted with a little salt (or not – my preference), I’ve always found the cobs packed with both white and yellow kernels to be the most delectable.
But I want to write about a wonderful opportunity to experience a local gathering of indigenous people that’s taking place this weekend. The Roasting Ears of Corn Festival is taking place on the grounds of the Museum of Indian Culture in Allentown, Pennsylvania. This weekend is the Museum’s 40th annual festival/fundraiser.
Sunflower Dancer – Photo: L. Weikel
Powwow
I don’t know if this event is technically considered to be a powwow. I have a feeling that powwows technically have dance competitions, whereas it appeared that the dancing that took place at this festival was demonstrative as opposed to competitive.
I’m pretty sure it’s been 30 years since Karl and I last attended a powwow. There’s something mesmerizing about the beat of the huge drum around which five or six men arrange themselves. As soon as I heard the piercing songs of these men, my eyes filled with tears. It’s an involuntary response I’ve had ever since the first time I attended a powwow and witnessed first-hand the Native American traditions of this land.
Every single time, tears roll down my cheeks and my heart leaps into my throat.
This strange reaction doesn’t last long. It’s not as if I attended these events in the past (or even this afternoon) weeping uncontrollably. I can only surmise that the distinctive calls of the men, the beat of the drum, and the jingles on the garb of both the men and the women speak to something deep within my soul.
Intertribal Dancer – Photo: L. Weikel
Weather May Not Permit
Although the brush with Hurricane Henri may wash out the second day of the Roasting Ears of Corn Festival, consider attending tomorrow. If there’s a break in the rain and you yearn to experience the joy of watching (and perhaps participating in) native ‘social’ dancing (as opposed to ceremonial dancing, which is usually only done within the tribes), this gathering was intimate and lovely.
Intertribal Dancers – Photo: L. Weikel
(T-97)
I am a little late in my reading. So sorry I missed this. I have the same reaction when I first hear the men chanting/singing and the deep drum beats. I have had the privilege of playing NAF with the Susquehanna flute and drum circle at the beginning of pow wows and intermission. covid cancelled a lot.
Oh Donna! What an opportunity!
I’ve flirted with picking up the NAF. I used to play flute, piccolo, and recorder (in a baroque wind ensemble – we’d play in colonial-era homes when the bicentennial was a big deal) back when I was in high school.
That must have been quite a wonderful experience.