Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Potlatch

Potlatch is a ceremonial feast held by some Indians of the northwestern coast of North America (as in celebrating a marriage or new accession) in which the host gives gifts to tribesmen an others to display his superior wealth (sometimes, Formerly, to his own impoverishment.)

During the event, different events take place. Like either singing or dancing, sometimes with masks or props of any kind, it makes the Potlatch more entertaining. It is kind of similar to parties and the potlucks we have now. Except the host gives the presents at potlatches instead of the guest. The guest gives the presents at the parties.

The reason why potlatches are similar to modern societies entertainment is that they have the gathering like a potluck. Everybody from around gather around enjoys the food the chat between one another and watch good entertainment. But today’s society we are kind of different. The guests bring the presents for the host instead of the host giving presents to the guests.

Within it, hierarchical relations within and between clans, villages, and nations, are observed and reinforced through the distribution or sometimes destruction of wealth, dance performances, and other ceremonies. The status of any given family is raised not by who has the most resources, but by who distributes the most resources. 

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I do a lot of reading, I love to Ride Horses, I Dance at Van Dance Academy (Hip Hop and Break, Lyrical, Jazz, Character). I enjoy piano