Girl's Rite of Passage | National Geographic
National Geographic・2 minutes read
The Mescalero Apache reservation in New Mexico holds a Coming of Age ritual where 13-year-old Dashina Cois undergoes tests over four days to transition into womanhood, with her mother, Mallette, and medicine woman, Zelda Yazza, playing crucial roles. Dash's journey culminates in an all-night dance to test her endurance, after which she is given her Apache woman's name, Morning Star Feather, marking her transition into womanhood and cultural preservation.
Insights
- The Mescalero Apache reservation in New Mexico holds a significant Coming of Age ritual on the 4th of July for 13-year-old Dashina Cois, symbolizing her transition into womanhood through tests of strength, endurance, and character, culminating in an all-night dance to demonstrate her readiness.
- Dashina's mother, Mallette, plays a vital role in the ceremony by selecting medicine woman Zelda Yazza to guide Dash through traditional Apache Womanhood rites, emphasizing the importance of family, community, and cultural preservation in the Apache tribe's rituals and practices.
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Recent questions
What is the purpose of the Coming of Age ritual?
Transitioning into womanhood through tests of strength and character.
Who guides Dashina through the traditional Apache Womanhood rites?
The medicine woman, Zelda Yazza, plays a crucial role.
What happens during the all-night dance in the ritual?
The all-night dance tests Dashina's endurance and commitment.
What is the significance of Dashina receiving her Apache woman's name?
Receiving the name Morning Star Feather symbolizes her transition into womanhood.
How does the Coming of Age ritual contribute to Apache culture?
The ritual preserves Apache culture by passing down traditions and values.
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Summary
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"Apache Coming of Age Ritual: Dash's Transformation"
- The Mescalero Apache reservation in New Mexico conducts a Coming of Age ritual every 4th of July, lasting four days, where 13-year-old Dashina Cois undergoes tests of strength, endurance, and character to transition into womanhood. Dash's mother, Mallette, along with family and friends, prepares for the ceremony, with the crucial role of selecting the medicine woman, Zelda Yazza, to guide Dash through traditional Apache Womanhood rites.
- Dashina's journey through the four-day ceremony, representing the stages of life from infancy to womanhood, culminates in an all-night dance to test her endurance. The ritual involves strict rules, little sleep, and scant food, with Dash required to maintain a stoic demeanor. After completing the final test, Dash receives her Apache woman's name, Morning Star Feather, signifying her transition into womanhood and her role in preserving Apache culture.
