Our Ceremonies

REPUBLIC of ANIYUNWIYA NEW YEAR CELEBRATION

Create a dynamic portrait of African American man and woman Louisiana Mardi Gras Indians standing in a patriated pose with the city in the streets in the background at sunset. The city has a futuristic design with sleek, tall buildings illuminated by vibrant neon lights and glowing holograms. The Mardi Gras Indians are wearing their traditional, elaborate beaded and feathered suits in vibrant colors like purple, green, and gold. The street is lively with people watching and participating, surrounded by futuristic streetlights and advanced urban elements, all while capturing the festive culture and vibrant atmosphere. Shot as if through an 85mm f/1.4 lens, with a focus on detail and depth of field.
A dynamic portrait of American Indians man and woman dressed as Louisiana Mardi Gras Indians, standing in a proud pose on a lively city street at sunset. The city has a futuristic design with sleek, tall buildings illuminated by vibrant neon lights and glowing holograms. The Mardi Gras Indians wear traditional, elaborate beaded and feathered suits in vibrant colors like purple, green, and gold. The street is filled with people watching and participating, surrounded by futuristic streetlights and advanced urban elements. The atmosphere is festive and vibrant, captured as if through an 85mm f/1.4 lens with a shallow depth of field, focusing on intricate details and depth.

New Year Ceremony

The New Year Ceremony, which last five days, is celebrated at the beginning of Spring (March).

On the first day, there are four Great Dipper dances that are conducted:

The first dance is the Dance of the Northern Point in honor of the CREATOR.
The second dance is the Dance of the Eastern Point in honor of the ANCESTORS.
The third dance is the Dance of the Southern Point to honor the LEADERSHIP of the Aniyunwiya Nation.
The fourth dance is the Dance of the Western Point to honor the people of the Aniyunwiya Nation.

The second day is “Stirring the Ashes.” The ashes from the wood stoves are used to symbolize Mother Earth. Wooden paddles are used to turn the ashes over and replenish Mother Earth so that she can renew herself.

The third day starts out with, the Sage Burning Ceremony. Sage is collected from all the citizens of the Aniyunwiya Nation attending the ceremony. Through the burning of the sage, an acknowledgment, a thanks, and an encouragement are conveyed to all of creation for the renewal and continuation of our nation’s responsibility to one another. After the sage burning, the nation’s song is sung. This is the time our real names are uplifted (put through to the Creator for recognition). The Big Dipper Drum Dance is then held and every citizen of the Aniyunwiya Nation dances. A teenage speaker from each tribe is chosen to give thanks to all things on Mother Earth. The significance of the drum is that it is round, representing everything in creation and the connection between everything on Mother Earth. The beating of the drum and the citizens of the Aniyunwiya Nation dancing in a circle, constantly moving in a circle, symbolize the ongoing cycle of life. Wild Elderberry is mixed with pH (between 7.5 – 8.5) water and made into a drink that is used as a medicine.

The fourth day is the Peach Stone Game. The Aniyunwiya Nation Clans will compete for the Big Dipper Trophy. The clans will use their best players from each tribe. Citizens of the Aniyunwiya Nation can bet using items that are highly looked upon like wampum, traditional Aniyunwiya Nation clothing, lacrosse sticks, or turtle rattles. Things not to bet are anything that is solid red in color (which represents anger), anything black (which represents death), or anything is shiny (which represents greed). After the Peach Stone Game, then the Great Sun Dance is performed as a thanks to the Sun. Lastly, the False Face Medicine Society, and the Cornhusk Masks Medicine Society, come in to remind the citizens of the Aniyunwiya Nation of their day of renewing themselves.

The fifth day is set aside as day of renewal and reflection for the medicine societies. The Seed Dance Ceremony on that day is an honoring of all plant life.

The forty-four Clan Leadership will give speeches prior to the closing ceremony.