By: Rotha Chao

Shalako Zuni New Year Beginning of December Dance for 1 night Dances take places in houses that are hosted for them Sing songs of blessings for the new year

Facts  Takes place after the crops are in  The timing of the ceremony is crucial  It should be as close as possible to the winter solstices and the full moon  This ceremony attracts more outside visitors than any other Zuni ceremony  History of the Shalako Ceremony History of the Shalako Ceremony

What Is it?  It is the most important festival for the Zuni people  Blessings are done for the present new year  Only males dance  Men, women, and children are allowed to watch the festivities  Dances take places in houses that are hosted for them  Races in the village between Shalako dancers  No one can be turned away

When and Where?  1am to 7-8am  December  Only celebrated in Zuni Pueblo, New Mexico

How is it celebrated?  Women start cooking  As dancers walk in the village corn meal is thrown on them for blessings  Take males the food (door of house)  Then feed the fire (each individual family) this is for ancestors  Dancers begin at 1am

Zuni Emergence Tale  Lowest world, populated by bugs  Two boys gained access using prayer sticks  Bugs traveled to earth  Boys gave bugs human traits  Emergence to homeland  Zuni Emergence Tale video Zuni Emergence Tale video

Zuni

Celebration of Shalako is:  Fun – food and drinks  No alcohol  Traditional  Religious ceremony  Tourists

References  The History of the Shalako Ceremony. (2011). Brownielocks and the 3 Bears website. Retrieved Mar 11, 2011 from  “May You Be Blessed With Light”: The Zuni Shalako Rite. (2010). Rick on Theater website. Retrieved Mar 11, 2011 from be-blessed-with-light-zuni.html 