It is believed by Native Americans that prayer fans and feathers represent the type of gift that is able to heal a heart. Significant traditions and fundamental beliefs are incorporated into the very concept of prayer fans and it is thought that the healing power can considerably change the life of whom ever it affects.
Prayer fans are constructed from the feathers of a wide variety of different birds and the selection is appropriate for different ceremonies, rituals or other occasions. As each bird is revered in its own right, it is believed that the very spirit of the bird remains with the feathers and becomes an essential element of prayer fans when they are used in formal situations.
When prayer fans are used in the ceremony a specific message and prayer is dispatched to the heavens and the great spirits above. A fire is used and when the fan is moved back and forth during the ritual dance it creates a "base" enabling the smoke from the fire to carry the prayers up to the heavens.
There are different fans according to different locations, beliefs and tribal affairs. Loose and flat fans, stiff and flat or double-sided concepts may be found. Normally, they will work just like a concertina, opening and closing according to the ritual. The complexity of their use results in a lot of time and effort being put into their construction and you will see different fans according to whether they are used by women or men.
Several different dimensions are reflected within individual feathers making up the prayer fans. These include physical, emotional, social and spiritual. Feathers that are mounted on the left side of the fan represent the father figure, while those on the right represent the mother.
The amount of time and devotion required to put together prayer fans should be seen to be believed. It is estimated that it can take as much as a couple of months to construct a single fan as after all the feathers have been selected according to their right type and configuration they must be brought together in pairs. The selected feathers are then washed using specific herbal recipes before being dried as part of the tradition. Right feathers are lengthened through the use of bamboo and can then be brought together for the finished item.
Many different birds provide feathers for prayer fans and it is not permissible to select specific feathers from endangered species unless you are part of a recognized Indian tribe or live on a particular reservation.
In the case of prayer fans that are made available for individual purchase, the majority of the feathers used are "given" which means that they were naturally shed by the bird. The finished items have been lovingly and painstakingly put together and make an excellent decoration for the house. They should be treated with utmost respect as they are being enjoyed.
Author Resource:
For more material on prayer fans , get the acclaimed free Rustic Southwest Decorating Guide by writer Craig Chambers, founder of Mission Del Rey Southwest, for unique ideas and rustic decorating advice. www.missiondelrey.com .
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