rem

...I'm sure to have many too, so bear with me!

One of the things that struck me the most at the powwow I went to, was the use of bells on dancers regalia...men, women, youngsters.... Such an unusual listening experience for me, but so effective too.

Is there particular significance with this? Or is it purely for getting the sounds while dancing?

WocusWoman

This is my take only, on this issue... I know for one thing that bells are significant in the Northwest where the Shaker Church is located in particular areas, the songs that are sung are very old and always include and make use of the bells. This is not to be confused with the Shaker Church of New England though, look up or goodle "Indian Shaker Church" for more information. Another thing about bells, or other such things that make noise, for example dewclaws, shells, cones, bullet shells; they are objects that could be collected or obtainable and then used to enhance ones regalia. I would imagine that small bells were one of the earliest "trade" items given to the native people, when white men were crossing into their territories.

hobbs49

rem, I asked a similar question here some time ago and the above is about the extent of what was said then too.

Kiwehnzii

clueless question #1

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...I'm sure to have many too, so bear with me!

One of the things that struck me the most at the powwow I went to, was the use of bells on dancers regalia...men, women, youngsters.... Such an unusual listening experience for me, but so effective too.

Is there particular significance with this? Or is it purely for getting the sounds while dancing?


Why not just go with it and enjoy the experience? Yeah, I know. People are just curious.
Many questions. I have one. Yes, I have clueless questions too.

Why do winter hat makers put that little yarny ball on top of the knitted hats? Is there a particular significance to this?

Why is there such a thing as a cumberbund?

Kiwehnzii

Clueless question # 2 - Why is there a little yarny ball on top of a knitted hat? Is there a particular significance?

# 3 - why do dudes wear cumberbunds? Significance?


We like to know too.

hobbs49

I'm not a knitter, but I believe that the ball is the result of the fact that hats are knitted circles. At the top of the hat, a drawstring is used to close the hat to keep your head warm. So after you use this drawstring, you have some choices. Tie and cut off inside the hat or use the drawstring as some sort of ornament like a pom-pom, or ball, or tassel. Really about anything could be used I think.

The cumberbund I think is basically a girdle for men's bellies. Or at least that was the original use.

I'm surprised you don't know all this Kewehnzii, it's taught in all the schools

hobbs49

One other important thing. Even though it's largely ornamental, when making a hat, you should be careful not to use certain colors for the yarny ball. Some families have had hats with the same yarny ball colors for decades and they get very upset when other people have hats with similar yarny balls.

Kiwehnzii

One other important thing. Even though it's largely ornamental, when making a hat, you should be careful not to use certain colors for the yarny ball. Some families have had hats with the same yarny ball colors for decades and they get very upset when other people have hats with similar yarny balls.

Balls seem to be an important factor in European culture. Yes, there are many questions about your culture that we do not know. No, I wasn't taught this in school. And......... Jeeves don't have all the answers either.
Thanks for teaching us about balls. The beer belly thing was interesting too.

It is people like yourself willing to educate us that will close the gap between the European culture and that which is indigenous to North America.

I learnt something about Iranian culture from a TV interview - there's no homosexuals in Iran. Interesting. I guess balls do indeed have a significant meaning to them.

Do all Europeans have a coat of arms? I was e-mailed a advertisement that a company would send me my own coat of arms for $29.95. Can this be done even if I am not royalty? None of my ancestors were even princesses.

I have a whole s**t-load of questions that might interest others too.

hobbs49

You need to be careful with the coat of arms dealers. Some are not reputable. Their products are made in China or Taiwan. There is legislation being worked on in the EU which would outlaw the selling of non-European coat of arm products, the compromise will probably be that any dealer of non-European coats of arms would have have signage stating such wherever they may set up shop.

I would be careful of buying a coat of arms on e-bay. It may be a forgery. If you are really looking to find a good coat of arms cheap, try the pawn shops of London. Of course any large city in the EU should have pawn shops with a decent selection at a good price.

If you get the chance to go to Amsterdam on your quest for a coat of arms, make sure to take your knit hat with the BIG yarny balls on it. You'll need it there.

One more thing on the cumberbund, it's kind of a tradish garment. I wouldn't recommend wearing one unless you're able to get with elder who can explain to you it's true significance and how it should be worn correctly. I'll stop there as I've probably said too much already.

Kiwehnzii

Thank you so much. Now we're getting somewhere. My apolgies to rem. It looks like this thread has been hijacked and turned into " Little known facts about European culture."

Is the British society patrilineal or matrilineal? There seems to be a shift every so often of there rulers - Queens for awhile then a King gets in there every few decades. Can I get enrolled in the kingdom?

hobbs49

Kingdom cards are very, very difficult to come by. While everyone is welcome to come and visit the castles and participate in the jousts and such, only those with valid Kingdom cards are truely allowed to wear the robes and crowns of the royalty. Some people are adopted into the kingdom, but those adoptions are often times not really recognized by other kingdoms and sometimes even by everone in the kingdom the adoptee thinks he/she is a part of.

If you really wish to enter a castle, I know of two places here in the US where you can go be with a bunch of other wannabes and live out your magical kingdom dreams. One such place is Orlando, FL and the other is in Anaheim, CA. If you go for many days, you can even purchase a Kingdom card for your stay!

Is the British society patrilineal or matrilineal? I think that nature takes care of this. After all, it's difficult to be matrilineal if there are no women in the bloodline (still alive). However, while they still have a king and queen, it's important to remember that they actually have a Prime Minister and a parlimentary government who does the real ruling now.

ac_miss

You guys crack me up, but it's for good reading!

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Kiiwedinong