ATUENDO “ATTIRE”, CEREMONIAL DRESS: Skirt, poncho, blous, the crown and more
All the ancestral tribes wore their attires for ceremonies. That is why it is important to respect becoming all the same as the white reflection of the moon.
“In a circle we are all equal. When you are in a circle, there is no one in front of you. Nobody is behind you. no one is above you no one is below you The sacred circle is there to create unity.”….Dave Chief Oglala Lakota
The clothing “ATUENDO” is a way of presenting ourselves in the Circle. We enter into sacred space as One, there are no special differences between us, and we become the one body prayer and embodiment through our ceremony and our Atuendo.
The clothing consists of three parts, a skirt, a long blouse and a poncho, all of which should be made of white fabric, preferably cotton or some other natural material.
The clothing bears the symbol of the “Moondance Atlachinolli Meztli” on the front of the poncho, which is given to you when you arrive at the Moon land at reception.
The skirt and the poncho each have a blue and a red stripe along the lower end of the garment (see pictures). These are sewn on by yourself before arriving at the dance. The red band symbolizes fire and the blue band symbolizes water. Together they meet and rise as a healing vapor, like the name “Atlachinolli”. It doesn’t matter which color comes first, but having both ribbons is important! They can be sewn straight or in a serpentine motion or patterns, by hand or machine as you prefer. The width is also up to you. It is important that the dancers have these ribbons sewn onto their white ceremonial attire before arriving on land!
The Clothing should be comfortable and respectful for dancing. It is a ceremony, so we will avoid short skirts or tight blouses, please. Also, when it’s cold, you may want to wear warm clothes UNDER these pieces, so it’s good if they’re loose enough. There may also be summer storms so rain clothes will be important to bring. More in chapter What to bring!
Extra elements for your ceremonial Atuendo
“The crown”, “The red belt”, “ The Coyoleras” & The Headband “Ixcualmecatl”
At the beginning of the dance you will receive at the reception a bunch of sage and flowers, with that you must make a crown the size of your head.
You can wear a red belt around the waist, Ixcualmecatl headband that we will give you when you arrive as well as the Glyph (receive at reception). You can bring your Ayoyotes (ankle rattles) for the feet, rattles, owl feathers or feathers of night birds are welcome.
Head band, “Ixcualmecatl”, awareness of our vision, the weaving of the eye. It reminds us to maintain concentration and attention throughout the ceremony, some say it binds the thoughts like the braiding of the hair. This Headband has the intention to hold your focus and awareness of your thoughts.
Red Belt: You can wear a red belt around the waist that helps you to be warm, firm and protected. ( photo)
Coyoleras: (Optional) are ankle rattles for the feet, they have the intention and power to vibrate with and for the earth awakening.( photo)
Rattles, owl feathers or feathers of night birds are welcome to empower your dance.
