Lakota New Year

Ricky Gray Grass

Learn ABOUT
(deep listening, information)

  1. How is the Lakota New Year different from the New Year many people celebrate on January 1?
  2. Why does the Lakota New Year begin in Spring?
  3. What does it mean to “Welcome Back the Thunder Beings?”
  4. Why is it important to stand with bare feet on the earth when the green grass comes back?
  5. What kinds of things happen during the winter that we offer thanks for in the spring?
  6. What is an eagle bone whistle? How is it used?

Learn FROM
(deep listening, information)

  1. How do I feel about the beginning of a new year in my life?
  2. What do I see in my life as signs of spring and new life?
  3. Are there ceremonies or practices I have for moving into a new season?
  4. How do I feel about standing on the earth in bare feet?
  5. Ricky spoke of birds signing, coyote pups barking, bullfrogs croaking and crickets chirping…what are the signs of spring I see and notice around me?