O'Odham Tash (Casa Grande Indian Days)

As I have commented before, one of the benefits to being on the move and "Along The Side Roads" is that you just never know what a day will bring. This past Sunday was such a day.


After church (we were Presbyterian this week), I decided to plant my springtime garden and so made a trip to Lowes for plants and soil. After spending over an hour carefully choosing flowers I thought would "travel well", I went home and enjoyed digging in the dirt. While my hands were filthy and my heart was joyful (flowers do that to me), a lady stopped by to take another look at a mirror (we are back in the business on a limited basis). Mary is one of those people you instantly like. We had chatted for a bit at the craft show the day before so I knew she was from Iowa and that she and her husband were farmers who only traveled for three months in the winter. Anyway, she was kind enough to ask if I would like to go to the "Indian Thing"; of course, my answer was yes. (It was a TV day for Mike as the Daytona 500 was on.) I cleaned up my mess and we took off.


A few years back, we were in Casa Grande during "Indian Days" and enjoyed the parade, but the entertainment and competition were even better. The first competition we enjoyed was the young dancers and believe me, they danced... such focus!


Notice the Mickey Mouse fabric on this young ladies' outfit.



Next came the young warriors.

I loved the look on concentration on this young man's face before his dance began. He is from the River Rock Clan.

Then the older dancers took their turn. Each set of dancers was judged by elders in the group and awards were given for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place.

All of the dancing was very impressive; the clothing was beautiful, the energy level and concentration by each person intense. But, what impressed me the most was the honor and dignity and respect shown to all participants no matter the age or gender. I saw a young woman slowly walk to the side of the dancing area when exhaustion overcame her. She remained composed and stood and watched her fellow dancers although you could tell that to do so was difficult. An elder made his way over to stand with her and an older woman did also. After the dance there was concern expressed by the announcer and a round of applause for her.

After each dance, the competitors stood facing the audience and awaited the judges decision.

And after the announcement all competitors shook hands with all the judges and each other and the Lead Dancers. I saw an old Indian man shake the hand of a boy who placed third and into the young man's hand, he pressed a one dollar bill. At one point, some gift baskets were placed in the circle for any adult to claim and then packages of candy were put out for any child to claim. After each person took their gift, they made their way to those presiding over the event and shook their hands in thanks, even the youngest of the young.


As to the Lead Dancers, evidently a male and a female is chosen (how I don't know) for this role - they presided over circle dances and she was honored by all as she made her way around the circle of spectators and participants. Two female relatives were also honored. Here are pictures of that ceremony during which we were all asked to stand.


This is the Lead Dancer.



Her "attendants" are the ladies behind her.

It was a very respectful, yet joyful, ceremony.

It was a perfectly delightful way to spent an afternoon! I enjoyed getting to know Mary and loved the peek into the Native American celebration of culture. This was the 42nd annual O'Odham Tash. I got the feeling that this picture could have been taken at one of the early celebrations. Isn't it wonderful that some traditions have survived through the years.