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Prayer Fans are Part of Indian Heritage
Prayer fans and feathers are an integral part of life among Native Americans and are at the roots and the fundamental beliefs of their ancestors. They believe that such a fan is essentially a gift given to heal a heart. It is believed that once prayers are dispatched to the heavens, the fan's healing power is returned and life is enriched as a result.
A large variety of different feathers are used in the construction of prayer fans, chosen from a number of different birds appropriate to the individual ceremony selected. A number of different rituals and powwows call for the use of prayer fans and a lot of care is put in to the selection and creation. Each bird is revered and the spirit of the bird is believed to remain with a feather when it is incorporated into prayer fans.
A distinct message or a prayer is dispatched to the great Spirit above when prayer fans or feathers are used in a ceremony. A fire is generally lit and the act of moving the fans back and forth is said to create an ideal space to allow the smoke from the fire to be dispatched to the heavens.
There are many different types of prayer fan, including loose and flat fans, stiff and flat fans and double-sided products. They are intricately made and designed to open and close back together like a concertina. Different designs are appropriate for different circumstances and for use by men or women.
Each feather within prayer fans represents a different dimension and often can be referred to as social, physical, emotional or spiritual. It is said that feathers are mounted on the left or right side of the fan according to whether they represent your father or your mother.
The process of putting together prayer fans is very involved and takes weeks or even months. To start off with, the right number and type of feathers must be gathered and compiled together in pairs. Once feathers are assembled they must be washed using traditional herb recipes and this is part of the tradition. Dried feathers are flattened and extended with bamboo before they can be brought together and created into the finished product.
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.
About the Author For additional material on prayer fans, get the acclaimed free Rustic Southwest Decorating Guide by author Craig Chambers, founder of Mission Del Rey Southwest, for unique ideas and rustic decorating tips. www.missiondelrey.com.
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