THE SONGS 



INTRODUCTORY 



The Ghost-dance songs are of the utmost importance in connection 

 with the study of the messiah religion, as we find embodied in them 

 much of the doctrine itself, with more of the special tribal mythologies, 

 together with such innumerable references to old-time customs, cere- 

 monies, and modes of life long since obsolete as make up a regular 

 symposium of aboriginal thought and practice. There is no limit to the 

 number of these songs, as every trance at every dance produces a new 

 one, the trance subject after regaining consciousness embodying his 

 experience in the spirit world in the form of a song, which is sung at 

 the next dance and succeeding performances until superseded by other 

 songs originating in the same way. Thus, a single dance may easily 

 result in twenty or thirty new songs. While songs are thus born and 

 die, certain ones which appeal especially to the Indian heart, on account 

 of their mythology, pathos, or peculiar sweetness, live and are per- 

 petuated. There are also with each tribe certain songs which are a 

 regular part of the ceremonial, as the opening song and the closing 

 song, which are repeated at every dance. Of these the closing song is 

 the most important and permanent. In some cases certain songs con- 

 stitute a regular series, detailing the experiences of the same person 

 in successive, trance visions. First in importance, for number, rich- 

 ness of reference, beauty of sentiment, and rhythm of language, are 

 the songs of the Arapaho. 



THE ARAPAHO 



TRIBAL SYNONYMY 



Ahya'to — Kiowa name; meaning unknown; the Kiowa call the wild plum by the 

 same name. 



Anos-anyotskano — Kichai name. 



Ara'pako — popular name; derivation uncertain ; but, perhaps, as Dnnbar suggests, 

 from the Pawnee word tirapihu or larapihu, "he buys or trades,'" in allusion to 

 the Arapaho having formerly been the trading medium between the Pawnee, 

 Osage, and others on the north, and the Kiowa, Comanche, and others to the 

 southwest (Grinnell Utter). 

 Iniptikata — Crow name, from word Arapaho. 



Betidei — Kiowa Apache name. 



Detseka'yaa — Caddo name, "dog eaters." 



Hitaniwo iv — Cheyeune name, "cloud men." 



Inuna-ina — proper tribal name, "our people," or " people of our kind." 



Kanindhoic or Eanind'vish — Ojibwa name; meaning unknown. 



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