Booger Dance
At a glance:
- Series: American Indians Ready Reference
- Categories: Social Science
- Subcategories: Native Americans, American Indians, Dance, Dancers, Dancing, Ceremonies, Rites, Rituals
- Curriculum: American Indian History
- Geographical Location: United States
Article abstract: The Booger Dance is a major symbolic feature of Cherokee night dances
The term “booger,” equivalent to “bogey” (ghost), is used by English-speaking Cherokee for any ghost or frightful animal. The Booger Dance originated among Eastern Mountain Cherokee as a way to portray European invaders as awkward, ridiculous, lewd, and menacing. The dance dramatizes hostility and disdain for white culture by mocking elements that cause cultural decay and defeat.
The dance is preceded by a ritual of divination. Should divination devices conclude...
[The entire page is 215 words long]
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