Adulthood ceremony is anywhere from 11-13 usually. Some people have theirs 14-15 if they haven't developed the skills of an adult due to exntenuating circumstances.

Oh, wow! Thank you for the lesson It's too bad they're not used anymore; I bet they're beautiful! We have many strange hairstyles, but mostly they are only used for powwow or ceremony.

It’s amazing how many different types of buns there are! I would love to know what all of them look like… I shall Google image search! *firm nod*

Yes, I’ve always liked red. After all, we’re described as being red-skinned but a common theme among our People is the Red Road. The Red Road is sort of like the path of good deeds that leads to your destiny. We pray to Creator to be able to bravely walk the Red Road. Some tribes think of the Red Road as a path to war and victory.

Oh, gosh. Animals. Animals are a HUGE part of our culture. Long before humans, we’re taught, animals walked the earth. They were Creator’s favored life form and they helped to build the world. This is why we still do dances for the animals to this day. One of my favorites is the Eagle Dance. Most tribes have an Eagle Dance, but the steps and regalia used vary: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Ge8K9G_OTs&feature=related

Part of the Adulthood ceremony I went through was the discovery of your wyakin. Your wyakin, or animal spirit guide, stays with you forever. You take on the characteristics of that animal once you have met your wyakin. For example, Guiding Bald Eagle has strength, courage, a passionate spirit, and a desire for freedom. Hunting Wolf is known as a teacher spirit, being loyal and good at finding the true path. A Wolf is also strong and brave.

We also use animal symbols for different things. Receiving an eagle feather means you have done something very good, such as an act of bravery or extreme kindness. Porcupine quills can bring good luck. On the Medicine Wheel, the white buffalo stands for the wisdom of our elders. The black bear is for examination of one’s own spirit, while the red or green porcupine stands for passion and warmth/emotions. The yellow eagle is known for the inspiration of a new dawn, illumination, and new beginnings.

Oh! I always wondered about the use of the dragon. The dragon is such a beautiful creature (you know... cause I've totally seen one?) that I can see why it would be used for only a figure of royalty. The phoenix is also a creature whose symbolism I love – to burn in fire but to rise again from the ashes is pretty poetic. Hehe Poor concubines! They can never catch a break.

I myself was born in 1988. I have no idea what animal that would be. What does your Rabbit mean about you?

Oh! If Clever Rabbit was your wyakin, it would mean (duh) guile, intuitive thoughts, spiritual living, and a need for freedom. Rabbit is a plan-oriented animal and likes to know that details are taken care of. A Rabbit is attentive and peace-loving, but can be a mischievous trickster.

Yes, we have to learn how to do those types of things before we can even go anywhere near and Adulthoood ceremony, haha.

Aaaaah, the wonders of teh interwebs. What would we do without it?

She got married in a Japanese wedding kimono? That must have been beautiful! I've seen pictures of wedding kimono and they're so ornate... I can only imagine how gorgeous it was. I also love the Japanese hairstyles.

Not to compare Chinese to Japanese, but, If I may, do Chinese have special hair styles and ornaments for different occasions?

I've said it once and I'll say it again: I love jingle dresses! As for colors, most tribes have their own symbolism. In Cherokee tribes, blue means cold, trouble, and defeat. Yellow and black also mean problems, strife, and death. Red meas blood, but overall is a good color because it represents the Sacred Fire and success, especially in battle. Colors represent pretty much everything. There are the sacred directions, the Medicine Wheel and even individual places that have colors attached. West is the only one that is represented the same, for most tribes use black to represent the west where the sun sets. Red and yellow are the two colors most often used to represent sunlight, red being a sacred Navajo color.

I agree. I always loved it, but for some people it's just too different I guess. *shrug*

Oh. Yay red! If red is like, the wedding color, what is white used for? I know a lot of cultures use white for funerals because it shows emptiness. And do animals have significance? Sorry I have so many questions

Ahaha.. ha.. =v=;;;

Honestly though, your writing makes the scenes seem almost movie-like in quality. Suteki *______*

Oh, my.. I'm sure I don't deserve the kind words but thank you all the same. And just to tell you, your writing is great! They are definitely not those whack-a-fic kind of writings, I assure you.

I'll be going back to Indonesia for two weeks. HOLIDAY time!! (Oh, I'm an Indonesian Chinese studying in Singapore, fyi. I think I haven't mentioned that yet, pardon me..) Hopefully, my muse is willing to stick by my side and let me write something! I swear that little twerp likes to see me suffer. He comes and goes as he wishes. And more often than not, he left me foaming in the mouth due to a chronic case of author's block! Gah~!

Uwaaaa~ That's so cool! Social sciences are fun (as long as it doesn't involve statistics. lol)! I think it's great that you were able to enjoy your study there fully. My interest and talent leaned towards languages and cultures. Back then, I really have no idea what major to choose. In the end, I chose Communication because my Dad won't allow me to go to literature studies. At least, choosing communication still gives me an excuse to learn more new languages! (Lame excuse, I know..)

Yeah, I totally agree that they are sprouting so fast like seedlings on steroid or something. When I first heard about Super Junior from my friend, my reaction was, "Whoa? Superman's kids?" And I earned a whack on the back of my head and a horrified scream of "NO! It's an awesome K-band!" Yes, I'm that suaku.. Haha!

Oh, yes. I'm an oldies person indeed. But more of a Western oldies person than a Chinese ones. I like listening to ABBA, The Carpenters, Air Supply. For the Chinese ones, I like Deng Li Jun and Andy Lau (if he counts) + some other artists that I don't know their names.

So how was your trip to Malaysia? I hope you had a fun time! And now it's my turn to apologize for late replies since I'll be going back for two weeks and the internet connection back home is slower than a snail mail sometimes..

Hehe I love my Maddie! She's a 16-week old Chihuahua, 3 lbs. I have another Chi pup (Elisabeth) that's 6 months old, but she's still only 4 lbs.

Yes, but we don't do it often though. It's considered 'regalia' so you should only wear it when your mind is focused on respect for Creator and Earth Mother. I know I sound so cliche... but that's what we were taught.

In the end, I guess it's not what you wear that matters. I feel like when I wear my regalia for powwow or ceremony it brings me closer to my ancestors. But the way I see it, if you know your history and respect those that came before you, you don't necessarily need to wear what they wore. Just as you shouldn't wear the regalia without respect, you may not need the regalia if you do have respect... My head hurts after that sentence. I hope you know what I mean.

Yes, buckskin can be super comfy! It's only the long dresses that feel really strange because they restrict your movement in a way that usual street clothes don't. I've always enjoyed doing beading and quilling, so I make most of my own stuff. It can be really fun. The men go hunting, and then we tan the hides and make things. Such work is difficult, but fulfilling.

Aaaaw, you're so sweet I love it! And if you truly wanted to, you can order such things online, haha. Reservations do traditional arts to fund their programs and such, so you can always find authentic things on reservation sites. They also sell jewelry and moccasins, all hand made.

GAH! I love jingle dresses! Not the best for stealth though... The silver bits are sewn all over in patterns and make the pretty little jingles for stomp dances You can get them in any color, but some tribes/clans will use certain colors. Like Thunderbird clan may use yellow and orange along with the bird pattern on the front or back. Certain colors also symbolise different things, so when you dance for rain you may wear different colors/feathers/accessories/paint than for, say, a dance to the sun.

Don't worry about the questions... I love it!

It is unfortunate that it's uncommon in Singapore, but honestly... that's how most of America is. It's great to meet people that keep in touch with their background, but most don't. It's just so rare that many that live on reservations feel like they're living two lives; you go out with your friends that don't live on the reservation and you're expected to be 'normal', but when you go back you're expected to live a life of tradition and ritual. That's why a lot of our teenagers rebel and end up in trouble:| blech!!!

Yes, you totally should! They're so comfy! I have a tan pair and a black pair. I've had Ugg mukkluks too, but those never really impressed me.

Wow! Those are beautiful! Is there any certain symbolism behind red that makes it for special occasions? I've always wondered.

Thanks for letting me type all over your Wall

~Siki

Oooooh, I can just picture a slinky black cheongsam. That would definitely be AMAZING with some pearls. I'm all giddy just picturing it!

Hehe Well, now I feel better at least I'm not the only one with an addiction!

fjnmrthjkpoi7-78... that's from my youngest puppy, Madeline. She decided to walk across the keyboard =.=

Oh, gosh. Now you've done it. I love talking about traditional dress. Yes, I do wear the traditional clothing sometimes, at powwows and such. We also wear thin buckskin dresses during sweat ceremony, as a measure to ensure modesty. Buckskin is really strange to get used to, because it doesn't stretch like cotton does, but it can be comfortable once it's broken in and you're used to it. It's like wearing leather all over, haha. Picture here!
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3085/2606703872_d412492d73.jpg
This is similar to one that I have. The patterns are beads and dyed quills, with seashells scattered across the top. And fringe of course
We also wear jingle dresses for powwow dances. Jingle dancers here:
http://studentaffairs.sdstate.edu/MulticulturalAffairs/EventArchive/2006/IMG_0735.jpg
The little silver cones are like bells. They chime in rhythm with your dancing

I also wear moccasins pretty much every day when I'm not at work. THEY'RE SO COMFY. You need a pair. You really do.
http://www.wisconsinhistory.org/museum/exhibits/p2p/blue/artifacts/delicate_hand/moccasins/19881781a_l.jpg
These are in Ojibwe style. You can get ones that are more stylish, like Minnetonka brand (really popular with teenagers right now, for some reason?), but these are more traditional top-seam style.

I don't know what to tell you without going on any more than I have, but let me know if there's anything specific you want to know

I'd also love to hear about Chinese traditions! I know absolutely NOTHING about any Asian countries, but Chinese heritage seems so rich and beautiful to me

Culture trade, ftw!

~Siki

Woot welcome back. Wakakakaka. Im glad you enjoy Malacca and their delicacies. I have never been to Malacca except passing by it when I went to Singapore. Wakakaka. Such a pity. My friend who was from there said the food was super nice and awesome. I can only imagine it. T_T Sad.Ooo I know of Lok Lok. I used to eat it when I was young. At a hawker stall beside the road at night with a glass of sugar cane. Awesome. Eventhough it was simple but it tasted so good.

I bet Malacca has a lot of ancient stuffs...Like ancient ancient. XD Wakakaka. Will love to go see A Famosa too.

Im addicted to Bonamana. I think it will be so funny to see Sesshoumaru dancing it with Inuyasha and co. XD Bonamana bonamana bonamana dandandandandan. He can dance I tell ya. XD Look at those legs and his movement. Oh gosh...He will look so hot in tight pants. Gah! Sesshoumaru is super hot. I just finish watching an episode where Rin found Sesshoumaru in cantonese. Oh my, he's voice in cantonese *giggle snort* It was ok but he talks as if he is bored about everything he sees. I listen to SNSD song when i heard it playing in tv only. XD Oh oh oh! Oppareul saranghae!

Chinese song in the 90s? Jackie cheung song is love i tell ya. XD

Wakaka I just love seeing kid sesshoumaru. He could be so arrogant but he is naive at the same time. He might say he know how to do something but in actuality he has zero info. XD That will be so cute right. He tried to act manly manly like his dad but he fails. XD Wakakaka. Kid Sesshoumaru is so much fun.

but I have another idea last night. Kagome and Sesshoumaru in something like Spirited Away. Maybe like Kagome went back to her own time after defeating naraku and after 3 years, she thought she will lead a normal life until she have to chase her cat Buyo into an alley and ended up in another dimension. And then she got lost in the place like the one you see in Spirited away. She then meet Sesshoumaru who did not know who he actually is. He lost his memory and the only memory everyone have is their working life in that place. He did not remember his name and everyone there are not suppose to hold their real name. Something like that and this. It will be quite fun to see Sesshoumaru in another different angle. He did not lead a perfect life there as he was chained to this place as something like a gigolo...XD Yes I have weird idea but the idea of him doing something like this can make him build his other side character more. Ok...im sprouting nonsense everywhere now. XD

You should definitely watch Natsume Yuujinchou. Super nice and awesome. You get to see the other side of youkai. Really nice. I wish they make season 3.

Well, I'm really looking forward to it! I hope you know you've already got a fan before you even posted the first chapter!! XD;

Yush! A Heartbeats update~ I actually working on some of the upcoming chapters right now, before the block strikes again.

Also, I love the 'photobooth' pictures!

Uwaahhh... Reading your comment on Shanghai 1930 makes me You're too sweet!

*looks up at your photos*

And so pretty too!