Rich Traditions 
In comparison to potlatches that were social and celebratory in concept, winter dances were serious spiritual ceremonies. Of all ceremonies, winter spirit dances were the most prominent. Dances would be hosted by families throughout the winter and dances lasted as long as the host family could provide for his guests.
Enormous feast dishes held great quantities food that was prepared for the guests. The women used serving dishes to carry the food to guests and serve out portions into individual bowls.
The protocol, dress, and basis of the winter dance varied among the west coast first nations. In some areas masks with mystic powers were worn and in others men wore a feathered headband, women adorned their hair with eagle down. Dancing and singing lasted throughout the night accompanied by hand drums, box drums, whistles, clappers and rattles.
For some winter dances were emotional releases and have been described as a "cry". For some no spiritual search or quest required to obtain the spirit song. The song came spontaneously to anyone interested in becoming a dancer. For others the song was passed to the person in a dream or vision from their guardian spirit.
Dancing Mask
Source: Northwestern University Library
Photo by: Artist: E.S. Curtis
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