Participating in religious rituals is often a group event, so it is not likely to be dangerous. While there are a few religious practices with creatures such as poisonous snakes, many of them settle for less hazardous occupations. Dancing for religious ecstasy is a part of many faiths, and it is used as a way to help people shed their everyday personas so they will be more open to a religious experience. While some have labeled this as nothing more than group hysteria, others within religious organizations believe it is a fundamental part of their faith. Whether ecstasy is the reason they dance or for handing down stories and information, many cultures have used it within their religion for centuries.
India is a culture often seen as ancient, and dance is an important part of some of their religious practices. The Hindu religion has a long history of dance, and each of the gods they worship has a way to use dance as a medium of power. They have incorporated dance in many different ways, and it can be observed almost daily in some sects.
Ancient religions are often the ones where dance was very important, and it was usually a way to pass down stories, myths and even information to the next generation. Each move would have its own meaning, and the explanation was given to children being raised within the religion. Performed on a regular basis, it was a good way to pass on the information while holding the attention of the faithful. Some religions today still practice the same dances their ancestors did hundreds or thousands of years ago.
Native American cultures have long had dances to outline their beliefs, and they are still performed today. The custom of dancing is enhanced by the costumes they wear to illustrate the creature or god they are representing, and the movements tell the stories of interactions between them and the humans of their ancient legends.
