Traditionally, the Cherokees danced to ensure individual health
and social welfare. According to legend, the dance songs beque-
athed to them by the Stone Coat monster will assuage all the ills
of life that the monster brought. Winter dances are to be given
only during times of frost, lest they affect the growth of vegetation
by attracting cold and death. The summer dances are associated
with crops and vegetation. Other dances are purely for social inter-
course and entertainment or are prompted by specific events in
the community. Such dances included in this book are, the Mask
Dance, Eagle Dance, Bear Dance, Green Corn Ceremony and
Dance, Victory or Scalp Dance, Buffalo Dance, Horse Dance,
Chicken Dance, Corn Dance and many more.