Prayer Song

Often sung during the second round.

Category:

Education

Tags:

• Lakota song
• Lakota language
• inipi
• sweatlodge

[takeabreak333]

Thanks for all the wonderful help you have provided through sharing lyrics and translations for these songs. It has deepened my understanding and ability to participate in the Inipi ceremony. Re this song, in the video, you sing the “Grandfather, I pray to you first” lyrics twice the first time, then only once the second time, and the third time through, you sing them only once and substitute “Wankantana” for “Tunkasila.” Does this comprise one complete verse or set that is sung four times?

[Inipisongs]

@takeabreak333 Yes, it is one set. Repeated sets are often referred to as push-ups.

[LakotaLoveNativeThug]

This is the first song I ever learned from my father. I dont know the exact translation but its something like. grandfather I pray to you first. Grandfather I pray to you first. I pray for my family and first. Grandfather I pray to you first. I think. then the next verse is the same but with wanka tanka or great spirit

[Inipisongs]

@LakotaLoveNativeThug Click "see all" up by the comments, and the translation is about two-thirds of the way down the page.

[elsenor89]

Those of you who want to "share and learn": These are Inipi songs. They have a purpose, and many times that is to call Spirit. They do not belong on this forum. You do not call Spirit on Youtube. You can post songs from powwows, songs that are sung in social forums, but these songs have a purpose that is to be used in Inipi ceremony. If you dont understand that this is offensive to Native people, then I would say you do not truly understand the ceremonies as well. Respectfully,Mitakuye Oyasin

[Inipisongs]

@elsenor89 Seriously disagree. Having said that, let's leave it at that.

[wheezercat42]

Thank you for posting these. I used to attend inipi ceremonies regularly, then life got in the way for a while, and now I'm just starting back again. The place where I go is too far away for me to go to singing practice too so I could learn these songs. I understand the significance behind the songs and will use them respectfully. Thank you for giving me a way to learn them so I can join in during ceremony. Pilamaye. Mitakuye Oyasin.

[LutaBoy11]

Look if you want to learn go to these sacred circles.... Mato Luta Waheyelo

Mitakuye Oyasin

[Tonantzintonali1]

Mitakuye Oyasin! Remember the meaning.

[Tonantzintonali1]

Thank you for posting,although there is much disagreement on to or not to post it is with much love from our people that we are given these songs.

[CallingBear1]

Although this forum may not please some people, this is a wonderful way to keep our culture alive and thriving. I frequent the inipi ceremonies very often, and although I am not of the great Sioux nation, we sometimes do have sioux brothers and sisters attend, I will use these songs with the respect they deserve. Ahow

[wbworkout]

I know that this and others are sacred songs. I honor the context and the First Nations. I deeply appreciate the intentions of the gentleman who posted this and others. I believe this is a time that people from different spiritual traditions will start to learn from each other and historical scars and divisions will be healed. Please accept my thanks.

[mdeer12]

Thank you so much for this gift of love, this call upon your heart to share this way. Momma (Earth) tells me that in the sacred walk we to walk as she does. She tells me the rain comes down and falls upon all. It does not withhold its song and only share with the few, but gives to all. She says, "By sharing we grow" Thank you for all of this that you have done. AHO ... Earthen Girl Native Rainbow Star