rain dance

rain dance
(esp. among American Indians) a ritualistic dance performed to bring rain.
[1925-30]

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Ceremonial dance performed to bring rain needed to water crops.

Rain dances have been customary in many cultures, from the ancient Egyptians to the civilization of the Mayas and the people of the 20th-century Balkans. Rain dances often include dancing in a circle, the participation of young girls, decoration with green vegetation, nudity, the pouring of water, and whirling, meant to act as a wind charm. They may also include phallic and fertility rites.

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