Celebrations

The Tlingit and Haida are known for a ceremony called the “potlatch.” Potlatches are formal celebrations staged with great pomp and ceremony. Feasts are less formal but similar events that are more common with the Haida. 

High-ranking individuals were expected to give potlatches. Potlatches included feasting, speeches, stories, singing, and dancing, often lasting for days. Guests would witness and validate the events and be paid with gifts during the ceremony. Potlatches and feasts would be held for the following occasions: 

• a funeral or memorial to honor the dead

• a wedding

• the naming of a child

• the witness and validation of the payment of a debt or to rid the host of a shame

• the completion of a new house

• the completion and naming of clan regalia

• the erection of a totem pole.

The hosting of potlatches was very competitive. Individuals proved their noble status through generous feasts and gifts at a potlatch. Those who gave the most gifts to guests would attain the highest prestige. A commoner looking to raise his position could do so by hosting a potlatch. Potlatches also developed important relationship ties within the community through obligation. The invited nobles at one potlatch would be expected to host their own later. 

People attending potlatches would wear special ceremonial regalia, such as woven robes, masks, rattles, and frontlets. The robes of the Chilkat and Raven's Tail were made of mountain goat wool and cedar warps. Some of the headpieces had frontlets made from sea lion whiskers and ermine. Other items used at potlatches include drums, rattles, whistles, paddles, and staffs. Only clan regalia named and validated at a potlatch could be used for formal gatherings.

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