Celebrating Other Spirituality 365 Days A Year

January 3rd

St. Genevieve, the Deer Dance, and Weather Forecasting

In the East Anglian tradition this day was dedicated to St. Genevieve, patroness of the city of Paris. At seven years of age Genevieve was singled out of a crowd by St. Germain of Auxerre, who foretold of her future sanctity. The life of St. Genevieve was one of great austerity, constant prayer and works of charity.

January 3 is still the day that Native American tribes of the Pueblo perform their annual fertility ceremony, known as the Deer Dance. This centuries-old ceremony includes a ritual dance performed by a Shaman, wearing a deer headdress, who invokes the Goddess known as the Deer Mother. When properly summoned, the Deer Mother grants the tribe prosperity for the coming year.