Potlatch

The potlatch is a ceremony where the host obtains a status that is based on how much they give to their guests. It was a big party with speeches, singing, dancing, feasting, and formal business. When the host shared food and gave gifts it show that he was wealthy enough to share. Potlatches could be used to celebrate important occasions, and was also a good time to peacefully celebrate and strengthen alliances. The potlatch is celebrated by many first nations cultures in the pacific coast.

A potlatch is almost like a birthday in my family. I invite friends and they bring a birthday present but I also give them presents. I have nice party favors to show that I’m thankful they came and that I appreciate their friendship. I’m also the one who provides all the food. I wouldn’t ask them to bring any that would be rude because I’m the host.

Weddings also seem to have some of the same traits as a potlatch. To show your statues you throw a beautiful wedding. The quality of food, decorations, and the wedding dress show your wealth and you are there to celebrate. Weddings also happen to include singing, dancing, speeches, and feasting.  

I think the only concept that the Europeans didn’t like about the potlatch is that you had to give things away. They liked to keep their wealth, not give it away. With the cultures that practiced potlatch they believed it helped distribute wealth to their people so everyone would gain as a whole.