Snake dance is a sacred ceremony of the Native American Hopi of northeastern Arizona. The ceremony is held in late summer or fall and lasts several days. During the first few days, the men of a Hopi group called the Snake Society hunt rattlesnakes. Later, the men, who are expert at handling rattlesnakes, dance with the live snakes in their mouths. After the dance, they release the snakes. The dance is part of an annual cycle of Hopi ceremonies. Through these ceremonies, the Hopi appeal to supernatural powers for rain, good harvests, good health, and peace.
