potlach

[ˈpɑːtlætʃ]

potlach Definition

a ceremonial feast among certain Native American peoples of the northwest Pacific coast, at which possessions are given away to demonstrate wealth and generosity, or destroyed to display contempt for rivals.

Using potlach: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "potlach" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    The potlatch was a significant event in the cultural traditions of the indigenous people of the Pacific Northwest.

  • Example

    The potlatch was held to celebrate the marriage of the chief's daughter.

Phrases with potlach

  • a series of laws that banned the practice of potlatch among indigenous people in Canada from 1885 to 1951

    Example

    The potlatch ban was a devastating blow to the cultural traditions of indigenous people in Canada.

  • potlatch ceremony

    a traditional event where the host gives away or destroys possessions as a display of wealth and generosity

    Example

    The potlatch ceremony is an important part of the cultural heritage of the indigenous people of the Pacific Northwest.

  • a carved wooden pole erected by indigenous people of the Pacific Northwest to commemorate a potlatch event

    Example

    The potlatch pole is a symbol of the cultural heritage of the indigenous people of the Pacific Northwest.

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Summary: potlach in Brief

The term 'potlach' [ˈpɑːtlætʃ] refers to a ceremonial feast among certain Native American peoples of the northwest Pacific coast. It is a significant event in the cultural traditions of the indigenous people of the Pacific Northwest, where possessions are given away to demonstrate wealth and generosity, or destroyed to display contempt for rivals. The potlatch ceremony is an important part of the cultural heritage of the indigenous people of the Pacific Northwest.