Editing Sweat lodge (section)

== Traditions ==
[[File:Hupa Sweat House.jpg|thumb|[[Hupa]] Indian underground building covered with wood plank roof and surrounded by a wall of large rocks]]
[[Indigenous peoples of the Americas|Native Americans]] in many regions have sweat lodge ceremonies. For example, [[Chumash people|Chumash]] peoples of the central coast of [[California]] build sweat lodges in coastal areas<ref>{{cite web|first = C. Michael |last = Hogan |url=http://www.megalithic.co.uk/article.php?sid=18353 |title= Los Osos Back Bay |publisher=The Megalithic Portal  |date= |accessdate=2012-10-09}}</ref> in association with habitation sites. The ancient [[Mesoamerican]] tribes of [[Mexico]], such as the [[Aztec]] and [[Olmec]], practiced a sweat bath ceremony known as [[temazcal]] as a religious rite of [[penance]] and [[Ritual purification|purification]].

Traditions associated with sweating vary regionally and culturally. Ceremonies often include traditional prayers and songs. In some cultures drumming and offerings to the spirit world may be part of the ceremony, or a sweat lodge ceremony may be a part of another, longer ceremony such as a [[Sun Dance]]. Some common practices and key elements associated with sweat lodges include:
* Training – Indigenous cultures with sweat lodge traditions require that someone go through intensive training for many years to be allowed to lead a lodge. One of the requirements is that the leader be able to pray and communicate fluently in the Indigenous language of that culture, and that they understand how to conduct the ceremony safely. This leadership role is granted by the Elders of the community, not self-designated. This leadership is only entrusted to those who are full members of the community, and who live in community. It is never given to outsiders who then leave to sell ceremony.<ref name=lookinghorse1 /><ref name="Rez5" /><ref name="LDNwar1" /><ref name="taliman1" />
* Orientation – The door may face a sacred fire. The cardinal directions may have symbolism in the culture that is holding the sweating ceremony. The lodge may be oriented within its environment for a specific purpose. Placement and orientation of the lodge within its environment are often considered to facilitate the ceremony's connection with the spirit world, as well as practical considerations of usage.
* Construction – The lodge is generally built with great care and knowledge, and with respect for the environment and for the materials being used.
* Clothing – In Native American lodges participants usually wear a simple garment such as shorts or a loose dress. Modesty is important, rather than display.
Some participants will go nude as it is considered the “traditional” way.