The Kiowa and Apache people have a diverse spiritual beliefs including various forms of christianity, the Native American Church and Peyotism, and original tribal religions in which natural phenomenons like cyclones and the sun. Animals are also given special significance, especially the bear, owl, eagle, and buffalo. Though the United Stated government banned many ceremonial events for years, many traditions survived and they are still practiced today. Ceremonial dancing is used in healing rituals and is often used to mark the passage of time in an individuals life. One important ceremonial event marks puberty/a girl's transition from girlhood to womanhood. The ceremony lasts from four to eight days during which the girl and her community will dance, sing, and pray.
