Originally a powwow, or celebration, as it was called first, was held in the spring to celebrate the new beginning of life. It was a time for people to get together, sing, dance, renew old friendships and make new ones. Today, powwows or celebrations are still very much a part of the lives of many Native Americans. The powwow season can begin as early as March. Competitive singing and dancing for prize money is a fairly recent change in the traditional powwow.
Prize money is awarded to top point-getters at the culmination of the powwow.
The circle is an important symbol to Native American people. The dancers are in the center of the circle, the drums and the audience form a circle around them. It's not as much of a particular dance as it is a chance for everyone to dance. It is a non-contest dance. You don't even need to be in regalia, you dance in your street clothes.