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According to a Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma tribal member…“The origin and adoption of the modern day Cherokee Tear Dress, the garment we call the Cherokee Tear Dress came about to fulfill the needs of a particular situation and had more to do with embarrassment than it had to do with tribal pride or tradition.” (Wendell Cochran-Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma Member).
The Tear Dress is a lovely dress, but in all honesty, if you are not a member of the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma, you might reconsider wearing this dress. According to the article below, the dress was specifically designed in the 60’s for a Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma pageant contestant and developed from there. According to the author of the article, it has been altered and changed over the years to adjust to the different sizes of women and modern day styles. He mentions the uses of ribbons and adjusting the length of the skirt and sleeves as moving away from the actual design of the dress in the 60’s. It is an interesting article and well written. It does give one a great understanding of where the dress actually originated from. It was and is a dress designed for Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma women and has become their traditional dress.
I am often asked, why I do not wear the Tear Dress. Very simply put…the dress does not belong to me. It is not of my family or people. It was made specifically for CNO women and had nothing to do with the traditions of Cherokee East of the Mississippi. As mentioned before, if one chooses to wear the dress, one should know of its origin. It was not “worn” on the Trail of Tears and did not originate from that historical tragic event. Please read below the fact sheet written about the dress by the official Cherokee Master Craftsman of Traditional Clothing of the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma. Wendell Cochran, the author, did a great job explaining the origins of the dress, it’s updates and those involved in it’s making. I found the article very resourceful and informative. I hope you enjoy reading about the dress as well. Regards – Weeya Michelle Smith
Other Resources to Read:
Another resource is The People’s Path.
Cherokee by Blood – Scroll down to the women’s section to read more information about the Tear Dress.
