In time of drought, turning to Native traditions to plead for rain

Participants dance in a circle during a rain dance in San Juan Bautista on a recent Sunday. The group meets every Sunday until the worst of the California drought ends. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

March 6, 2014 12 AM PT

In a weekly rain dance at Mission San Juan Bautista, Native Americans encourage everyone to join in a ceremony to break open the heavens and bring forth water.

Participants dance in a circle during a rain dance in San Juan Bautista on a recent Sunday. In an attempt to end the drought, Buddhists hosted a dance in the Angeles National Forest. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

A participant prays in a circle during a rain dance in San Juan Bautista on a recent Sunday. One recent dance drew about 75 people. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

Laynee Reyna spits water during a rain dance in San Juan Bautista on a recent Sunday. ¿Water attracts water,¿ she said. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

California

In time of drought, turning to Native traditions to plead for rain

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