Here's why:
* Sacred Purpose: Sand paintings are considered sacred and are used in healing ceremonies. They are believed to embody the power of the gods and spirits.
* Temporary Nature: Sand paintings are created specifically for a ceremony and are meant to be temporary. After the ceremony, the sand is carefully gathered and dispersed, often into a stream or river, as a way to return the power to the earth.
* Respect for the Spirits: Destroying the sand painting would be seen as disrespecting the spirits invoked in the ceremony.
So, while sand paintings are temporary, they are not destroyed. They are carefully disassembled and dispersed back into the earth with reverence.