The Indian peace pipe, also known as the sacred pipe, holds great significance for Native Americans. It is a powerful and sacred object that allows communication with the spirits and the ability to make one's needs known. The pipe consists of a bowl and a stem, typically made of stone and wood, respectively. While some may mistakenly believe that recreational drugs are smoked in the pipe, it is important to note that true followers of Native American spiritual traditions do not use the pipe for such purposes. The pipe is reserved for herbal preparations and prayers.
The Origin of the Pipe
According to Lakota legend, the pipe was brought to earth by White Buffalo Calf Woman, a spiritual figure, 19 generations ago. At that time, the seven tribes of the Lakota nation were gathered in council and facing starvation due to a lack of successful hunting. White Buffalo Calf Woman taught the people about living in harmony with nature, the sacred directions, and the proper way to make, handle, and care for the pipe. When the pipe was used correctly to pray for the buffalo to sacrifice itself for the people's sustenance, the buffalo returned, and the people were able to eat well.
Types of Pipes
There are two types of pipes: personal pipes and pipes carried on behalf of the people. A personal pipe can be owned by anyone and used for individual prayers, but it should not be shared. On the other hand, pipe carriers are individuals who carry a pipe on behalf of the community. They use the pipe to pray for the people, call in spirits for gatherings or ceremonies, and provide healing or teaching. In the Mi'kmaw tradition, pipe carriers are born to this role and cannot earn it through any means. It is a privilege bestowed upon them before their arrival on Earth.
The Symbolism of the Pipe
The pipe holds deep symbolism for Native Americans. The bowl represents the feminine aspect, while the stem represents the masculine aspect. When the pipe is joined, it symbolizes the union and balance between these two aspects of the world. Additionally, the stone bowl represents the spirits of inorganic things, and the wooden stem represents organic beings. While carvings or decorations may be added to the pipe, these core symbols are present in all pipes.
The Pipe Ceremony
The use of the personal pipe for praying involves a ceremonial process that helps create the right mindset for prayer. Before handling the pipe, it is important to smudge, a cleansing ritual using smoke from sacred herbs. When the pipe is removed from its container, it must also be smudged. As the pipe is handled, the left hand holds the bowl, and the right hand holds the stem.
During the loading of the pipe, which is done in four steps representing the four cardinal directions, a pinch of tobacco is offered to each direction. The spirits of the respective directions are addressed, asking them to hear the prayers. After placing tobacco into the pipe bowl for each direction, the pipe should be lit using a sacred fire or a natural source like a sweetgrass braid.
As the pipe is smoked, each direction is acknowledged with a puff, and the smoke is released deliberately. The rising smoke carries the prayers towards the sky. If desired, one can smudge themselves by guiding the smoke over their head with their free hand. Between each direction, the pipe stem is turned in a clockwise circle to honor the four cardinal directions.
Once the tobacco has been consumed, separating the pipe signifies the completion of the ceremony. The ashes should be disposed of thoughtfully, such as in a sacred fire or at the roots of a tree. The pipe should be carefully wrapped and put away, while offering thanks for the attention of the spirits and the prayers being heard.
In a pipe ceremony conducted by a Pipe Carrier, the pipe may be passed around. If participating, one accepts the pipe stem with the right hand and the bowl with the left. After taking a puff and releasing it as a prayer, the pipe stem is turned clockwise in a full circle before passing it to the next person stem first. If one does not wish to smoke the pipe or if the tobacco has been exhausted, they can simply touch their shoulders with the pipe stem and pass it along.
The Indian peace pipe, or sacred pipe, is a significant and powerful object in Native American culture. It is used for communication with spirits and making prayers known. The pipe is not used for recreational drugs but rather for smoking herbal preparations. Understanding the origin, types, symbolism, and proper ceremony surrounding the pipe helps to appreciate its cultural and spiritual importance.
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