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The Native American Pipe Ceremony Then and Now
The Native American Pipe Ceremony is the heart of the spiritual and cultural life of the native people of North America, particularly the Sioux or Lakota, the Northeast Indians, and Plains Indians. The ritual ceremony connects people spiritually and physically; therefore, it was considered to be sacred (Waabanong Centre, 2012). The sacred communicated to human beings through smoke from the sacrament that was burnt during the sacred pipe, which was revered as holy. The ascending of smoke, the narcotic effects, and the inherent symbolism are perceived to be a confirmation that the communication has reached the recipient. The pipe is decorated in a way that resembled the indigenous universe, particularly its colors, parts, and design.
During collective rituals, the pipe was smoked to individual prayer that began by acknowledging six directions: south, east, west, north, skyward, and earthward. The smoke offering was presented to the almighty on behalf of the entire community. This was done through complex pipe dancing by the native tribes. There is nothing sacred as the pipe serves as a link between earth and the sky (Waabanong Centre, 2012). In physical form, the pipe acts as prayer, and the smoke act as words that goes outside, touching everything. Life is represented by the sun, which was the same as the fire burning in the pipe. Tobacco is used to connect the two worlds because the plant roots are deep down the earth, and when it is smoked, the smokes rises and goes to the heavens.
These native people used different types of pipes, with each having distinct functions. There were personal pipes, pipes for families, and pipes for big ceremonies. Various symbols attracted spiritual energies, and the location of a given tribe determined the kind of stone used. Similarly, the tobacco using during this traditional ceremony depended on the customs of the tribe. There are essential similarities despite having specific differences; the bond between the spiritual kingdoms and earthly is unbreakable because of the relationship of the energies of the universe and the creator.
The pipe ceremonies tend to have the same agenda: to thank the six energies. Through nature, the participants try to imitate what the creator made and see him through his creations. Through the track record of the Native American people, it has worked well. Old Indians had an unblemished track record because they were honest and ethical people. They were kept alive by the pilgrims who were humanistic and taken as black slaves.
The piper ceremony is presided by an elder named the Eagle man who was responsible for breeching West power. The Eagle man started the pipe tradition by meditating about the spirit world and the rains that sustain life among the people. The eagle man prayed to the gods to provide the excellent qualities needed to walk down a good path in life, such as strength, honesty, truthfulness, and endurance. Participants got knowledge by looking at east power where the sun rose and provided knowledge. The natives believed that they could cause harm to themselves and others when they lack knowledge. Medicine, growth, and bounty were brought to the partakers by the fourth energy, the south power (Waabanong Centre, 2012). The eagle man proceeded to acknowledge the earth spirit. When making this prayer, the elder holds the sacred pipe facing up the sky since the mother earth depends on the sun to provide energy. After the line is held straight up, the eagle man chants the following words, Oh great spirit, I thank you for the six powers of energy (Waabanong Centre, 2012). This statement is intended to entreat the earth spirit for blessings.
The pipe ceremony remains relevant and widely practiced among the native people of North America today. The tradition plays an essential role in preparing and strengthening the morals of the locals. Furthermore, the practice of reflecting on the spirit world gives meaning to life in these communities. Moreover, the pipe ceremony serves as a form of preparation for overcoming struggles and challenges faced in life. Lastly, the tradition is still practiced in other settings such as healthcare facilities, nursing homes, rehabilitation and correctional centers, high education institutions, protest gatherings, and political meetings. The wide application of this tradition is attributed to its cultural and spiritual grounding.
Reference
Waabanong Centre. (2012). Pipe ceremony. YouTube. Web.
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