White Buffalo Calf Woman
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White Buffalo Calf Woman (Lakȟótiyapi: Ptesáŋwiŋ) is a sacred woman of supernatural origin, central to the Lakota religion as the primary cultural prophet. Oral traditions relate that she brought the "Seven Sacred Rites" to the Lakota people.
Buffalo are considered sacred to many of the Plains nations, who often consider them linked to creation, medicine and bringers of sacred messages from the ancestors.[1]
Story
The traditional story is that, long ago, there was a time of famine. The chief of the Lakota sent out two scouts to hunt for food. While the young men travelled they saw a figure in the distance and as they approached, they saw that it was a beautiful young Indian woman in white buck skin. She had dark hair, skin and eyes. One of the men was filled with lust for the woman. He approached her, telling his companion he would attempt to claim her as a wife. His companion warned him that she appeared to be a sacred woman, and to do anything sacrilegious would be dangerous and disrespectful. The man ignored the other's advice.
The second man watched as the first approached and embraced the woman, during which time a white cloud enveloped the pair. When the cloud disappeared, only the mysterious woman and a pile of bones remained. The bones were the remains of the man. The remaining man was frightened, and began to draw his bow, but the holy woman beckoned him forward, telling him that no harm would come to him as she could see into his heart and he did not have the motives the first man had. As the woman spoke Lakota, the young man decided she was one of his people, and came forward.
At this time, the woman explained that she was wakȟáŋ (holy, having spiritual and supernatural powers). She further explained that if he did as she instructed, his people would rise again. The scout promised to do what she instructed, and was told to return to his encampment, call the Council and prepare a feast for her arrival. She taught the Lakota seven sacred ceremonies and gave them the čhaŋnúŋpa, the sacred ceremonial pipe. After teaching the people and giving them her gifts, Ptesáŋwiŋ left them, promising that one day she would return.
See also
References
- ^ Schilling, Vincent (2014-10-28). "Our Brothers and Sisters: 5 Sacred Animals and What They Mean in Native Cultures". Indian Country Today Media Network.com. Retrieved 2016-02-27.
Sources
- Walker, James R.: Lakota Belief and Ritual (University of Nebraska Press, 1980, ISBN 0-8032-2551-2 ; Bison Books, 1991 ISBN 0-8032-9731-9)
- Powers, William K.: Ogalala Religion (University of Nebraska Press, 1975,1977; ISBN 0-8032-8706-2)
- Pickering, Robert B. : "Seeing the White Buffalo". (Denver Museum of Natural History & Johnson Books), 1997; ISBN 1-55566-181-5 & 1-55566-182-3.