THE PLAINS FIRST NATIONS :
PIPES
Pipes were carried in decorated bags called pipe bundles. A bundle contained tobacco to be used in the pipe. Tobacco was considered to be a sacred and powerful plant. It was believed that when someone needed help from the spirit world they offered tobacco and their prayers were heard. The smoke carried the prayers up to the spirits and the Creator. Smoke was blown in the four directions and up to the sky and then to the earth. It was also believed that if one smudged with the smoke the Spirit would protect them.
Pipes were used in religious ceremonies. The medicine pipe was powerful and smoking it was a very sacred ceremony. Two other types of pipes were the peace pipe and the war pipe. The carrier of the peace pipe was allowed safe passage through enemy territory. The war pipe had red feathers which stood for blood. It was passed around and smoked before a battle was to take place.
J.Giannetta
jgiannet@hotmail.com