The Lakota Legend
Of The
White Buffalo Calf Woman
Many years ago, possibly 2000 years before the White Man invaded North America, the White Buffalo Calf Woman came to visit the Siouan speaking nation of the Lakota. Before her arrival, the Lakota were in distress. There was widespread famine and starvation. The Sioux Nations fought amongst themselves, and were in danger of extinction.
The legend says that she first appeared to two Lakota men who were hunting for food. A figure appeared on the horizon, and as it came closer, looked like a white buffalo calf. As the hunters readied their bows, the figure was transformed into a beautiful woman. One of the braves made an improper advance toward the woman. When he touched her, his flesh melted from his bones.
The other man dropped to his knees before her in prayer. The woman explained to him who she was, the White Buffalo Calf Woman, and would come to visit his people, bringing with her a sacred bundle. She commanded him to return to his village and have the people prepare for her visit. The young man, returning to his village and in his excitement, was able to convince his people to do the necessary preparations. On the day of her visit, all the people gathered together and formed a circle, as she had instructed, with the elders in the center. From the heavens, an apparition of a white buffalo calf descended on a cloud. As it stepped onto the ground, it became The White Buffalo Calf Woman, carrying a sacred bundle, the Sacred Peace Pipe.
She spent four days among the people and taught them the meaning of the sacred bundle. She taught the elders how to use the Sacred Peace Pipe to avoid bloodshed, and how they should meet their enemies in council instead of battle. She taught the people the seven sacred ceremonies that are still widely practiced among the Siouan nations; purification, naming, healing, adoption, marriage, vision quest, and the sun dance. She taught them prayer and spiritual songs.
The White Buffalo Calf Woman taught the women many things. They were instructed in the proper storage and preparation of food. They learned how to prepare maize, which would become a staple of their diet. At that time, the Lakota were a totally male dominated society. Never-the-less, the women learned that as the bearer of life they are equal to the men, are the guardians of their own bodies and have a right to choose who they may wish to share themselves with.
Before she left them, she told the people that if they practiced what she had taught, the Lakota would become a great and prosperous nation. She promised to return one day for the sacred bundle, and if necessary, bring harmony and peace again to the world. As she walked away, she again became a buffalo calf, rolled over on the ground, each time changing color, the four colors of humanity; white, black, yellow and red. Just as she had come, she ascended into the sky on a white cloud.
After her visit, the Lakota did indeed become prosperous. The buffalo came in abundance, providing the people with the essentials of life; food, clothing, tools and shelter. The Sioux lived in peace and harmony with Mother Earth.
The sacred bundle is known as the White Buffalo Calf Pipe. It is kept in a sacred place (Green Grass) on the Cheyenne River Indian reservation in South Dakota, by a man known as the Keeper Of The White Buffalo Calf Pipe, Arvol Looking Horse.
When The White Buffalo Calf Woman promised to return again, she made some prophecies at that time. One of those prophesies was that the birth of a white buffalo calf would be a sign that it would be near the time when she would return again to purify the world by returning spiritual harmony and balance. On August 20, 1994, on the Heider farm in Jonesville, Wisconsin, a white buffalo calf named Miracle was born.
On April 30, 1997, another white buffalo calf, Miracle Moon , was born in Colony, Wyoming.
Many people believe that the birth of these calves symbolizes the beginning of the coming together of humanity, into a oneness of heart, mind, and spirit.
Along with these calves was born a new tenet of hope.
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Graphics used to make applets are from Frank D Miller paintings
and used here by permission of Frank D. Miller Fine Arts.
