Honoring White Buffalo Calf Woman
Honoring the sacred being who, in Lakota tradition, brought the Sacred Pipe and its teachings.
There is no single fixed date for honoring White Buffalo Calf Woman. Lakota communities honor her through the seven sacred rites and the Sacred Pipe throughout the year, and special ceremonies are held when communities call them, such as at the birth of a white buffalo calf.
When Is Honoring White Buffalo Calf Woman?
There is no single fixed date for honoring White Buffalo Calf Woman. Lakota communities honor her through the seven sacred rites and the Sacred Pipe throughout the year, and special ceremonies are held when communities call them, such as at the birth of a white buffalo calf.
Because the Gregorian date changes from year to year, check a calendar published by the tradition or your local community for this year's date.
Why It Matters
White Buffalo Calf Woman (Ptesan Wi) is a sacred figure in Lakota tradition who, according to Lakota oral tradition, brought the people the Chanunpa (Sacred Pipe) long ago, together with the teachings associated with the seven sacred rites. She is honored through these ceremonies rather than on a fixed annual date.
How It Is Observed
Pipe ceremonies, teachings about the seven sacred rites, honoring of sacred pipes and bundles, prayers of gratitude, reflection on Lakota sacred law.
Sacred Text
“With this sacred pipe you will walk upon the Earth; for the Earth is your Grandmother and Mother, and She is sacred.”
, The Sacred Pipe (Black Elk, recorded by Joseph Epes Brown, 1953) ↗