“The squeaky wheel gets the grease” is a good way to convey why we see so much war and division in our news yet hear so little about the many quiet miracles of peace and unity that are happening all over the world. White Buffalo Day is a fine example of a widely unknown miracle as it celebrates the legacy and teachings of a 19-generations-old prophecy of The Lakota, Dakota, and Nakota People (collectively known as The Sioux). Today we are witnessing an emerging global culture made up of contributions from many people across the planet all sharing their unique teachings and gifts for healing in a time when it is needed most. The White Buffalo Story and the tradition that comes with it is central to the narrative.
The legend, which is also considered a prophecy, says that a sacred woman long ago came bearing great gifts for the people. She taught them the way of The Peace Pipe and songs to heal the broken hoop of nations. The bowl of The Peace Pipe is made from red pipestone (representing the blood of the people) and symbolizes the feminine principle. The long stem is made of wood and symbolizes the masculine principle. When both pieces are put together, the pipe represents the creative power of masculine and feminine combined in mutual respect and balance.
The Pipe Ceremony, used for treaties, councils, and honoring relations is said to come from the teachings of this woman known as White Buffalo Calf Woman. After sharing these gifts, she warned that hard times would come and it was the peoples responsibility to keep her teachings of peace. She also promised to one day return in the form of a White Buffalo thus signifying a great time of healing for the broken hoop of nations.
19 generations later, on August 20 of 1994, a white buffalo was born in Janesville, Wisconsin and was named Miracle. The birth coincided with the previously planned (yet unrelated) Sacred Medicine Gathering and Pipe Ceremony in New Orleans’ Congo Square as well as The World Unity Festival in the mountains of Northern Arizona.
Drumming Around The World was inspired by The Harmonic Convergence of 1987, and had been organized in 38 countries and 42 American States as the culmination of the week-long Unity Festival near Flagstaff, Arizona. Organizers in New Orleans and Arizona were completely unaware of each others events and didn’t learn that a White Buffalo had been born until many weeks later in September.
As various people learned of the synchronicities that had occurred along with the birth of Miracle, The White Buffalo, they began to develop a network and community to make sure the teachings of peace and unity would continue. The City of New Orleans officially declared White Buffalo Day as August 27, and the celebrations to honor this wisdom have continued every year since. Gatherings, ceremonies, and drumming happen on this day in New Orleans as well as in local communities around the world to celebrate this message of peace and unity. This year marks the 20th anniversary of White Buffalo Day.
“All life is Sacred. We come into life as sacred beings. When we abuse the Sacredness of life we affect all Creation” -White Buffalo Proclamation 2014
This is an open invitation for you to join in the inspiration and responsibility to create unity, to bring peace, and foster healing between all nations. Host a potluck gathering, or visit a sacred site in your area. Bring drums and dance under the stars or sit quietly, meditate and pray for peace, unity, and healing on August 27. You can see Chief Arvol Looking-Horse sharing some of these stories in his own words here. Visit White Buffalo Day website to learn more, see city proclamations, and share in the beauty of this sacred teaching.
Perhaps we can make a loud enough peace that the world will hear it and join in the celebration!