Ceremonies - Opening

Around The Campfire

Tradition amongst the Indians produced distinct craft styles in each tribe. In the early days, climate, available materials, and the events of daily life, such as hunting and planting corn, influenced everything the Indians did.

Each decorative element in Indian art has a specific meaning. Color and design express a complete idea: the joy of life, living in peace, communion with the Great Spirit and his children. Each color, too, has special significance:

(Cubmaster or Akela will add colored powder to fire as he/she tells the story)

(Use colored powdered point or paper)

- White means clear water, also day.

- Black means growth and life cycle from birth to death: a black and white feather means completeness.

- Red stands for morning or evening, it can also mean good health.

- Blue is for the sky; it also means power and durability.

- Yellow symbolizes a sunny day, and the moon.

- Orange means the return of calm after a storm, and making peace with a friend or enemy.

- Grey is for gloom and fatigue.

The directions of the compass are also represented by colors:

- red-north

- white-south

- yellow-east

- black- west

A circle represents everlasting life as well as goodness. As we sit before our campfire circle, let us take time to give thanks to our native Americans for helping us to understand the world around us and for giving us such a rich heritage.