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The Medicine Pouch
History and Traditions of the Medicine Pouch Many years prior to the white mans’ arrival and afterwards, various tribes of Indians that resided on the plains wore a small pouch around their necks containing ‘strong medicine'. It was used to ward off evil spirits that could bring disease, famine, drought, and other forms of misfortune, which could decimate their tribe. This pouch was about two (2) inches wide and from one to one and a half (1 to 1 ½) inches high. It was made out of leather, usually buffalo or deer; bound by rawhide. It was attached to a leather thong so it could be worn around the neck. The ‘strong medicine’ was a small item encased within the pouch which the medicine man had given special powers. The medicine pouch has always been used by Golden Sun Lodge members and is one of our oldest and most meaningful traditions. The pouch we have dates back to 1923, when the Order of the Golden Suns was founded. This pouch is one of the least understood items in the lodge. This article has been compiled to share with you the knowledge and traditions of the medicine pouch. The pouch started by the Scout/Scouter after they have gone through the Calling-Out ceremony. After the ceremony, each candidate receives a small piece of leather with craftstrip attached. During the night, while alone and on silence, they are instructed to find some small item to remind them of the ceremony they just passed through. This item is to be placed in the pouch formed by the leather and laced with the craftstrip. It is the tradition of our Lodge that only the person who has made the pouch should know what item is placed therein. During the morning after the ceremony, until the sun has risen to the point where ‘it casts no shadow’, the candidate is instructed to carve a small arrow, which when attached to the pouch will point over the right shoulder. This is to signify the Order the candidate is about to enter. During the Ordeal ceremony, the new member is presented one claw, signifying they are an Ordeal member in the lodge. When the Ordeal member has undertaken the Brotherhood ceremony, they receive a second claw. It is now understood by all that they are a member in good standing. The position of the claw(s) signifies the method of entry into the lodge. Any boy who goes through the ceremony wears the claw(s) turned out. Adults wear their claw(s) pointed inward. Note: In 2000 certain changes were made to the Tip Color Standards. The italicized material that follows is obsolete and is included for historical reference only. Certain members are entitled to wear claws which have the tips painted white. Those members so entitled are:
Once a member enters the Vigil Honor, they are entitled to wear a small totem signifying their Indian name. This totem is made out of metal and is suspended between the claws by a fine chain. In the past, members have remade their pouches out of such materials as mink, calf skin, fox, and several other exotic materials. This is all right so long as the original small item is encased within the new pouch. There are certain things that an Arrowman can do which are of such significance, that they have caused the lodge to award coup beads for them. Since the founding of the lodge only six types of coups have been authorized.
Coup beads are given in sets of two, one for each side of the lanyard. The military and national conference coups must be painted by the member. As you will notice, coup beads are not given for those small things expected from the members of the lodge – such as attendance at lodge events, participating in ceremonies, and other routine gatherings and functions. Obviously, our pouch means many things. Each and every part has some special significance. You are urged to wear your pouch as much as possible. It represents a truly great achievement on your part and it is an honor to wear. It should be noted, that some lodges do use claws on a lanyard. They mean about the same as our claws do. Only the Golden Sun Lodge #492 used the medicine pouch at the time of the 1958 National Conference. Our pouch drew much favorable comment at the event and is a unique item combining so much history and tradition. Members whose pouches are of correct size and conform to the traditions of the lodge will be given coup beads they have earned upon application to the Lodge Treasurer. Members whose pouches are not in keeping with the traditions of the Lodge should remake them so that the tradition of our Lodge is not violated. Compiled in 1958 by R. Bruce Abernethy – Lodge Secretary CHANGE TO THE EAGLE CLAWS TIP COLOR: Lodge Chief, Lodge Adviser and any youth of the lodge that is elected to a Section, Region or National OA Office will have gold tipped Eagle Claws. The Lodge Vice Chief, Secretary, Treasurer and the three Chapter Chiefs will have silver tipped Eagle Claws. All other members of the LEC, both youth and adult, will dip their claws in white. The dip claw color is permanent, white may become silver or gold and silver may become gold, (the dipped color will not be longer than an inch up the claw). COUP BEADS ADDED IN 2000:
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