we have a special reverent name--"Tunkan," a contraction of the
Sioux word for Grandfather.

The natural boulder enters into many of our solemn
ceremonials, such as the "Rain Dance," and the "Feast of
Virgins." The lone hunter and warrior reverently holds up his
filled pipe to "Tunkan," in solitary commemoration of a miracle
which to him is as authentic and holy as the raising of Lazarus to
the devout Christian.

There is a legend that the First Man fell sick, and was taught
by his Elder Brother the ceremonial use of the pipe, in a prayer to
the spirits for ease and relief. This simple ceremony is the
commonest daily expression of thanks or "grace," as well as an oath
of loyalty and good faith when the warrior goes forth upon some
perilous enterprise, and it enters even into his "hambeday,"
or solitary prayer, ascending as a rising vapor or incense to the
Father of Spirits.

In all the war ceremonies and in medicine a special pipe is
used, but at home or on the hunt the warrior employs his own. The
pulverized weed is mixed with aromatic bark of the red willow, and
pressed lightly into the bowl of the long stone pipe. The
worshiper lights it gravely and takes a whiff or two; then,
standing erect, he holds it silently toward the Sun, our father,
and toward the earth, our mother. There are modern variations, as
holding the pipe to the Four Winds, the Fire, Water, Rock,
and other elements or objects of reverence.

There are many religious festivals which are local and special