THE ATTAINMENT OF THE SHIELD
Entering the Big Lodge
When a young man in the days of Chivalry reached the years of discretion, his admission to the High Order of Knighthood was solemnized with many ceremonies. He fasted, prayed, took vows of clean living; he consecrated his powers to the service of his country and of his God. Then he received the sword, the spear, and the shield. On the latter was blazoned the fame of his family and the watchwords of their noblest aspirations.
Among the Plains Indians, very similar ceremonies took place. As soon as the young brave had demonstrated his manhood in his war-party, or other great undertaking, he was formally initiated into the lodge of Warriors. He was no longer a child, but judged fit to sit among the men of the Big Lodge. Before being installed he made careful preparations. He had, by fasting and vigil, to establish the domination of his spirit over his body. Then in the presence of the Council, he was invested with his shield, decorated with the symbols of his attainment, as well as his aspirations. Henceforth, through life, that shield was his most sacred possession.
Thus, through all the ages, the conferring of the shield has symbolized the attainment of manhood, the evidence that henceforth the bearer is to be numbered among those that accept the responsibility of strength and experience.
In the Woodcraft League, there is retained as much as can be of the sacred ceremony of the Redmen on this occasion. In the Litte Lodge, the Woodcrafter wears an honor band, but no shield. When he is turned 12 years of age, he is judged to be worthy of a place in the Big Lodge.
In preparation for this, he takes the Sweat Lodge, if there be one in camp; or failing that, a hot and purifying bath. Then he puts on clean clothes. He is now led to the place of vigil which is secluded and remote from the crowd, preferably in the woods, where he must sit alone and silent, watching a small fire, a vigil fire. While there he must not eat, or sleep, or talk, or read, or have anyone visit him. The Indian did it at least all night. We ask that the candidate do it not less than three hours, in the dawn, or at dusk, or night, but not when the sun is high. If it be impossible to ..text pokračuje
