Totem Pole Celebration

"Grown men can learn from very little children for the hearts of the little children are pure. Therefore, the Great Spirit may show to them many things which older people miss."
~ Black Elk

Today I spent time with my family at a Totem Pole Dedication & Celebration. An event which included a free lunch, a fun inflatable playground for the kids, and entertainment by Native American dancers. It was an enjoyable way to spend the early afternoon with my family.

Totem Poles are symbolic. What is the symbolism of these polls?

• The Watchman - They are placed on a totem to guard and watch for trouble. The rings on his conical hat are symbols of inner wealth.
• The Coyote - A crest of the Raven, known for its stealth and cunning on the hunt, it's an honor to have coyote as a protector.
• The Eagles Nest - An eagles crest with two eaglets standing on the rim of a nest. Often used to depict a persons "oneness or closeness" with their children.
• The Frog - One legend says when earth was born sun was in the bottom of the sea. The world was dark. Thunderbird wanted to bring sun into the sky, but could not hold his breath to the bottom of the sea. Frog with his long arms brought sun to the surface so Thunderbird could bring sun into the sky, so there would be light all over the world.
• The Raccoon Holding Fish - Raccoon is equally at home in rural or forested areas. With a dark mask, he is unperturbed. He is here holding onto fish.

• The Wolf - The wolf spirit is the crest of the Raven clan. Known for its stealth and cunning on the hunt, it's an honor to have Wolf as a protector on this pole.
• The Haida Eagle - They claimed their Eagle was the most powerful and useful because it could fly higher than any other bird and could detect an enemy at great distance. Here in Eagle's chest sits the Columbine, Colorado's state flower.
• The Thunderbird - The Kwakiutl Tribe said its Thunderbird was so powerful that when it flapped its wings, there would be thunder all over the world. When it blinked its eyes there would be lightning and it had claws so powerful it could lift an attacking enemy off its feet.
• The Beaver - This industrious animal was famous for his energy and craftsmanship. Beaver is readily identified by two large incisor teeth and round nostrils. He is here holding a stick showing he will always be building and improving.

• The Owl - This great bird is placed on this totem to grant wisdom.
• The Turtles - In the beginning there was only water. These magical turtles dove to the bottom of the sea and dug a very large hole. They then crawled into the hole and raised up a very large piece to the surface, thus giving the people a place on earth.
• The Fox - His ability to hunt and hide was an inspiration to every tribe.
• The Bear - A Raven crest, he was so strong he could destroy another tribe, so powerful, he could turn into a warrior and do battle.

Symbolism of the totem courtesy of City of Westminster