The Sioux culture the most common ceremony is the pipe ceremony. All important occasions are proceeded by the pipe ceremony. All healing ceremonies are conducted under the power of the pipe. As a Holy Man said, “the individuals greatest responsibility in life is to pray continually for the welfare of the people”. The Sioux Holy Man prays with the pipe that his people may live long, have children and grandchildren who love them, that their lives will be full and productive. He asks the spirit of the Creator to come to the people. The Eagle symbolizes the spirit of the Creator coming in. The skull is his altar with a braid of sweet grass on it as an offering to the spirits. His medicine shield hangs on the tree. The people accepting the spirit of the creator live happy healthy lives. | 
