06/11/2025
The Gift of Sweetgrass (Wîhkaskwa)
Long ago, when the world was still young, the Creator looked down upon the land and saw the people living in harmony. But as time passed, worry, anger, and sadness began to grow among them. Some forgot to give thanks. Others began to speak harshly or turn away from one another.
The Creator saw this and became saddened. So, the Creator called upon the Spirits of the Earth to help restore peace among the people.
One of those spirits — a gentle, healing spirit — asked,
“Creator, what can I give them that will help them remember the beauty of life and the kindness they were made from?”
The Creator said,
“You will go to Earth and take root in the softest soils. Your body will be green and your scent will be sweet. Whoever picks you with respect will feel your calm spirit and remember the goodness within them.”
That spirit became Wîhkaskwa — Sweetgrass.
When the people first found her, they noticed her soft blades shimmered like sunlight and carried a scent that brought peace to the heart. The Elders taught that Sweetgrass is the hair of Mother Earth, and when it is braided, it reminds us of the strength that comes from unity — mind, body, and spirit woven together.
Wîhkaskwa was used to purify spaces, invite kind spirits, and carry prayers up with her smoke. Wherever Sweetgrass grows, the land is considered blessed, and the people are reminded to walk gently upon it.
From that day, the people understood that Sweetgrass was a sacred gift — a reminder of kindness, peace, and connection to all living things. 🌿✨
Teaching:
Sweetgrass teaches us that gentleness is not weakness — it is strength guided by kindness. When we speak and act with a sweet mind, we honour the spirit of Wîhkaskwa and the Creator’s gift of harmony.