(as opposed to the true ceremonial pipes of the various Native American tribes.) The Native American custom of sharing a pipe with another is a sign of trust, quite similar to the European concept of sharing a meal with family, friends, and guests. Traditionally, sharing the pipe of sacred tobacco was a symbol of friendship, later dubbed as a "peace pipe" by the European visitors.
This display of community between the meeting of two diverse cultures was an act of welcome and kindness, quite the contrary to the prevalence of the tragic clash, more commonly experienced when European and native cultures collided. This ritual was a true act of peace...
Thank you for visiting! ~ Cynthia.
