The birth of a white buffalo is far more than a rare genetic occurrence; it resonates deeply within the spiritual and cultural tapestry of many Native American tribes, particularly the Lakota. Understanding the underlying significance requires delving into ancient prophecies, the harrowing history of the buffalo, and the complex interplay between faith, hope, and environmental stewardship. The White Buffalo, a symbol of hope.
The White Buffalo Calf Woman Prophecy
Central to understanding the significance of a White Buffalo is the prophecy of the White Buffalo Calf Woman, a divine messenger who, according to Lakota oral tradition, appeared to the people approximately 2,000 years ago. Known as Ptesan-Wi in the Lakota language, she brought essential teachings and sacred rites to guide their lives.
The White Buffalo Calf Woman’s arrival was marked by her wakan (holy) presence, seemingly floating above the ground. She imparted knowledge of how to sustainably utilize the buffalo, a creature that provided sustenance, shelter, and tools for survival. More importantly, she gifted the Lakota seven sacred rites, intended to be woven into their daily lives and passed down through generations. These rites, akin to the Ten Commandments in Christian belief, formed the foundation of Lakota spiritual practice.
Upon her departure, the White Buffalo Calf Woman performed a symbolic act, transforming into different colored buffalo as she walked towards the setting sun. First, she became a black buffalo, then brown, followed by red, and finally, a white female buffalo calf before vanishing entirely. This transformation is deeply symbolic, representing a cycle of change and renewal.
Just as Christians await the second coming of Jesus, the Lakota anticipate the return of the White Buffalo Calf Woman. However, her return is not envisioned as a rapture, but rather as a restoration of harmony to the Earth, contingent upon humanity’s preparedness. She prophesied that her return would be heralded by the birth of four unusual white buffalo calves. These sacred buffalo would, during their lifetimes, cycle through the colors of the medicine wheel – red, yellow, black, and white – representing the races of humankind.
Some interpretations suggest that the buffalo would transition through these colors in reverse order from the way the White Buffalo Calf Woman departed, tracing her path back to the spiritual realm. Crucially, the prophecy also warned of other white buffalo births that would not complete the color change cycle. These were seen as precursors, distinguishing them from the truly sacred buffalo.
The prophecy culminates with the return of all four sacred white buffalo, marking a critical crossroads for humanity. If the right path is chosen, a period of peace and renewal will ensue, with Mother Earth healing herself and humanity living in harmony with nature. However, if the signs are ignored and the wrong choices are made, the Earth faces destruction, with no hope of restoration. The White Buffalo prophecy brings a great warning.
Albino or White Buffalo: Distinguishing the Sacred from the Natural
The birth of any white buffalo naturally raises the question: is it a sign of the prophecy, or simply a rare genetic occurrence? Albino and non-albino white buffalo do occur naturally, but their rarity makes them all the more intriguing.
True albinos possess distinct characteristics: pink eyes and a near-total absence of pigment in their skin and hair. This condition stems from a malformed melanin gene, essentially a birth defect. Melanin enzymes are responsible for producing the pigments that give color to skin, hair, and eyes. In albinos, these enzymes are either malfunctioning, present in reduced numbers, lacking certain pigment shades, or entirely absent.
The lack of pigment in albino eyes often leads to significant vision impairment, even blindness. Their skin is also highly susceptible to dehydration and sun damage. Furthermore, albinism can weaken hearing and the immune system, significantly reducing the chances of survival, especially in the wild. The stark white coat also makes them highly visible to predators.
The genetics of non-albino white buffalo are different. To produce a non-albino white calf, both parents must carry the recessive gene for that trait, even if they don’t exhibit it themselves. This recessive gene isn’t a malformation but rather a different combination of brown and red enzymes.
The distinction between albino and non-albino White Buffalo is critical in the context of the prophecy. According to the legend, the sacred buffalo are not merely born white but must undergo a transformative color change, mirroring the colors of the sacred medicine wheel.
The Near Extinction and Resurgence of the Buffalo
The story of the white buffalo is intertwined with the tragic history of the American bison itself. In the early 1800s, an estimated 60 to 80 million buffalo roamed the plains. The odds of a white or albino calf being born were estimated at one in ten million.
However, by 1830, the bison population had dwindled to approximately 40 million. The decline accelerated dramatically after 1865 with the onset of government-sanctioned mass slaughters. By the end of the 19th century, only 1,100 buffalo remained.
A small remnant herd took refuge in Yellowstone National Park’s remote Pelican Valley, ensuring the species’ survival. In 1894, the National Park Protective Act offered protection to buffalo and other wildlife within national parks. At that time, only 23 genetically pure wild buffalo remained. The recessive gene for the white coat was feared to have been lost during this catastrophic decline.
The American bison, having thrived for 100 million years, was driven to the brink of extinction in a mere 70 years. This devastation deeply impacted Native American cultures, who relied on the buffalo for their way of life.
Recorded Births of White Buffalo: A Sign of the Times?
Despite the odds, at least nineteen white bison have been born in the last 75 years, sparking renewed interest in the White Buffalo Calf Woman prophecy.
The first recorded white buffalo of the modern era was born in May 1933 on the National Bison Range in Montana. Named "Big Medicine," this white bull calf with ice-blue eyes became a popular tourist attraction. Unlike albinos, he didn’t suffer from vision problems and eventually became a major herd bull.
Four years later, "Little Medicine," a full albino calf, was born to Big Medicine and his mother. Little Medicine was blind and was sent to the National Zoo in Washington, D.C., where he lived until his death in 1949. Big Medicine lived until 1959, attracting thousands of visitors each year.
From 1939 to 1958, six white calves were born to the Big Delta herd in Alaska, but none survived for more than a few weeks. More white calves were born to this herd in the 1960s and 1970s, but they also failed to thrive.
The birth of a white buffalo calf named "Miracle" on August 20, 1994, on a Wisconsin farm, ignited a spiritual awakening. The Associated Press picked up the story, and Native American communities responded with prayers and gifts. Thousands of people visited the Heider farm to see Miracle, who was considered a symbol of rebirth.
Miracle reportedly changed color several times, aligning with the prophecy’s representation of the world’s people. She died of natural causes in 2004 at the age of 10. Two other white buffalo calves were born on the Heider farm, one of whom was killed by lightning.
Other notable white buffalo births include Medicine Wheel, born on the Pine Ridge Reservation in 1996, and several white buffalo born on the Spirit Mountain Ranch in Arizona. Ma-hi-ya-sqa ("White Cloud"), an albino white buffalo, resides at the National Buffalo Museum in North Dakota.
These births, along with others, have fueled debate and interpretation regarding the White Buffalo Calf Woman prophecy.
Interpretations and Perspectives
Arvol Looking Horse, the 19th generation Keeper of the Sacred Pipe, stated in 1998 that all four white buffalo calves had been born and that humanity faced a choice between disaster and harmony. He also identified Comet Hale-Bopp as another sign of the prophecy’s fulfillment.
However, not all interpretations agree. Some believe that only two of the four sacred white buffalo calves have been born, emphasizing the importance of the color changes as a validation of their sacred status.
Ultimately, the significance of the birth of a White Buffalo is deeply personal and varies depending on individual beliefs and cultural understanding. It serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of all living things, the importance of respecting the Earth, and the potential for both destruction and renewal. The White Buffalo stands as a reminder.
The birth of a White Buffalo is more than a biological anomaly; it is a powerful symbol carrying the weight of prophecy, history, and hope. Whether viewed as a literal sign or a metaphorical call to action, the White Buffalo serves as a potent reminder of the choices that shape our future and the enduring power of faith.