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229-869-0462
Jerry Laney ~ Owner
jerry.laney@mindspring.com

~ Tipi Etiquette ~

In Lakota 'ti' means 'to dwell' and 'pi' means 'used for'
A tipi is a home, and like any home, certain Rules
constitute good manners.

*   If the door is open, a friend may enter the tipi directly.  But if it is closed, he should announce his presence and wait for the owner to invite him to come in.

*   A male enters to the right and waits for the host to invite him to sit to the left of the owner at the rear.  A woman enters after the man and goes to the left.

*   Be hospitable.

*   Always assume your guest is tired, cold, and hungry.

*   Always give your guest the place of honor in the lodge and at the feast, and serve him in reasonable ways.

*   An invited guest is expected to bring their own bowls and spoons.

*   Never sit while your guest stands.

*   Women never sit cross-legged like men.  They can sit on their heels or with their legs to one side.

*   If your guest refuses certain foods, say nothing.  He may be under vow.

*   Protect your guest as one of the family.  Feed his horse and beat your dogs if they harm his dogs.

*   Do not trouble your guest with many questions about himself.  He will tell you what he wants you to know.

*   In another man's lodge, follow his customs - not your own.

*   Never worry your host with your troubles.

*   Always repay calls of courtesy.  Do not delay.

*   Give your host a little gift upon leaving.  Little presents are little courtesies and never offend.

*   Say "Thank You" for every gift, however small.

*   Compliment, even if you strain the facts to do so.

*   Never walk between persons talking.

*   Never interrupt persons talking.

*   Let not the young speak among those much older, unless asked.

*   Always give your place to your seniors in entering or leaving the lodge, or anywhere.

*   Never sit while your seniors stand.

*   Never force your conversation on anyone.

*   Speak softly, especially before your elders, or in the presence of strangers.

*   Never come between anyone and the fire.

*   Do not touch live coals with a steel knife or any sharp steel.

*   Do not stare at strangers.  Drop your eyes if they stare hard at you, above all, for women.

*   The women of the lodge are the keepers of the fire, but the men should help with the heavier sticks.

*   Be kind.

*   Show respect to all men, but grovel to none.

*   Let silence be your motto, until duty bids you to speak.

*   Thank the Great Spirit for each meal.

*   When the host cleans his pipe everyone should leave.

Author Unknown