by Ernest Thompson Seton
The symbol of the Woodcraft League is a white shield with blue horns [See below].
The banner is the Horned Shield on a flame-colored background with buckskin fringe.
The badge of the Big Lodge has in addition a blue teepee with a white doorway on it.
That of the Coup is a black and white eagle feather embroidered in wash silk or made of celluloid.
That of the Grand Coup is the same with a red or yellow tuft or a bead on the end.
That of the Sagamore has a crown with five points,
Those of the Grand Sagamore, Eagle Sagamore, Sachem, Grand Sachem, Eagle Sachem and Sachem Ipawa are made in the same way as the Sagamore badge with the addition of tufts, etc.
The badges for degrees are squares (with a design in black) on the Zuni coil.
The robe badge for degree is the Zuni Coil of a larger size in the center of which is the emblem of the degree.
That of the Guide has a trail on it.
That of the Shaman has on it the four our mountains of attainment.
That of the Ranger has the trail and a horseshoe.
The honor band is described in Honor Band.
The Meaning of the Badges
The badge of the Woodcraft League is an ancient Indian totem composed of a pair of horns attached to a shield; the horns meaning "attack" and the shield "defense"; the idea symbolized being, "trained and ready." This is used by all in the League, whether boy or girl, man or woman.
The blue on the badge is to remind us of "Blue Sky," which is our watchword. For under the blue sky, in the sunlight, we seek to live our lives; and our thoughts are of "Blue Sky," for that means "cheer"; and when there are clouds, we know that the blue sky is ever behind them, and will come again. The flame background is to remind us that the Council Fire is the focus of all our thought. It is the flame of the Spirit.
The blue teepee reminds us that the teepee, the only movable dwelling, that permits of any open fire inside, was the abode of the first Woodcrafters of this country. It always faced the east with the sunrise that symbolizes the ever renewed promise of the day. The fire within it was the symbol of the Great Spirit and the smoke was the established emblem of prayer, ascending from the mystery of the Fire below to be lost in the mystery of the far above. The two green tassels are the badges of inexperience; and when by achievements the Woodcrafter is entitled to have them removed, the meaning of the symbolism is as evident as it is happy.
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