Reflections of the Great Lakes, part 14: Zhingibis and the Spirit of the North Wind
- zhaawano
- Jan 5, 2022
- 3 min read
Updated: Apr 8
Manidoo-giizis (Spirit Moon), January 5, 2022
Storytelling ring set Biboon Zaaga'iganiing (Winter on the Lake). The rings serve as teaching tools and not available for purchase.
Aaniin! Biindigen miinawaa nindaadizooke wigamigong; enji-zaagi'iding miinawaa gikendaasong. Ninga-aadizooke noongom giizhigad! (Hello! Welcome again to my Storytelling Lodge, a place of love and knowledge. Today, we shall share a sacred story!)
Today's tale is the fourteenth installment in the series titled "Reflections of the Great Lakes."
This is a collection of stories accompanied by jewelry images and artwork illustrations created by myself and fellow artists. The stories are aadizookaanan (traditional sacred stories) of our People, the Ojibwe Anishinaabeg of Gaa-zaaga'eganikaag, the land of many lakes—the Great Lakes area of Turtle Island (North America). The narratives feature a variety of allegorical themes, often infused with a personal touch.
IMAGES AND STORIES OF BIBOON
The stark black-and-white hues of these white gold and sterling silver storytelling rings, along with their minimalist design and the stylized, oxidized outlines of the sun and lake waves, evoke images and tales of BIBOON, the winter spirit who annually locks the northern lakes and rivers in his icy embrace. Though winter brings cold, disease, and scarcity, it also symbolizes inner warmth and virtues such as resourcefulness, self-reflection, and mutual protection.
The waterfowl motifs on the back of the wedding rings, mirrored images of each other, are stylized depictions of Zhingibis the grebe, a cherished figure in many aadizookaanan (sacred stories) told by Ojibwe grandparents to their grandchildren during the long winter months. This aadizookaan, known to non-Natives as “The Legend of Shingebis and the Wintermaker,” is a metaphorical story about a brave and resourceful grebe (those diving birds that plunge swiftly and make the amusing "WUP-PUP-PUP-PUP-pup-pup-pup-caow-caow-caow-caow” sound), who courageously faces the wrath of Giiwedin, the Spirit of the Northwind.
THE SACRED STORY OF THE RINGS
The sacred story of the rings reflects the annual battle between two great forces in nature: Ziigwan, the spirit of Spring, and Biboon, the spirit of Winter.
The gete-ogichidaa (old warrior) Biboon, who would prefer to maintain the lakes and rivers of the Northwoods under his icy control all year with his freezing breath, is locked in an ongoing battle with the oshki-inini (young man) named Ziigwan, whom he particularly despises. Ziigwan is the complete opposite of the fierce old warrior; he has a kind and gentle disposition, residing in the land of zhaawani-noondin (the South Wind), a place of constant warmth, flowers, and bird songs. Consequently, each year around Onaabani-giizis (Snowcrust Moon), Biboon and Ziigwan challenge each other's strength for control over Gaa-zaaga'iganikaag, the land of Many Lakes.
"Long ago, Zhingibis resided in a wiigiwaam (lodge) by a lake and carried on with his daily activities during biboon, the winter months. Giiwedin, the Northwest Wind, observed that the little bird was unaffected by his cold breath. This angered him, and he tried everything to overcome Zhingibis. The clever little grebe invited the North Wind into his wiigiwaam (lodge); as he sat by the fire in the cozy lodge, he attempted to freeze the flames, but Zhingibis would stir them, making the lodge very warm. Gradually weakened by the heat, the North Wind, whose body was composed of ice, melted slowly but surely; eventually, he turned and departed. He – albeit unwillingly – acknowledged his defeat and commended the strength of Zhingibis, the steadfast little grebe who could neither be frozen nor starved. Meanwhile, Zhingibis did not consider the North Wind as his adversary, but merely another creature incapable of harming him..."
The lesson of the story – follow Zhingibis's example and you will remain warm and well-fed during the cold season – serves as a metaphor illustrating mental resilience and the virtue of perseverance and strength. In the context of these rings, it signifies that couples should always care for and protect each other (“keep each other warm”) and maintain focus so they can face challenges and adversities together, ultimately walking with dignity and clarity.
Such is the sacred story of these white gold and silver storytelling rings.
Ahaaw sa. Mii sa ekoozid nindaadizookaan, na? Well, that is the end of the today's teaching. Or is it?
Today’s aadizookaan would not be a good story if there weren’t a ginebig (snake) lurking in the grass! Haw sa, there’s always a twist! The thing is, the story is far from over. In fact it has only just begun…to continue reading, visit Zhingibis and the Return of the Heart Berry.
Onjida gibizindaw noongom. Thank you for listening to me. Giga-waabamin wayiiba giishpin manidoo inendang, I will see you again soon, if the Great Mystery wills it. Mino bimaadizin! Live well!
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