Birch story

Anishinaabe myth says the vertical brown markings that can be seen here inside the birch box, were made by strikes of lightning during a storm.

In some Anishinaabe communities, birch bark was said to be a sacred gift from a culture hero named Wenabozho. Wenabozho is a virtuous hero and a dedicated friend and teacher of humanity. Though he may behave in mischievous, foolish, and humorous ways in the course of his teaching, Wenabozho is a respectful hero and viewed with great affection by many Anishinaabe people. In the story of the birch tree, one day during a lightning storm, Wenabozho took shelter underneath this tree. It protected him and from that day onward Wenabozho promised the birch tree that its bark would protect whatever it held. This gives an interesting insight into why birch bark is used in important Anishinaabe traditions.