medicine bag

medicine bag

A healer carries a beaded medicine bag into the forest.

Definition
  1. Noun:
    • A small bag or pouch: A "medicine bag" is a small container, often made of leather or cloth, traditionally used by Indigenous peoples of North America to hold sacred or medicinal objects, such as herbs, stones, or personal talismans. It is believed to have spiritual or healing powers.
    • A kit for carrying remedies: In a broader sense, a "medicine bag" can also refer to a bag or case used to carry medical supplies, first-aid items, or traditional remedies.
Usage Examples
  • Noun:
    • The shaman carried a medicine bag filled with dried herbs and crystals for healing ceremonies. (A pouch used by a spiritual healer.)
    • She packed a small medicine bag with bandages and antiseptic cream for the hiking trip. (A kit for first-aid supplies.)
Advanced Usage

  • "to carry a medicine bag": to possess or use a pouch for spiritual or medicinal purposes.

    • In many Native American traditions, a warrior would carry a medicine bag for protection. (The pouch was used as a protective charm.)

  • "to open one's medicine bag": to reveal or use the contents of the pouch, often in a ritual or healing context.

    • The elder opened his medicine bag and placed a small stone on the patient's chest. (He used the bag's contents for a spiritual practice.)
Variants and Related Words

  • Medicine bundle (n): a larger collection of sacred objects wrapped together, similar to a medicine bag but often more comprehensive.

    • The tribe kept a medicine bundle that was passed down through generations. (A sacred collection of items.)

  • Medicine pouch (n): another term for a medicine bag, often used interchangeably.

    • He wore a medicine pouch around his neck for luck. (A small bag worn as an amulet.)
Synonyms
  • Pouch: a small bag or container.
  • Talisman bag: a bag used to hold objects believed to have magical or protective properties.
  • First-aid kit: a case for medical supplies (in the secular sense).
Related Idioms

  • "to have a medicine bag": to possess spiritual or protective items.

    • The old woman was said to have a medicine bag that could cure any illness. (She owned a pouch with healing powers.)

  • "to open the medicine bag": to reveal secrets or begin a healing process.

    • He opened his medicine bag and began the ritual. (He started the spiritual ceremony.)