Proper OA Sash Wear

The Order of the Arrow sash is a very important symbol to each member. Respect should be used in wearing it. Listed below is the proper usage of the sash.

1. The sash can only be worn at official Order of the Arrow functions such as:
        Fall, Winter, and Spring Conclaves
        Work weekends
        Lodge and Chapter meetings
        Special OA activities or assignments
    It is NOT to be worn at:
        Troop meetings
        Troop Court of Honors
        Camping activities
        Council & District activities
        Eagle Courts of Honor

2. The sash is not to be folded and draped over a belt.

3. The Lodge pocket flap is used to indicate membership in the Order of the Arrow. This is to be worn on the right pocket flap of the uniform shirt.

4. Sashes may not be altered in any way or form. Nothing is to be worn on the sash including signatures, patches of any kind, pins or legends. Beading or other material is not permitted on the sash.

5. Only currently registered members of the Boy Scouts of America and the Order may wear the insignia of the Order of the Arrow.

Ladies Apparel or Attire
By Kathy Shane

For all you female OA members out there who don’t have your Indian attire yet, you should get busy! Our callouts will be here before we know it, then Spring Conclave. While we are not to be part of the ceremonies, we can still help set the example and get our attire done and wear it. If you have it ready now, be sure you bring it for the Section and Fall Conclaves.

If you don’t have your apparel yet because you don’t know where to begin, here’s some help: Check the internet. Find out what is appropriate for our area. The tribes that lived here were the Central Plains Indians which make up many tribes. There are several types of apparel that are appropriate – trade cloth dresses, buckskin dresses, shawl dance dress, jingle dresses – what you have to watch out for is how they are constructed, because different tribes used different methods and patterns, colors, beadwork, etc. Some also wear tool belts, breast plates, shells, and pouches. To be proper, you want to be sure to check your references. Another reference is the website: www.writtenheritage.com which has many reference books and magazines you can order. Whispering Wind magazine is also another good resource.

I would also highly recommend that anyone interested in seeing different attire and wanting to experience a real Indian Wacipi, go to the Annual Mahkato Wacipi Honoring the 38 Dakota at the Land of Memories Park in Mankato the third weekend of September. They will have many booths set up with items to sell, plus they will have three Grand Entries (two on Saturday and one Sunday) where you will see many ladies and in beautiful dresses, and men and boys in their fancy attire, too.