The Sacred Circle: Understanding the Potawatomi Ring of Fire
At Blingle, our mission goes beyond lighting homes — it’s about lighting meaningfully. And there is perhaps no better example than our current project at Heritage Park in Olathe, Kansas, where we are helping illuminate the Fire Keepers Circle — a powerful public art installation commemorating the Potawatomi Trail of Death.
But to truly understand the impact of this space, we must first understand the deep cultural symbolism of the Ring of Fire — especially to the Potawatomi people.
What Is the Ring of Fire?
For the Potawatomi, the Ring of Fire is not just a shape or a flame — it’s a sacred space.
The fire represents:
- Life
- Spirit
- Continuity
- And the presence of the Creator
This sacred fire is typically surrounded by a circle — a design that symbolizes the interconnectedness of all living things. The rising smoke is considered a prayer, sent upward to the Creator. The fire is tended with care and reverence during ceremonies, storytelling, healing rituals, and seasonal gatherings.
A Legacy as Keepers of the Fire
Among the Three Fires Confederacy — an alliance of the Ojibwe, Odawa, and Potawatomi — the Potawatomi were known as the Keepers of the Fire.
This sacred responsibility wasn’t just symbolic. The Potawatomi literally kept the council fire burning during intertribal ceremonies and gatherings. It signified their role as spiritual stewards and protectors of cultural tradition.
Remembering the Trail of Death
The Fire Keepers Circle installation pays tribute to the Potawatomi’s forced removal in 1838 — a devastating 660-mile march known as the Trail of Death, during which more than 40 people, mostly children, died. The sculpture’s design, lighting, and circular structure speak to both the tragedy and the resilience of those who survived.
Lighting this space was about more than visibility — it was about honoring memory and creating a gathering space for reflection.
Lighting With Purpose
The Ring of Fire continues to serve today — not just as a sacred flame, but as a symbol of:
- Unity
- Endurance
- Spiritual Connection
And now, through installations like Fire Keepers Circle, illumination of stories that must not be forgotten
As modern lighting professionals, we are humbled to play a small part in preserving and highlighting this legacy — one space, one light, one story at a time.
Come see the Fire Keepers Circle
- Heritage Park (16050 Pflumm Rd, Olathe, KS – park at the marina)
- Ribbon Cutting: Saturday, July 19 • 11:30 AM
- Remarks & performance at 11:45 AM