Navajo Beliefs

The beliefs of the Navajo people are rich in culture, spiritual matters, and certainly in history. To examine the Navajo beliefs is to look at some of the most fascinating components to the shared identity of this tribe to be found anywhere.

Information On Navajo Beliefs

There is so much information on Navajo beliefs and Dine tradition. Anyone who begins to research something as rich and compelling as Navajo beliefs is unquestionably going to come across at the following:

1. It is believed that the Dine people passed through three worlds before coming into this one. Our world is known as the Fourth World. Another name would be the Glittering World.

2. The belief structure of the Dine people claims there are 2 different classes of beings. There are Earth People and there are Holy People. It is believed that the Holy People can either assist or harm the Earth People.

3. The Earth People of the Dine are considered to be a crucial component to the universe. As such, it is believed that the Dine peoples are responsible for maintaining the fragile balance of harmony that exists in their relationship with the planet.

4. Through the teachings of the Holy People, the Dine have a deep understanding of how to live properly and conduct themselves over the course of all the things that make up their day-to-day lives.

5. Part of conducting themselves properly means understanding how to maintain a healthy relationship with Mother Earth, Father Sky, and elements such as mankind, the animals, the plants, and the insects.

6. Four sacred mountains were established by the Holy People in four different areas. Mount Blanca is in the east. Mount Taylor is in the south. San Francisco Peak is in the west. Mount Hesperus is in the north.

7. These four directions are meant to symbolize four different colors. White shell is for the east. Turquoise is for the south. Yellow abalone is for the west. Jet black is for the north.

8. The number four is extremely significant in Navajo beliefs. There are 4 directions, 4 seasons, the first 4 clans, as well as the 4 colors that are associated with the 4 sacred mountains. Many Navajo rituals utilize four songs. The number 4 is also a strong symbol in a number of areas.

9. A Navajo medicine man will use herbs, music, ritual, and much more to treat illnesses and other maladies.

10. Navajo beliefs include over fifty different ceremonies.

These are just some of the basic facts.