The Navajo believe in two classes of people. There are Holy People and Earth People. Before arriving to this world, it is believed that each person passes through three other worlds. Our existence would be the fourth world, which is sometimes called the Glittering World.

According to tradition, the first world, which is the Dark World, is where humanity first came into existence.

The 4 Sacred Mountains in Navajo Belief

The Holy People instructed the Earth People to view the 4 sacred mountains in their area as the boundaries of their homeland and that they should never leave that area. The Mountains are Hesperus Mountain, Mount Taylor the San Francisco Peaks, and Blanca Peak in the Four Corners region of the United States.

There is great importance placed on these four peaks. In the original structure of the Navajo Nation, there were four clans. There were four colors and four times of day. There were also four primary songs sung during rituals.

All of this came about after the Navajo Spirits recognized that true death had come into existence. This occurred after the Holy People were forced out of the second and third worlds to enter this fourth world.

Similarities to Other Belief Systems

The story of the Navajo Spirit is similar to that of other creation stories found in world religions. It is in the first world where light and darkness are separated, and humanity begins to exist. In the second world, the Blue World, showed signs of life. In the Third World, which was south of the Blue World, the four sacred mountains were found.

Then, because of a great flood, all were forced to find another world in which to live, which is the Glittering World, our world, named as such because of the stars, sun, moon, and the creation of the seasons.

From a timeline and content perspective, this is very similar to what is found in the major holy books of the world. What is remarkable about this fact is that the Navajo Nation were separate from the other cultures which developed these books, yet each story is very similar.

While it is true that these Navajo superstitions do not hold quite as much power as they once did, they are nonetheless elements to Navajo beliefs that are still taken very seriously.

Navajo Superstitions And Taboos

A complete list of Navajo taboos and superstitions would make for an extremely long list indeed. There are superstitions that cover nature, animals, and other elements held in high esteem in Navajo culture. However, some of the more interesting thoughts within Navajo taboos includes:

• Do not point at a rainbow with your finger, or the rainbow will cut it off. In general, pointing at anything or anyone with the forefinger is considered to be taboo. It is seen as an aggressive action.
• Throwing rocks at a whirlwind is considered to be extremely taboo. It is believed that doing so will cause the wind to not only toss the rock back at you, but begin chasing you, as well.
• Another one of the famous Navajo superstitions that involves the wind concerns calling the whirlwind a name. Doing so will cause evil spirits to begin to give chase.
• Standing on a high rock is something that is also seen as a superstition in Navajo culture. This action will cause the rock to grow into the sky with the person.
• Looking at moving clouds can cause someone in the Navajo tribes to grow into the sky with the rock.
• If a Navajo happens to catch a glimpse of a shooting star, they are expected to blow on it. If they do not do this, they will have troubles and rotten luck for an unknown amount of time.
• If lightning appears, it is not considered to be a good idea to stand up. Sitting down will cause the lightning to eventually go away.
• The owl, the mouse, the crow, and the coyote are seen throughout Navajo superstitions as creatures that will be friendly towards the Navajo people. As a whole, most creatures are not considered to be friendly.

Navajo Drums

Located in the Four Corners region of the Southwestern U.S., as well as the Navajo Nation territory, the Navajo continue to this day to place a great deal of importance on the value of music. This value is considered to be far-reaching and profound. Beyond the value of the Navajo drum in so many different aspects of Navajo music, one of the most interesting components to Navajo music is its versatility. There are certainly a wide variety of traditional songs, many of which use such instruments as drums and drumsticks. However, there is also contemporary Navajo music, which covers such genres as rap, rock, and even country. Many examples of contemporary Navajo music still seek to bridge the gap between modern musical stylings, and the more traditional aspects of their people’s music. Contemporary Navajo music is performed in both English and the native language.

When it comes to the role of the drum in traditional Navajo music, it is important to remember the role of musical instruments in traditional Navajo music as a whole. That is to say that because traditional Navajo music always emphasizes vocals, the physical instruments, which includes the drum, is designed to accompany. Within traditional Navajo music, there are essentially two different camps. There are sacred songs that are only used for important ceremonies. Then there are songs that cover all other aspects of daily life. You can find the Navajo drum in many of these songs.

It is also worth noting that the water drum is keenly associated with the peyote songs that are found within the Navajo Nation. Peyote songs came to the northern portion of the Navajo Nation in the late 1930s. Water drums are typically made of both wood and clay. They can be found in the musical stylings of many different tribes throughout the United States. While this isn’t necessarily what people think of with Navajos and drums, it’s worth mentioning nonetheless.

Navajo Ghost Beads

The most straightforward definition of Navajo ghost beads is that they are meant to symbolize the connection between humanity and nature. They are not beads in terms of what most people consider beads to be. They are actually dry juniper berries. Once these berries have been properly dried out, they are strung together in order to create the Navajo ghost bead necklace. Wearing these necklaces is supposed to grant an individual peace, protection, and similar pieces of good fortune.

Someone who is wearing a necklace made from Navajo ghost beads will have the ability to keep evil spirits away, prevent negative energy from overwhelming the wearer, and even safeguard the individual from nightmares. The juniper berry has been a staple of the Navajo diet for hundreds of years. The berries themselves are also used in natural remedies against such ailments as diabetes.

The juniper berry is an important component in traditional Navajo spiritual beliefs. Early Navajo culture was very firmly rooted in matters concerning an ongoing relationship with the spirit world. A number of rituals and other practices were held that were meant to keep evilness and other dark elements at bay. Wearing a Navajo ghost bead necklace made from juniper berries was just one of the ways in which the Navajo people accomplished this. Juniper berries make up the Navajo ghost bead necklace, but that was not the only way in which juniper berries were used in these spiritual rituals. Dried juniper ashes were also applied to the skin before making any trips into the darkness of the night. Spreading juniper ashes around the bed was also believed to provide an additional level of protection from evil spirits, bad dreams, and other undesirables.

Navajo ghost beads are still widely available to this day. These necklaces represent a powerful element of Navajo spiritual beliefs. At the same time, they offer a small but profound piece of history from the Navajo people. These necklaces speak volumes of culture, spiritual beliefs and history, which is a lot coming from something as unassuming as a necklace.

Foundation and Values

The Navajo are people very geared toward family life, things as well as events that surround their lifestyle. There are Many games and traditions that have emerged from their love of the land and their attachment to it. Long winter nights and the seclusion of the reservation has brought about most of the customs and activities used by the People to entertain and amuse themselves as well as teach about their way of life.

Use of Phrases and Proverbs

Within these games and stories told, a great deal of now famous quotes has been brought forth. The long story, like quotations are not necessary because they have found a way to put so much meaning into so few words. For instance, the saying “Be still and the earth will speak to you” , say more than the original phrase. There is a lot of meaning packed into so few words. It has been pointed out that the Navajo enjoyed watching nature play its role. Sometimes it is not always necessary for you to chase nature to find out what is in store for you. There are times that natures takes its course and bring to you what is needed.

Furthermore there is a saying that is just the opposite. “Coyote is always out there waiting, and Coyote is always hungry.” In a sense this is telling you that sometimes it is necessary to get out there and DO. Everything does not come to you, but be thankful for what does. After observing the coyote for some time they were able to see that the coyote is always waiting to be fed which rarely happens. So they have learned from this animal and know that you have to work for what you want.

Though the two quotes above are fairly different from one another, they teach a strong lesson. You must know when to use a certain technique to obtaining the things you need. Sometimes it is wise to let nature talk. Sometimes it is wise to go out there and do for yourself. Both techniques are proven both helpful and useful.

One beautiful day, when she was out on the land, gathering food and exploring at the same time, Navajo Spider Woman came upon a young and small tree which was just starting to grow. With her right hand, she touched it and wrapped her fingers around 1 one its branches. Then, when her right hand was released, there’s a string attached to its branch and it was flowing out from the center of her palm. At first, she wasn’t quite sure about it. Hence, the string stayed attached to her hand even if she shook it already. She kept wrapping it on the branch, thinking it would detach. However, she realized there was only small space left on the branch of the tree.

After realizing it, she ran the bunch of strings to another branch and then realized, she is creating a pattern. She started manipulating and maneuvering these strings into different shapes. At that moment, she realized that her weaving was the one instructed to her by the holy ones. By then, using her left hand, she broke off the strings immediately and began thinking how she would use it. The rest of her day was entailed on wrapping and weaving numerous different shapes and patterns on other branches of the small tree.

For the long time, Navajo Spider Woman began weaving on their home and many people learned her new skills. Today, Navajo men are indeed the successful key makers of weaving tools and looms. With each tool created, a prayer and a song were offered and made to Spider Man, each time he creates tools and it truly gives a unique life and a sense of purpose for every person living in the place.

How Navajo Cradleboards Are Made

The cradleboards are made from various kinds of materials such as pine or cottonwood for back support. The back board signifies Mother Earth or Nahasdzaan, while the left board signifies Father Sky or Ya dilhil. The two boards are laced as one with buckskin, the upper end of the board is engrave to form a V-shape. Close to this V-shape are two tine holes which signify Ears or Jeeyi’.
There is an oak that thinly cut so as to twist into a bow and is linked close to the top. This signifies rainbow or Naatsi iilid, and gives security for the kid’s head. There are loops made of buckskins attach in the sides of the board that represent Lighting or Atsiniltl’ish. On the right part of the board is long buckskin that is utilized in order to tie these loops and lace the infant. This signifies Sun Beam or shabitl ool.

There is a wood situated at the base of the board that serve as a foot rest that signify small rainbow or Naats iilid.

Using a Cradleboard

The infant is positioned on a mantle in the cradle board. The arms are put down at the sides, and then the mantle is folded warmly around the infant. Then the buckskin tie is drawn in the side loop, criss-crossing the whole body of the infant, fastening it safely into the cradle board. A cloth of buckskin can then be place on the top to secure the infant from UV rays and from insects as well.

Infants love the safety provided by this carrier. Frequently, a fussy infant can be comforted easily through putting the baby in this carrier. This carrier has the additional advantage of keeping the infant safe while parent is doing her household chores. This can be place against a tree or wall. When accidentally fall over, your baby’s head will keep safe because of bowed head piece. The snug mantle will secure his or her body as well. It could be carried. It could be laid even.

Belief Behind Navajo Cradleboards

There is a belief that when a kid spends lots of time in this carrier, his or her body will develop straight as well as tall. Once a kid tied into this carrier, there is a perception that he or she is “under the rainbow.”

Once the baby outgrows the protective carrier is keep back and when another angel is born the carrier can be utilized again. On the other hand after using the cradle boar is disassembled and is cleaned using yucca. The cloths are also cleaned and dried under the sun, when dried red pollen or chii is added and given a prayer in order to avoid baby from having a nightmares. Up until now, cradle board is still common in Navajo as baby carriers.

The Four Sacred Mountains

The boundaries of Navajo nation are marked by 4 sacred mountains: Blanca Mountain in the East, San Francisco in the west and Mount Taylor in the south and Hesperus in the north.

Blanca Mountain or Tsisnaasjini
White Shell or Dawn Mountain is the holy peak located in the east. This is situated in the eastern parts of Colorado.
Blanca peaks are perhaps the trickiest of the holy mountain to summit. This is quite high and isolated. This is considered the highest sacred peak among the four.

Mt. Taylor/ Tsoodzil
Turquoise or Blue Bead Mountain, this is the holy peak of the south. This is in the northern of Grant, New Mexico.
Mt. Taylor is the simplest of the holy mountains to summit. This mountain is located in the rural part which gets slight visitation. Even if this mountain is picturesque, it is barely challenging.

San Francisco Mountain or the Doko’ oosliid
Popularly known as Abalone Shell Mountain, this is the Holy Peak of the West and situated at the northern part of Flagstaff, Arizona.

Being a state highest face and a get away from heat of the summer for a lot of Arizonans, this sacred mountain is the most visited peak among the four. This mountain easily sees a lot of people compared to other peaks yearly.

Hesperus Peak or Dibe Nirsaa
Obsidian and Big Mountain Sheep, is the holy peak located in the north part of the La Plata ranges of mountains, San Juan’s Sub-Range found in the northern portion of Mancos, Colorado.

This might be the most fascinating sacred peak among the four. Hesperus has a remarkable look and easy to climb as well. Finding way might be a bit tricky most significant with the rock over the saddle. You will rarely see people climbing this mountain because of the terrain. This scared peak is an incredibly loose mass of rock and you might feel that you obtained peak above other sacred peaks of Navajo. This is the most renowned sacred mountain of Navajo.

There is an ongoing argument if what is the highest mountain between Hesperus and the nearby Lavender Mountain. If Lavender is the highest mountain then Hesperus Peak is not the tallest summit the range of La Plata Mountains. This doesn’t seem to affect the significant of the sacred mountain to Navajo due to the fact that Hesperus Peak is the local holy mountain for its famous and high flying outward show, if not it’s outright fame.

This four scared mountain plays a significant role in each and every Navajo residents. As it keeps the balance of the nation and help them to have a better life and keep the safe from harm.

The acquisition of Churro sheep started the realization of Navajo Indian people to do farming and pasturing animals to become their source of food and clothing. This sheep’s are of medium sized which are included in the list of domesticated animals. It has been the oldest breed of animal in the North American Farm. Churro Sheep has double coat that consist of the undercoat and the overcoat of longer hair. The undercoat of this sheep is thee soft wool that is being processed for clothing and home accessories. Sheep’s has been an ideal animal during that time because there is an abundance of grass and other plants that serves as their food.

Origination of Churro Sheeps

Since this sheep’s came from Spain they can be seen in different colors such as black, white, brown, grey, two toned, or piebald. Among the colors being mentioned black or white were the most common to Churro Sheeps. The scientific name for this animal is “Ovis Aries”and they were able to live for about 10 to 12 years of existence.

Since they belong to the family of domesticated animals a strong flocking instinct is to be observed. They find it easy to adapt in their environment and aside from that they are very resistant to diseases that makes them ideal to any type of season. They have been an excellent provider of wool because of their adaptability to environment, weather conditions and seasons which are being observed through there calm disposition. The wool from the Churro Sheep is very ideal for processing because it does not need to much water for washing nor the time to be spent for carding. The pasturing of this sheep has helped not only to provide food for the early Indian people but also to give them another way of making their own livelihood from the soft wool from the Churro Sheep. The fibers are of good quality and very glossy.

The presence of Churro Sheep culture in Navajo has made the place be recognized by the American Sheep Industry. For over 300 years of managing this flocks the place has improved their lifestyle and their chances of earning for a living has been made higher because of the quality of the wool being produce to other people in other near countries during the early times. The wool itself easily absorbs the tints that make it very easy to be processed at a cheaper cost unlike those wool materials that requires a longer processing.

The removal of wool of the Churro is being done twice a year. The colors of the wool are natural that makes it the most expensive among any other type of wool that is being processed and sold in the market. It is not only the wool that is really amazing on the Churro Sheep but the taste of its meat. When the time that Navajo was being relocated it led to total eradication of Churro sheep and all other things.

Totem Poles of Navajo Totem Poles

Totem poles are part of the culture and tradition of the Navajo tribe. Navajo totem poles are monumental structures that usually seen in the different parts of United States of America. Totem poles have significant meaning for Navajo tribe members. The Navajo totem poles are usually poles carved, made and painted by Native American people including the native tribe of Navajo. The native totem poles of Navajo is a figure of plant, animals or objects that are usually scared to a certain family clan and family of Navajo native tribe. For Navajo people, totem poles served as their guardians and protectors against harmful risks. Navajo tribe members believe that totem poles are sacred and serve as an effective guardian spirits that will protect the entire clan and the community of Navajo. Navajo members also believe that totem poles with animal figures are sacred and taboo totem poles is a symbol to kill. Navajo totem poles may also symbolize the characteristic of certain people or even to memorialize dead people. Navajo totem poles manifest the rich culture, tradition and beliefs of Navajo tribe members.

Importance of Navajo Totem Poles

Anything that symbolizes the rich culture, tradition and beliefs of the people deserve to be protected against total devastation as possible. Protecting important old relics of the old tradition of certain old native tribe can empower the people to trace back the history. Navajo Totem poles are part of the history that must be under the process preservation so that the next generation can able to see the culture and tradition of the people. Navajo totem poles manifest that the Navajo tribe indeed plays vital role in the culture of Native Americans. Navajo totem poles reflect that rich culture and tradition of the old people. It manifest that the old people have beliefs, culture and tradition.

Navajo totem poles are important for the Navajo tribe members and community because totem poles symbolize deeper meaning about their lives and their tradition. Totem poles are important factors that helped the Navajo tribe members and community to protect their culture, tradition and beliefs. Totem poles are monumental structures that represent the participation of Navajo tribe member to today’s life of many American people.