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The Enemy Way ceremony involves song, sandpainting, dance, and the powerful mythical figure Monster Slayer. [10] The ceremony lasts for several days and includes the enacting of a battle. [11] Associated with the Enemy Way is a Girl's Dance, to which young men are invited by marriageable young women. [12]
Two corn plants, green in color, are located in the bottom and represent the sustainability of life of the Navajo. The tips of the two corn plants are decorated with pollen, which is often used in ceremonies. In the center, between the mountains, sheep, horse and cow are located, all of which symbolize the Navajo lifestock industry. [1] [2]
Navajo sandpainting is a component for healing ceremonies, but sandpaintings can be made into permanent art that is acceptable to sell to non-Natives as long as Holy People are not portrayed. [114] Various tribes prohibit photography of many sacred ceremonies, as used to be the case in many Western cultures.
Men and women are seen as contemporary equals as both males and females are needed to reproduce. Although women may carry a bigger burden, fertility is so highly valued that males are expected to provide economic resources (known as bridewealth). Corn is a symbol of fertility in Navajo culture as they eat white corn in the wedding ceremonies.
Similar to other Indigenous cultures, Navajo girls participate in a rite of passage ceremony that is a celebration of the transformation into womanhood. This event is marked with new experiences and roles within the community. Described as Kinaaldá, the ritual takes place over four days, during the individual's first or second menstrual period.
Coyote (Navajo: mąʼii) is an irresponsible and trouble-making character who is nevertheless one of the most important and revered characters in Navajo mythology. [1] Even though Tó Neinilii is the Navajo god of rain, Coyote also has powers over rain. [1] Coyote’s ceremonial name is Áłtsé hashké which means "first scolder". [1]
The only sacrament involving Him is the Nightway (or Yeibichai), a nine-day midwinter healing ceremony. [5] On the ninth and final day of the ritual, a man arrives in the guise of the Black God. It is not uncommon for Black God to be portrayed by an old man dressed in traditional garb including: fox skin, black body paint, and the Black God mask.
Navajo Hatááłii are traditional medicine men who are called upon to perform healing ceremonies. Each medicine man begins training as an apprentice to an older practicing singer. During apprenticeship, the apprentice assembles medicine bundles (jish) required to perform ceremonies and assist the teacher until deemed ready for independent ...