Navajo Symbols and Meanings
1. Bird
Indicative of inner peace and tranquility, the bird represents calm and contentment. When the Navajo bird is present, anxiety dwindles, making way for quietude and wise passivity.
2. Horse
One of the oldest Navajo symbols is the horse. When the Navajo settled in North America, they traveled on horseback. With that said, a horse is symbolic of family as well as the ease with which the Navajo could now travel for hunting and migration.
3. Deer Tracks
Deer tracks symbolize an abundance of food. If wild game is plentiful, the Navajo use deer tracks to denote an increase in their food supply.
4. Humans
A human is one of the more straightforward Navajo symbols. Simply put, the Navajo use human symbols to illustrate the essence of life.
5. Lightning
Lightning is a representation of speed and agility. It’s also associated with forbidden practices. For instance, if you use firewood that’s been burned by lightning, misfortune might ensue.
6. Thunderbird
When a thunderbird is displayed, an outpouring of happiness awaits. In other words, when blessings are bountiful, the thunderbird makes an appearance. The thunderbird can also stand for serenity.
7. Sun
In the Navajo culture, sunshine is synonymous with good cheer. The sun symbol embodies universal harmony. At its core, this symbol exemplifies high spirits and good fortune.
8. Water
According to the Navajo, water is closely related to life. More specifically, it epitomizes the ever-changing ways of our existence. Without water, there is no balance, so when this symbol is used, someone is looking to recalibrate their life.
9. Kokopelli
Kokopelli presides over childbirth and agriculture. Often depicted as a flute player, Kokopelli has an affinity for tricks. This god is also affiliated with music.
10. Bear
The Navajo believe that bears personify strength. When you see this symbol, it either means you need to build your resilience, accept your past, or acknowledge your ability to overcome.
Preserving Native American symbolism and traditions is crucial for keeping the rich tapestry of Navajo culture alive. Each symbol tells a unique story and embodies the profound values and beliefs of the Navajo people. We invite you to explore Navajo symbolism through authentic pieces at Kachina House. Offering necklaces, earrings, pottery, kachina dolls, pendants, and artifacts, these items provide a tangible connection to Navajo heritage, supporting the continuation of these meaningful traditions.
My question is, why is the reptile, for instance snake a bad omen? When first white person saw snake, it spoke as a temtation and white picked and ate apple, and so sin existed! The battle of free will! Free will was given to white and all not bound by chains; doors open and we choose the path of beauty, if it is taught by the Mother! Chains have enslaved humans in their own dreams and waking hours! Some white from European tibes avoid the chains and worse death, by moving, by wearing 2 hats in a kingdom that will not be enslaved! The passifist minds their own business, doing what they need to survive! Life is beautiful, all Creator, God’s and prophets believe all is equal and a long comes temptation to deliver evil! The animal kingdom has shown me the greatness, the fury and the beauty as taught by my Mother and Ancestors of long ago! The only thing to add is; perseverance & preservation for all on this beautiful sphere we all call home! Many blessings for all who read this message and to the man who built my flute to sing with our great Mother for all to hear! Gratitude to you and your Tribe, blessings of hope and equal beings for there is another world on the other end of current events! Trust it will be kinder,ore compassionate and without judgements! Stay well to all, cc
One has to look further and longer ago than the popular condensed stories of the day that ended up being the bible. The reptile, in the bible and in some indigenous cultures is bad because it comes from the dark underground. In other cultures it is revered because it comes from Mother Earth. It does not have anything to do with free will or races. You have so many things mixed in your message that to sift through it to get to the core is challenging. It seems you are hoping Mother Earth and all of nature will guide us all. The issue might be that many of us have to wear many hats to live in a contemporary society all while trying to do the right things for the blue marble we call call home. All we can really do is the best we can every day to open our hearts and our minds. Stay away from those with too much negativity. Blessings to you and yours and may the songs from your flute bless all who hear.
THANK YOU!