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August is the month of Tala’paamuya, marking the start of the summer social dances for the Hopi; the Snake Dance being one of them. This particular dance is a part of the Snake-Antelope Ceremony to celebrate the beautiful summer season…
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Like minstrel shows of the early 19th century, which were an unfolding of outlandish entertainment, satire, and comic slapstick used to shatter taboos and also reinforce stereotypes, the practice of Hopi clowning, known as “Tsukulalwa,” often accomplished the same. Clowning…
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Hopi legend has it that a wise farmer once said to his people, “This is not about growing vegetables; it is about growing kids.” The Hopi are known for their sacred agricultural customs which honor the lives of newborns. The…
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Although the eagle is often associated with the United States in general, it is more frequently associated with Native American culture. Eagles are the focus of many Native American legends and play a large role in many spiritually-based ceremonies among…
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Although most of us consider January the first month of the year, according to Hopi customs it is actually the month of November that represents the start of a new cycle. The Hopi calendar is divided into two seasons –…
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