Native American culture and traditions are diverse and vary widely across the hundreds of tribes in the continental USA. There are ceremonies, traditions, blessings, and rituals for every aspect of life, including birth and infancy.
Navajo: First Laugh Ceremony
A Navajo infant’s first genuine laugh is a significant milestone in their life.
Most babies will experience their first genuine social smile by around 6-8 weeks of age, and small chuckles by around 3-4 months. Their first, full, out-loud laugh usually happens from approximately 4 months of age. This is considered a major event as, according to Navajo (Diné) tradition, babies are born belonging both to the spirit world from whence they came and the physical world into which they have entered.
The first few months of life are a very delicate time. The first laugh is considered to be an indication of the baby’s well-being and strength, and a clear sign that the baby has chosen to leave the spirit world and fully join his or her family and community in the physical world for the duration of this lifetime on Earth.
The person who makes the baby laugh for the first time is the one responsible for throwing the A’wee Chi’deedloh or First Laugh Ceremony. The baby technically plays the “host” role, while the person who elicited the laugh will hand out rock salt (which is sacred to the Diné), gifts, and candy on the baby’s behalf. The ceremony and feasting officially welcome the child into the family and the Navajo community, and reinforce the important Diné values of generosity, belonging, and joy.
Hopi Birthing Ceremony Ritual
Corn is a sacred plant to the Hopi, and they call the crop “Corn Mother”. The Sun is “Father”, and together the two oversee the birth of a baby.
Upon the birth of an infant, an ear of corn is placed by the baby’s side for the next 20 days. During this time, the baby is kept in darkness as it is still being protected by the sun father and the corn mother.
The female relatives of the birth father are responsible for caring for the mother and baby during this time. Cornmeal is painted in four lines on the walls and ceiling of the baby’s room for protection, and for the first 5 days after birth, the babe is scrubbed with cornmeal and washed in cedar water and then anointed in cedar ashes. The mother drinks the cedar water to honor her child. The baby is swaddled and placed on a cradle board.
On the 5th day, a cornmeal line is removed from the ceiling and each wall, and this is repeated every 5 days up to day 20. The cornmeal lines are preserved in a shrine that holds the umbilical cord. During this time, the extended family works in darkness in the abode. The corn mother (represented by the paternal grandmother) bathes the infant, adds cornmeal, and offers a prayer for a healthy, long lifetime. She then passes the ear of corn over the infant multiple times while naming him or her. The ritual is completed when the mother, holding the babe in her right hand and left arm, crosses out of darkness towards the rising sun on the eastern edge of the mesa and holds the babe up to introduce him or her to the father sun and a brand new day. The infant has finally passed through the birth process into their life on Earth.
The umbilicus and placenta are buried in a secret rock crevice, and the ceremony concludes with a communal meal and gift-giving. This ritual emphasizes community, family, and the infant’s connection to nature and the natural world.
Other Southwest Birth and Infancy Traditions…
· In a Zuni tradition to purify the infant, a sponsor breathes on a “wand” and points it towards the baby’s mouth as he or she receives their name for the first time. They (and other southwest tribes) also used a mixture of ground aster and yucca root/trunk soap to wash newborn babies; this also stimulates hair growth.
· The Navajo traditionally bury the umbilical stump – the umbilical cord being a physical representation of the three central relationships of a Diné child: mother, homeland, and Holy Spirits, with roots established long before birth.
· Birth is sacred to the Apache. The husband’s mother and sister traditionally attended and assisted, and the husband himself was sent out of the home. The women traditionally give birth squatting, and the mother could eat four small pieces of salted yucca leaves as a tonic to ease the delivery.
Are You Looking for a Native American-Inspired Birth Gift?
We have some beautiful gift ideas to welcome babies here at Indian Traders. From Native American blankets to Hopi silver jewelry and much more, there is something special for the new little one in your life here.
Just a few examples include:
· The Pendleton Tide School Crib Blanket
· Pendleton Shared Paths Blanket
· Zuni Inlay Butterfly Pin/Pendant
· Sterling Silver Horse Pin with Kingman Turquoise (Navajo)
· Sterling Silver Heartline Bear Pin-Pendant Combination
· Crimson Sun Diaper Bag/Multi-Purpose Bag by STS
· Zuni Spinner Pendant (Roadrunner/Quail)
We invite you to browse our range and get in touch with us if you have any questions.