What are Navajo chants?
Navajo Holyway chants are two, five, or nine nights in length (a “night” being counted from one sunset to the next). They consist of component ceremonies strung together in a specified order. Many chants include a bath, a sandpainting ritual, a sweat and emetic ceremony, and an all-‐night sing on the last night.
Why is the Navajo night chant important and who sings it?
Like the Navajo Mountain Chant, the Night Chant is basically a healing ritual, designed both to cure people who are sick and to restore the order and balance of human relationships within the Navajo universe. The chant itself is performed without variation and has a hypnotic effect on the listeners.
What does shaman mean in Native American culture?
A shaman is a religious or mystical expert (male or female) who, in traditional Aboriginal societies, functions as a healer, prophet and custodian of cultural tradition.
What was the Navajo tribe music like?
As with the music in other American Indian tribes, traditional Navajo music always includes singing or chanting. Accompanying instruments, depending on the song genre, may include drums, various kinds of rattles, and bullroarers.
What religion did the Navajo tribe follow?
NAVAJO BELIEFS The Diné believe there are two classes of beings: the Earth People and the Holy People. The Holy People are believed to have the power to aid or harm the Earth People.
Why is the Navajo night chant important?
The goal of the Navajo night chant is to establish a connection between earth and man. Through the use of sand paintings and prayer sticks, the Navajo used this as a tangible link to nature that helped treat many illnesses. This particular form of orature provided a strong link to the Native American community.
What is the purpose and history of the Navajo Mountain chant?
The chant is also considered a healing ceremony, performed not only for individuals who are sick but to restore order and balance in human relationships. The Mountain Chant is based on a legend that chronicles the adventures of Dsilyi Neyani, the eldest son of a wandering Navajo family.
Where did shamanism come from?
It is generally agreed that shamanism originated among hunting-and-gathering cultures, and that it persisted within some herding and farming societies after the origins of agriculture.
What are Navajo healers called?
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.
Do Navajo shake hands?
Among Navajos this may be reserved for close friends and family, and in other cases may be a sign of disrespect. Usually the only physical contact you will see is handshaking, and even then a firm grip is interpreted as being overbearing. When shaking hands a light touch is preferred.
Why was the Night Chant important to the Navajo?
The Indians living in Canyon de Chelly performed the night chant. It is also considered as the sacred of the Navajo ceremonies and believed to be the most hard to learn. It mainly involves memorization of prayers, complicated designs and songs. Just like the mountain chant, this is mainly considered to be a healing ritual.
What kind of ceremonies did the Navajo Indians do?
Blessingway, central ceremony of a complex system of Navajo healing ceremonies known as sings, or chants, that are designed to restore equilibrium to the cosmos. Anthropologists have grouped these ceremonies into six major divisions: the Blessingways, Holyways, Lifeways, Evilways, War Ceremonials, and Gameways.
What was the Night Chant in Canyon de Chelly?
The Indians living in Canyon de Chelly performed the night chant. It is also considered as the sacred of the Navajo ceremonies and believed to be the most hard to learn. It mainly involves memorization of prayers, complicated designs and songs.
Where can I get a shamanic chant book?
Shamanic Chants The material posted here is derived from The Native American Flute Book by Bob Edgar. You can get the book from the flute maker, Stephen DeRuby. Call 1-800-4-FLUTES