Displacement because of The Long Walk caused the Navajo to struggle to keep their culture alive. Before The Long Walk the land they resided on was claimed by the U.S., but to the Navajo it was their sacred land. It was their sacred land because the land was located in between the four mountains that represent north, south, east and west. The Navajo resent residing anywhere else because they believe that their creator placed them there for a reason. The Navajo have many different traditions and religious ceremonies. About ¼ of the Navajo are Christians today and many belong to the Native American Church. There are also many oral traditions that have been passed down through generations of people. Traditional dances and songs are also a big part of Navajos culture and religion and are preformed at ceremonies. Ceremonies are held for all different reasons, such as for the sick, for marriage and for religion. Some can last up to nine days and consist of various performances and art displays. (Miss Navajo, PBS)
Tsegíhi!
House made of dawn.
House made of evening light.
House made of the dark cloud.
House made of dark mist.
House made of female rain.
House made of pollen.
House made of grasshoppers.
Dark cloud is at the door.
The trail out of it is dark cloud.
The zigzag lightning stands high upon it.
Male deity!
Your offering I make.
I have prepared a smoke for you.
Restore my feet for me.
Restore my legs for me.
Restore my body for me.
Restore my mind for me.
Restore my voice for me.
This very day take out your spell for me.
Your spell remove for me.
This chant is the beginning of The Night Chant which is spoken on the morning of the third day.
-("Navajo Chant." Infobase Learning. Chelsea House, 2014. Web. 13 Mar. 2017.)
House made of dawn.
House made of evening light.
House made of the dark cloud.
House made of dark mist.
House made of female rain.
House made of pollen.
House made of grasshoppers.
Dark cloud is at the door.
The trail out of it is dark cloud.
The zigzag lightning stands high upon it.
Male deity!
Your offering I make.
I have prepared a smoke for you.
Restore my feet for me.
Restore my legs for me.
Restore my body for me.
Restore my mind for me.
Restore my voice for me.
This very day take out your spell for me.
Your spell remove for me.
This chant is the beginning of The Night Chant which is spoken on the morning of the third day.
-("Navajo Chant." Infobase Learning. Chelsea House, 2014. Web. 13 Mar. 2017.)