Author Archives: Jesse Arviso

Snake belief

Context: “We weren’t even allowed to have the textbook with a snake on it! Even the white teachers bought into it. Burger King down the street had a snake decoration up, and you know what happened to it? It shut down! No one ate there.”

Analysis: In Navajo culture, snakes are a bad omen. It is taboo to touch and even look at snakes, especially not when eating, mating, or shedding, as these are considered sacred. Watching it can allow a Navajo malevolent spirit enter your life. The belief was so deeply held, the public school system and economy was affected, with textbooks that had snakes on the cover being replaced or defaced and a Burger King in the area closing down after decorations of a snake went up. It signifies the important place animals and nature have in their culture, as it is a deep respect for the snake that causes the taboo rather than fear. 

Coyote belief

Context: “My dad was so scared whenever we saw coyotes. He said that whenever it crossed your path from left to right, it was warning you to turn around. Bad trouble is ahead.”

Analysis: This superstition has its roots in Navajo cultural beliefs. The coyote serves as a more benevolent figure in Navajo folklore, offering guidance and safety. In some myths and beliefs, such as this one, he is a wise protector rather than a trickster. Its place as a deeply sacred creature and the cultural reverence for nature means even brief encounters hold spiritual significance – a warning to turn back.

Rainbow superstition

Context: “My friends used to get mad if you pointed with your pointer finger like that at a rainbow. Didn’t matter how big or small, you point with that pointer, you’d get an earful about how your nose was going to fall off. Always had to point out a rainbow with my thumb and look! I still have my nose.

Analysis: This was a superstition that taught pointing at a rainbow with your index finger would make your nose fall off. It was commonly played amongst school children as a light-hearted taunt whenever anyone forgot. It has no clear source, but is geo-specific, with this particular school the only one in the area that references the belief and it serves as a quick filter for those familiar.

“What do Navajos call a dog?”

Context: “What do Navajos call a dog? Cleh-chant-ee!”

A Navajo slang term for dogs, directly translating to shit-eater. It is commonly used on the reservation, especially due to the high concentration of strays. The conditions also mean most dogs are starving and can even be aggressive and the attitude towards them can lean towards ambivalent. The harsh conditions means that dogs are known to eat anything, including the poop of other animals. Coupled with the attitude towards strays, it has become a derogatory slang term/joke for dogs. 

Saying: “You hear, but you don’t listen.”

Context: “It’s a nice way to say ‘I won’t repeat myself’ when someone obviously wasn’t listening, but said that they were. My grandmother always said it when I would say I’d do the chores and then she’d come home and there they’d all be, still waiting.”

Analysis: This is a Navajo saying that roughly translates to, “You hear, but you don’t listen.” It is usually said to children as a kind of reprimand or one word reminder. It is also said with a high tone and usually in jest rather than in serious situations. In recent years, it has become more of an ironic term used among younger generations towards their peers as a parody of the elders in the tribe, signifying the generational divide and resentment.