The Blessing of Family
We had an incredible time this past weekend preparing for and participating in the traditional Hopi Baby Naming Ceremony for Baby Gracie! What a gift it was!
The guys got up early, and helped slaughter a sheep, then Rachelle, Mark, and Zeke and I helped butcher it. Crazy experience! We spent all day preparing and cooking the Mutton Stew, and had the incredible honor of meeting many elders and family members.
In the wee hours of the morning we returned to the small house in Bacavi Village for the washing of the mother’s hair using an ear of corn which represented her mother who passed away in December from Covid. Then the baby was washed and bundled up to be presented to Dawa (the sun) at sunrise. (We along with Gracie’s So’oh prayed and dedicated her to the SON.) Baby and mom’s first time out in the sun since Gracie was born. After the baby naming we gave gifts and feasted on Mutton Stew, Piki Bread, and corn pudding! It was amazing.”
