We are pleased to participate in the A to Z Blog Challenge (http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/). The Story Crossroads theme for this year is “Fantastic Females in Folk & Fairy Tales.”
About Navajo/Diné and Changing Woman:
More than 400,000 people are part of the Navajo/Diné that is the Southwest region including New Mexico, Arizona, and Utah. Credit goes to Changing Woman for creating four clans from her own flesh: He Walks Around One Clan (her front); Towering House Clan (her right arm); Bitter Water Clan (her back) and Mud Clan (her left arm). She gifted corn as well as shells and stones to create beautiful pieces. She taught coming-of-age songs for young women about to reach adulthood.
50-word-or-less summary
First Man and First Woman were lonely. Prayed. Bottom of rainbow was baby who became Changing Woman. Sun turned into Spirit Man and married Changing Woman. But Sun had to return to sky. Changing Woman had twin boys (heroes). Left. Changing Woman was lonely. Created Diné from her flesh.
Finding the Story:
Book – “Changing Woman Creates the Four Clans” in Native American Stories for Kids: 12 Traditional Stories from Indigenous Tribes Across North America written by Tom Pecore Weso – here
Changing Woman Story through Natural History Museum of Utah – here
Video – The Story of Changing Woman – here
Navajo Nation website – here
Finding the “Fantastic”:
Changing Woman had intense loneliness that mirrored the loneliness that First Man and First Woman had. While loneliness itself is not seen as “fantastic,” all three of these beings chose to do something about it. First Man and First Woman prayed together as a couple. Beautiful. Changing Woman realized her live-giving gift and created a whole people from herself. She was willing to sacrifice parts of herself to really find even more of herself in the form of family and creations.
We live in a world where sacrifice is not always viewed with positive light. Some people may even seen sacrifice as some kind of punishment or self-inflicted pain. Yet, sacrifice can bring much peace and comfort. Many parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and people of no particular relation are willing to sacrifice. This can bring an unbreakable bond to the relationship. And we call that “fantastic.”
Changing Woman continued to give to the Navajo/Diné. As already shared above, she taught songs to teach young woman becoming adults. While it’s common for deity-figures to give the gift of different foods or materials, the focus on song and teaching to support the women in their growth feels wonderful.
Recommended Articles:
We have a mix of themes of loneliness and sacrifice. Here are some articles to address both areas:
- “Surgeon general declares loneliness epidemic, saying it poses risks as deadly as smoking” written by The Associated Press – here
- “The Battle for the Brain: Loneliness” written by Kim Weitkamp, commissioned by Story Crossroads (available to Story Crossroads Members)
- “How Strengthening My Bond With My Mother Made Me A Better Man” written by Zahoor Haider
Thoughts?
Please share thoughts in the comments. While you enjoy this blog, Story Crossroads has year-round offerings. See our popular links and upcoming events at our One-Stop.
As for our past A to Z Challenges…
Story Crossroads celebrates the hybrid Summit & Festival on May 13-16, 2024 – yes, in-person and virtual – and would be honored for you to join us. Explore the schedule and register here: http://www.storycrossroads.org/Festival
Thanks to funding from National Endowment for the Arts; National Endowment for the Humanities; Western States Arts Federation; Utah Division of Arts and Museums/Utah Legislature; Utah Humanities; City of Murray; Zoo, Arts & Parks (ZAP) of Salt Lake County; Salt Lake City Arts Council; and people like you.
It is interesting to read Native American stories as an Australian. I grew up with Indigenous Australian stories which explained the formation of the physical features of Australia, the animals and the humans.