Generosity and peace are hallmarks of the Navajo

November 10, 2008 [Episcopal Life Holiday Gift Guide] "The Diné (Navajo) observe Christmas as their own tradition within the clan family, and in the location where they live," said Anna Fowler of Farmington, New Mexico.

A member of All Saints Church in Farmington, she is chairperson of the Hogan Learning Circle for the Episcopal Church in Navajoland, which works to mesh traditional Navajo spirituality and traditions with those of the church.

She noted that the "Diné culture varies in different perspectives in different areas of the Navajo Nation," which covers 27,000 square miles in Utah, Arizona and New Mexico. The boundary lines for the Episcopal Church in Navajoland are contiguous with the Navajo Nation.

All of Navajoland, or Diné Bikeya, is revered as sacred by the Diné. Christmas stories -- some of them available on the Internet -- are told by the elders. They are usually presented with humor and with wisdom, she explained. Children also participate in winter games.

The art associated with the Christmas season often shows sheep grazing and a sheepherder "with an inspirational message that the Holy One is among us." The nativity scene may be depicted under a shade house or near a hogan (house).

Christmas is a special time among families and is often marked "with a feast."

"The Diné celebrate events with a big feast which means generosity and peace are expressed from the particular family," she said. "It is also one important teaching of the Diné."

The word "peace" in Diné is Hozhoo. "Christmas is embraced with this Hozhoo, sharing love," she said. "Hozhoo is before us, behind us, above us, within us and around us at this time of the year."

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