6/30/2014

Navajo chant


White-Shell-Woman, she moves
Her shoes of white shell, she moves
Her shoes trimmed in black, she moves
Her shoe-strings of white shell, she moves
Her leggings of white shell, she moves
Her garters of white shell, she moves
Her buckskin-fringed trousers of white shell, she moves
Her dancing-skirt of white shell, she moves
Her belt of white shell, she moves
Her shirt of white shell, she moves
Her bracelet of white shell, she moves
Her necklace of white shell, she moves
Her earrings of white shell, she moves
The pollen of the various robes is placed in her mouth, she moves
Her visor of white shell, she moves
A white shell has been placed on her forehead, she moves
Her feather of white shell, she moves
Above her a male blue-bird dances about beautifully, she moves
He sings: his voice is beautiful, she moves
Sahanahray Bekayhozhon, she moves
Before her all is beautiful, she moves
Behind her all is beautiful, she moves.
 
Navajo Ceremonial Chant,
(translated by Dr. Hoijer)