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Show INTO THE GLITTERING WORLD 3 the lines are "parallel," having the same structure. Sometimes only one word changes from line to line. This allows the singer to use the symbols of holy things in his songs. Sometimes, if one person, such as Talking God or White Corn Boy, is named, another, such as Calling God or Yellow Corn Girl, must also be named in a second stanza. Some of the most famous song sets are the Blessing Songs and the Dawn Songs from Blessing Way. Many important themes run through these stories. Most important is the idea of balance. Elder Brother is independent and aggressive; Younger Brother is careful and unhurried. Each needs the other for balance. When sure, act; when in doubt, wait. Balance is also important in attitudes toward wealth. Goods and knowledge should be acquired, not just for their own sake, but also to help others. Hoarding, the way Deer Raiser did, is not healthy. Being generous, like the Sun and Changing Woman, prevents greed. On the other hand, to be poor is to feel pain and ridicule. People who can support themselves well are admired. Healthy relationships are also important. The stories tell of strong family bonds and the mother's role in the home. Likewise, spiritual power is not to be taken for granted or abused. Man can relate to these powers in the correct way if he observes rules and makes the right offerings. He faces natural justice when he disrupts right relationships. Abuses are severely punished, but respect for customs will bring good results. The stories depict the Navajo world as one of order and justice. The best way to live is to be careful, independent, and responsible, and to respect the family and the spiritual world. Let us listen to these stories with respect and attention. The Emergence From Upward-Reaching Way (Hd'nitneehii) The First World was a Black World (Ni'hadilhif dasik£). At its edge, four cloud columns arose. In the east was White Dawn, in the south was Blue Daylight, in the west was Yellow Twilight, and in the north was Black Night. Only Holy People lived in the First World. They were Black Yei'ii (Haashch'eeh zhiin), Coyote (Ma'ii), Salt Woman (Ashjjh Asdz£), and Behwochidii. Where the Black Cloud of the North met the White Cloud of the East, First Man (Altse Hastiih) formed. First Woman (Aftse Asdz£) formed where the Blue Cloud of the South met the Yellow Cloud of the West. A perfect ear of white corn, with twelve rows of kernels |
