The Four Sacred Mountains of the Navajo

The four sacred mountains in English and Diné bizaad (the Navajo language). Source: http://www.crowcanyon.org/EducationProducts/peoples_mesa_verde/images/map_sacred_mountains.asp

Dinétah – meaning “Among the people,” is the traditional homeland of the Diné (Navajo people), between the four sacred mountains. Source: http://nv.wikipedia.org/wiki/E%CA%BCelyaa%C3%ADg%C3%AD%C3%AD:SisTsooDooDi.svg

The Four Sacred Mountains

In Diné Bahaneʼ (The Navajo creation story), it is said that the creator placed the Diné on land between four mountains, representing the four cardinal directions. The are the Dził Diyinii Dį́į’go Sinil – The Four Sacred Mountains in Diné bizaad (the Navajo language):
– Blanca Peak, the sacred mountain of the east – Sisnaajiní, “the dawn,” or “white shell mountain.” Associated with the color white.
– Mount Taylor, the sacred mountain of the south – Tsoodził, “turquoise mountain,” or “blue bead.” Associated with the color blue.
– San Francisco Peak, the sacred mountain of the west. – Dook’o’oosłííd, “the summit which never melts” or “abalone shell mountain.” Associated with the color yellow.
– Hesperus Mountain, the sacred mountain of the north – Dibé Nitsaa, “big sheep.” Associated with the color black.

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