Last week, through the story of young Aiyana and her grandmother Naya, I invited you to discover the importance of cycles for the Hopis and how their ceremonies enable spiritual regeneration. Today, I would like to take you further on this journey to explore in detail the Hopi ceremonial calendar.
Each season, each month, each ritual is a dance with nature, a symbiosis between humans and the universe. This ceremonial calendar is not just a set of dates and festivities, but a true ode to life, a celebration of renewal and community. Discover the ancient wisdom of the Hopis, a people who remind us of the harmony and balance essential to our existence.
November: kelmuya and the beginning of the cycle
Unlike the Gregorian calendar, which begins in January, the Hopi annual cycle starts in November with the season of kelmuya. This period, marked by ceremonies reserved for initiates, sees the men participating in sacred rites and offering prayers for peace and spiritual renewal. They celebrate the creation of the Fourth World, the current world according to Hopi beliefs. The rituals, often performed in secret, culminate in a public dance where the community prays for a peaceful and prosperous life.
Kyaamuya: reverence and renewal in December
The Hopi calendar is structured into two main seasons: the season of the Kachinas and the season without Kachinas. The Kachinas, benevolent spirits embodying various forces of nature, hold a central place in Hopi spirituality. In December, during the period of kyaamuya, the community enters a phase of reflection and spiritual preparation. It is the time when the first Kachinas return to the villages after spending a period of rest in the San Francisco mountains. Their return marks the beginning of a new cycle and symbolizes renewal and introspection for the Hopis. The ceremony of soyal, one of the most sacred, takes place during this period and establishes the spiritual foundations for the coming year. I invite you to read this article here which deals with this ceremony.
Paamuya: winter social dances
In January, the return of the Kachinas is marked by the dances of paamuya, a series of winter festivities symbolizing prayers for snow and future harvests. These dances take place in the kivas, sacred spaces where the spiritual and the earthly connect. They imitate the animals of the forest and mountains, express joy, and prepare the community for the solemn ceremonies of February.
Powamuya: the month of purification
In February, the Hopis celebrate powamuya, a period dedicated to purification and preparation for the growing season. During this time, the Kachinas participate in rituals aimed at purifying the community and encouraging respect for traditional Hopi values. The bean dance, a central ceremony, sees the Kachinas distribute bean sprouts, symbolizing life and future prosperity. Children receive teachings about spirits and traditions, strengthening their understanding and respect for Hopi beliefs. This period is characterized by purification ceremonies, where stern but benevolent Kachinas interact with the community to instill discipline and morality.
Osomuya and kwiyamuya: encouragement for growth
The months of March and April, known as osomuya and kwiyamuya, are dedicated to stimulating the growth of crops and invoking rain, vital for agriculture. During this period, nocturnal dances and planting rituals are performed to bless the harvests and call for rain. The Kachinas play a crucial role in infusing strength and vitality into the young plants through their dances and offerings. Their presence inspires the community and blesses the first plantings, reinforcing the collective spirit and commitment to nature.
Extrait documentaire "Hopi - Peuple de la paix," probablement les seules images documentaires prises lors d'une danse sacrée des Kachinas Hopi. Narrateur - Ian Jacob Thompson, recherché et écrit par J.T. Guardalabene, produit et réalisé par Michel Pearce. Remerciements sincères au peuple Hopi, Tom Tarbet, Joseph Ianelli, Rainbow Touraine, Danaqyumptewa.
Hakitonmuya and wuko'uyis: planting season
May and June, with the seasons of hakitonmuya and wuko'uyis, mark the beginning of intensive planting. The Hopis plant various types of corn, beans, and squash, praying for abundant harvests. The Kachina dances accompany these activities, symbolizing prayers for rain and a prosperous life.
TTalangva and the ceremony of Niman
In July, talangva is a crucial month, marked by the ceremony of niman, where the Kachinas return to their spiritual home. This transition period is highlighted by dances and feasts that remind us of the importance of gratitude and respect for the spirits of nature.
End of season: gratitude and celebrations
In the following months, after the departure of the Kachinas, the Hopis enter a period of summer social dances and thanksgiving. Notably, tala’paamuya in August is dedicated to social dances and gratitude for the blessings of nature. The ceremonies of the serpent-antelope and the flute, alternating each year, are rituals to attract the last rains of summer, bless the harvests, and honor the growing season and the received blessings.
Harvests and end-of-year celebrations
September and October, marked by nasanmuya and toho’osumy, are months of harvest and festivities, celebrating the abundance of crops. The ceremonies of the women’s society, such as the basket dance, reinforce community bonds and perpetuate the ancient wisdom of the Hopis.
Embracing ancestral wisdom: an invitation to discovery
This Hopi ceremonial cycle goes beyond just a calendar of celebrations; it embodies a life philosophy deeply rooted in respect for nature and spiritual regeneration. It teaches us to recognize our connection with the Earth, to honor natural cycles, and to constantly seek balance and harmony. By participating in these ceremonies, the Hopis not only honor the Earth and celebrate life but also strengthen community bonds and preserve an ancient wisdom that values balance, harmony, and peace.
If this exploration of the Hopi spiritual world has inspired you and you wish to learn more, I warmly invite you to visit our teaching page, where you can deepen your knowledge. You can also book a drum healing session to experience a unique healing experience or become a member of our community. Together, let us honor this millennia-old wisdom and move along a path of sharing, gratitude, and deep connection with nature.
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