Here’s some interesting background on snakes in the Navajo tradition from XAI. I know from personal experience that most Navajos want nothing to do with them, but was never clear as to why, as my silversmiths didn’t really want to say much about it.
From Grok:
Navajo (Diné) traditional beliefs about snakes reflect a mix of respect, caution, and spiritual power. Snakes are viewed as potent beings linked to danger, lightning, and certain supernatural forces rather than as purely evil or benevolent creatures.3
Spiritual and Symbolic Associations
Snakes (called tł’iish in Navajo) are often associated with lightning and electrical energy. Some traditions describe them as earthly manifestations of lightning, which explains why snake symbols in Navajo art and sandpaintings frequently appear as crooked or zigzag shapes resembling lightning bolts.3 They appear in ceremonial sandpaintings and myths, but depictions are generally not portrayed positively—they carry warnings about improper contact with powerful forces.0
In clan histories, Big Snake (Tl’iistso) features as a protector and guide for the Tódích’íi’nii (Bitter Water Clan) during their emergence into the current world. He later chose to remain in the desert as an undisturbed guardian. Songs, prayers, and protective powers are linked to him, and ailments from snake contact can be addressed through specific ceremonies, sometimes called “Snake Way” (an alternative name for aspects of Beauty Way or Hoozhónee).5
Snakes are tied to the “Holy People” or supernaturals (diyin dine’é), including Snake People, and improper interactions (such as with lightning or arrows) are addressed in chants like Male Shooting Way.14
Common Taboos and Superstitions
Traditional Navajo teachings include numerous taboos meant to avoid inviting harm, illness, or misfortune. These stem from the idea that snakes carry dangerous spiritual energy, and disturbing or even observing them in certain ways can allow malevolent influences (sometimes described as ch’įįdii or evil spirits) to affect a person—effects that may appear immediately or years later.1
Key examples include:
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Avoid touching or killing snakes — Touching one may allow an evil spirit to enter the body, eventually causing sores, aches, pains, or illness at the point of contact. Killing one (especially during rain) could bring lightning strikes to your home or other misfortune.0
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Do not watch snakes eat, drink, mate, or shed their skin — This is strongly advised against, as it can lead to physical or mental health issues, such as digestive problems, throat/neck closing up, loss of voice, or other ailments. Even pictures or images of snakes eating are sometimes avoided for the same reason.0
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Crossing a snake’s track — Should be done by shuffling feet to avoid leg aches.
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Eating while a snake is watching — May cause your throat to close up later in life.
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Other avoidances — Don’t pee while a snake watches (jealousy-related taboos), shoot at snakes (misses could hit something valuable), laugh at or make faces at them (they may bite later), or talk excessively about them (they might appear).4
These taboos reflect practical respect for venomous snakes (like rattlesnakes) in Navajo lands, combined with spiritual caution. The goal is often coexistence through distance rather than fear alone.3
Modern Reflections
These beliefs remain influential in traditional Navajo communities. In 2015, the Navajo Nation Zoo in Window Rock removed its live snake exhibit because many visitors avoided that area due to cultural taboos, which affected attendance at the rest of the zoo. Zoo signage still notes traditional knowledge about animals.0
Ceremonies exist to counteract negative effects from snake contact, performed by medicine people. Sandpaintings may include snakes in healing rituals, but always within a controlled, sacred context.
Beliefs can vary by individual, family, or level of traditional practice—many contemporary Navajo people blend these views with modern perspectives. Overall, snakes embody powerful natural and supernatural forces that demand respect to maintain harmony (hózhó).
(it just means little cat)
The handspun and traditional plant-dyed ones are some of my favorites. And all the hummingbirds!