Nihookáá Diné'é Bizaad

Na’atl’ó’

Why Winter is for String Games

Sacred stories and teachings “wake up.” Many traditional stories, including those connected to constellations and creation, are only told in winter because the world is quieter and the spirits associated with those stories are resting.

String games are tied to constellations and winter storytelling. Navajo educational materials explain that string games and constellation stories were winter pastimes that helped people endure long nights and maintain balance and harmony in their lives.

The natural world is less active. In summer, insects, animals, and plants are busy with life. Some teachings say that playing string games in warm months can attract unwanted attention from certain beings or disrupt the natural order.