Hopi Symbols
Hopi symbols are central to their diverse culture.
Hopitu-shinumu (Hopi) means Peaceful People; this serves as a background to understanding their use of symbols.
The Hopi are expert craftspeople, and
possess uncommon agricultural skills.
Their connection with the land,
cultivating, and harvesting is truly superior. Specifically, their ability to skillfully coax yielding corn from the desert sands is to be commended.
This connection to earth, and nature is constantly exhibited in Hopi symbols.
Art is a way of life for the Hopi; it expresses their visions, beliefs and dreams to themselves and others. As artisans, they incorporated their Hopi symbols into an array of dazzlingly beautiful baskets, weavings, and pottery.
Hopi are also the crafters of kachina dolls and costumes. For more information on this are of Hopi tradition, click on:
Kachina Properties.
A few Hopi symbols and their meanings are
provided here with an aim to bring about
understanding and respect to these diverse and skillful people.
Mother Earth or Maze Symbol:
This is a common symbol among many Native American tribes, including the Hopi. One of its representations is that of mother and child. In a broader sense, the connection of earth mother to us as her children. The beginning, straight center-line represents the child
– or our philosophical beginnings – the
surrounding maze represents the enfolding
energies of mother earth. Note the maze does not enclose the center –line representing the child. The symbolism then is strong when we realize the support of the mother is
constantly around yet our ability to venture out on our own is always available.
Hopi World Symbol:
This symbol signifies world to the Hopi The "cosmic cross" or four bars
represent north, south, east and west correspond to the outermost points on the horizon where the sun passes through the year; the solstice and equinox points. The four circles inside the outer outline represent the four nations, which came to the world to keep balance.
Hopi Sun Symbol:
A symbol of creative and natural energy. The supreme god due to the Hopi's dependence upon it for the growth of corn, and other sustaining crops. The sun symbol represents the heart of the cosmos and deals with vitality, growth, and passion.
Hopi Spiral Symbol:
This rendition of the Hopi spiral is also
common among North, South and Central Native American Indian tribes. The spiral represents the number of journeys or treks a tribe or nation has made to the four corners of the earth. Engraved on stones, the spiral suggests an intricate journey made to the Otherworlds on back. Generally, the spiral represents a
broadening of consciousness, which is the
destination arrived after a long journey.
You may also want to see
Celtic spiral
for another cultural perspective on the spiral symbol. I've written more about the meaning of the spiral here.
Hopi Kachina Sun Symbol:
Also known as a Tawa kachina, it is a spirit symbolizing of life, growth, strength of spirit, and abundance. The likeness of this spirit is donned during the solstice ceremony to beckon
the sun's return, and begin the growing season.
See
Kachina Properties for more information on Hopi kachinas and their meanings.
I hope you enjoyed these Hopi Symbols. Other pages of interest:
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