Hopi Symbols

Symbol Meanings from the Peaceful People

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.

Hopi Maze Symbol 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 & west correspond to the outermost points on the horizon where the sun passes through the year; the solstice & equinox points. The four circles inside the outer outline represent the four nations, which came to the world to keep balance. For more on the symbolic meaning of north, south, east and west click here to my blog post on this subject.

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 also written a brief post here about the meaning of the spiral.

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 kachinas and their meanings.

Native American Symbols Main Page

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Native American Sun Symbols

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