BLESSING WAY

central ritual of a complex system of ceremonies performed by the Navajo to restore equilibrium to the cosmos. Of the many rituals classified by the Navajo according to their purpose, the largest group is the Chant Ways, which are concerned with curing and are divided into three groups. The first group are the Holy Way chantsincluding the Blessing Way, parts of which are found throughout most of the rituals, and the Wind Waysall of which are used to cure diseases that can be traced to some violation by humans of the supernatural provinces of the Holy People, or supernatural beings. These rituals are further classified into Peaceful Ways, which invoke the beneficence of the Holy People, and Injury Ways, which are primarily exorcistic. A second subdivision is that of the Ghost Way, or Evil Way, chantsthe best known being the Upward-Reaching-Waythat are practiced for exorcism and the curing of illnesses caused by ghosts and witches. A third subdivision is the Life Ways, which are concerned with healing accidental injuriesthe most notable being the Flint Way. In addition to the Chant Ways, other prominent groups are concerned with success in war (the Enemy Ways) and hunting (the Game Ways), but these groups have mostly become obsolete. Set apart from all these specifically oriented ways is the Blessing Way, a comparatively short (taking only two days to perform) and simple ritual. Performed for the general well-being of the community, rather than for specific curative purposes, it contains none of the typical features of curing rituals (e.g., sand paintings, prayer sticks, medicine songs, and herbs). To invoke good fortunesuch as during childbirth, in blessing a new hogan (home), and in a girl's puberty ceremonythe traditional Navajo family would have the Blessing Way sung at least twice a year. Parts of the Blessing Way are incorporated into almost all other Chant Ways. The story of the Blessing Way contains various details of the mythical events that occurred after the legendary emergence of the Navajo from the earth at creation. These events provide the prototypes for the organization of the cosmos, important Navajo ceremonials, and their central cultural institutions.