Hopi Indian 'going home' ceremony

Niman Kachinas, Hopi Indian 'going home' ceremony (c. Jun 19 - 29)

Kachinas (katsinam; singular katsina) are spiritual messengers who listen to prayers of the holy men and elders and convey them to the gods. They have human forms and distinctive personalities. Kachinas are benevolent in the main, if treated respectfully. They taught the sacred dances to a group of youths who became the first priests.


A sixteen-day event, it begins around the time of the Summer Solstice. The Niman is one of the most solemn and dramatic of all Kachina rituals.

It is time to say goodbye to the Kachinas who return home to the San Francisco mountains for another Winter. The Niman is similar to Christmas: children receive gifts from the Kachinas before they leave.

Tagged: indigenous, folklore, calendar+customs, usa, festivals