“All is beautiful, all is beautiful, all is beautiful, indeed.” This is an excerpt from the song of the earth, a Navajo song which means everything has a purpose in life. The way the Navajo lived is very different then the way we live now.  The differences can be discovered through where they lived, how they met their basic needs, and their customs or beliefs.

       The Navajo lived in a hard place to work with. The Navajo lived in the west and southwest of the United States.  Now the states are known as Arizona, Utah and New Mexico.The region that the Navajo lived in is the called the Basin and Range. It is a dry desert looking area. Which is very scarce of water because of a short rainy season.They had to look for their water. The region is hot during the day and somewhat chilly at night. They lived variety of elevation. Even though they lived in a harsh environment they still continued to thrive.   \

         Basic needs were very important in Navajo life.The Navajo lived in domed round houses. In the winter time, they lived in a winter hogan which was framed from pine trees. The second shelter is called the summer shelter. It is made out of brush. The Navajos ate wild plants, corn, and meat. They hunted for deer, rabbits, mountain sheep, and antelope. They gathered nuts, fruits, and seeds. The women in the tribe wore short woven skirts made out of yucca. The men in the tribe wore breechcloths. Women also wore blouses. Both men and women wore sandals. Overall, they were able to find the resources they need.

       The Navajo had a many beliefs and customs. The Navajo believed that they rose from the ground and that everything in the universe served a purpose. They also believed there is good within all things, but evil and danger can result when the normal balance of the universe is disturbed. If someone got sick ,it is not from germs but because an evil spirit has been released. To cure it , they would hold a ceremony and a medicine man or a singer would have to sing.  When they sing it has to be to the exact rules. They danced in masks too. They have a lot of interesting customs . One of the customs was that when they were four to six years old they were given a lamb. when they are given a lamb they would have adult responsibilities. One responsibility was they to watch all of the sheep. Another custom was they stopped eating fish because a legend has one god who was turned into a fish. They had cattle such as horses for riding and sheep for wool. During the summer time all of the family would set up a loam under a brush shelter and they would weave.  The Navajo had some pretty interesting things that they did.   

       In conclusion, the Navajo lived very different than the way we live now. Where the Navajo lived, how they met their basic necessities, and their culture are all ways that we can see these differences. Today, the Navajo weave blankets and rugs and make jewelry. Some Navajo live in brick houses now.The children go to school.They elect a president of their tribe. I hope the Navajo keep some of their old traditions and make some new ones.

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