I recently visited the Museum of Indian Arts and Culture in Santa Fe, New Mexico and saw their new permanent exhibition “Here, Now and Always” which centers on the voices, perspectives, and narratives of the Indigenous Peoples of the American Southwest. In one of the displays, I read about the Navajo tradition of celebrating a baby’s “first laugh”.
I thought to myself… my gosh, what a wonderful thing to celebrate! And why doesn’t everyone do this? I adore the idea of celebrating the ability to laugh. It is how we as humans can physically express happiness.
It seems that when a baby is born, the Navajo tradition believes that they still live among the “Holy People” until the first time the infant laughs. The act of laughing is considered a sign that the child is transitioning from the spirit world and is ready to join their family in the physical world.
Because of the significance that a baby’s first laugh holds, family members and friends watch, wait, and listen with hopes to hear that first utterance of a laugh. In Navajo culture, it is believed that a child can assume the qualities of the person who witnesses, or coaxes, their first giggle so it is indeed an honor to be that adult.
Once the laughing event happens, it’s time to celebrate the journey to their earthly family with a Navajo First Laugh Ceremony, known as “A’wee Chi’deedloh”.
The person who had the good fortune of eliciting that first laugh is then responsible for throwing a party, with the baby technically playing the role of host. With the help of their parents, the baby ceremonially gives each guest a plate of food, rock salt and a gift bag of goodies.
The Navajo place great value on generosity as a virtue, and this first act of generosity during a First Laugh Ceremony teaches this important lesson early. At the meal’s end, a community or family elder blesses the baby, wishing them a life of generosity and gratitude.
I love everything about this.
Why can’t we make this a tradition in every culture?
Thank you to the Navajo people for bringing a smile to my face when I think of the importance of laughing!
