Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.
In Navajo (or Dine) tradition, a baby’s first laugh is a very important milestone. The Navajo believe that when a baby is born, the child is still part of the spirit world until they display their first laugh which is considered their entrance into the physical world. As infants are constantly tended to by their caregivers, the first laugh is considered the first act of autonomy and therefore cements the infant’s place among those on Earth. This sign of joy signals that the baby is ready to join their family and friends here in the physical world.
The laughing ceremony, or A’wee Chi’deedloh, is held by the person who coaxed the laugh to honor the child. With assistance from the host, the baby presents each guest with a piece of rock salt (to represent the Navajo’s first meal and connection to the Earth) that the guest is supposed to rest on their tongue to rejuvenate their good character. It is also seen as the first in a lifetime of selfless deeds performed by the infant. Another key component of the ceremony is the child’s first blessing and also the gifting of turquoise to the child on behalf of the adult who made them laugh. This ceremony represents the generosity and joy that the infant will share with others throughout their lifetime.
The laughing ceremony, or A’wee Chi’deedloh, is held by the person who coaxed the laugh to honor the child. With assistance from the host, the baby presents each guest with a piece of rock salt (to represent the Navajo’s first meal and connection to the Earth) that the guest is supposed to rest on their tongue to rejuvenate their good character. It is also seen as the first in a lifetime of selfless deeds performed by the infant. Another key component of the ceremony is the child’s first blessing and also the gifting of turquoise to the child on behalf of the adult who made them laugh. This ceremony represents the generosity and joy that the infant will share with others throughout their lifetime.
Teaching young people about this special ceremony is made easy with my picture book unit, First Laugh– Welcome Baby! This resource contains everything you need to make learning about this sacred tradition fun and educational. Lower elementary students (often best for first or second graders) can learn about the A’wee Chi’deedloh by reading the picture book First Laugh—Welcome Baby! by Rose Ann Tahe, Nancy Bo Flood, and Jonathan Nelson.
This picture book companion unit contains six comprehension activities to accompany the reading including discussion questions and compare and contrast assignments. An abbreviated picture book is incorporated and can be read to the students to reinforce the story. Five character education activities then teach students about the power of perseverance and creativity. English Language Arts connections are made with five activities that include mentor sentences that teach students about word relationships. Five vocabulary activities also reinforce the development of new words. This is a perfect resource with plenty of activities to promote literacy and help your students understand the importance of the baby’s first laugh in Navajo tradition.
Including diverse picture books in your curriculum helps promote understanding and acceptance in your classroom. This reading introduces young people to Native American culture in a way that is both engaging and instructive. Your students will love reading First Laugh—Welcome Baby and completing the accompanying activities in your classroom.