Discover the 12 months in Navajo language with pronunciations, cultural meanings, and traditions. Learn how the Navajo calendar reflects nature’s cycles and indigenous wisdom. Let’s dive right in to the Navajo Luna circle!
Understanding the Navajo Approach to Time
The Navajo calendar offers a profound window into indigenous wisdom, cultural traditions, and a deep connection to the natural world.
Unlike the Gregorian calendar most of us use daily, the months in Navajo language—known as the Diné calendar—are intrinsically tied to seasonal changes, agricultural cycles, and the behaviors of animals and plants.
Learning the months in Navajo is more than a linguistic exercise. It’s an invitation to see time through the eyes of one of North America’s largest Native American tribes, the Diné people.
Each month name tells a story about what’s happening in nature, what activities are taking place, and how the Navajo people have observed and honored the earth’s rhythms for generations.
In this comprehensive guide, you’ll discover all twelve months in the Navajo language, their pronunciations, cultural significance, and the beautiful philosophy behind this time-keeping system.
Whether you’re a language learner, cultural enthusiast, educator, or someone with Navajo heritage reconnecting with ancestral knowledge, this resource will deepen your understanding and appreciation.
The Navajo calendar is a lunar-based system that reflects the Diné people’s intimate relationship with nature, marking time through observable phenomena like animal behaviors, plant growth cycles, and weather patterns.
You’ll learn how each month corresponds to specific natural events—from the melting of snow in winter to the harvest seasons of late summer and fall.
This guide also includes pronunciation guidance using both phonetic spelling and International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) notation, making it accessible for language learners at all levels.
By the end, you’ll have a comprehensive understanding of how the Navajo people traditionally measured time and continue to honor these cycles today.
The Philosophy Behind Navajo Timekeeping
The Navajo calendar represents a fundamentally different approach to measuring time compared to the Western Gregorian calendar.
While modern calendars are solar-based and mathematically precise, the traditional Navajo system is lunar and observational, rooted in the natural world’s cyclical patterns.
For the Diné people, time isn’t an abstract concept measured by mechanical precision. Instead, it’s a living, breathing reality observed through nature’s transformations.
The months in Navajo language directly reference what’s visible and tangible in the environment—eagles hatching, leaves budding, crops ripening, and winds changing.
Lunar Cycles and Seasonal Observations
The traditional Navajo calendar follows lunar months, with each new moon marking the beginning of a new month. This creates a calendar of approximately 29.5-day months, which occasionally requires adjustments to stay synchronized with solar seasons.
Navajo elders and knowledge keepers would observe specific natural signs to confirm when one month transitioned to the next. These observations included:
- Animal behaviors and migration patterns
- Plant growth stages and flowering times
- Weather patterns and temperature changes
- Star positions and celestial events
- Agricultural milestones and harvest readiness
This observational approach meant that month transitions could vary slightly by location and altitude across the vast Navajo Nation, which spans parts of Arizona, New Mexico, and Utah.
Differences from the Gregorian Calendar
Several key differences distinguish the Navajo calendar from the Gregorian system:
Basis of Measurement: The Gregorian calendar is solar-based with fixed month lengths, while the Navajo calendar is lunar-based with months tied to natural cycles.
Month Names: Gregorian months are named after Roman gods, emperors, and numbers (September means “seventh month” even though it’s the ninth). Navajo month names describe actual environmental conditions and activities.
Cultural Integration: The Navajo calendar is inseparable from cultural practices, ceremonies, and traditional ecological knowledge. It guides when to plant, harvest, hunt, and conduct specific rituals.
Flexibility: While the Gregorian calendar is rigid and unchanging, the traditional Navajo calendar allowed for regional variation and practical adaptation based on local conditions.
Modern Usage and Cultural Preservation
Today, most Navajo people use the Gregorian calendar for daily life, education, and business. However, the traditional month names remain important for cultural ceremonies, language education, and maintaining connection to ancestral knowledge.
Many Navajo language programs, cultural centers, and tribal schools teach the traditional month names as part of broader language revitalization efforts.
Understanding these names helps younger generations appreciate the sophisticated environmental knowledge embedded in their language and maintain cultural continuity.
Complete List of Months in Navajo
Here is the comprehensive table showing all twelve months in Navajo alongside their English equivalents, pronunciations, and cultural meanings:
| English Month | Navajo Name | Pronunciation (IPA) | Cultural Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | Yas Niłt’ees | /jas nɪɬteːs/ | Means “frying snow”; refers to midwinter when snow was melted for water |
| February | Atsá Biyáázh | /atsa bɪjáːʒ/ | Means “little eagles”; baby eagles start to hatch as winter ends |
| March | Wóózhch’į́į́d | /woːʒʧʔĩːd/ | The sound baby eagles make; represents growing eaglets finding their voices |
| April | T’á̜á̜chil | /tʰáːtʃil/ | Means “little leaves”; small new leaves and plants begin growing |
| May | T’ą́ą́tsoh | /tʰą́ːtsoh/ | Means “big leaves”; plants and leaves are now fully grown and thriving |
| June | Ya’iishjááshchilí | /jáʔiːʃʤáːʃtʃɪli/ | Means “planting of early crops”; time to plant early crops and gather wild berries |
| July | Ya’iishjááshtsoh | /jáʔiːʃʤáːʃtsoh/ | Means “planting of late crops”; late crops planted to extend harvest season |
| August | Bini’anit’á̜á̜ts’ósí | /biniʔanitáʔtsósi/ | Means “small harvest” or “small ripening season”; early crops begin to ripen |
| September | Bini’anit’ą́ą́tsoh | /biniʔanitąːtsoh/ | Means “big harvest” or “big ripening season”; main crop harvest time |
| October | Gha̜a̜ji̜’ | /χáːʒiʔ/ | Means “back to back”; seasonal transition from summer to winter |
| November | Níłch’its’ósí | /nɪɬʧʔɪtsoːsi/ | Means “slender winds”; light, cold winds mark the start of winter |
| December | Níłch’itsoh | /nɪɬʧitsoh/ | Means “big winds”; severe winter winds lead to staying indoors |
Quick Reference Guide
For quick learning, here’s a simplified pronunciation guide using English phonetics:
- January: Yas Niłt’ees (yahs nilt-ace)
- February: Atsá Biyáázh (at-SAH bee-YAH-zh)
- March: Wóózhch’į́į́d (WOH-zh-ch’eed)
- April: T’á̜á̜chil (TAH-chil)
- May: T’ą́ą́tsoh (TAHN-tsoh)
- June: Ya’iishjááshchilí (yah-eesh-YAH-sh-chee-LEE)
- July: Ya’iishjááshtsoh (yah-eesh-YAH-sh-tsoh)
- August: Bini’anit’á̜á̜ts’ósí (bee-nee-ah-nee-TAH-tso-SEE)
- September: Bini’anit’ą́ą́tsoh (bee-nee-ah-nee-TAHN-tsoh)
- October: Gha̜a̜ji̜’ (GHAH-jee)
- November: Níłch’its’ósí (NIL-ch’ee-tso-SEE)
- December: Níłch’itsoh (NIL-ch’ee-tsoh)
Cultural Significance and Traditions of Each Month
Understanding the cultural context behind each month name reveals the Navajo people’s deep ecological knowledge and spiritual connection to the land. Let’s explore each month in detail.
January – Yas Niłt’ees (Frying Snow)
January represents the heart of winter, when the Navajo people experienced the coldest temperatures and deepest snow.
The name “frying snow” references the practice of melting snow in pots over fires to obtain drinking water when streams and springs were frozen.
This month was traditionally a time of indoor activities, storytelling, and craftwork. Families gathered around fires, and elders shared traditional stories, songs, and teachings with younger generations.
It was considered inappropriate to tell certain sacred stories outside of winter months, making January culturally significant for oral tradition transmission.
Traditional Activities:
- Weaving blankets and rugs
- Crafting tools and ceremonial items
- Sharing Coyote stories and creation narratives
- Maintaining winter food stores
- Caring for livestock in sheltered areas
February – Atsá Biyáázh (Little Eagles)
As winter begins to loosen its grip, February marks the time when eagle eggs start to hatch in high cliff nests across Navajo lands.
Eagles hold profound spiritual significance in Navajo culture, representing strength, courage, and connection to the divine.
The appearance of baby eagles signals that spring is approaching, even though winter conditions still prevail. This month represents anticipation, preparation, and the promise of renewal.
Cultural Significance:
- Eagles are sacred messengers between humans and the Holy People
- Eagle feathers are used in ceremonies and healing rituals
- Observing eagle nests was part of ecological knowledge
- Prayers offered for successful hatching and growth
- Beginning preparations for spring planting
March – Wóózhch’į́į́d (Baby Eagle Sounds)
March takes its name from the distinctive chirping sounds young eagles make in their nests. This auditory marker of the season demonstrates the Navajo people’s acute environmental awareness—they didn’t just observe visual changes but listened to the land’s voice.
Young eagles calling for food from their parents symbolize new life, communication, and growth. This month represents the strengthening of life forces as days grow longer and warmer.
Traditional Observations:
- Increased bird activity and songs
- Snow melting in lower elevations
- First signs of plant growth
- Preparation of fields for planting
- Conducting spring renewal ceremonies
April – T’á̜á̜chil (Little Leaves)
April brings the first visible signs of plant regeneration. The name “little leaves” captures the delicate emergence of new growth on trees, shrubs, and early wildflowers. This month marks the true beginning of spring and renewed agricultural activity.
For a traditionally agrarian people like the Navajo, the appearance of new leaves was a crucial indicator that frost danger was diminishing and planting could begin.
Seasonal Activities:
- Preparing fields and gardens
- Gathering early wild edibles like tender shoots
- Blessing ceremonies for crops and livestock
- Shearing sheep for wool
- Increased outdoor work and travel
May – T’ą́ą́tsoh (Big Leaves)
By May, those tiny leaves have matured into full foliage. Trees are green, plants are thriving, and the landscape transforms from winter brown to vibrant green. “Big leaves” signifies abundance, full growth, and nature’s productive power.
This is a time of intense agricultural work, with planting in full swing and careful attention to crop establishment. The weather is generally favorable, with warming temperatures and spring moisture supporting growth.
Cultural Practices:
- Main planting season for corn, beans, and squash
- Tending to newly planted crops
- Livestock moved to summer grazing areas
- Gathering medicinal and ceremonial plants
- Various blessing ceremonies performed
June – Ya’iishjááshchilí (Planting of Early Crops)
June’s name refers to planting early-maturing crop varieties and gathering the first wild berries and edible plants. This month represents abundance in the wild and careful cultivation of domesticated crops.
The Navajo people traditionally planted crops in succession to ensure continuous harvest rather than a single large yield. Early crops planted in June would mature faster than those planted in July.
Traditional Foods and Activities:
- Gathering wild strawberries, currants, and other berries
- Planting fast-growing crop varieties
- Collecting wild onions and other edibles
- Fishing in streams and rivers
- Preparing food preservation materials
July – Ya’iishjááshtsoh (Planting of Late Crops)
July continues the planting cycle with late-season crops that will mature in fall. This staggered planting strategy ensured food security by extending the harvest period and reducing the risk of total crop failure.
This month often brings the summer monsoons to the Southwest, providing crucial moisture for both wild plants and cultivated crops.
Agricultural Focus:
- Planting late-maturing corn varieties
- Replanting areas where early crops failed
- Weeding and maintaining established crops
- Utilizing monsoon rains
- Gathering medicinal plants at peak potency
August – Bini’anit’á̜á̜ts’ósí (Small Harvest)
August marks the beginning of harvest season, when early-planted crops start to ripen. The “small harvest” refers to the first fruits of agricultural labor—early corn, squash, and beans that mature before the main fall harvest.
This month brings excitement and gratitude as the community’s hard work begins to yield tangible results. First harvest ceremonies give thanks for nature’s abundance.
Harvest Activities:
- Harvesting early corn varieties
- Gathering summer squash
- Collecting ripe wild fruits
- Performing first fruits ceremonies
- Preparing storage areas for fall harvest
September – Bini’anit’ą́ą́tsoh (Big Harvest)
September is the most agriculturally significant month, when the main harvest reaches its peak. The “big harvest” describes fields full of mature crops ready for gathering, processing, and storage.
This was traditionally the busiest time of year, with entire communities working together to bring in crops before fall frosts. Successful harvests determined food security for the coming winter.
Community Activities:
- Harvesting main crop of corn, beans, squash
- Processing corn into various food products
- Drying and storing food for winter
- Communal work parties and celebrations
- Thanksgiving ceremonies for abundance
October – Gha̜a̜ji̜’ (Back to Back)
October’s name “back to back” refers to the seasonal transition from summer’s warmth to winter’s cold. It represents the turning point when the agricultural year concludes and preparation for winter begins.
This month symbolizes completion, rest after labor, and preparing for the quiet winter months ahead. Fields are cleared, crops are stored, and attention turns to shelter and warmth.
Transitional Activities:
- Completing final harvest tasks
- Storing food supplies
- Preparing winter shelters and firewood
- Bringing livestock closer to home
- Conducting fall ceremonies
November – Níłch’its’ósí (Slender Winds)
November introduces the first consistent cold winds that signal winter’s approach. The “slender winds” are light but persistent, bringing colder temperatures and sometimes the first snow to high elevations.
This month represents the beginning of the quiet season, when outdoor work decreases and families spend more time indoors. It’s a time for reflection, planning, and maintaining community bonds.
Winter Preparation:
- Final gathering of firewood
- Securing shelters for winter
- Checking food storage supplies
- Preparing warm clothing and blankets
- Beginning winter storytelling season
December – Níłch’itsoh (Big Winds)
December brings the strongest winter winds and harshest weather conditions. The “big winds” sweep across the high desert and mountains, bringing serious cold and often heavy snow.
This month represents winter’s full arrival and the importance of preparation, community, and staying close to home and fire. It’s a time of storytelling, ceremony, and strengthening family bonds.
Winter Activities:
- Indoor crafts and skills practice
- Sacred story telling
- Winter ceremonies
- Caring for livestock in severe weather
- Community gatherings and sharing resources
How to Pronounce the Navajo Months
Navajo is a tonal language with sounds that don’t exist in English, making pronunciation challenging but not impossible for learners. Here’s a detailed guide to help you pronounce each month correctly.
Understanding Navajo Sounds
Before diving into individual months, familiarize yourself with these key Navajo sound features:
Glottal Stops: Represented by an apostrophe (‘), this sound is like the pause in “uh-oh.” It’s a complete stop of airflow in the throat.
Ejectives: Sounds followed by an apostrophe (like t’, ch’) are ejective consonants, pronounced with a sharp burst of air.
Lateral Fricatives: The “ł” sound is pronounced like Welsh “ll” or similar to “thl” with air flowing around the sides of the tongue.
Nasal Vowels: Vowels with a hook below (ą) are nasalized—air flows through both mouth and nose.
Tone Marks: Acute accent marks (á) indicate high tone, which is crucial for meaning but often challenging for English speakers.
Month-by-Month Pronunciation Guide
January – Yas Niłt’ees
- Break it down: yas / niłt’ees
- Yas: sounds like “yacht” but with “s” instead of “t”
- Niłt’ees: “nil” (with lateral l) + “t’ease” (with ejective t)
- Practice sentence: “Yas Niłt’ees shi’į́ nizhóní” (January is beautiful to me)
February – Atsá Biyáázh
- Break it down: at-sá / bi-yáázh
- Atsá: “at-SAH” with stress on second syllable
- Biyáázh: “bee-YAH-zh” (zh sounds like “measure”)
- Practice sentence: “Atsá Biyáázh yiskąągo atsá yázhí nádáá” (In February, baby eagles return)
March – Wóózhch’į́į́d
- Break it down: wóózh-ch’į́į́d
- Wóózh: “WOH-zh” with long “o” and zh sound
- Ch’į́į́d: ejective ch plus nasalized high-tone “eed”
- This is one of the more challenging pronunciations
- Practice sentence: “Wóózhch’į́į́d atsá yázhí wózhchį́” (In March, baby eagles chirp)
April – T’á̜á̜chil
- Break it down: t’áá-chil
- T’áá: ejective “t” plus long nasalized “ah”
- Chil: “chill” without the second “l”
- Practice sentence: “T’á̜á̜chil bee nánise’ą́” (April brings growth)
May – T’ą́ą́tsoh
- Break it down: t’ą́ą́-tsoh
- T’ą́ą́: ejective “t” plus long nasalized high-tone “ahn”
- Tsoh: “tsoh” rhymes with “toe”
- Practice sentence: “T’ą́ą́tsoh ch’ééh díkwíí nááda” (In May, plants are big)
June – Ya’iishjááshchilí
- Break it down: ya-‘iish-jáásh-chi-lí
- This is the longest month name
- Ya: like “yacht”
- ‘Iish: glottal stop plus “eesh”
- Jáásh: “YAHSH” with high tone
- Chilí: “chee-LEE” with stress on final syllable
- Practice sentence: “Ya’iishjááshchilí naa’nitin” (June is planting time)
July – Ya’iishjááshtsoh
- Break it down: ya-‘iish-jáásh-tsoh
- Similar to June but ends with “tsoh” instead of “chilí”
- The “tsoh” means “big” distinguishing late planting from early
- Practice sentence: “Ya’iishjááshtsoh bíí’ naa’nitin” (July is also planting time)
August – Bini’anit’á̜á̜ts’ósí
- Break it down: bi-ni-‘a-nit-‘áá-ts’ó-sí
- Another long name requiring patience
- Bini: “bee-nee”
- ‘Anit’áá: glottal stop, “ah-nee-TAH”
- Ts’ósí: ejective “ts” plus “OH-see”
- Practice sentence: “Bini’anit’á̜á̜ts’ósí k’ad nádáá” (Small harvest is here now)
September – Bini’anit’ą́ą́tsoh
- Break it down: bi-ni-‘a-nit-‘ą́ą́-tsoh
- Similar to August but with “ą́ą́tsoh” ending
- The “tsoh” again indicates “big” version
- Practice sentence: “Bini’anit’ą́ą́tsoh táá’diin ninádáá” (Big harvest continues)
October – Gha̜a̜ji̜’
- Break it down: ghaa-ji’
- Gha: a voiced velar fricative (like gargling gently)
- Ji’: “jee” with glottal stop
- One of the shorter, easier names
- Practice sentence: “Gha̜a̜ji̜’ hai yisk’ąą neiilgháásh” (October brings winter closer)
November – Níłch’its’ósí
- Break it down: níł-ch’i-ts’ó-sí
- Níł: high tone “neel” with lateral l
- Ch’i: ejective ch plus “ee”
- Ts’ósí: ejective “ts” plus “OH-see”
- Practice sentence: “Níłch’its’ósí níłch’i bideeznilgo” (November brings small winds)
December – Níłch’itsoh
- Break it down: níł-ch’i-tsoh
- Very similar to November
- Tsoh: “tsoh” meaning “big”
- Practice sentence: “Níłch’itsoh níłch’i nínízin” (December brings big winds)
Tips for Better Pronunciation
Listen to Native Speakers: Whenever possible, hear Navajo speakers pronounce these words. Audio resources are invaluable for tonal languages.
Practice Regularly: Spend a few minutes daily repeating each month name. Start with easier ones like October and work toward more complex names like June and August.
Focus on Patterns: Notice that several months share roots:
- T’á̜á̜chil and T’ą́ą́tsoh (little/big leaves)
- Ya’iishjááshchilí and Ya’iishjááshtsoh (early/late planting)
- Bini’anit’á̜á̜ts’ósí and Bini’anit’ą́ą́tsoh (small/big harvest)
- Níłch’its’ósí and Níłch’itsoh (slender/big winds)
Don’t Worry About Perfection: Even slight variations in pronunciation are okay when learning. Native speakers appreciate the effort to learn their language.
Use Mnemonics: Create memory aids. For example, “Yas Niłt’ees” (January) might remind you of “yes, nil (zero) degrees”—it’s cold!
Common Questions About the Navajo Calendar
How old is the Navajo calendar system?
The Navajo calendar system has been used for centuries, though its exact age is difficult to determine.
The Navajo people migrated to the Southwest several hundred years ago, and they developed their calendar system based on observations of the local environment and agricultural cycles in their new homeland.
The month names we use today represent accumulated ecological knowledge passed down through generations orally.
This traditional knowledge has been maintained despite significant disruptions to Navajo society over the past 150 years.
Do all Navajo people still use the traditional month names?
Most Navajo people today use the Gregorian calendar for daily life, work, and school. However, the traditional month names are still taught in Navajo language classes and used in cultural contexts.
Many Navajo speakers and cultural practitioners use both calendars—the Gregorian for practical purposes and the traditional names when discussing cultural topics, ceremonies, or teaching language.
Language revitalization programs on the Navajo Nation actively teach these month names to younger generations to preserve this important cultural knowledge.
Are there regional variations in the month names?
Yes, some variations exist across different areas of the Navajo Nation. The names provided in this guide are the most widely recognized and taught versions, but some communities or families may use slightly different terms or pronunciations.
These variations reflect the vast geographic area of Navajo lands (over 27,000 square miles) and the fact that natural phenomena occur at different times at different elevations and locations.
Why are some Navajo month names so long?
Navajo is a descriptive and precise language. Long month names like “Bini’anit’á̜á̜ts’ósí” (August) actually contain multiple meaningful parts that describe specific phenomena in detail.
These compound words tell complete stories about what’s happening in nature. The length reflects the richness and specificity of Navajo language structure, where single words can express complex ideas that would require full sentences in English.
Can I use these month names if I’m not Navajo?
Learning and respectfully using Navajo month names is generally appreciated, especially if you’re studying the language or teaching others about Native American cultures. However, cultural sensitivity is important.
When using these terms:
- Acknowledge their cultural origin
- Make effort to pronounce them correctly
- Understand and explain their cultural significance
- Support Navajo language preservation efforts
- Don’t claim authority you don’t have
Learning these words helps keep the language alive and shows respect for Navajo culture and knowledge.
How does the Navajo calendar handle leap years and calendar drift?
The traditional lunar-based Navajo calendar didn’t have a formal leap year system like the Gregorian calendar. Instead, the calendar naturally aligned with observable seasonal phenomena.
If the calendar drifted from solar seasons, adjustments were made based on natural indicators. For example, if “little leaves month” arrived but no leaves were budding, people understood that the season hadn’t truly arrived yet.
This flexible, observation-based system prioritized accuracy to natural cycles over mathematical precision.
Are there Navajo names for seasons too?
Yes! The Navajo language has names for seasons:
- Hai – Winter
- Ak’eed – Spring
- Shi’ – Summer
- Ak’ééníłchí’ – Fall/Autumn
These season names are used alongside the month names and reflect the four main divisions of the year in Navajo culture.
What other time-related words exist in Navajo?
Navajo has a rich vocabulary for time concepts, including:
- Yiską́ągo – Tomorrow
- Adą́ą́dą́ą́’ – Yesterday
- T’áá’ ánídą́ą́’ – Today
- Jį́į́go – Day
- T’ééda – Night
The language also has complex ways of describing specific times, durations, and temporal relationships that reflect a different conceptual framework than English time expressions.
Related Navajo Time and Calendar Vocabulary
To deepen your understanding of the Navajo calendar and timekeeping, here are additional related terms and concepts.
Days of the Week
While days of the week aren’t traditionally part of Navajo timekeeping (they’re a Western concept), modern Navajo has adopted terms for them:
- Damį́įgo – Sunday
- Damį́įgo biyáázh – Monday (little Sunday)
- Naakigo – Tuesday
- Tá’go – Wednesday
- Dį́į́go – Thursday
- Ndaazįgo – Friday
- Yááshááshháá – Saturday
These names show how the Navajo language adapts to new concepts while maintaining linguistic patterns.
Times of Day
Navajo has specific terms for different times of day:
- Hayííłká – Dawn
- Abį́įnigo – Morning
- Tł’ááʼdídíín – Noon/midday
- Eeʼnahoołtááł – Afternoon
- Nahastʼéí – Evening
- Tł’ééʼíłką – Dusk
- Tł’éé’ – Night
- T’ééda – Late night/darkness
Important Ceremonial Times
Certain times hold special spiritual significance:
- Náhodiłhįł – Healing ceremonies often occur during specific moon phases
- Náhookǫs – North star and celestial navigation
- Ooljéé’ – Moon (literally “the one that goes at night”)
- Jóhonaa’éí – Sun (literally “the one who gives life by means of heat”)
Agricultural and Seasonal Terms
Words related to farming and seasons:
- Naanil – To plant
- Náda – To harvest/crops ripen
- Ch’ééh – Plants/vegetation
- Naaki – Seeds
- T’ó – Water
- Niltsą – Wind
- Yas – Snow
- Hádą́ą́’ – Rain
Quantities and Counting Months
When counting months or discussing duration:
- T’ááłáá’í – One month
- Naaki – Two months
- Táá’ – Three months
- Dį́į́’ – Four months
The Navajo number system is vigesimal (base-20) which affects how larger numbers are constructed.
Ceremonies and Their Timing
Many Navajo ceremonies are performed during specific months:
- Kinaaldá – Girls’ coming-of-age ceremony, often held in summer
- Nightway/Yéi̜i̜ bi̜ cheii – Winter healing ceremony (must be performed when thunder is quiet)
- Enemyway – Summer ceremony
- Blessingway – Can be performed year-round
Understanding the traditional calendar helps explain why certain ceremonies occur in specific months.
Summary and Key Takeaways
The twelve months in Navajo represent far more than a simple translation of the Gregorian calendar. They embody centuries of ecological observation, cultural wisdom, and a profound relationship with the natural world.
Key Points to Remember:
Nature-Based System: Every month name describes observable natural phenomena—from eagles hatching to winds blowing to crops ripening. This connects timekeeping directly to the environment.
Agricultural Significance: Many month names reference planting and harvesting cycles, reflecting the Navajo people’s agricultural heritage and the critical importance of timing in farming.
Cultural Preservation: Learning these month names supports Navajo language revitalization and helps maintain important cultural knowledge that might otherwise be lost.
Descriptive Language: The length and complexity of some month names demonstrate how Navajo language precisely describes the world through compound words and detailed terminology.
Seasonal Patterns: The year divides into clear patterns: winter survival (January-February), spring renewal (March-May), summer growth (June-July), fall harvest (August-September), and winter preparation (October-December).
Pronunciation Challenge: Navajo contains sounds unfamiliar to English speakers, but with practice and patience, learners can master these beautiful and meaningful words.
Quick Reference of All Months:
- January – Yas Niłt’ees (Frying snow)
- February – Atsá Biyáázh (Little eagles)
- March – Wóózhch’į́į́d (Baby eagle sounds)
- April – T’á̜á̜chil (Little leaves)
- May – T’ą́ą́tsoh (Big leaves)
- June – Ya’iishjááshchilí (Planting of early crops)
- July – Ya’iishjááshtsoh (Planting of late crops)
- August – Bini’anit’á̜á̜ts’ósí (Small harvest)
- September – Bini’anit’ą́ą́tsoh (Big harvest)
- October – Gha̜a̜ji̜’ (Back to back)
- November – Níłch’its’ósí (Slender winds)
- December – Níłch’itsoh (Big winds)
Moving Forward
Whether you’re learning Navajo language, teaching about Native American cultures, or simply curious about indigenous knowledge systems, understanding the Navajo calendar offers valuable insights.
These month names remind us that time is not an abstract concept but a lived experience connected to the earth, seasons, and cycles of life. They teach us to observe nature more carefully, to notice when eagles hatch and leaves unfurl, to understand that harvest doesn’t happen all at once but unfolds in waves.
By learning and sharing these words, you participate in keeping Navajo language and culture alive for future generations.
Additional Resources
To continue your learning journey:
- Navajo Language Programs: Many tribal colleges offer online Navajo language courses
- Cultural Centers: Visit or contact Navajo Nation cultural centers and museums
- Language Apps: Several mobile apps teach Navajo words and phrases
- Audio Resources: Seek out recordings of native speakers for pronunciation practice
- Books: Look for Navajo language dictionaries and cultural guides
The Navajo Nation welcomes respectful learners who approach their language and culture with humility and genuine interest.
Take Action: Share and Learn More
If you found this guide helpful, consider:
Sharing this resource with educators, language learners, and anyone interested in Native American cultures. Knowledge grows when shared respectfully.
Supporting language preservation by donating to Navajo language programs or purchasing materials created by Navajo educators and artists.
Practicing the month names regularly to improve your pronunciation and retention. Try using them in your daily life when referencing months.
Learning more about Navajo culture, history, and contemporary issues facing the Navajo Nation. Understanding language is just the beginning of cultural appreciation.
Teaching others, especially young people, about indigenous knowledge systems and the value they offer all humanity in understanding our relationship with nature.
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Final Thoughts
The months in Navajo language offer a window into a worldview that sees time as cyclical, connected to nature, and rich with meaning. Each name carries stories, observations, and wisdom accumulated over generations.
As you use these month names, remember you’re not just learning words—you’re connecting with a living culture, honoring indigenous knowledge, and participating in language preservation that helps ensure Navajo culture thrives for generations to come.
Ahéhee’ (thank you) for taking the time to learn about the Navajo calendar. May this knowledge deepen your appreciation for the Diné people and their beautiful language.
Source: Navajo Nation
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