Navajo Teachings: The Truth About Turquoise

The legends say... turquoise is meant to remind us of our existence in the Blue World.

The Blue World is the second in the teachings of the four worlds. It has a few different names.

The Second World, The Blue World, The Spirit World, and The World With No Surface.

Turquoise is said to offer protection.

To identify to the Holy People, the Five-Fingered beings who know where they come from.

Navajo Historian, Wally Brown, uses his necklace to teach about the symbolism of turquoise.

Wally has had his necklace for decades. It was given to him as payment for some presentations he gave long ago.

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[BlackthornBetty]

I was born in Arizona. Ive always been drawn to turquoise. I wear a turquoise necklace everyday. I have as long as I can remember.

[geoffgordon]

Every generation should have a family historian/storyteller. Tradition and ceremonies must be passed on. Otherwise they are lost in time.

[thechrisricci]

What he says at the end resonates with me, "The turquoise was not yours, but... it was put into your care." I feel like this about all things in the material world, whether living or inanimate. I look out for the plants and animals in my yard in the same way I care for my car or my tools. I believe it comes down to having respect for the world around you and trying your best to help when you can, but at least do no harm. We all share this earth.

[samosasosa]

Years ago 70 years ago. My uncle bought from a trading post a actual real necklace. Big tumbled 6 strands of tumbled sizes were like quarters
size but the small beads that hung down was 6 strands of round small beads with white ivory looking beads in between. red ones on the top. It was pawned to the shop and my uncle had to sign a pledge to give back if the owner came back for them. The bone between the turquoise were the fingers of the grand father. Took my uncle almost the rest of his life to find the family. Once he knew what it was, he just wanted to get it back to who owned it. I was 7 or 8 said that should be worth a lot of money. My Uncle was so cool he bent down and said. There are things on this earth worth more than money. I didn't get it a kid remember. He looked down at me and said this is their religion, That's more than money. I am 74 Uncle CN is gone. not forgotten. Thanks teacher.

[Arinera]

I really like the thought and expression of something "being put into your care" rather than being owned by you. It gives that something a lot of significance.

[sickofcrap]

Much respect for this man telling us what the meanings and beliefs of his people are. We need to understand and respect Native Americans beliefs more than we currently do.

[rebeccadixon]

I’m Navajo born but adopted by a white family and raised in the Midwest. Love seeing the social media accounts that are teaching what I missed. Maybe someday I’ll be in a position to see the land and people myself. ❤️ I always wished I had a big turquoise piece!

[rallyman]

On a slightly random note, as a child (and even to this day) I had a very big obsession with turquoise and to hear about how significant it is to certain cultures just makes me love and respect it all the more.

[patdough]

I’m 65 yrs old now ., . I continue to wear a Navajo “wedding ring” that my parents gave me when I was 13 yrs old .... 100% silver and turquoise blends. LOVE, LOVE my ring!!!

[julielobato]

Thank you elder, your stories mean so much to me. Sharing your culture and wisdom with the world is a priceless gift.

[mrinalinidevi]

His words resonate more deeply than many professional trained speakers of today's world. Respect.

[fusionsportdaily]

I'm not a Native American by any means. But I hold the Native American culture to the highest respect compared to other cultures around the world. Their teachings are honest and peaceful. Thank you Elder, for teaching us your stories and bringing historical information to the world.

[wordsofwisdomfromanoldlady]

I lost my grandfather many years ago. You remind me of him. I used to sit and listen to his stories for hours. Thank you.

[deborahmiller]

I am not Native American, but have nothing but the greatest respect for all Nations. I especially admire the Navajo people and my favorite jewelry has always been turquoise and silver. I followed in my mother's footsteps in that regard. She was of Irish descent, also a very mystical people. This video has taught me to understand the significance of this beautiful stone! Thank you so much!

[Seanenanigans]

This stuff needs to be aired on public television. Need more viewers

[luminescent__]

" It's not _yours_, but instead it was 'Put into _Your_ *care* '" 🥺💙💙🙏 This is so precious & so true 🙏🙏 God Bless

[RIXRADvidz]

one does not own it, it is in your care. Thank you for the reminder, it will resonate.

[bts_fanlife]

I too am full-blooded Navajo and was adopted by a white family. I grew up in TN. I found my native family in 1993. I was recently in Farmington, NM visiting. My youngest 2 daughters met their native family for the first time. This was a last wish of my 19yo who passed away July 29th from stage 4 Ewing Sarcoma cancer. I wish I had been able to visit more often and share the culture and land with my daughters. I hope to retire there one day. 💓

[selenadiaz]

I support Indigenous Craftsmanship. Everytime I wear my sterling & turquoise now, I will always think of it as not mine, that its just been entrusted to me for care and I as I pass it down, I will continue this teaching. Thank you

[jeromegarcia]

My grandfather was a Navajo Marine, he died early and my mother even earlier, everytime I heard stories of my people's traditions and history, or going home on visits I feel this grasping feeling of spiritual power engulfing my whole being...