tádídíín

Navajo

Etymology

(This etymology is missing or incomplete. Please add to it, or discuss it at the Etymology scriptorium.)

Pronunciation

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Noun

tádídíín

1. corn pollen

Usage notes

Corn pollen is a pillar of traditional Navajo culture. It can only be collected from the tassels of a mature corn plant by a woman. After it is collected, it is blessed and is then used as the primary means of communicating with the myriad Diyin Dineʼé (Navajo Holy People). It assures a traveler safety and happiness, especially when traveling outside of the Navajo homeland. Corn pollen is a sweet-tasting yellow powder that is commonly kept in small leather pouches.