honishgish

Navajo

Etymology

From the root -GIZH (“make a motion with a sticklike object”).

Noun

honishgish

1. fire poker

Usage notes

The honishgish is traditionally made of a cedar branch (gad), because it is said that that wood controls fire. In addition, the honishgish is a protector. If the parents must leave a child alone for a while, the honishgish is placed near it for protection. If the family leaves the hooghan for a time, the honishgish is placed outside near the door to protect the home. If a visitor sees this, he knows the family is gone and that he must go away and come back later. The honishgish must never be used to harm another living being. If it were used to strike a person or an animal, all the positive prayers and thoughts instilled in it would vanish and the honishgish would be damaged.

Alternative forms

• konishgish