HOPI CEREMONIAL SOCIETIES- PHRATRIES

Pharatry = A group of two or more clans (totemic, geographic or lineage) that function as political, economic and ceremonial organizations with an emphasis on a calendrical or non-calendrical ceremonialv events. The Hopi phratries consist of two or more matrilineal totemic clans with an emphasis of a calendrical ceremonial calendar.

 

HOPI PHRATRIES

I. RABBIT-KACHINA-PARROT
II. BEAR-SPIDER
III. SAND-SNAKE-LIZARD
IV. SUN-EAGLE
V. GREASEWOOD-BOW-REED
VI. MASAU'U-COYOTE-WATER COYOTE
VII. BADGER-GRAY BADGER-BUTTERFLY
VIII. YOUNG CORN-WATER HOUSE
IX. SPARROW HAWK-SQUASH
X. HORN-ANTELOPE-SEED

 

      The Hopi ceremonial cycle is calendrical is based on the cyclical positions of the sun in conjunction with other celestial bodies like the 19 year cycle with the moon, planetary cycles and regular appearance of  constellations throughout the year. The solar year is divided into two halves. The kachina cycle from the winter solstice (Dec 21) to the summer solstice (Jun 21) and the non-Kachina cycle from the summer solstice (Jun 21) to the winter solstice (Dec 21). Each ceremony listed has a small version held in the six month opposite time in the calendar. 

Fred Kabotie

HOPI CEREMONIAL CYCLE

MONTH

SOLAR

CEREMONY

PHRATRY/GOAL

Initiates Moon/Nov

  Wuwuchim I,II,X:New Fire, Fertility,Hunting

Dangerous Moon Dec

Winter Sostice Soyal I,II
Water/Foolish Moon   Jan Kachinas Emerge from Sipapu Butterfly & Buffalo Dances VII,X: War
Purification Moon  Feb   Powamu I,II,VII: Purification,planting
Whistling or Cactus Moon  Mar   Kachina Night Dances II: 
Windbreak Moon Mar     Rabbit Brush windbreaks const around fields
Waiting Moon  April   Planting Ceremony Clan Mo plants sweet corn
Planting Moon  May     Other CBS planted
Nameless Moon  June Summer Solstice Kachinas Return to Sipapu Niman II
Nameless Moon  July   Snake/Antelope  or Blue/Grey Flute I,II,IV,VIII : Rain/Fertility
Nameless Moon Aug      
Feasting Moon Sept     Intercalary Mo.
Autumn/Harvest Moon Oct   Maraw, Owaqol,Lakon I,II,IX Harvest Dances (Women)

Hopi Directions