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Navajo Word of the Day: "Solar Eclipse"

4,522 views · Published 21 May 2012 · 2:47 · Indexed 23 September 2026

Channel: daybreakwarrior · 2012 · Science & Technology

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Since there was a solar eclipse today on the Navajo reservation, I decided to make today's Navajo Word of the Day "solar eclipse." To say solar eclipse in Navajo, you say "Jóhonaa'éí Daaztsá̜," which literally means, "The Sun Died!"

Another way to say it is, "Ałne'íí'áázh," which essentially describes two things traveling together in a way in which one thing is hiding behind another.

The last word used is the word "Ahééjiichi̜i̜'," which is the name of the fiery ring or "annulus." The word describes something that is red in a circular formation. At the end of the video is my own capture of the "annular solar eclipse," caught with my handy camera. This video was shot from Chinle, AZ, where the maximum coverage of the moon by the sun was visible in my area. :-)

Now I know that traditional Navajos do not typically view the occurrence of an eclipse. Our family understands these sentiments and we know the underlying tone of safety. By viewing eclipses, we are not disrespecting the beliefs of traditional Navajos. Rather, as Chrisitans we wouldn't miss out on this opportunity to see the wonders of God's creation! :-)

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