thunder

    Article

    In meteorology, thunder is the by-product of the movement of lightning through the atmosphere. As lightning snaps through the air, it instantaneously superheats the air around it, causing the air to expand in an explosive fashion, creating a shock wave that sounds like a giant clap.

    In the Navajo tradition, Thunder can be a protective force and is considered to be one of the Holy People. In Navajo culture, the Holy People are immortal beings that can take the outer form of landscape elements, animals, plants, and celestial bodies. Conversely, Thunder can be personified as an evil and destructive force, which means that when dealing with such a powerful entity, one must be cautious.

    Photo Credit

     
    "Thunder light" by Petr Kratochvil is licensed under Public Domain.

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    References

     
    Haile, Berard
         1947   Starlore Among The Navaho. Santa Fe, N.M.: Museum of Navajo Ceremonial Art.

    Kelley, Klara Bonsack and Harris Francis
         1994   Navajo Sacred Places. Bloomington: Indiana University Press.

    Waldman, Carl
         1994   Holy People. Word Dance: The Language of Native American Culture. New York:
             Facts On File, Inc.