tanaashgiizh
The Navajo phrase for blue corn mush is tanaashgiizh.
This phrase refers to a traditional porridge made from ground blue corn.
Did you know?
- In certain traditional contexts, the blue color associated with the corn in tanaashgiizh is poetically linked to the 'blue direction' or the North, which holds specific ceremonial significance.
- Unlike English, which uses a separate adjective for 'blue', the concept of the color is often baked into the specific name of the corn variety in Navajo.
- While the word tanaashgiizh refers to the porridge, the blue corn used to make it is considered a sacred plant in the Navajo creation story.
Example conversation
Jessica and Tyler are having breakfast together.
- JessicaTanaashgiizh nił hózhǫ́.I enjoy the blue corn mush.
- TylerDootłʼish, tʼaaʼ ííníh.Yes, it is very good.
- JessicaTanaashgiizh tʼáá ákótʼééh.The blue corn mush is just right.
- TylerŁééʼ tʼáá áákʼééh.It is very warm.
