Lightning — bloombot

One day in second grade, when I got home from school, and my brother wasn't home yet, locked out of the house, I sat on the porch and watched a storm come in. A bolt of lightning started in the sky above me and went over the house and struck in the field behind. In Indiana there is way more lightning than in New Mexico. I haven't been that close to lightning since then, however.

What is the meaning and symbolism of the zigzag pattern on Navajo (Diné) rugs?

The zigzag pattern is often featured in Navajo rugs and is commonly referred to as a "lightning" pattern (Tłʼiish) by the Navajo people. In Navajo culture, the zigzag pattern is said to symbolize the lightning bolt, which is a key element in Navajo mythology and spiritual practices.

This ceremonial symbolism represents the power, potency, and speed of natural forces that can potentially bring rain, a crucial resource in the arid Southwest where the Navajo Nation is located.

However, interpretations can vary widely and the meaning can change based on the context and the particular rug design. Each rug is unique and carries its own cultural and personal significance — it's always best to ask the weaver or a native expert for accurate information.^*

Listen how to pronounce atsiniltł'ish (lightning or electricity) in Navajo.

^* GPT-4, November 23, 2023

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What is the meaning and symbolism of the zigzag pattern on Navajo (Diné) rugs?