HOPI CALENDAR

 "KWIYA.MUYA"- WIND BREAK MOON

 

Around this time, racer kastinas come to the village plaza to challenge men and boys to footraces. The men and boys take turns racing the kastinas across the plaza. Losing to a Runner katsina generally results in an unpleasant consequences, such as being doused with water or an unstylish haircut. However, whether his opponent wins or loses, the Racer katsina always gives him a gift of food. As with all Hopi ceremonies, the Racer katsinas depart with a message and prayer for rain.

 In addition to this season called Kwiyamuya, fruit trees begin to bud, some peach trees are in blossom, and weeds begin to appear in the corn fields. This is time to prepare and plant gardens and fields with various crops, especially early corn. The men also construct "kwiya", which are windbreaks to protect the seedlings, hence the name for this month.