Baby's First Laugh

We always look forward to the celebration of our children's first laugh.  This time it was Kyle who got the first giggle out of Akoni.  He was with him on Monday morning as I slept in an extra half hour.  It was then he laughed for Daddy.  Hooray.  Because of a full week, we finally got to celebrate it Saturday night.  I looked up an article about the celebration to remind myself of it's significance.  Here is what one article wrote:   

First Laugh, Navajo  
Written By Putnam Goodwin-Boyd

According to Navajo (or Diné) tradition, a baby is considered to be of two worlds at birth: that of the holy people and that of the earth people. As weeks pass, adults wait and listen for the child's first chuckle — a sign of joy that signals his desire to join his earth family and community. In Navajo culture, it is believed that a child assumes the qualities of the person who witnesses, or coaxes, his first giggle. (So it might be wise to keep your less noble relations away!) To commemorate this event, the laugh witness hosts an A'wee Chi'deedloh ("The Baby Laughed") ceremony. Guests, often bearing gifts, file past the infant with plates full of food. With help from the host, the baby holds out salt crystals for each of them. Placed on the food or tongue, the salt is meant to rejuvenate the good character in each recipient and serve as the first in a lifetime of generous acts by the child.  At the meal's end, either the host or a community or family elder blesses the baby, wishing him a life of generosity and gratitude.


I love this tradition.  I think it is wonderful in every way.  We are so grateful to have Akoni and just as his name indicates, I know he will be the reason for much happiness in our family.

 One funny thing I want to remember - The boys knew we were having this celebration and looked forward to it very much.  The following morning Ikaika came up to me and said, "Mom, we forgot to all laugh at the Laughing Party!" So cute, Ikaika.