Navajo Princess Pageant Competition....

Rainy Bennett in our ward invited us to see her participate in the Navajo Princess Competition at her school.............it was so neat - 6 little girls (3rd, 4th, and 5th grade) competed in this event. They had a panel of judges....they were judged on Navajo language as they presented themselves - introducing their clans first and then themselves. Then they did dress, moccasin, bling (jewelry), and hair competitions. They did a talent number. Three of them sang with their drums, one made blue corn meal much on a little hot plate - stirring it with her little bundle of sticks as she explained on the microphone what she was making. It is cornmeal and then the juniper ash (which turns it blue)........Elder Hafen got a taste (however he was not very fond of it!!!) Rainy did a cradle board demonstration - it is so fascinating to watch and she described it so well. Each piece of the cradle board represents something. They put white shells on the left if it is for a girl and blue turquoise on the right if it is for a boy. The left side boards represent Father Sky and the right Side - mother earth. Great night!! Rainy was chosen as 1st runner up - we were proud of her!