First Blessings Swaddle Blankets

"Belonging is such an important aspect of raising strong children and people," shares Hopi-Tewa artist Monica Nuvamsa. "Belonging ties deeply to a person's identity and purpose in life." To help nurture that sense of belonging and connection, Monica has designed a set of three First Blessings Swaddle Blankets that share prayers for protection and wishes for a long and happy life, blanketing your baby in strength and purpose. Every design element of Monica's First Blessings Swaddle Blankets has special significance. All three blankets are bordered by traditional Hopi colors of the four cardinal directions: yellow for north, blue for west, red for south, and white for east. "These are the directions from which all good blessings will come," shares Monica. The border designs are koyung'suru—turkey feathers—which provide warmth and security. Ears of qötsav’qaa’ö—white corn—are placed in the corners of each blanket to represent a mother’s protection; and a baby's first tihu (doll) and aaya