The origins of the Totems and of Names

The Twain Beloved and the priest-fathers of the Zuni people gathered in council to assign names and select groups for humans, animals, and other elements. They named those residing in the southern space as the Children of Summer. Among them, those with a deep affection for the sun were called the Sun people. Others, who felt a strong connection to water, became known as the Toad people, Turtle people, or Frog people. Some cherished the seeds of the earth and were identified as the Seed people, the people of the First-growing grass, or the people of the Tobacco. Those who favored warmth became the Fire or Badger people. Each group chose their totem according to their inherent nature.

Similarly, the People of Winter, or the People of the North, selected their totems. Some were recognized as the Bear people, Coyote people, or Deer people; others were known as the Crane people, Turkey people, or Grouse people. The Badger people, for instance, settled in warm places, much like the badgers who burrow on the sunny side of hills, making their homes among the dry roots where fire can be found.

This is a retelling of a Zuni legend, and the tradition belongs to its people.