Puzzle Description:

Symbols like this have been used by Native Americans for many generations to express thoughts, feelings, ideas, and beliefs. Since very few Native American tribes used written language, these symbols were an important means of communication in the past. Read the comments to learn what these symbols mean.

#1: Teresa K (fasstar) on May 3, 2009 [SPOILER]

Top left: The squash blossom is a symbol of courtship.

Top right: This triangle design represents butterflies, the symbol of everlasting life. This design is frequently seen in Naative American artwork.

Bottom left: The big mountain represents abundance.

Bottom right: The sun rays stand for constancy.

Neat idea for a puzzle.

Neat! I didn't know those symbols had meanings beyond just being pretty. I'll be seeing butterflies every time I look at our Navaho rug now. Thanks!

Isn't it fun to learn about?

My apologies to any Native or First Nations people if I get some of these wrong. My sources are the Internet and some children's books, so the references are questionable. Also, different symbols may represent entirely different things to various tribes or cultures. I share this information for entertainment purposes only, not to be taken as hard fact.

For instance, according to one source, the squash blossom represents courtship. But another source says this symbolizes fertility. Well, when my boyfriend (20 years ago) gave me some beautiful silver squash blossom earrings, I don't think he meant to bless me with fertility. :-) I think the fertility symbol is the pomegranate blossom, which is very similar to the squash blossom.

Whatever the translation, these are fascinating symbols. I enjoy the concept of putting four in one puzzle - that way they aren't symmetrical but still aren't too difficult a challenge to solve. Thanks for all your efforts.

Thanks, Ga.

I love the education you're giving us. thanks.

Thanks, Telly. I enjoyed creating this series.

yes, another fun puzzle to solve and lesson to learn.

Goto next topic

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