Snakes are an important symbol for the Hopi Indians and make an appearance during the winter solstice ceremony, called Soyal. Although information about many of the Hopi rituals is scarce and hard to verify since so many ritual dances are closed to the public, tribal chiefs are said to make offerings and prayers to an effigy of a black plumed snake during the winter solstice, (although the main Hopi snake celebration is in August). During the Soyal ceremony, it is also reported that tribal members dress as snakes, warriors, the sun god and others, to perform ritual dances. The black snake symbolizes the evil influences driving the sun away and the dances are intended to bring the sun back and welcome the kachinas or spirits.

While the representative snake is black, kids love colors, so let them choose their colors. All that’s needed is an egg box to start.

Materials:
Empty egg carton
Paints
Scissors
Glue
Pink paper for tongue and googley eyes

Instructions
1. Cut the egg carton out, making sure you have cut out the excess carton around the circles.
2. Let the kids to paint it however they want
3. Put the googly eyes on and cut out a snake tongue.
4. Allow to dry and you’ve got a snake! (Ok, so ours maybe look more like caterpillars but my girls were very happy with their snakes).

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