In Navajo families, the first person to make a new baby laugh hosts
the child's First Laugh Ceremony. Who will earn the honor in this
story?
The First Laugh Ceremony is a celebration held to welcome a new member
of the community. As everyone--from Baby's nima (mom) to nadi (big
sister) to cheii (grandfather)--tries to elicit the joyous sound from
Baby, readers are introduced to details about Navajo life and the Navajo
names for family members. Back matter includes information about other
cultural ceremonies that welcome new babies and children, including man
yue celebration (China), sanskaras (Hindu) and aquiqa (Muslim).