Navajo Gambling Songs #250375

This is, to some extent, sacred in its nature for the playing is confined to the winter, the only time when their myths may be told and their most important ceremonies conducted. It is practiced only during the dark hours. The real reason for this is probably that the stone used in the game cannot be hidden successfully by daylight; but if you ask an Indian why the game is played only at night, he will account for it by referring you to the myth and say ing that he on whom the sun shines while he is engaged in the game will be struck blind. I have heard that on some occasions, when the stakes are heavy and the day begins to dawn on an undecided contest, they close all the apertures of the lodge with blankets, blacken the skin around their eyes, place a watch outside to prevent intrusion, and for a short time continue their sport.