Palms Trading Company

While squash blossom necklaces were not worn for ceremonial purposes, they were often used as a display of wealth or status. The wealthier or more prestigious the wearer, the larger and more impressive the squash blossom became. When squash blossom necklaces originated, both the Native Americans and settlers would wear much of their wealth. Although the squash blossom necklaces were not worn for specific ceremonies, the Naja was still thought to protect the wearers from evil spirits, while the turquoise itself was also believed to bring strength and other positive properties. http://palmstrading.over-blog.com/2020/05/were-squash-blossom-necklaces-worn-in-ceremonies.html

The Naja is the horseshoe or crescent moon shaped pendant at the bottom of a squash blossom necklace. The Naja is thought to provide protection, and when there is a turquoise bead suspended in the middle of it, it is meant to symbolize a baby in the womb. Additionally, the Naja is thought to ward off evil spirits. Over time, and with each generation, the naja became more and more symbolic with various ceremonials. As most ceremonials were related to the agricultural cycle, the naja became associated with crop fertility. https://palmstradingcompany.weebly.com/blog/what-is-the-naja