There are nine prophecies connected with the nine worlds. The future prophecies are of the worlds to come, and the world of the Creator, Taiowa, and Sotuknang, the Creator's nephew. The Hopi wear their hair in bangs as a window to recognize the True White Brother, and also as a sign for him to recognize them. The Ceremonial Calendar Preparation for the ceremonies begins in the kivas, some of which are rectangular, with the eastern pueblos kivas being round or oval. Prayer is offered before the altar, and sacred cornmeal, tobacco, and feathered prayer-sticks are used in this offering.
Tobacco smoke is rain clouds.
The ceremonial dancers send a prayer to the spirits below by stamping on a cottonwood covering of the sipapu before coming out to dance. The Crier Chief comes forth to announce all ceremonies. Drummers join in and all move in a counter-clockwise direction, with the dance leader in the center. In the social dances the singers and drummers remain apart. Wuwuchim is a 16 day ceremony which is the first of a three-part celebration of the creation of the universe.