Coyote was given a big jar to carry when the people came to this world. He was told not to lift the lid; the jar was heavy and coyote was curious to know what he was carrying. He set the jar down, lifted the lid and peeked inside. All the stars rushed out and they burned his nose as they flew past. Poor coyote could only catch a few and these are now in their proper places in the skies (the constellations), the others are just strewn about, and some of them, being insecurely fastened in place, fall back to earth. This is why there are few constellations, why there are shooting stars and why coyote has a black nose.

(Hopi)

-- Anonymous, May 28, 2001