Thunderstorms were a source of both power and danger for the Arapaho. In fact, the Arapaho believe that all of nature is both a source of power (if used and understood correctly), but also a source of danger (if abused or misunderstood). Thunderstorms are simply the most visible and striking example of Nature in both its aspects for the Arapaho. Arapaho religious belief and ceremony is intimately connected to thunderstorms and to the Thunderbird which symbolizes this force of nature. The vocabulary regarding thunderstorms is also rich in symbolism and multiple meanings.

Vocabulary
boh'óoó = thunder
bonoh'óonoosóó' = thunderstorm ("thunder rain")
neníitóuuhut = it is thundering (literally "[thunderbird] is hollering, screaming")
[The ceremonial whistles used in the Sun Dance are called níitouu3óó,
which means literally that they are used to call out to the Thunderbird, in imitation of his call.'
céheekúút = lightning (literally "the blinking of [thunderbird's] eyes")
cééheekúút = it is lightning ("[thunderbird] is blinking his eyes")
cééhuukúúnoosóó' = it is raining with lightning
nii'éíheinó'et = thundercloud ("eagle/thunderbird cloud")
beníibíh'ínoonóé'eti' = there are dark storm clouds in the sky
neyóoxét = tornado, whirlwind (also = "caterpillar")
neeyóoxétiinéése' = there is a tornado wind blowing
wo'wú3oo = hail
woo'wú3oonoosóó' = it is hailing, there is a hailing rain
3ée3i'óowú' = the water is choppy, due to wind
[The same general word is also used to describe the Water Monster or hííncebiit who lives in the water,
and whom the Thunderbird seeks to destroy: he is described as 3ée3i'otó'oyóó',
meaning "choppy-backed," like an alligator.]

Controlling Thunderstorms
When a thunderstorm is approaching and one wants to avoid it, the following procedure can be used: take a stick or branch and lay it cross-ways (perpendicular) to the path of the approaching storm. Then, take a double-headed axe or hatchet and cut the stick in two. The storm will deviate to either side of you.

Conversely, use of the toy known as the bullroarer - a piece of notched wood attached to a string, and swung around in a circle so that it makes a whirring noise - was believed to bring about thunderstorms, since the sound recalled that of thunder.

Behavior During Thunderstorms
It is not hard to imagine that being out on the open prairie in a tipi could be a scary experience, with the tipi poles functioning as virtual lightning attraction devices, as they might be the highest thing around for miles. Thus the Arapahos had a number of behavior rules to follow during thunderstorms: everyone had to sit still, under a blanket; children were given round, black rocks to hold; everyone had to remain quiet; all animals were either held still or sent out of the lodge; any shiny of reflective surfaces, especially mirrors, had to be covered up; and all women and girls had to sit apart from boys and men (because the Thunderbird is highly jealous, and does not like seeing the sexes together during storms). Elders would burn ceremonial incense and says prayers during the storm.

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