PERU: On the Cuy – Guinea pig – in history, mythology, folklore & everyday life

Cuy, is part of the culture, history, mythology, folklore and every day life, of Peruvians from time immemorial. This small rodent is identified with the life and customs of the local communities, cuyes are also used in medicine and even in magical-religious rituals. Currently the guinea pig has multiple purposes (pets, experimental animals), although in Peru it is a traditional food.

PERU: On the Cuy – Guinea pig – in history, mythology, folklore & everyday life

AUSTRIA | SOUTH TYROL: On Saint Nicholas and the Krampus in Tyrol

Saint Nicholas with his long white beard, bishop’s miter and crosier rewards the well-behaved with gifts each year on 6th December. His scary counterpart Krampus wears fur, horns and a hand-carved mask with a lolling tongue. During the Christmas season, he comes to warn and punish naughty children (and adults). Discover Saint Nicholas and the Krampus in Tyrol. AUSTRIA | SOUTH TYROL: On Saint Nicholas and the Krampus in Tyrol

EGYPT : On the CURSE OF THE PHARAOH TUTANKHAMUN

British Archaeologist and Egyptologist Howard Carter along with his sponsor, Lord Carnarvon, discovered the tomb of Tutankhamen in 1922, in the Valley of the Kings at Luxor. Rumor and speculation of mysterious deaths began to spread. Discover the life of King Tut, and the Curse of the Pharaoh, Tutankhamun or, the Mummy’s Curse. EGYPT : On the CURSE OF THE PHARAOH TUTANKHAMUN

ITALY: Frozen in Ice – The curse of the Iceman – Ötzi

The Iceman — Ötzi, the Glacier Mummy is forever sleeping in a big refrigerator. The frozen mummy is stored in a specially devised cold cell, chilled to a glacial minus 6.5 degrees Celsius, or 20.3 degrees Fahrenheit, and 99% humidity. We can see him through a small window in the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology in Bolzano/Bozen. Discover the curse of the Iceman — Ötzi, his tattoos and ethnomedicne from the Copper Age. ITALY: Frozen in Ice – The curse of the Iceman – Ötzi

TIMELINE: A story of cacao/cocoa and chocolate

The story of how cocoa and chocolate was first discovered and then spread to all of the major countries on Earth is a fascinating tale that includes mythology, romance, politics, slavery, intrigue, heroics, deceit, greed, war and innovation. Discover the story of cacao/cocoa and chocolate.

TIMELINE: A story of cacao/cocoa and chocolate

ITALY | TYROL : The Legend of the Pale Mountains, the Dolomites

Dolomites beauty derives from a variety of spectacular vertical forms such as pinnacles, spires and towers, with contrasting horizontal surfaces including ledges, crags and plateaus. They rise abruptly above extensive talus deposits and more gentle foothills. Countless legends have grown up in the shadow of these pale mountains, inspired by observation of the natural landscape and influenced by the stories told by the people. The Dolomites must surely, in the popular imagination, be inhabited by fabulous creatures as well as by kings and queens, discover the The legend of the Pale Mountains, the Dolomites.

ITALY | TYROL : The Legend of the Pale Mountains, the Dolomites

CYPRUS: Myth and Cult of Aphrodite on Cyprus

Myth has it that Aphrodite, the Olympian goddess of love, beauty, pleasure and procreation, arose from the sea foam on the south-western coast of Cyprus. References in ancient authors and archaeological evidence may prove that Aphrodite and her cult originated on this island. What is certain is that throughout antiquity the Great Goddess, in different aspects was worshiped on Cyprus. There were several sanctuaries on the island dedicated to her, the most famous in Paphos. Discover Myth and Cult of Aphrodite on Cyprus.

CYPRUS: Myth and Cult of Aphrodite on Cyprus

INDIA | NEPAL: There be Unicorns – Myth & Folklore of the One – horned rhinoceros

At Bardia National Park in Nepal, a lone rhino swishes out the elephant grass. We stand very near, quite at the riverbank peering behind tall grass, hearing – observing – now it is slowly reaching the water, peacefully munching. Floating happily into the river. Discover Myth & Folklore of the One-horned rhinoceros also known as the Indian Rhinoceros.

INDIA | NEPAL: There be Unicorns – Myth & Folklore of the One – horned rhinoceros

NEPAL: Myth and Folklore of the Yeti

Across the Himalayas the yeti is known by many names and was seen as real, familiar for generations in a half-dozen countries from Tibet to Pakistan. A region flush with wildlife, where tigers, bears and wild dogs roamed thick mountain forests, icy mountaintops and remote river valleys. Here, if nowhere else, the yeti was simply one more creature. Discover Myth and Folklore of the Yeti.

NEPAL: Myth and Folklore of the Yeti

INDONESIA: Here be dragons – History, Myth and Folklore of the Komodo Dragon

Komodo dragons are the world’s largest living lizards, they only live on a hand full of islands in Indonesia. The crocodile and the Orah, as it is called by the locals, are the closest we have to dinosaurs. The dragons have long been a source of major fascination for the peoples of Flores who share their islands with them, till today. Discover History, Myth and Folklore of the Komodo Dragon.

INDONESIA: Here be dragons – History, Myth and Folklore of the Komodo Dragon

INDONESIA: The people of the Jungle – Myths and legends of the Orang-Utan

Orang-utans, being uncannily like humans and highly intelligent, at the same time as being large and extremely strong, have long been a source of major fascination for the peoples of Sumatra and Borneo who share their forests with them. Discover Myths and legends of the Orang-Utan in Indonesia.

INDONESIA: The people of the Jungle – Myths and legends of the Orang-Utan

CHILE: Myths and folklore of the birdman cult on the Easter Island – Rapa Nui

Explore Makemake and the incredible competition that took place on Rapa Nui to choose the Tangata Manu or Easter Island birdman whose clan would rule the island during one year. Discover Myths and Legends of the birdman cult on the Easter Island – Rapa Nui

CHILE: Myths and folklore of the birdman cult on the Easter Island – Rapa Nui

INDIA: On the Coconut palm

Discover legends, myths and folklore of the coconut palm tree and its use in traditional Indian culture.

Oral literature abounds with proverbs, fables, myths, and legends associated with this special nut and have been associated with the origin of the plant in India, Malaysia, Hawaii, Myanmar, Maldives, Philippines, Indonesia, and Polynesian countries.

INDIA: On the Coconut palm

CHINA: On the Giant Panda in History and Mythology

Folklore of 熊猫 – the Giant Panda, has its roots in Tibetan and Chinese culture. Read the legends on how the panda got his black marks, discover its etymology and symbolism and the use in traditional Chinese culture. Discover the History and Mythology of the xióng māo, Mo, Pixiu or Giant Panda.

CHINA: On the Giant Panda in History and Mythology

THAILAND- LEGEND: Nai Khanom Tom – The Father of Muay Thai

Traveling and discovering is sometimes about being in the right place on the right day, for us that day was March 17th, when Thailand celebrates the Nai Khanom Tom day. There are many different names for this celebration such as “National Muay Boran day“, “National Muay Thai day” or “Boxer’s Day“. Discover Nai Khanom Tom – The Father of Muay Thai, who is celebrated that special day.

THAILAND- LEGEND: Nai Khanom Tom – The Father of Muay Thai

INDONESIA: Traditional Tajen- Cockfighting in Bali

Indonesia, like many other nations, has banned cock fighting as a cruel sport, although traditional Tajen- Cockfighting in Bali is still allowed for ceremonial purposes. The term bali refers to blood offerings and/or animal sacrifice. These fighting birds are as much a part of Balinese Hindu rites as the burning of incense and giving offerings to the gods.

INDONESIA: Traditional Tajen- Cockfighting in Bali