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

INDIA: Mythology and Diwali rituals of Narakasur in Goa

Narak Chaturdasi is celebrated for Diwali in Goa. Huge effigies of Narkasur, made of grass and hay, dressed in colorful paper clothes and armed with swords and other armaments, are erected in the days preceding Diwali. Narkasur is paraded in the neighborhood accompanied by drums and songs. After dawn with taunts and insults, Narkasur is beheaded and cremated. Discover Mythology and Diwali rituals of Narakasur in Goa.

INDIA: Mythology and Diwali rituals of Narakasur in Goa

INDIA | Uttarakhand : Harela or day of green – Festival of the Kumaoni people

Harela is celebrated for welcoming the rainy season, the new harvest and to commemorate the wedding anniversary of goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva. Discover Myth and Folklore of Harela or the day of green – Festival of the Kumaoni people of Uttarakhand.

INDIA | Uttarakhand : Harela or day of green – Festival of the Kumaoni people

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

INDONESIA | BALI : Myths, History and Folklore of RICE, Nasi

There are many origin myths and much folklore about rice, it is believed that a goddesses gave rice to humans and taught them how to grow it. Religious use of rice takes place in India, China, Thailand, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, and Malaysia. In Asia, the rice spirit is female and often a mother figure, in Bali she is called Dewi Sri or Devi Sri. Devi Sri and Mae Posop of Thailand are treated in similar ways- respectful and protective. Discover Myths, History and Folklore of RICE in Bali. INDONESIA | BALI : Myths, History and Folklore of RICE, Nasi

INDONESIA: FOLK TALES ON RICE

RICE IN INDONESIAN FOLK TALES

There’s more to rice than you think- Discover rice in Indonesian folk tales. Indonesia has a long and varied history, and its people are of most diverse origin and of different religious traditions. As might be expected, the folklore of Indonesia reflects this diversity of history and population. Folk tales, like other genres of folklore of any society, reflect emotions, needs, conflicts and other aspects of human psyche that people acquire as a result of growing up in a specific culture.

INDONESIA: FOLK TALES ON RICE

INDONESIA: Myth, History and Folklore of RICE- Nasi

There are many origin myths and much folklore about rice, it is believed that a goddesses gave rice to humans and taught them how to grow it. Religious use of rice takes place in Indonesia, India, China, Thailand, Sri Lanka, and Malaysia. In Asia, the rice spirit is female and often a mother figure. In Thailand, the Rice Goddess is Mae Posop and the Indonesian Rice Goddess, Devi Sri, are treated in similar ways- respectful and protective. Discover Myth, History and Folklore of RICE in Indonesia. INDONESIA: Myth, History and Folklore of RICE- Nasi

INDIA: Myths, History and Folklore of RICE

There are many myths, legends and much folklore about rice. Gods or goddesses gave rice to humans and taught them how to grow it. In Asia, the rice spirit is female and often a mother figure. Religious use of rice takes place in China, Thailand, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, and Malaysia. Discover Myths, History and Folklore of RICE in India. INDIA: Myths, History and Folklore of RICE

The MOTHER GODDESS OF FERTILITY AND RICE

There are many myths, legends and much folklore about the mother goddess of fertility and rice. The ancient Indus community, perceived the Divine Female as Mother Goddess or Devi. Goddesses like Lakshmi, Gauri and Saraswati gave rice to Indians and taught them how to grow it. It was the practice of personifying the beauty and bounty of earth as a goddess and it was prevalent in ancient cultures. The MOTHER GODDESS OF FERTILITY AND RICE

THAILAND: Mae Posop – Myths, History and Folklore of RICE

Myths, History and Folklore of RICE in Thailand. It is believed that the gods or goddesses gave rice to humans and taught them how to grow rice. Religious use of rice takes place in Thailand, India, China, Indonesia, Sri Lanka and Malaysia. In Asia, the rice spirit is female and often a mother figure. In Thailand, the Rice Goddess is Mae Posop or Mae Phosop. Mae Posop and the Rice Goddess, Devi Sri, are treated in similar ways- respectful and protective. THAILAND: Mae Posop – Myths, History and Folklore of RICE