Category Archives: Folk Beliefs

Chants for Good Luck

Context:

H is a spring admin freshman at USC, studying Music Industry. H grew up in Taiwan, but moved when she was 8 to San Jose. 

Text:

H: “Whenever I encounter something bad, I basically chant like something from Buddhism. It goes like ‘大慈大悲, 救苦救难, 管旭音菩萨’ (Pinying: da ci da bei, jiu ku jiu nan, guan yin pu sa; Translation: great mercy and great compassion, save the suffering, guan xu yin bodhisattva). It’s basically what I chant so they can give me power, something like that. I think it’s just telling them I’m in trouble, it’s not asking them to come to me, but I feel like they’re going to do something about it and that’s why I do it.”

Analysis:

H’s chant is something along the lines of a conversion, a superstitious charm that negates or balances out an event. In H’s case, the chant is religious, referring to a god in Buddhism, but meant to offset something bad in her life using her god’s power. Her chanting is ritualistic, in the sense that H will do it on the principle or possibility that her god may be listening, while not knowing if anything will change. Just the act of chanting, the practice of a charm that’s believed to give good fortune, makes her believe that good will come, which is a faith nearly more powerful than the tangible confirmation that there really is a god up there, in my opinion. H creates a sense of order for herself in the midst of a crisis or hardship through this learned chant, and always repeating it to herself, she maintains faith that her chant comes true. Essentially, her ritual chant is believed to bring good luck for her, therefore it does bring good luck.  

Two Dollar Bill

Text:

The informant was given a two dollar bill by a grandparent of a close friend from college. It acts as a good luck charm, and the informant carries it with them wherever they go in their wallet.

Context:

This particular grandparent had a unique tradition of handing out two dollar bills to those they deemed important in their life or in the life of their loved ones. The grandparent took a moment with each of the friends of his granddaughter, and gave each of them two-dollar bills. This moment created a sense of connection and solidarity among the recipients, fostering a shared bond through the common experience of receiving the two dollar bill. The intimate moment shared between the informant and the grandparent further highlights the significance of this gesture, as the grandparent acknowledged the informant’s importance to their grandchild.

Analysis:

The two dollar bill, often associated with luck due to its rarity in circulation, serves as a symbol of protection, good fortune, and well wishes from the grandparent. Additionally, the bill acts as a reminder of the informant’s college friends and their shared experiences, emphasizing the importance of maintaining connections with those who positively impacted their life. This moment acts as both a ritual and a superstition. The grandparent took the time with each individual, ensuring that the performance of handing over the bill was both sincere and impactful. Because the grandparent performed this ritual effectively, the informant continues to believe in the bill they carry around with them daily.

St. Christopher Necklaces

Text:

In this tradition, the informant is a mother who gave her sons with St. Christopher necklaces as a symbol of luck and protection. St. Christopher, known as the patron saint of travelers, is believed to guard the wearer from harm and guide them through life’s journey. The necklaces are typically made of metal and feature a medallion with an image of St. Christopher carrying the Christ child. 

Context:

The informant first learned of this tradition in Arkansas, particularly in Christian communities where religious symbols and beliefs are deeply rooted. The informant recalls seeing boys in her hometown wearing St. Christopher necklace when she was young. She always hoped to continue this tradition with her own children. The practice also happens to be popular in Southern California, where she lives now. St. Christopher necklaces can be found in many surf shops. In both regions, the necklace serves the same role as a symbol of protection and a reminder of the importance of faith.

Analysis:

The act of giving St. Christopher necklaces to sons serves multiple purposes. For the mother, it is a way to leave a lasting mark on her children, connecting them to their heritage and instilling the values she holds dear. A way to maintain a connection to her upbringing and the values that were instilled in her during her childhood in Arkansas. It is a tangible reminder of her love, care, and the protective role she plays in their lives. For the sons, wearing the necklace is a symbol of their connection to their mother and their family’s traditions.

Beyond the personal connection, this tradition also reflects broader communal beliefs. For example, highlights the interplay between religious beliefs and a token of luck.The necklace becomes a symbol of not just faith, but also a shared identity and sense of belonging whether it is worn in the surf or in small-town Arkansas.

The tradition of giving St. Christopher necklaces carry both personal and communal significance. It reinforces the bond between family members and connects them to a larger community of shared beliefs and values. A simple piece of jewelry becomes a meaningful expression of love, protection, and luck.

THE GREEDY BRAHMIN

Nationality: Indian
Age: 65
Occupation: Veterinary Doctor
Residence: India
Performance Date: March 2023
Primary Language: English
Language: Tamil

Text

In the classic folktale “Greedy Brahmin” a Brahmin is asked to look after a wealthy man’s house while he is away. The Brahmin becomes greedy and steals some of the man’s possessions.  As he leaves the house with his stolen goods, he encounters a group of monkeys. The monkeys trick the Brahmin into thinking he should give them his possessions for a much greater reward. The greedy Brahmin agrees and throws his possessions into the river, only to realize too late that the monkeys have tricked him and he has lost everything.

Context

My informant is my uncle (BS) aged 65 years living in India. While growing up in the village, BS heard this from my grandparents and relatives. 

Interviewer : What does this story highlight?

Informant : “I believe the story of the greedy Brahmin highlights the dangers of greed and the importance of integrity. ”

Interviewer: What life lesson does this story teach us?

Informant: “First, it reminds us that the desire for material possessions can cloud our judgment and lead us to destruction. Next, the story emphasizes the importance of honesty and ethics in all aspects of life.”

Analysis

The Brahmin in the story becomes blinded by his desire for material possessions, leading him to steal from his wealthy employer.  His greed ultimately leads him to fall victim to the monkeys’ trickery, losing everything he has gained through dishonesty.

I believe the story emphasizes the importance of integrity and honesty, reminding us that these values are essential for leading a fulfilling and happy life.  It also highlights how greed can cloud our judgment, leading us down a path of destruction that can have far-reaching consequences.

The story of the greedy Brahmin teaches us that we should not let our desire for material possessions override our moral compass.  Instead, we should value honesty and integrity in all aspects of life, recognizing that true success and happiness come from leading an honest and virtuous life. The story serves as a reminder to prioritize our values over our desires and to live with integrity, even when no one is watching.

MUNDAN (HEAD TONSURE)– RELIGIOUS CEREMONY

Nationality: Indian
Age: 53
Occupation: Programmer Analyst
Residence: Las Vegas
Performance Date: 2/19/2023
Primary Language: English
Language: Tamil

Informant Info

Nationality: Indian

Age: 53

Occupation: Computer Programmer

Residence: Las Vegas, Nevada

Date of Performance/Collection: 2023

Primary Language: English

Other Language(s): Tamil

Relationship: Mother

Referred as AS.  AS was born in India and moved to the United States when she was 24. 

Text

The Mundan ceremony, also known as the Chudakarana or the Godh Bharai, is a Hindu ritual that involves shaving a child’s head. The ceremony is usually performed when a child is six months to two years old, although the exact age and timing may vary depending on local traditions and customs.

Context

While growing up, AS attended this ritual for several kids in her family.  She has done this ritual for my brother and me.

The origin of the ceremony can be traced back to ancient India, where it was practiced as a way of cleansing the body and mind.  The ceremony is performed to mark the end of a child’s first year of life, while in others, it is done before a child’s first birthday In some communities, the hair is offered to a deity, while in others, it is buried in the earth or thrown into a river.  The ceremony is believed to remove any negative energies and impurities from the child’s life and promote his or her spiritual growth. 

Interpretation

The Mundan ceremony has several cultural and religious significances, and its interpretation may vary depending on the specific community or region. Here are a few common interpretations and significance of the Mundan ceremony:

  1. Symbolic purification: In many Hindu traditions, shaving off a child’s hair during the Mundan ceremony is seen as a symbolic purification of the child’s body and soul.
  2. Cultural tradition: It is seen as a rite of passage for the child, marking his or her entry into the family and community. The ceremony also allows family and friends to come together and celebrate the child’s growth and development.
  3. Symbolic sacrifice: Shaving off a child’s hair during the Mundan ceremony is seen as a symbolic sacrifice.