Tag Archives: tradition

Text: A gold idol that might be cursed is placed in Mahadev Mandir (temple) in India and the idol has been stolen 7 times but mysteriously always returned within 24 hours.

Context:my friend from Kolkata shared a fascinating tale about the Mahadev Mandir in his city, nestled in the eastern part of India. This temple houses an intriguing gold idol, rumored to be cursed. The enigmatic charm of the idol has led to it being stolen not once but seven times. Yet, each theft is shrouded in mystery as the idol inexplicably finds its way back to the temple within a mere 24 hours. This recurring phenomenon has not only deepened the mystique surrounding the idol but also led to widespread speculation and lore among the locals, who regard the idol’s inevitable return as a divine or supernatural intervention, ensuring its presence within the sacred confines of the Mahadev Mandir.

Analysis: This tale encapsulates more than just an intriguing story; it embodies the intricate interplay of faith, mystique, and cultural heritage that pervades many Indian communities. This narrative, shared among friends and locals, transcends the boundaries of mere folklore, touching upon the deep-seated belief in divine intervention and the supernatural that often characterizes Indian spiritual and cultural ethos.

The idol’s uncanny ability to return to its sacred abode within 24 hours of being stolen, a phenomenon that has occurred seven times, resonates with Domino Renee Perez’s observation that folklore figures or objects wield power by making “often incomprehensible and at times contemptible choices” (Perez 155). Here, the idol, though inanimate, assumes a persona imbued with a divine or supernatural will, challenging the rational and inviting speculation about higher powers and the sacredness of objects within religious contexts.

Furthermore, the community’s reaction to the idol’s return, viewing it as a divine or supernatural intervention, underscores the cultural and historical value placed on such artifacts. It reflects a collective belief in the sanctity and divine protection of religious symbols, underscoring the role of faith in shaping communal narratives and practices. This shared belief system, woven into the fabric of daily life, serves not only to affirm faith but also to bind the community together through shared stories that underscore a common cultural heritage and identity.

Text: In the quaint British village near Durham, the ‘Wald Inns’ hotel harbors a chilling tale from the 1980s. A girl’s tragic end in room 212 spawned a series of inexplicable fatalities, sealing the room’s fate and the hotel’s closure within a mere month. Whispers abound that her spirit lingers, eternally confined to that very room.

Context: While sharing eerie stories one evening, my friend from a serene British village recounted the haunting history of ‘Wald Inns.’ The hotel, once bustling, became the stage for a harrowing narrative in the ’80s when a young girl’s life ended in despair in room 212. This event marked the beginning of a terrifying pattern: subsequent guests of the room never emerged alive. The sequence of mysterious deaths led to the hotel’s swift shutdown. Today, the abandoned ‘Wald Inns’ stands as a spectral reminder, with locals firmly believing the girl’s spirit remains, eternally wandering within the walls of room 212.

Analysis: The haunting history of the ‘Wald Inns’ hotel in room 212, where a young girl’s tragic demise led to a series of unexplained fatalities, transcends mere ghostly folklore. This narrative, deeply ingrained in the local community’s consciousness, reflects a collective engagement with themes of loss, the afterlife, and the quest for understanding beyond the tangible. As Domino Renee Perez highlights, folklore figures like the girl’s spirit in room 212 wield power through their actions, often leaving a lasting impact on cultural memory and communal identity (Perez 155). The tale of the ‘Wald Inns’ serves not just as a chilling story but as a cultural expression that probes the boundaries between life and death, invoking questions about justice, remembrance, and the unseen forces that linger in our midst. It embodies a communal narrative that navigates the complexities of human existence and the mysteries that defy explanation, serving as a poignant reminder of the past’s enduring presence in the collective psyche.

Yerba Mate

Yerba Mate is an extremely popular drink in modern culture however what many people do not know is that this drink has roots stretching back to regions in South America. My informant, who’s family is from Argentina, shed insight on the origins of this populus drink and its deeply instated traditions. The origin of Yerba Mate starts back centuries when ancient natives saved the lives of the moon god and cloud god (Yasí and Araí) from a jaguar. As a gift, these deities bestowed Yerba Mate seeds to thank the natives for their rescue. Yerba Mate was a drink which was then shared amongst the natives, being passed around for all to enjoy. It was very unique to have a drink which coincides with being a social occasion. Yerba Mate is more than just sharing a drink, it is about sharing life’s simple pleasures. 

Yerba Mate proves to demonstrate cultural and historical significance with deep roots stemming from the South American country of Argentina. The cultural tradition of consuming Yerba Mate stretches back centuries to ancient indigenous peoples, who received the seeds as a gift from deities in gratitude for saving the lives of celestial beings. This origin story imbues Yerba Mate with a sense of sacredness and communal importance, as it symbolizes a connection between humanity and the divine. Yerba Mate transcends mere refreshment, serving as a social and cultural practice that fosters both community and shared experiences. The act of passing around the drink amongst the community reflects the importance of camaraderie and hospitality within indigenous societies. This reflects in our modern society today, emphasizing the role of Yerba Mate as a conduit for bonding and interpersonal connection.

Mezuzah

This informant shared a tradition their family follows due to their Jewish heritage. In the Jewish culture, it is very common to find a small piece of wood in the doorway of any home. This wood has an extremely important purpose as it is a symbol of blessings which sanctifies the house which it hangs on. A Mezuzah is a small, decorative piece which specifically hangs on the right of a doorframe from the perspective of the entrance of the home. Mezuzah actually means doorpiece in Hebrew, embodying the message that Jews proudly live in this home and are not afraid to show it. Mezuzahs have been around for thousands of years, connecting, protecting, and uniting Jews around the world. 

The Mezuzah tradition highlights a significant aspect of Jewish culture, deeply rooted in religious practice and family heritage. Usually the Mezuzah bears a parchment inscribed with verses from the Torah which serves as a symbol of blessings and sanctification for the home.  As individuals pass through the doorway adorned with a Mezuzah, they are reminded of their connection to God and their obligation to uphold the teachings of the Torah. The Mezuzah carries both spiritual and symbolic weight, embodying the Jewish people’s pride in their heritage and their commitment to living in accordance with their beliefs. Despite centuries of dispersion, Jewish communities worldwide have maintained the practice of affixing Mezuzah to their doorways preserving a tangible link to their shared heritage and faith.

St. Patrick’s Day Pinch

As a widely beloved holiday celebrated around the world, Saint Patrick’s Day has a cavern of intricate folkloric traditions dating back centuries. My informant recounted arguably one of the most popular traditions of the holiday which everybody follows to this date. As to most people’s knowledge, on Saint Patrick’s Day everyone is supposed to wear green to show their spirit for the holiday. However, as there are two sides to a coin, if you do not wear green on the holiday then you receive a punishment. Other than the humiliation one experiences by not wearing green, individuals are prone to being pinched countless times as a burden for not participating in the holiday. This burden lasts the entirety of the day or just until the individual puts on some sort of green attire.

This tradition highlights the cultural significance and playful nature of the folkloric custom associated with Saint Patrick’s Day. It stresses how the heritage of wearing green on the holiday serves as a widespread practice, symbolizing participation and celebration of Irish culture and heritage. The pinching tradition emphasizes the dual nature of this practice, wherein wearing green is not only a means of expressing holiday spirit but also a safeguard against receiving punishment in the form of pinching. This aspect of the tradition adds an element of lightheartedness and kinship, as individuals engage in playful interactions with one another throughout the day.