The Islands Of The Bahamas, rich in history and tradition, has its
share of legends and folklore. Early inhabitants brought some of
these beliefs with them when they settled on the islands. Other
myths sprang from natural phenomena found in the environment.
Whatever their origin, these legends are part of the charm of The
Islands Of The Bahamas.
Lost City of Atlantis
 Are
the huge, flat stones off the coast of Bimini relics from an ancient
civilization? Scientists disagree on the origin of Bimini Road, but
some think they are all that remains of The Lost City of Atlantis.
Since Plato's description of ancient Atlantis and its destruction by
earthquake and flood centuries earlier, people have speculated on
the city's whereabouts.
The 1968 discovery of huge limestone blocks located off the coast of
North Bimini has fueled this belief. These blocks are neatly aligned
and cover about a half-mile stretch. They look like they form an
undersea road, which is why some believe they are relics from the
Lost City of Atlantis.
Divers have examined Bimini Road and you can, too, because it is
near the shore in only 20 feet of water.
Fountain of Youth
 Juan
Ponce de León discovered Florida in 1513, but what was he really
looking for?
Legend has it that the Fountain of Youth lies in Bimini, a tiny
group of islands 50 miles east of Florida. Bahamians believe Ponce
de León heard about the fountain from Caribe Indians in Puerto Rico.
The Indians said that the fountain could be found in an area
north of present-day Cuba in a place called BeeMeeNee.
Ponce de León searched for the Fountain of Youth, but he never found
it -- nor did he ever find Bimini. What he discovered instead is
Florida, which he named La Florida and claimed for Spain.
Obeah
Is obeah a harmless form of voodoo? The Bahamians are religious, yet
some people carry on the cultural tradition of obeah.
Cat Island, a quaint and sparsely developed island, is said to be
the center of the practice of obeah -- a Bahamian version of voodoo.
Obeah, which slaves originally brought with them from Africa, is a
type of folk religion that brings together bush medicine and
witchcraft.
The Islands Of The Bahamas is a Christian country with the largest
number of churches per capita in the world. And yet, you will
occasionally run across an obeah man who is the spiritual
leader/healer of this religion. Obeah is not spoken about openly by
believers, but you might see evidence of it in people's yards. Some
Cat Islanders hang bottles from trees to protect themselves and
their families from evil spirits.
Lusca
 Is
it safe to explore the blue holes around Andros? Since exploring
underwater caves is inherently risky, and since these blue holes are
teeming with fish, it is not surprising that ancient people believed
that water accidents -- like drowning -- were caused by a
mean-spirited creature named Lusca.
The island of Andros has some spectacular blue holes --
underwater cave systems linking freshwater lakes with the ocean.
Lusca, a mythical monster that is half dragon and half octopus,
is said to live in these blue holes.
If you take a boat out on a blue hole to go diving or fishing, be
on the lookout for Lusca. He likes to drown unwary visitors.
Chickcharnies
Do mischievous creatures roam the forests of Andros? Discover why a
mythical animal may have its origins in a real bird.
Andros, the largest island in The Bahamas, is said to be the home
of chickcharnies. These elfin, birdlike creatures have piercing red
eyes, three fingers, three toes and a tail, which they use to hang
from trees. Chickcharnies live in the forest and build nests by
joining two pine trees together at the top. Since a large,
three-toed, burrowing owl lived in these forests until its
extinction in the 16th century, it could have been the inspiration
for the legendary chickcharnie.
When sightseeing on Andros, carry flowers or bright bits of cloth
with you to charm these mischievous creatures. Legend says if you
see a chickcharnie and show it respect, you'll be blessed with good
luck for the rest of your life. Be careful not to sneer at it,
however, or your head will turn completely around! |
