Orthodox
Hindu Malayalis believe that omens or
‘Sakunam’ lie with a divine message
from their Gods. Omens may be considered either good or bad supernatural
occurrences depending on their interpretation. The same sign may be interpreted
differently by different people. Hindus do not embark on any venture or
business enterprise or even a short journey, without paying careful attention
to omens. Hindu marriages and other important events are fixed
as per auspicious stars. Many
politicians also believe in astrology.
The
omens are classified as follows in Logan’s “Malabar
Manual.”
Good Omens: Curd, raw rice,
honey, ghee of cow, lead, sulphur, metal filter, sound of bell, ‘Vilakku’ (lamp), lotus, ‘Karuka’ grass, raw fish, meat, grain
powder, ripe fruits, sweets.
Bad Omens: A handicapped
person or blind, widow, salt, donkey, pieces of rope, broken vessels, screaming
sounds, deep yelling, sneezing, cursing and sudden shivering and falling.
I
have noted people say that the sight of elephant’s back with the mahout mounted
on it is a good omen. In Hindu belief full moon is auspicious. If you are
giving a gift of money, it must always be in odd numbers (101 INR, 1001 INR.) If you choke on your
food, someone is thinking about you seriously.
But,
if a lone Brahmin crosses your path before you venture out for an important
event or to do something important may not be successful. Similarly, a black
cat cutting across your path portends death; howling of dogs and hooting and
beating of wings of owls at night; accidental breaking of an idol of a god,
breaking mirror or glass are bad omens. I have noted that even Christians
strictly adhere to timings of Rahu (a
star) and they believe that 4 P.M. to 6 P.M. is inauspicious for new couples to
enter the bride’s or bridegroom’s house.
Of
all augurs, the lizard (Lacerta geako)
stands forefront; there is a whole science dealing with what its chirpings,
falls and postures prognosticate.
Excerpts from
MEMOIRS
An autobiography
by
Joseph J. Thayamkeril
Lawyer, Kochi, Kerala, India.
josephjthayamkeril.blogspot.com
josephjthayamkeril@google.com
josephjthayamkeril@gmail.com
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