Local Antiguan Folktales and Beyond

Often when on Dubai holidays, or indeed any other, you may miss out on the fabulous local culture. Folklore is an undeniable part of all cultures, enjoyed (and later studied) across the globe ever since its initial creation. Here follow a few from some of the world’s most popular holiday hotspots.

Dubai

One Dubai native that is generally feared in folktales across the world is the striped hyena. Hyenas are often said to be demons in disguise, sucking the blood from fallen soldiers (apparently the fate of improperly slain werewolves according to the Greeks) and others at night; they are traditionally seen as symbols of treachery, stupidity and evil. They are said to be ridden by witches or magicians at night by the Baluch and inhabitants of northern India. However, striped hyenas are also linked with love and fertility, resulting in parts of their bodies being used in traditional love medicines.

Antigua

Antigua holidays may reveal quite a different kind of folklore. An intriguing local custom is the antlion charm. Known as “jampeepee” (or “John-pee-pee”) by the locals, the insect is summoned by reciting a chant (“Jam-pee-pee! Jam-pee-pee! Mammy call you for funjee and saltfish”) and lightly twirling a stick around the edge of its pit. According to local folklore this is all in aid of sharing the national dish, which once fed Antiguan ancestors before finding its way onto hotel menus.

The Maldives

Most Maldivian mythology and folktales revolve around the islands’ origins, particularly the introduction of the all important coconut tree and tuna fish. The latter was allegedly made when a mighty sorcerer made coconut trees grows out of the skulls of the corpses of the first Maldivian settlers, while the tuna fish was said to have been brought to local waters by a brave mythical seafarer named Bodu Niyami Kalefanu. These certainly make Maldives holidays more exciting!