Snake Motif in Duhok Folk Beliefs

Abstract

In context of folk belief, serpent symbols carry deep symbolic meanings, especially evident in Duhok—in the Kurdistan region of present-day Iraq. The aim of the present paper is to bring to light and explore the mysteries of Duhok, a city and province where Kurdish is spoken and which has a history dating back to Sumerian civilization. Through interviews with the people of Duhok, the serpent motif of various cultures throughout a long history of passing civilizations has come to light. In addition, Babylonian, Egyptian, Chinese, Hindu, Greek, Iranian, and Turkish folklores are explored. The symbolic meanings though one and all have been associated with both positive and negative characteristics. As a result of this research, and based on the information collected through extensive fieldwork, it has been determined that in Duhok too the serpent is viewed not only as a source of healing and prosperity, as commonly believed, but also as a dangerous and deceptive creature.

Keywords

• Duhok
• Gel
• Bawerî
• Mar
• Marê Reş

Snake Motif in Duhok Folk Beliefs

Abstract

In the context of folk belief, serpent symbols carry deep symbolic meanings, especially evident in Duhok—in the Kurdistan region of present-day Iraq. The aim of the present paper is to bring to light and explore the mysteries of Duhok, a city, and province where Kurdish is spoken and which has a history dating back to Sumerian civilization. Through interviews with the people of Duhok, the serpent motif of various cultures throughout a long history of passing civilizations has come to light. In addition, Babylonian, Egyptian, Chinese, Hindu, Greek, Iranian, and Turkish folklore are explored. The symbolic meanings though one and all have been associated with both positive and negative characteristics. As a result of this research, and based on the information collected through extensive fieldwork, it has been determined that in Duhok too the serpent is viewed not only as a source of healing and prosperity, as commonly believed, but also as a dangerous and deceptive creature.

Keywords

• Duhok
• Folk
• Beliefs
• Serpent
• Black Serpent.

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