Review: Strange tales of Pirates and folklore - an entertaining read
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 01 10, 2013
It's been said that truth is stranger than fiction. There are a lot of strange things in this book about Bocas del Toro, Panama. And it's a very entertaining read.The book consists of first hand accounts of the superstitions and folklore as told by old-time residents of the area, and in their own words. I like that the author includes photos of these people.Before there was TV, the people were more aware of their neighbors and the spiritual things happening around them in this archipelago. First there were the indigenous, and then the slaves from the Caribbean who brought their voodoo and African witchcraft practices. And lots of pirates. After that came the Christian missionaries.The first part of the book lists superstitions by category. How to avoid bad luck and evil intentions, types and accounts of the visits of evil spirits, omens, placing protective plants, pictures and mirrors in the home, how to walk to avoid being followed by an evil spirit and how to prevent it from entering your home. How to tell if a visitor is a friend or an evil spirit before letting them in the house, and how to get rid of party guests overstaying their welcome.Other superstitions listed are about mothers and babies, dealing with the dead, snakes and fishing, some Chinese lore and disciplining children.I loved the pirate stories. The Bocas lagoons were used as a base from which to attack Spanish treasure ships on their way back to Spain. It's believed that there is still a lot of buried treasure in the peninsula.Before you go treasure hunting, however, there are a few protocols to be observed. Apparently you are supposed to wait for a pirate ghost to visit you in a dream, and reveal the existence and location of the treasure. He will also inform you of any other conditions attached to the use of the treasure. If you fail to follow his advice you will surely meet an untimely death. The tales of treasure hunters who met their doom is incredible. There are also some other interesting murder stories in this book.A good read. Entertaining. Strange tales and events with some good words of wisdom as well.