Crows hold a fascinating and significant place in Nepali folklore and mythology, representing themes of protection, messenger duties, and connections to the divine. Celebrated during Kaag Tihar, the first day of Nepal’s Tihar festival, these birds are honored as messengers of Yama, the god of death. Their role as conveyors of news and omens makes them a powerful symbol in Nepali traditions and Hindu beliefs.
In Hindu mythology, crows are considered messengers between the living and the spiritual realms. They are believed to deliver messages to Yama, making them symbolic intermediaries. This connection has led to crows being seen as harbingers of both good and bad news, and spotting one at an auspicious or critical time often suggests that spiritual energies are at play. During Kaag Tihar, families offer rice, sweets, and other foods to crows as a way of appeasing them and ensuring they carry positive messages to Yama. It’s a gesture to ward off bad luck and honor their essential role in bridging the two worlds.
Nepali folklore is also rich with stories of crows. For example, tales told to children often depict the crow as a smart, cautious bird who knows how to protect itself and others from danger. These qualities are attributed to crows in popular stories, where they use intelligence to outwit enemies and solve problems. This depiction of crows as clever beings is found in other South Asian folk tales, where crows often emerge as resourceful survivors, sometimes helping humans or animals in need.
There is also a belief that crows symbolize ancestral spirits. Many Nepali households offer food to crows in the mornings, particularly during important festivals, to honor ancestors. By feeding crows, people express gratitude and remembrance, believing the birds might carry their offerings to loved ones who have passed away. This belief in the crow as a link to ancestors adds a layer of reverence to its role in Nepali culture.
Interestingly, the crow’s dark color and raucous calls, which might seem ominous in other cultures, are viewed more neutrally in Nepali tradition. They are seen as reminders of life’s darker aspects and as a balance to other auspicious symbols in Hindu culture. Thus, while they are connected to Yama and death, they are also honored for this connection.
In all, crows in Nepali folklore and mythology embody wisdom, loyalty, and respect for the spiritual realm. Their role is celebrated not only as part of Kaag Tihar but as an ongoing reminder of the Nepali reverence for nature and the unseen worlds that coexist with everyday life.
Picture Credit- Sharesansar, Magnificent Himalayan Treks
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