What does local folklore mean?

The traditional beliefs, myths, tales, and practices of a people, transmitted orally.

What are five folklore characters in Trinidad and Tobago?

In Trinidad the popular folklore characters are: the Soucouyant, Mama Dglo, La Diablesse, Papa Bois, Douen, Gumbo Glisse and the Lagahoo or Loup Garou. These folklore stories help shape the unique culture of Trinidad and Tobago.

What is the costume for Soucouyant?

Soucouyant/Ole Higue You can update this portrayal with a sexy red dress to represent fire and wings.

How do you protect yourself from La Diablesse?

If you feel you may encounter a La Diablesse on your way home, take off all your clothes, turn them inside out and put them on again, and this will surely protect you from a La Diablesse.

How can you protect yourself from a Duenne?

It is said that to keep duppies out of your house you must either sprinkle salt or rice grains all around the house; as the duppy must first count each individual grain before entering. By which time the sun will have arisen and they must then return to the spirit world.

What is Papa Bois feared for?

Often called the “keeper of the forest”, he is thought of as the protector of the forests and their flora and fauna. He is married to the Mama Dlo also known as Mama D’Leau. Hunters of the forest are always afraid of him because of his appearing and disappearing trick.

How do you know if someone is a Soucouyant?

The soucouyant can enter the home of her victim through any sized hole like cracks, crevices and keyholes. Soucouyants suck people’s blood from their arms, legs and soft parts while they sleep leaving blue-black marks on the body in the morning.

What does La Diablesse do?

La Diablesse is a character in Caribbean folklore. The legend says that she was born as a human, but her vanity leads her to make deals with the devil, giving him her soul for eternal youth, thereby being transformed into a demon. To others, her poise, figure, and dress make her seem beautiful.

What are 4 types of folktales?

Common types of folk tales include fairy tales, fables, trickster tales, and ‘why’ stories.

Who are some of the most famous folklore characters?

Bloody Mary is a famous European folklore character. She was a witch who lived in a small cottage in a forest and earned her living by selling herbals. People were scared of her, and no one dared crossing her for fear of falling into trouble.

Who are the characters in Trinidad and Tobago folklore?

Some characters in our folklore may even be versions of deities that were worshipped by ancient tribes. There may have also been a fusion of ideas with the Amerindians and the Europeans that resulted in even more intricate mythologies.

Who are the heroes of African folktales?

In the African folktales, small animals, such as the turtle or praying mantis, were praised for what they did well. Among the Ashanti of West Africa, the hero was the spider, Anansi …. Though Anansi is a well-known folk character in Guyana, Jamaica and the Virgin Islands, the rabbit is appreciated more in the Americas.

Why are folk tales important to local people?

The mythology and folklore of a particular destination can end up telling us a lot about the values and beliefs of the local people. While some folk tales are positive stories, many usually have an element of horror, originally told to instill fear into children and teach them the ways of the world.