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Water cult in Turkish mythology is a comprehensive system of beliefs and practices centered on attributing sanctity to water entities such as rivers lakes springs and streams; viewing water as a life-giving purifying and in some contexts protective and healing force. Associated with this understanding are various ritual practices linked to water including making offerings and sacrifices at water sources visiting and making petitions at waters deemed “sacred” observing taboos that prohibit certai

Salt has played a significant role throughout human history not only as a foodstuff but also as a protective element in religious, cultural, and spiritual rituals. In local beliefs, the protective power of salt has been regarded as a shield against the evil eye, malevolent spirits, and negative energies, particularly in Anatolia, Central Asia, and many other cultures. This symbolism is linked to salt’s purifying effect and is perceived as a means of protection on both physical and metaphysical l

Karakoncolos is a malevolent supernatural entity believed in Turkish, Balkan, and Caucasian folk cultures to emerge onto the earth during the coldest days of winter. In mythology, it is imagined as a type of winter demon, gulyabani, umacı, witch, or devil. Across different regions and dialects, it is known by numerous names including Karakoncul, Koncolos, Congolos, Coraz, Karakura, Kalikancaros, Karakondzho, Karakoncalas, Karacingolos, and Goncoloz.【1】 In the Balkans, especially in Greek culture

The Crying Baby Festival (Naki Sumo) Japan is a traditional festival and ritualistic competition held to encourage and sustain infants’ crying. This event, with a history spanning nearly 400 years, is conducted annually at Shinto shrines throughout Japan. Origins Naki Sumo is a rite of purification and transition rooted in the intersection of Shinto belief and Japanese folk philosophy. Its fundamental premise is the longstanding belief that an infant’s cries possess the power to drive away evil

Water Cult in Turkish Mythology is a collective of beliefs and practices centered on attributing sanctity to water entities such as rivers, lakes, springs, and pınar; viewing water as a life-giving, purifying, and in some contexts, protective and healing force. Associated with this worldview are various ritual practices involving water, including offerings and kurban sacrifices at water sources, pilgrimages and supplication rituals performed at waters deemed “sacred,” taboos prohibiting certain