Dog Myths, Legends, and
Superstitions in Cultural Folklore By Lucy Hughes | Reviewed by: Pawrade Team
Year of the Dog, Chinese Zodiac The Chinese Zodiac features 12 animals that are assigned to humans based on the year of their birth, and the Year of the Dog represents canine qualities. These animals are said to predict someone’s personality, self-perception, and key life events. The 11th sign is the Dog associated with Autumn and Earth. People born during 1970, 1982, 1994, or other years following these 12-year increments are said to be intensely loyal, faithful, and devoted to the people they love. They’re also hardworking with a strong sense of duty and are friendly people in general, all qualities that demonstrate why humans seek to emulate the unconditional love, bravery, and loyalty of dogs. Dogs in Native American myths Archaeologists tend to agree that the wolf population saw a change 12,000 years ago when dogs began to integrate into human communities. Over time, Native Americans bred domesticated dogs for various jobs, such as protection, hunting, livestock guarding, and hauling heavy loads long distances. Various legends cropped up involving dogs’ importance to tribal life. One such legend involves how dogs chose to join the human race. A Great Spirit gathered all the animals together to look for a suitable animal to be a companion for humans. While some animals said they would tear them apart, the dog offered to risk his own life to guard humans, help them acquire food, and be a steadfast companion. Another myth states that dogs originally lived for 20 years but gave up 10 of those years to be able to spend them with humans. Several Native American tribes have held beliefs that dogs help guide humans to the afterlife, making dogs revered animals that live on through legends. Celtic mythology The deep bond between humans and dogs is a recurring theme in Celtic mythology, with many stories featuring the loyalty, bravery, and support of canines in humans’ lives. It’s no
For centuries, cultures around the world have looked to the human world to explain the unexplainable or supernatural occurrences beyond understanding. It’s no wonder humans have placed dogs in a spot of reverence as culturally significant beings. Dogs have been loyal, devoted companions while also serving as hunters, guides, and fearless protectors, a combination of qualities that have both positive and foreboding symbolism. While you may be more familiar with Anubis from Ancient Egypt and other popular dogs of ancient civilizations, we’ll focus on some lesser- known dog myths and legends from various cultures. Let’s learn about both ancient and modern dog myths and legends in folklore to see how dogs have woven themselves into the cultural fabric of groups around the world. Dog Myths and Legends Around the World Cultures across the world hold dogs in high regard for their friendship, protection, and devotion to humans. Discover how dogs influence humans and provide cultural significance through myths, superstitions, and legends about dogs. We’ll scratch the surface highlighting cultures from all parts of the globe.
messenger, relaying important messages all day. He did not want this to become his only purpose in life, so he decided to never speak again, remaining barkless forever. Supernatural dogs of Hawaii Native Hawaiian traditional stories (“mo’olelo”) are rich with stories of supernatural dogs, both friend and foe. Dogs held supernatural abilities that were prevalent in cultural stories. Dogs were thought to see spirits, and mixing herbs with a dog’s mucus was said to give people the gift of sight beyond a human’s comprehension. Images of dogs in cloud formations were considered omens, prompting temples and hula dances dedicated to supernatural dogs. Families would keep dogs for companionship and protection as family gods (“aumakua”). Chiefs would tattoo images of dogs on their bodies as a sign of respect. However, dogs were not always a positive force in mo’olelo. Dog-men called “‘ōlohe” could shapeshift and therefore were considered demi-gods (“kupua”). The kupua were brindled and hairless dog-men known to be skilled thieves, warriors, and tricksters. One of the most famous of the ‘ōlohe was Kaupe who once ruled Nu ʻ uanu. With a man’s body and a black and red-striped brindle head of a dog, Kaupe terrorized the inhabitants of Maui and Oahu, resorting to cannibalism and kidnapping. While he was partially defeated in battle, it is said his cruel spirit arrives in a white dog-shaped mist and calls out to tempt hikers in the forest to this day. Dogs continue to be an integral part of modern Hawaiian culture. Instead of calling yourself a puppy owner, you are referred to as their “Kahu.” This means you do not own the puppy, but are instead the sacred guardian or honored attendant, a protector role over your pet. You are entrusted with keeping your puppy safe as a cherished being, guarding their soul as an honor. We are merely the caretakers of dogs and respect the unconditional love they offer us during their time with us.
The Barkless Basenji of Africa Basenjis are a type of African dog with
unique vocal chords rendering them unable to bark; instead, they make a melodic yodel called a “barroo.” Ancient depictions of hieroglyphics and other drawings show Basenji-like dogs were prized by the Ancient Egyptians and other tribes in the Congo Basin for being silent, a useful trait when sneaking up on prey. One African myth explains how the Basenji lost its vocal cords. A Basenji named Rukuba lived near the god Nyamuriri. A man named Mikhango from the Nyanga people stumbled upon a welcoming fire in Nyamuriri’s hut and was startled to discover Rukuba could speak. Rukuba gave the fire to Mikhango, angering Nyamuriri, who banished Rukuba to live with the Nyanga people. Rukuba became the village
Missouri Pet Breeders Association | Page 30
Made with FlippingBook Learn more on our blog