While discussing insults in foreign languages with a good friend (who picks up Hindi words here and there), we came across 'ullu ka patah' which is believed to translate to 'owl's son' by some. Now, a question that has come up in my mind repeatedly over the years came up again: Why is an owl, which is associated to wisdom in other cultures, considered to be a fool in Indian culture?
There are a few interpretations floating around out there such as the perception that fools are mindless, and so Indians associate the still vacant stare of the owl to that of a mindless animal. But why would only Indians do this? Why not other cultures? So perhaps someone else out there may have a better explanation about the origins of an owl being a fool in Indian Culture? Maybe an old Panchantra fable, perhaps? Anyone want to venture a guess?
There are a few interpretations floating around out there such as the perception that fools are mindless, and so Indians associate the still vacant stare of the owl to that of a mindless animal. But why would only Indians do this? Why not other cultures? So perhaps someone else out there may have a better explanation about the origins of an owl being a fool in Indian Culture? Maybe an old Panchantra fable, perhaps? Anyone want to venture a guess?
3 comments:
It IS panchatantra. Check this out! http://panchatantra.org/third-strategy-of-crows-and-owls.html
:-)
Because at least during the day..the owl just keeps staring at everything with eyes wide open...with no clue whats happening around him..so.. :)
really kool blog :)
hey whats ur email..i had to ask smthing abt designing..if u cud reply to a couple of emails..
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