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Showing posts from November, 2025

Go Deep: "Legends of each Naga lineage and the meanings of different colors"

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  The Legends of Naga Families and the Meanings of Their Colors      The Naga, a mythical creature believed to connect the human world with the natural world, serves both as a protector of rivers and streams and as a symbol of abundance. Naga legends are not singular but are divided into multiple families, each with distinct characteristics and powers. The colors of the Naga also carry profound meanings according to belief. Suwan Naga Family (Gold) Nagas of the Suwan family are often described as having radiant golden scales that shimmer in sunlight, symbolizing wealth, prosperity, and good fortune. Meaning of gold: Wealth, success, and sanctity Racha Naga Family (Red) This Naga family has bright red scales like flames, with powers associated with courage, love, and protection. Meaning of red: Courage, love, desire, and life force Silver/White Naga Family The silver or white scales of this Naga family are often seen as symbols of purity, wisdom, and tranquility....

Go Deep: The Naga in Isan–Lao–Cambodian cultures: Beliefs that are similar yet different

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  The Naga in Isan–Lao–Cambodian cultures: Beliefs that are closely related but distinct      The Naga, a mythical creature shaped like a giant serpent but possessing supernatural powers, is a symbol of sanctity and mystery in the beliefs of many Southeast Asian peoples, particularly in the Isan culture of Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia. Although the overall image is similar, the details and meanings differ in fascinating ways. 1. The Naga in Isan culture In Isan, the Naga is often associated with the Mekong River and other bodies of water. People in Isan believe that the Naga protects the rivers and brings prosperity to the villagers. Additionally, the Naga is connected to Buddhist rituals, such as the Rocket Festival honoring the Naga, which is believed to ensure timely rains and abundant rice and fish. A distinctive feature of the Naga in Isan culture is its large serpentine body, often with multiple heads, or sometimes appearing in a half-human, half-serpent form. ...

Go Deep: The origin of humanity's beliefs

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  The origin of humanity's beliefs      Human evolution has occurred alongside the development of beliefs influenced by various factors. The most evident among these are fear, grief over the loss of loved ones, the pursuit of power, the creation of an identity to gain acceptance, and submission, among others. Beliefs that arise from fear For example, fear of the supernatural, unseen forces, or dangerous animals capable of taking human lives led people to establish spiritual anchors as representatives for rituals and worship. The fear of sacred animals believed to possess power beyond humans—such as the giant serpent in the past that frightened villagers—resulted in the construction of shrines and symbolic statues for veneration or offerings. This was done with the belief that the giant serpent would not harm themselves or members of their tribe. Beliefs that originate from the sorrow of losing loved ones It is the love of family members that leads to the wo...