Wednesday, September 17, 2008

Donkeys

Myths, folklore, and symbolism
Donkeys: Donkeys, proverbially stupid, obstinate, and over-sexed, were despised, yet the cross on their backs was a holy marking, since Jesus rode a donkey. Nineteenth-century sources credit them with healing powers; children suffering from whooping cough, measles, fevers, or rickets were passed three or nine times over and under a donkey, or made to wear or swallow hairs from this mark. (Oxford Dictionary of English Folklore)

Do you know of donkey folklore from other countries?

1 comment:

  1. Anonymous6:14 AM

    Interesting. Also, the donkey is the symbol for the Democratic Party. :)

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