Anjana (Cantabrian mythology)
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The Anjana (
Representatives of God and tree spirits
Oral tradition provides different explanations for the nature of the Anjana. Some say they are heavenly beings sent by God to do good deeds, and they go back to heaven after 400 years, never to return. Others, however, indicate that they are spirits of trees who take care of the forests.
Description
Anjana are described as beautiful and delicate, 0.5 ft (0.15 m) tall, with white skin and a sweet voice. Some are like a
Association with forest trails, water, and gift-giving
They are seen walking through the forest trails, resting on the banks of springs and on the margins of streams which then seem to come alive. They are able to talk with the water that flows from the sources and springs. They help injured animals and trees damaged by storms or Ojáncanu, lovers, people who lose their way in the forest, and the poor and suffering. Whenever they wander in villages, they leave gifts at the doors of helpful and kind people. When summoned for help they accept if the summoner is good of heart, but they also punish the wicked.
Spring equinox
Traditions state that at night during the
Similar fairies in Cantabrian tradition
Other Cantabrian-related fairies are the Hechiceras del Ebro (Enchantresses of the
The Anjanas and Christmas
Anjanas come to villages of the region during the night of January 5, with the intention of bringing children a variety of toys and gifts.[2] This occurs every four years, generally to poor families, and still occurs annually in some areas of Cantabria.
References
- ^ "Anjanas – MYTHICS". Retrieved 2024-04-18.
- ISBN 978-84-95742-01-8
Further reading
- Cotera, Gustavo (1998), Mitología de Cantabria (in Spanish), Santander: Tantin
- García Lomas, Adriano (April 2000), Mitología y supersticiones de Cantabria (in Spanish), Santander: Estvdio
- Gónzalez, Enrique (1999), Mitos de Cantabria (in Spanish), Santander: Estvdio
- Cabria Gutiérrez, Juan Carlos (November 2004), Dioses, mitos, héroes y leyendas de Cantabria (in Spanish), Torrelavega: Estvdio
- Haya Martinez, Juan (1978), Sobre mitología montañesa (Las Anjanas) (in Spanish), Universidad Autónoma de Madrid. Facultad de Filosofía y Letras. Museo de Artes y Tradiciones Populares
- Tristán Richarte, María Ángeles & Vargas Llovera, María Dolores (2011), Entre Anjanas y Duendes (in Spanish), Universidad de Alicante. Departamento de Humanidades Contemporáneas: Tantin