Synopses & Reviews
The Wild Rue is a unique study of myth and magic in Iran. Bess Donaldson spent thirty years in Iran as both missionary and teacher and in this classic work she records the beliefs and superstitions of country at a time when they were increasingly under threat from the tremendous changes brought about by the Shah's program of modernization. This earlier way of life, with its belief in angels and the evil eye, and with its age-old rituals surrounding childbirth and burial, is recounted in an informed yet highly readable text. A unique study of magic, myth and folklore with chapters on cosmology, names and numbers, snakes, dreams, talismans and signs, childbirth, angels, the evil eye, and the calendar. A classic work, long unavailable but now back in print.
Synopsis
'When an afflicted person is believed to be a victim of nazar, or the glance of the evil eye, a particular kind of incense, which is made of seeds of the wild rue, mixed with myrtle and frankincense, is burned at sunset; and while the smoke is curling about the head of the victim the following incantation is repeated...'
The Wild Rue is a unique study of magic, myth and folklore in Iran. In this classic work, Bess Donaldson records the beliefs and superstitions of the country at a time when they were increasingly threatened by the Shah's programme of modernisation. This earlier way of life, with its belief in angels and the evil eye, and with its age-old rituals surrounding childbirth and burial, is recounted in a highly readable text. Among the wide variety of topics covered are cosmology, dreams, names and numbers, talismans and signs, oaths and curses, childbirth, angels, trees and plants, the evil eye, and the calendar. Long unavailable, The Wild Rue is indispensable to any serious student of Iran and will be welcomed by all with an interest in the country's culture and history.
About the Author
Bess Allen Donaldson was an American Presbyterian missionary and teacher. She began teaching at the Iran Bethel Girl's School in 1910, eventually becoming its principal. Bess Donaldson spent thirty years in Iran, during which time she gathered the material for The Wild Rue.
Table of Contents
Preface
1. The Evil Eye
2. Practices at Childbirth
3. The Jinn
4. Love and Marriage
5. Saints, Saiyids and Places of Pilgimage
6. Pilgrimage
7. Death, Burial and Resurrection
8. Angels
9. Sacrifices
10. The Kaf Mountain and Related Beliefs
11. Seasons and Weather
12. The Heavens and Heavenly Bodies
13. Names and Numbers
14. Oaths, Curses and Blessings
15. The Calendar
16. The Koran
17. Trees and Plants
18. Stones and Metals
19. Quadrupeds and Birds
20. Snakes, Scorpios and Insects
21. Dreams and Sleep
22. Weeping, Expectorating, Breathing and Sneezing
23. Nails, Hair and Teeth
24. Foods
25. Divination and Exorcism
26. Talismans and Signs
Index