Jurupari it is a common myth among several Indians in the Amazon region. There are many legends about this character that show him as both a lawgiver and a devil.
Below, the best known versions of this figure from indigenous mythology are described.
Jurupari, the Legislator
It is said that the Indian Ceuci ate the mapati, a fruit that was forbidden to women when they were in the fertile period. The fruit juice ran down his body to his private parts and thus, a boy was conceived.
As punishment, India was expelled from the village. In reality, the child's father was Sol himself, known among the indigenous people as Guaraci.
When the time came for his birth, his son revealed himself to be a wise creature who would come into the world to bring new customs and laws to men. Therefore, Jurupari is seen as a legislator among some indigenous peoples.
Jurupari, the Demon of Dreams
Another version claims that Jurupari was the demon that visited the Indians when they were sleeping. Jurupari, then, gave him nightmares and prevented his victims from screaming for help.
This legend was encouraged by the Jesuits and other religious who identified indigenous religious practices as evil.
Jurupari Ritual
There are tribes that use the Jurupari myth for male initiation rituals. This is the case of the Dessana ethnic group who practice the “Jurupari Ritual”.
This consists of playing a wind instrument made from the trunk of paxiúba, an Amazonian palm tree that produces a full and deep sound. The ceremony is a ritual of thanks to nature for the abundance of fishing.
Likewise, the wisdom of the ancestral spirits, who are present through the material with which the Jurupari is made, is praised.
In this ritual, the participation of women is prohibited.
Definition of Jurupari
The word Jurupari comes from ancient Tupi, but the meaning varies according to the linguistic group of the indigenous people.
In this way, Jurupari could be "mouth; take it out of the mouth" like "he who comes to our network" in reference to the nightmares it provoked.
Curiosity
The Jurupari appears in Guarana legend as an evil character.
You may also be interested in other folklore subjects:
- Indigenous Brazilian Art
- Northern Culture
- Legends of Brazilian Folklore
- Legends of the North Region that you need to know
- Northeast Region Legends You'll Love
- Legends of the Southeast that you can't miss
- Fantastic legends from the Midwest region
- Unmissable Legends of the South Region
- Ahó Ahó: legend and origin
- Brazilian Indians
- Brazilian folklore
- Folklore Day
