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Abstract
A relationship with nature begins at birth when the neonate is a silent participant at the elaborate rites. A number of specified plant species are used during this ceremony and a highlight is the holding of an ‘umbrella’ of Mahonia leschenaultiana over the mother and the newborn—to protect them from the destructive influence of a star called keihhtt. In fact, the baby’s face is never exposed to the outdoors for this reason, until the naming ceremony occurs after a couple of months. At the naming rites, the child’s face is ceremonially exposed in front of the dairy temple of the hamlet, by his grandfather. After prostrating at the temple, he is first shown and told the sacred names of all the major natural sites around his hamlet. These are purely representative and would include one example of a sacred peak, stream, buffalo, bird, animal, temple, tree and other sites that the baby would relate reverentially to, during his lifetime. Thus begins every Toda’s relationship with sacred nature.
Parent Publication
Keywords
wilderness,
biodiversity,
protected areas,
economics,
subsistence,
tourism,
traditional knowledge,
community involvement,
policy,
stewardship,
education,
spiritual values
Citation
Chhabra, Tarun. 2007. Toda relationship with nature as an indication of ecosystem health. In: Watson, Alan; Sproull, Janet; Dean, Liese, comps. Science and stewardship to protect and sustain wilderness values: Eighth World Wilderness Congress symposium; September 30-October 6, 2005; Anchorage, AK. Proceedings RMRS-P-49. Fort Collins, CO: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station. p. 487-495
