In India, people believe the monsoon is a powerful force, a gift from the gods. Whether or not the people are pious and faithful determines whether the monsoon will be nourishing rains or destruction. The rains can bless the land or cause tragic devastation. Seventh-century poet Bhartrihari described it this way:

Flashing streaks of lightning,
Drifting fragrance of tropical pines,
Thunder sounding from gathering clouds,
Peacocks crying in amorous tones -
How will long-lashed maids pass
These emotion-laden days in their lovers’ absence?

In Australia, the aborigines believe that leaving a cooking goanna or possum near the water’s edge creates a sizzling sound that annoys Ngalyod, the rainbow snake, who listens and crawls underground towards the noise. As he moves, thunder rumbles, skies darken, and monsoon rains come.

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Forces of Nature: ThinkQuest 2000 (Team #C003603)

http://library.thinkquest.org/C003603/english/monsoons/thelegend.shtml [ m o n s o o n s   :   t h e   l e g e n d ]

In India, people believe the monsoon is a powerful force, a gift from the gods. Whether or not the people are pious and faithful determines whether the monsoon will be nourishing rains or destruction. The rains can bless the land or cause tragic devastation. Seventh-century poet Bhartrihari described it this way:

Flashing streaks of lightning,
Drifting fragrance of tropical pines,
Thunder sounding from gathering clouds,
Peacocks crying in amorous tones -
How will long-lashed maids pass
These emotion-laden days in their lovers’ absence?

In Australia, the aborigines believe that leaving a cooking goanna or possum near the water’s edge creates a sizzling sound that annoys Ngalyod, the rainbow snake, who listens and crawls underground towards the noise. As he moves, thunder rumbles, skies darken, and monsoon rains come.

[ back to graphics version ]

Forces of Nature: ThinkQuest 2000 (Team #C003603)

http://library.thinkquest.org/C003603/english/monsoons/thelegend.shtml