We are pleased to participate in the A to Z Blog Challenge (http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/). The Story Crossroads theme for this year is Finding Resilience & Strength through Traditional Tales.
Uniaí –
From Brazil
Guaraná transforms into a popular (and high caffeine) drink in Brazil. It is a plant that is red on the edges and then white surrounding a black seed. It is dramatic-looking. Many stories connect this plant to eyes – either reminding of someone else’s eyes or eyes being plucked. This story is one explanation of this plant. I like this one better than others.
50-word-or-less summary:
Snake married Uniaí. Son born. Uniaí’s Brothers jealous. Uniaí told stories to son of delicious nutmeats tree. Brothers planned revenge. Guarded tree with macaw, parakeet, armadillo, and monkey. Son shot by monkey’s arrow. Died. Uniaí buried Son and prayed for healing to grow from him. Became guaraná plant. Son reborn!
Finding the Story:
Book “Tales from the Rain Forest” – here
“A Taste of Brazil: How Guaraná Soda Became a National Icon” – here
Wikipedia – Guarana (different version of how it came to be) – here
Finding Resilience & Strength:
Uniaí took care of the home. When she got married (in an instanteous way), that shook up the brothers. They were used to her taking care of everything. Somehow, Uniaí survived these…well…lazy and cruel brothers.
These brothers knew that Uniaí told stories to her son of the nutmeat tree. They knew the son would one day want to see that tree for himself. So they had guards…including a monkey who used a bow and arrow! You have to wonder the abuse that Uniaí experienced even before she was married and had a son.
Despite the revenge of the brothers, Uniaí wished healing to come. She cried, but not out of anger. Out of sadness and wishing for peace. That takes amazing strength and resilience. Her prayer was answered. She didn’t expect her son to be reborn. She did hope for a plant to grow from her son that could bring healing to everyone.
I was so pleased that the son was reborn and they could be reunited.
Here is an article from American Psychological Association called “Forgiveness can improve mental and physical health” to explore mental health strategies.
Please share thoughts in the comments. While you enjoy this blog, Story Crossroads has year-round offerings. See quick list of programs here.
As for our past A to Z Challenges…
While you enjoy this blog, Story Crossroads has been resilient and strong during these past years and looks forward to the next hybrid summit & festival on May 8-11, 2023. We would be honored for you to join us. Explore the schedule and register here: http://www.storycrossroads.org/Festival
Thanks to funding from National Endowment for the Arts; National Endowment for the Humanities; Western States Arts Federation; Utah Division of Arts and Museums/Utah Legislature; Utah Humanities; City of Murray; Zoo, Arts & Parks (ZAP) of Salt Lake County; Salt Lake City Arts Council; Ashton Family Foundation