1. VELA BLAGOEVA SCHOOL VELIKO TARNOVO BULGARIA
SECRET OF THE WATER
COMENIUS PROJECT
Discoverer of the secret of the green globe

2. Discoverer of the secret of the green globe
WATER – MYTHOLOGICAL AND FOLK BELIEFS
The most interesting from Literature textbooks
presented by
the sixth-year students at Vela Blagoeva Secondary School
Bulgarian and Literature teacher: Daniela Solakova
Veliko Tarnovo
2010
Discoverer of the secret of the green globe

3. A Journey in the World of Water
Since ancient times people have been fascinated by water.
Let’s tell the oldest and most truthful story of the long course of water – the course of life.
Discoverer of the secret of the green globe

4. Captured by the mystery of water
Greek philosophers believed it to be one of the four elements in our world, along with Fire, Air and Earth.
The people in the East had the same ideas.
We find the image of water in different myths and
legends of the Creation.
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5. Discoverer of the secret of the green globe
In Greek Mythology
When the world was divided by lot in three Poseidon became the God of the Sea and the water element. He ruled bearing his trident – the symbol of his power.
He is the second powerful ruler of the world after the almighty Zeus.
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6. The beginning of all beginnings Scandinavian Mythology
and there Water is the source of Life: from “the heart of the fiery world rivers sprout”.
out of the water drops “moved by a mysterious breath” the body of the giant Ymir was formed. After his death it was used for the creation of the Earth and its parts.
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7. Discoverer of the secret of the green globe
In Armenian Mythology
The world originated from the holy marriage between the the sun-god Vahagn, personifying the power of fire, and and Astghik, a superb beauty, who was connected with the water and earth – the star-goddess.
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8. Discoverer of the secret of the green globe
In the Bible
The Seven Days of Creation (Genesis 1:1 – 2:3)
Day one – Let there be light! (Genesis 1:1-5)
Day two – God created the heaven (Genesis 1:6-8)
Day three – Dry land,seas and plants appeared;
Day four – God made the stars
Day five – God created fish and birds
Day six – God made animals and the man
On the third day God divides the waters from the dry land and starts arranging
the Earth.
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9. Discoverer of the secret of the green globe
In the Garden of Eden
There are four rivers in the Garden of Eden – like the four cardinal points.
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10. Discoverer of the secret of the green globe
The River of Life
In Slavic mythology the River of Life, Memory and Ancestors’ Wisdom keeps the Tree of Life – the Cosmic Tree - alive.
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11. The Creation of Earth in Bulgarian folk beliefs
In the Bulgarian folk legend called “How the Earth was created” Water is the beginning of all things.
As advised by God the Devil picks a handful of soil from the bottom of the sea and God blesses it.
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12. Water in different cultures
In Japan it is associated with the pure and soft simplicity of life.
In India the holy river of Ganges personifies the river of life.
In most religions, Christianity included, Islam, Judaism, water is believed to be a main means of purification.
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13. Discoverer of the secret of the green globe
The Baptism Ritual
In the waters of the Jordan River Jesus was baptized in order to get his holiness.
Sanctified water on Jordan’s Day is revered for its power to heal, purify and ward off evil spirits.
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14. Water and its magical transforming power
The young woman from Grimm’s story “The Goose-girl at the Well” washes herself with the miraculous water and retrieves her breathtaking beauty.
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15. The Ritual Bathing Theme
The youngest son of the miller /Charles Perrault’s fairy tale “Puss in Boots”/, persuaded by his faithful assistant – the cat - enters the river and receives his new identity – Marquis of Carabas.
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16. Discoverer of the secret of the green globe
In the mirror-waters
The Ugly Duckling from Andersen’s story sees its own reflection in the water “not the gray and ugly bird but a beautiful white swan”.
The author’s message: “It is not a misfortune to be born among ducks if only you were hatched out of a swan’s egg.”
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17. Discoverer of the secret of the green globe
Water is Life Itself
One of the most common themes in folklore is the fight of the Hero with the mythical creature /monster, dragon, evil spirit/, who is guarding the wells not allowing people to get the water that they need to stay alive.
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18. The multi-coloured river theme
In the folk fairy tale “The Golden Girl” the old woman dips the two girls into the multi-coloured river. Thus the good girl “became golden and radiant with its beauty” and the bad girl became “as black as the devil”.
Isn’t that Life itself – it endows generally but punishes as well?
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19. Water –mystery and spiritual strength
It is part of the rituals of different peoples. There is hardly a Bulgarian ritual that does not involve the sprinkling of water.
Water’s healing power is hidden in the dew on Enyov’s Day.
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20. Discoverer of the secret of the green globe
Since ancient times
Human beings have had the feeling that water has its own memory, soul and purifying power. In Bulgarian folk tradition there is the ritual of carrying “silent water”.
In collective memory the Well is seen as a symbolic image that takes us back to our roots, purity and moral values.
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21. Water – a means of punishment, trial and proof
God punishes people with the Great Flood leaving them, at the same time, the hope of salvation – Noah’s Ark.
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22. Discoverer of the secret of the green globe
In “Legend of the Roma ”
King Baba’s fury fell upon his disobedient son Rom, who left the palace secretly. That night torrential rain, thunder and curse came from the skies.
But Queen Dhai’s mother heart sent a blessing for each curse.
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23. Discoverer of the secret of the green globe
I wash my hands
According to the Gospels these are the words of Pontius Pilate, the Prefect of the Roman province of Judaea /AD 26-36/, when washing his hands he leaves Jesus to the crowd: “I am innocent of this Man’s blood.”
Today this idiomatic expression means: “I am not to be held responsible.”
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24. One long journey in the world of water
Nowadays scientists have proved that this natural phenomenon sends its extraordinary message to us.
It has no beginning and no end because water is a mystery.
People remain mesmerized by its mysteries.
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25. Discoverer of the secret of the green globe
Water’s message
Here is how it looks
A mountain spring water crystal structure.
Heavily polluted water crystal.
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26. Did you know that…this is
the crystal structure of water influenced by Bach’s music.
the crystal of water after a mourning song /threnody/ or the words:
“I hate you”.
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27. Something more about perfection
The crystal structure of water influenced by the words: “Thank you!”
The crystal structure of water influenced by the word: “Love”
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28. Discoverer of the secret of the green globe
Once upon a time it existed, it exists now, and will it be there for us in the future…
We are leaving it to the others to continue our story about Water.
Because it is the story of LIFE.
It has no beginning and no end…
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29. Why don’t you try to continue it YOURSELF…
Translated by Marusia Petkova
Discoverer of the secret of the green globe