ANIMAL SUPERSTITIONS Why Some Creatures Are Considered Good Luck (or Bad!)

On a quiet evening in a Goan village, a woman sweeps the front porch of her ancestral home.

- Gauri Ghadge

As she finishes, a crow caws loudly from a nearby coconut tree. She pauses, a small smile forming guests are coming. Elsewhere, an elderly fisherman eyes the sky nervously as his dog howls at the moon. He mutters a quick prayer and decides against setting out to sea that night.

In Goa, animals aren't just part of the landscape; they carry centuries-old meanings, symbols of fortune or foreboding, woven deeply into local beliefs. From crows and crocodiles to snakes and black ants, creatures that roam Goa's villages, fields, and forests are often seen as messengers of luck or omens of doom. But where do these beliefs come from? And do they still hold sway today?

Crows: The Messengers of Visitors

For many Goans, the cawing of a crow near their home is an unmistakable sign that someone is about to arrive. This belief is so deeply ingrained that even today, some people prepare for guests when they hear a crow's call.

The origins of this superstition likely be traced back to ancient Hindu and indigenous folklore. Crows are associated with Pitru Paksha, a period in the Hindu calendar dedicated to honouring ancestors. Many believe crows carry the souls of the departed, acting as a bridge between the living and the dead. Whether mystical or mere coincidence, one thing is certain—crows in Goa always seem to know when company is coming.

Black Ants: A Sign of Prosperity