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Sunny-side-up
5th February 2018, 13:35
Has anyone seen this before.
So many things go on in and around this planet.

Every Year, Men Turn Into Monsters for This Ancient Pagan Ritual

Each year in Sardinia, Italy, men from the small village of Mamoiada don grotesque wooden masks and vests of black sheepskin. Stomping and grunting through the streets, they are weighed down by huge cowbells hung from their backs to scare away evil spirits. These hideous beasts are known as Mamuthones and they are part of an ancient tradition that has existed for thousands of years. Little is known about the origins of this pagan ritual, and its legacy continues to be shrouded in secrecy by the villagers. In this film from Andrea Pecora, get a rare look at the Mamuthones as they make their way through the village to usher in the spring



https://video.nationalgeographic.com/video/short-film-showcase/every-year-men-turn-into-monsters-for-this-ancient-pagan-ritual?source=relatedvideo

A lot more to see here:

http://www.mamuthones.it/video/

In 2008 the Association published a second book by Giacobbe Manca, Mito di Mamoiada: archeology, magic stones, anthropology , in-depth analysis of the previous publication in which it is hypothesized, with the help of archaeological documents, the history of the people who first lived the territory of Mamoiada, opening scenarios so far overlooked and of enormous potential.

In 2009 he collaborated with the publication of the book Costantino Atzeni - Mamuthone, which tells the story of the life that during the twentieth century managed to revitalize the myth, preventing its disappearance or, worse, its transformation into a consumer event.

On January 17, the day of St. Anthony, after the union between masks and bonfires, there is the first 'exit' of Mamuthones and Issohadores, the beginning of the Mamoiadine carnival.
Along the streets of Mamoiada the masks parade proposing an ancient procession to propitiate the new year and keep negative spirits away from lands and pastures.

Valerie Villars
6th February 2018, 12:00
I wonder if this is connected to the belief that demons don't like loud noises? And aren't bells supposed to be some kind of deterrent to witches? I am speaking of a belief system and mean no offence to anyone else's beliefs.

Sunny-side-up
6th February 2018, 16:34
I wonder if this is connected to the belief that demons don't like loud noises? And aren't bells supposed to be some kind of deterrent to witches? I am speaking of a belief system and mean no offence to anyone else's beliefs.

yes I'm sure they would keep witches away ;)

Mamoiada the masks parade proposing an ancient procession to propitiate the new year and keep negative spirits away from lands and pastures.

But they might attract Bigfoot by mistake o.0.
Looks like a Bigfoot version of 'Morris Dancers'

Valerie Villars
6th February 2018, 19:53
:ROFL: Maybe it's their version of Anonymous Bigfoot.

snoman
6th February 2018, 20:01
that was cool.. thanks.

Navigator
7th February 2018, 00:08
Sounds a bit like the somewhat Christian related event, "All Hallows Eve", no?

Valerie Villars
7th February 2018, 01:02
Yeah, the launching of Ket's ark or some such thing they did in England in the 1300's. Wait, I think that was May 1st. But, they did have some kind of ritualistic ceremony on All Hallow's Eve. Catholics do All Saints Day on the first and All Souls Say on the 2nd (November). I was brought up Catholic and some of the old rituals die hard.