The magic of honey is undeniable. For centuries, this natural sweetener has been celebrated for its numerous health benefits and its exquisite taste. Produced by bees from flower nectar, honey is a true gift from nature. One of the most remarkable qualities of honey is its ability to never spoil. Archaeologists have discovered pots of honey in ancient Egyptian tombs that are over 3,000 years old and still perfectly edible. This is due to its low moisture content and acidic pH, making it an inhospitable environment for bacteria and other microorganisms.
Supernatural: an anthropologist’s account of witchcraft, shamans and magic
The frost-bitten tundra cultures of northern Siberia may not seem to have much to do with those of Mozambique, but put the two side-by-side and there are surprising similarities. Magic and the power of the supernatural play a key role in both cultures, as they do across most societies, says anthropology professor and department chair John Ziker.
“I started fieldwork in Siberia in 1992. In the community where I lived for three years, there are people with reputations for having supernatural powers,” he said. “Some of these people are formally recognized as shamans, some are descended from shamans.”
The shamans he described in this tundra culture traditionally wore heavily-adorned parkas. Ornamented with bronze icons and other culturally-relevant symbols, the parka can weigh about 40 kilograms, or 88 pounds. One culturally relevant symbol are the faces on the shoulders of the parkas: these are faces of ancestors, and their noses are shaped like the bow of a ship for an unexpected reason.
Kosterkin clan ritual in Siberia. Photo by John Ziker
“These faces with long, thin noses help the shaman break through iron waves in order to get to the underworld, where they do battle with some kind of spirit that has taken someone’s soul,” Ziker explained.
Shamans traditionally do important spiritual healing work through such battles. However, in the past, some shamans were accused of doing evil deeds, much like witchcraft accusations in other societies.
More recently, while doing field research in Mozambique, Ziker witnessed contemporary witchcraft accusations. Though it has faded from use in many cultures and societies, accusations of witchcraft are still alive in others.
“It’s really common across sub-Saharan Africa, and fairly common in more traditional societies in other parts of the world as well,” said Ziker. “The people who have the least connections within the community, those are the ones who are more often accused of witchcraft.”
Fertility and protective symbols are painted on side of house in Mozambique. Photo by John Ziker
Ziker explained that witchcraft accusations have served as a political tool geared to maintain the social order, though not always in the way one would expect. Two common social science explanations of witchcraft are the mass hysteria theory and the scapegoat theory.
The mass hysteria theory has been used to explain examples such as the witch killings of the reformation and counter-reformation in the 16th and 17th centuries. During these religious wars, communities demanded magistrates find a reason for their ills, oftentimes demanding and forcing the decisions to condemn community members.
In the scapegoat theory, someone peripheral in the community takes the blame for the problems in the community. This approach has been used to explain incidences such as the Salem witch trials. Both of these theories have significant challenges to overcome in explaining actual witchcraft accusation and prosecution patterns, both historically in the West and cross-culturally.
“While it is interesting that these people are being accused of witchcraft and prosecuted because they’re relatively powerless, ultimately, accusations are aimed to demonstrate to some other group that this group [in power] is willing to go to that extent in order to protect its interests. It’s a statement to people who really do threaten the social order,” said Ziker.
The definition of witchcraft in anthropology covers such accusations of supernatural evil. Ziker often is asked about Wicca and Wiccans, who do not fit this definition. In anthropology, Wicca is viewed as a new religious movement, and consider it using other concepts such as magic, sorcery and sacrifice. Wiccans embrace the identity of witchcraft to create power structures of their own in the face of dominant religions. Researcher Wouter Hanegraaff with the University of Amsterdam refers to this as a “positive antitype.”
Going beyond social typologies, Ziker encouraged researchers to look at the nuances of behavior and individual costs and benefits of cooperative strategies. Wicca, like other new religious movements, uses supernatural claims to create, maintain and expand social relationships.
As an anthropologist, Ziker said that being able to understand the motives and mindset that shape such supernatural beliefs requires using observational methods to analyze various details, ranging from educational levels, to wealth, kinship relations and much more.
“In anthropology, we listen to what people say about what they’re doing, but our main methods are focused on what people are doing,” said Ziker. “And a lot of times we say one thing and do something completely different.”
This is due to its low moisture content and acidic pH, making it an inhospitable environment for bacteria and other microorganisms. Honey is not only a delightful addition to our culinary creations but also a valuable remedy for various ailments. It has long been used as a natural cough suppressant and sore throat reliever.
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ANTH 4751: Supernatural-Magic, Witchcraft, and Religion: Home
Welcome to the class page for Anthropology 4751. Here you will find resources that are suggested for your research in this class as well as links to required course readings and films. If you need help accessing library resources or doing research, please contact the Anthropology Librarian.
The thick consistency of honey coats the throat, providing relief and soothing irritation. Studies have also shown that honey can be as effective as over-the-counter cough medications. Aside from its medicinal benefits, honey is a powerhouse of antioxidants. These compounds help protect our bodies against oxidative stress and reduce the risk of chronic diseases. Darker honeys, such as buckwheat honey, tend to have higher antioxidant content due to their higher mineral and enzyme content. Furthermore, honey is a healthier alternative to refined sugar. While both honey and sugar contain glucose and fructose, honey also contains trace amounts of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. Additionally, honey has a lower glycemic index, meaning it causes a slower and more gradual increase in blood sugar levels compared to white sugar. Honey is not limited to sweetening our beverages and desserts. It can also enhance the flavors of savory dishes and be used as a natural preservative in jams and pickles. Its unique taste profiles, ranging from floral and fruity to earthy and robust, add depth and complexity to any recipe. Whether you are drizzling it on pancakes, using it as a face mask, or incorporating it into your skincare routine, honey is truly a versatile ingredient. Its magic lies in its numerous health benefits, delightful taste, and extensive culinary applications. So next time you reach for a sweetener, consider the magic of honey and let nature's gift enchant your senses..
Reviews for "Honey as Medicine: Exploring its Timeless Role in Traditional Healing Practices"
1. Jane - 2/5 stars - I was really disappointed with "Magic of honey". The book had such an interesting premise, but the execution fell flat. The writing felt amateurish and the characters lacked depth. The plot was predictable, and I found myself losing interest halfway through. Overall, I found the book to be underwhelming and would not recommend it to others.
2. Mark - 1/5 stars - I couldn't stand "Magic of honey". The storyline was confusing and disjointed, making it difficult to follow. The characters were unlikable and their motivations were unclear. The writing style was tedious, with long, unnecessary descriptions that added nothing to the story. I struggled to finish this book and would advise others to avoid it.
3. Sarah - 2/5 stars - I had high hopes for "Magic of honey", but it didn't live up to my expectations. The pacing was incredibly slow, and the plot was full of unnecessary filler. The magical elements were poorly explained, leaving me feeling unsatisfied. The characters lacked development and were difficult to connect with. Overall, this book felt like a missed opportunity and I wouldn't recommend it to anyone looking for a captivating read.
4. Mike - 2/5 stars - "Magic of honey" was a letdown for me. The story had potential, but the execution was lacking. The dialogue felt forced and unnatural, and the interactions between characters were awkward. The romantic subplot felt forced and unnecessary, adding little to the overall story. I was hoping for a more engaging read, but unfortunately, this book fell short.