The Owls

There is not a more mysterious bird than the owl. They are unique birds that you can only see at night, especially during the phenomenon of the blue moon (figure 1).

Figure 1. An owl during the blue moon. ¹

Many people in El Salvador believe, the owls are the witches’ spirits who roam the Central American skies every night. They say the owls try scaring their victims in dark places before they transform them into mice that can later hunt and eat! Plus, some of them say when you can hear a low whistle from the skies, it is an owl that is flying over you! If anyone tries responding with the same whistle, it will fly to you and scratch your eyes!

There are different types of owls in those lands, but the unique ones are the bearded owls. They are a rare species that possess two large and elongated feathers that grow next to its beak. The elders say these bearded owls are sorcerers, who were cursed by an old shaman who converted into owls forever! He did it because they were revealing their ancient secrets to the Spanish newcomers, and he couldn’t allow it. These owls possess incredible knowledge and secrets that could strike or frighten you because they have lived for thousands of years.

In some regions of Central America, people believe that if you want to get the secret of success, money, and fame, you need to find a bearded owl during the blood moon. This one must be drinking water on the shores of a lake. You should wait and offer a piece of the finest meat, and the owl must eat it. If it does, it will revert to one of the sorcerers for a few minutes, and he will reveal these hidden secrets to you. Many have tried, but only a few ones succeeded. Perhaps, if you’re brave enough, you will succeed!

Credits:
¹ © iStock
Location: El Salvador

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