Berending (place of worship)
Berending , or more precisely the sacred crocodile basin of Berending , is a place of worship in the West African state of Gambia and is located near Berending in the North Bank region , Lower Niumi district .
myth
An animal with mythological importance in Gambia is the crocodile . It serves as a sacred animal and symbol of fertility . In the full moon , for example, West Africans do not see the man in the moon , but - called Bambo in the Mandinka language - a crocodile. This animal is incorporated into the Dalasi banknotes as a watermark. There is also a saying that says:
- If you see a white crocodile in the river, you will have a lot of children.
The Berending basin
South of the village, which is about ten kilometers east of Barra , a 400 meter long path leads away from the main road to the pond. This pond, about 30 meters in diameter, is overgrown with water lilies . The water level is low during the dry season , and people come to this place of worship during the rainy season . They believe that the water brings them happiness and health.
tourism
There are three well-known sacred crocodile pools in Gambia, which are operated, among other things, for tourism . The most visited is the Kachikally Sacred Crocodile Pool . In addition to the Berending system, there is also one at Allahein. The place of worship has developed into an experience for tourists, as long as they are brave, they can touch the crocodiles. This touch is said to bring luck.
Web links
literature
- Rosel Jahn: Gambia. Travel guide with regional studies. With a travel atlas (= Mai's Weltführer. Vol. 29). Mai, Dreieich 1997, ISBN 3-87936-239-4
Coordinates: 13 ° 29 ′ 0.3 " N , 16 ° 27 ′ 50.2" W.