The Islands of the Bahamas, rich in history and tradition, has its share of legends and folklore. Early inhabitants brought some of these beliefs with them when they settled on the islands. Other myths sprang from natural phenomena found in the environment. Whatever their origin, these legends are part of the charm of the Islands of the Bahamas.
The Lost City of Atlantis
Since Plato's description of ancient Atlantis and its destruction by earthquake and flood centuries earlier, people have speculated on the city's whereabouts. Some scientists believe the Lost City of Atlantis is in the Islands of the Bahamas. The 1968 discovery of huge limestone blocks located off the coast of North Bimini has fueled this belief. These blocks are neatly aligned and cover about a half-mile stretch. They look like they form an undersea road, which is why some believe they are relics from the Lost City of Atlantis. Divers have examined Bimini Road and you can, too, because it is near the shore in only 20 feet of water.
The Fountain of Youth
Legend has it that the Fountain of Youth lies in Bimini, a tiny group of islands 50 miles east of Florida. Bahamians believe Ponce de Leon heard about the fountain from Caribe Indians in Puerto Rico. The Indians said that the fountain could be found in an area north of present-day Cuba in a place called BeeMeeNee. Ponce de Leon searched for the Fountain of Youth, but he never found it - nor did he ever find Bimini. What he discovered instead is Florida, which he named La Florida and claimed for Spain.
Obeah
Cat Island, a quaint and sparsely developed island, is said to be the centre of the practise of obeah - a Bahamian version of voodoo. Obeah, which slaves originally brought with them from Africa, is a type of folk religion that brings together bush medicine and witchcraft. the Islands of the Bahamas is a Christian country with the largest number of churches per capita in the world. And yet, you will occasionally run across an obeah man who is the spiritual leader/healer of this religion. Obeah is not spoken about openly by believers, but you might see evidence of it in people's yards. Some Cat Islanders hang bottles from trees to protect themselves and their families from evil spirits.
Lusca
The island of Andros has some spectacular blue holes - underwater cave systems linking freshwater lakes with the ocean. Lusca, a mythical monster that is half dragon and half octopus, is said to live in these blue holes. If you take a boat out on a blue hole to go diving or fishing, be on the lookout for Lusca. He likes to drown unwary visitors. Since exploring underwater caves is inherently risky, and since these blue holes are teeming with fish, it is not surprising that ancient people believed that water accidents - like drowning - were caused by a mean-spirited creature named Lusca.
Chickcharnies
Andros, the largest island in The Bahamas, is said to be the home of chickcharnies. These elfin, birdlike creatures have piercing red eyes, three fingers, three toes and a tail, which they use to hang from trees. Chickcharnies live in the forest and build nests by joining two pine trees together at the top. Since a large, three-toed, burrowing owl lived in these forests until its extinction in the 16th century, it could have been the inspiration for the legendary chickcharnie. When sightseeing on Andros, carry flowers or bright bits of cloth with you to charm these mischievous creatures. Legend says if you see a chickcharnie and show it respect, you'll be blessed with good luck for the rest of your life. Be careful not to sneer at it, however, or your head will turn completely around!
