Story details
Each and every part of the coconut is useful
Jashvaitw K. Mehta
Each and every part of the coconut is useful and hence it has a religious importance. It is considered holy, and is used in all occasions from birth to death. Birth - on the 6th day and on the 12th day naming ceremony. Engagement and marriage - bridegroom keeps it in his hand during marriage procession. It is believed that it keeps away evil. After death it is kept alongside the body of the dead person.
Sailors perform special rites on a special day known as Coconut Full Moon Day, which comes after the rainy season. Sailors, start going fishing in the sea, from next day onwards.
From the coconut:
Water;
soothing, cooling drink, good for urinary infections. Kernel;
eating, cooking, soft white paste used for long and healthy hair.Fibres;
ropes, rugs and mats.Shell;
Gift cuticles and spoons. Leaves;
woven baskets commonly used in India. Trunk;
used in making boats and furniture. Coconut oil;
used for cooking, massage and medicines. Also, oil mixed with water and applied to head palm and soles before going to bed helps with insomnia. Sometime a person who looks stern and strict is compare with coconut - He is like a coconut hard from outside but soft headed from within".
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This story was collected by the Museum of London at workshops with the Shravika Satsang Mandal group based at Dennis Jackson Community Centre,Wembley.
