This morning to my surprise, I was greeted in the kitchen by my older – older, host sister. She had been in France for the last … actually I don’t know how long she was in France for? That’s why it was a surprise. Anyway, as I watched her prepare lunch (pescado and ceviche), Ancient Aliens hummed in the background from the tiny TV in the kitchen. She informed me that her father (my current host Dad) was interviewed on this program as an ufologist. One word described my reaction: gleeful.
She explained to me that only Chile, France, and Russia have government departments specifically designated to investigate the paranormal. Obviously, no one ever told her about Area 51 in los Estados Unidos (United States). I told her that made some sense. My previous host family explained to me that Chileans have a lot of superstitions; a statement that my host sister whole heartedly agreed with. At that moment, my other host sister walked in squealing and screaming, “What’s up bitch!”, which was replied with, “What the fúck!” My host sisters happily hugged each other continuing to spout English profanity. Ahh Chile!
After saying hola to Lia, my other host sister, and her novio (boyfriend), the girls began to inform me all about Chilean superstitions. As a result of a rich, indigenous culture and the heavy influence of the Catholic church (or any other religion), Chilean is a petri dish of folklore, especially in the deep south. As a result of this cultural mixing, Chile has some of the same superstitions as the US. Common examples are – it’s bad luck to walk under ladders or when a black cat crosses your path. Though not a belief per say, more like chatter, Chileans also are very interested in extraterrestrial life: a topic that many conversations devolve into, especially after some Pisco sour. This isn’t really surprising though; Chile does have some odd, cultural myths and legends to begin with.
One “popular belief” is from the south of Chile that pertains to ghost pirates. Apparently, it is said that a phantom pirate ship (barco pirata fantasma) roams the waters of the icy sea. When it is seen by us mortals, bad things occur on the tides. ¡Qué maravilloso! To think that Chile has its own Bermuda Triangle myth (so to speak) is hilarious, interesting, and screams Pirates of the Caribbean 5 (hint hint Johnny Depp).
Another awesome, Chilean enigma is the Trauco. Traucos are ugly dwarfs that are said to impregnate Chilean women when they least expect it. When a woman discovers that somehow she is with child, she may blame a Trauco for having unprotected sex with her (or protected, maybe the condom broke?). How often this excuse goes for now of days is uncertain, but it’s a funny tale to explain why there is no baby-daddy.
I love supersticiónes (superstitions) and beliefs of other cultures. It shows a lot about the mindset of the people and their heritage, and anything that borderlines on cryptozoology is already up my alley. Now I am not saying that E.T., UFOs, Bigfoots, or horny, little munchkins exist, but myths have to come from somewhere, and with such a rich ancient, Andean history present in Chilean culture, who knows where, when, or why these stories were incepted?
Boasting numerous alien sitings annually as well as unique terrain and an isolated past, Chileans tend to keep an ‘openmind’ to the supernatural and bizarre. Personally, I love hearing about this stuff, so I will be sure to ask my other impending host family for more creepy tales from the south. Stay tuned for more Chilean culture and traditions!