General Information about Item:

Superstition
Language: English
Culture of Origin: Nepali
Informant: BK
Date Collected: 10-30-2021

Informant Data:

BK was born in Kathmandu, Nepal on April 3rd, 2000. He grew up in Nepal before immigrating to the USA with his family when he was 13. In America, BK calls Davenport, Iowa his hometown. BK is currently a senior at Dartmouth College majoring in Computer Science. He has one older sister, AK, who is 4 years older than him. BK’s hobbies include soccer, running, and playing various video games. 

Contextual Data:

Social Context:

BK grew up in Nepal. In Nepal Bhoot are said to stalk the streets at night. Bhoot are supernatural creatures similar to ghosts that bring misfortune if they enter or house. To protect against Bhoot many households draw a swastika on their front door. These swastikas can range from simple posters to elaborate wood carvings. BK grew up in Nepal and saw these designs almost everyday due to how common they are in the country. 

Cultural Context:

The swastika has been used as a symbol for hundreds of years. In the country the symbol is known as a symbol of divinity, spirituality and protection. While in the West the symbol is largely associated with Nazism, the symbol has kept its historic meaning in much of Nepal and Asia. 

Item:

In order to prevent Bhoot from entering your household place a swastika on your front door. When night falls and the Bhoot comes out they will not be able to come into your home due to the divine power of the symbol. 

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