|
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.
Lost City of Atlantis
Huge flat stones which lie off of the coast of Bimini are relics from ancient civilization. However, some scientists disagree on the origin of Bimini Road, but some think they are all that remains of 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. 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. 
Atlantis
Fountain of Youth
 Juan Ponce de León discovered Florida in 1513, but what was he really what he wanted to discover? 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 León 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 León 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.
Lusca
 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.
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.
This site is © Copyright YourName 2004-2005, All Rights Reserved.
Free web templates
|
