Gleanings from Ancient Wisdom - Banana

     
                        Gleanings from Ancient Wisdom     - Banana
 

     It is a fact that traditional knowledge had been tested over years. Many folklores are based on the practices prevalent in the society.People of ancient times might not know the technical terms as prevalent now due to the advancement of science and technology. They lived with and amidst Nature and their observations were very accurate, so they took care of everything according to the needs.
The reason why the plantain bears fruits without pollination is described in a very interesting folklore in India.
Long ago, there were five sisters. When the girls came of age, their father wanted to find matches for the children according to their choice. The youngest girl named Kadali expressed her desire that she wanted only children, no husband. And also added that she wanted to grow old soon, while the older ones, all the four, wanted husband and children.
The older sisters got married and bore so many children that their husbands, seeing so many children ran away in sheer fright. These girls in their next life were born as Mango, Tamarind, Fig and Berry trees and bore many fruits symbolizing the children they had in their previous birth. Kadali, the youngest girl did not marry but produced children and grew old. Kadali turned into a Banana tree in her next birth. That is till today the plantain bears fruit without pollination and the fruits do not bear any seed. On the fruition , the entire plant dries up and is cut. New one starts afresh from the rhizome underneath the soil. It is a scientific fact proven today that cross- pollination is not needed in the fruition of banana stems whereas most of the fruit trees require cross- pollination for fruition of them.
The plantain is a sacred plant which is tied to poles at the corners of any sacred altar. The entire tree with its green leaves, purple flower along with the bunches of  green plantains hanging down are used as a gateway at the main entrance of the marriage ceremony as it is a symbol of fertility and prosperity for which marriage is celebrated. Furthermore, the greenery of the leaves is considered as an antidote for evil eye. The leaves are considered sacred and used in all religious ceremonies.
In India, the plant is worshipped in the month of Kartik ( Oct-Nov ) by women desirous of having male progeny.
Thursday is the day of Jupiter, who grants happiness and progeny. Girls and women water the Banana trees on Thursday as the plant is believed to be the incarnation of  Goddess Parvati and Lakshmi. It is believed that Parvati, a deity of conjugal love and Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity would confer their blessings on the devoted worshipper.
The yellow banana fruit is considered auspicious as its deity is Lord Vishnu and is an essential one offered to deities. Even in religious ceremonies, a priest is offered Dakshina ( fees) on the betel leaves with betel nuts and banana fruit on it.
In the Caribbean, where they are a major crop, bananas are particularly lucky fruit. A wish made while cutting a slice from the stalk end of a banana is bound to come true, if a Y- shaped mark is revealed.
All parts of the banana tree are useful. The leaves are used as plates. They are very hygenic. Food items do not stick to the leaves . Wrapping foods in leaves and baking them in the ashes , is one of the oldest forms of human cooking. It has two advantages, the material cheap, natural and available in places where they are grown , almost in most of the places in the world and it preserves much of the flavor and substance. The most common wrapping materials are large leaves, especially the banana. Wrapped foods are also commonly steamed and the leaves contributing to the flavor of the dish. The leaves can be easily disposed without spoiling the atmosphere.
The inner core of the stem, flower and green bananas are used as vegetable in cooking various recipies. These have the properties of cooling the stomach. It is believed that stems cure kidney stones.
Because of its availability and cheap price, the banana fruit is known as poor man's fruit.
The most delicious, seedless fruit has gained the status of the staple food of millions around the world, so much so that the soft ripe banana is the first solid food given to the babies. It serves as a filling and staple food for adults.
The ripe fruits are easily digested and the nutrients are absorbed well. Its high potassium content benefits the muscular system.
Research studies have shown that its high potassium and low in salt lowers blood pressure.
Research studies have proved that ripe banana taken at bed time induces good sleep due to the release  of serotonin- a happy - mood brain neurotransmitter.
An interesting thing about banana is that it is good both for constipation as well as diarrhoea  as it stimulates the growth of friendly bacteria in the bowels and helps normalize bowel movements.
Cough can be treated by mixing one- fourth teaspoon black pepper powder with a mashed banana and     taking it twice or thrice a day.
White flesh under the banana skin is used as a poultice for wounds.
Banana flesh and peels are used as face mask. Thus it serves as a beauty aid.
A man however great he may be, can't produce a single banana equivalent to Nature's.
Banana is just a small gem from the vast treasure - chest of bountiful Nature. Mother Nature does not discriminate her children as good and bad, rich or poor, but showers her bounty equally on all. Why we human beings, supposed to be the supreme among the created beings can't understand and reciprocate her generosity by not hurting her physically by spoiling and exploiting her rich resources and mentally by our artificial divisions, mutual hatred, selfishness, greed and false ego.