I can't believe it!!!

Have not visited "KuenselOnline" for a long long time... Well, have been a regular visitor to the site since my return from Bhutan, until last year when I switched my computer... which my current computer doesn't open the site as one of the "Start-up browser" pages.

This article with the heading "Twin calves spawn superstitious fears" caught my attention!

I could not believe that article reported how the locals feared that the birth of the twin calves will bring about misfortune to the owner or even the village... and the owner even thought of means to end the lives of these calves!

It's ignorance vis superstitions? Objectivity vs Make-to-Believe?

The report says:

4 August, 2009 - The birth of identical twin calves has stirred concerns and superstitions in a small hamlet of Rongthong under Kanglung gewog.

The anxious owner has decided to consult the local priest (tshampa). “I’m troubled as we have a belief that it could bring ken (misfortune) to the owner and the community if the calves survive,” said Sonam Choden, the owner of the calves. “If anything happens in the village, fingers will be pointed."

She has not even started to milk the cross-breed jersey cow. The twin calves were born on the morning of Thursday, August 20.

Some villagers believe that the twin will bring either too much good or bad luck. Others say misfortune will befall the owner.

“I hope the calves will die and the community and my family remain unaffected,” Sonam Choden said, adding that the pain of losing the two animals would not go away easily.

“We’ve seen people give birth to twins but never cows,” said an apprehensive Rongthong shopkeeper. “We hope it won’t bring us any harm.” As in most other parts of the country Rongthong villagers are deeply rooted in orthodox beliefs. Most villagers are illiterate and live on agriculture and rear cattle.

Several years ago, the village was struck with the same fear when Sonam’s neighbour got twin female calves. However, both died within weeks. Some villagers said that the misfortune killed the calves instead of the owner.

Source: http://www.kuenselonline.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=13270