Folklore of The Holy Land

Folklore of The Holy Land – J.E. Hanauer

A lifelong resident clerk of the Holy land. Canon J. E Hanauer lovingly gathered these folk tales from an area that is home to three great religions — Christianity. Islam. and Judaism. The charming narratives not only touch upon mythical events surrounding the lives of revered religious figures. but also reveal the past histories of places. tribes. people and languages and describe the daily lives and activities of the region’s inhabitants.

Here are Christian, Moslem and Judaic stories describing the Creation: the lives of saints and sinners: the cause of earthquakes and eclipses: the deaths of Aaron and Moses; and the lives of David, Solomon. and Simon the Just.

Legends and anecdotes characterize the Jaffa Gate at Jerusalem, relate detective stories and scraps of unwritten history, and portray the events of the Saragossan Purim. Still others include nursery tales and lore about the Angel of Death, animals, plants. and magic cures, among other subjects.

Students of Middle Eastern cultures and anyone interested in this legendary land will prize these tales abounding with wit, wisdom, and humor.