Chameleon lore/mythology?

[maya2]

So I've heard that chameleons are often considered "bad luck" or "bring evil spirits" in their native lands, does anyone have more information about that?
Maybe an article, book, or further explanation?

Also, I'm assuming that refers to Madagascar, are there similar negative feelings about them in Africa and other places chameleons live in the wild?

I'm very interested in why, what sort of lore and stories might involve chameleons. I read a little bit on wiki but... I'm looking for more.

Any suggestions?

 

[Carlton]

So I've heard that chameleons are often considered "bad luck" or "bring evil spirits" in their native lands, does anyone have more information about that?
Maybe an article, book, or further explanation?

Also, I'm assuming that refers to Madagascar, are there similar negative feelings about them in Africa and other places chameleons live in the wild?

I'm very interested in why, what sort of lore and stories might involve chameleons. I read a little bit on wiki but... I'm looking for more.

Any suggestions?

You may find anecdotes about cham mythology in some of the older cham books. I read one about melleri (African species) stating that during droughts, the gravid females would throw themselves out of trees, hit the ground and burst open, releasing their babies. The reality might have been that chams can survive very long falls from trees, but landing wrong would obviously kill one. But, melleri are egg layers not live bearers.

As for Madagascar species, the level of "bad luck" or "fady" varies from village to village quite a bit. I remember talking to villagers (through an interpreter) about why they avoided local chams. Some did because they housed spirits of the village ancestors and would resent disturbance to their home. They might take revenge on the people if really disturbed. In the next village it would be simpler...hurting or killing a cham was bad luck...like breaking a mirror...don't. Another village would be much more fearful of them as they were malicious, with evil intent, and would cause a wife to miscarry or be barren, or give a man elephantiasis.

I bet a lot of this is oral tradition, not written, so it may be hard to find anything published. You may have more luck searching for mythology of the people of Madagascar or African cultures primarily, and among them may find some that include chameleons.

 

[kplatvoet]

Most of the folktales I've found stress they're hiding, hiding from death - sneaking around stealing things - they change their looks to trick us.

http://www.gateway-africa.com/stories/Anansi_and_the_Chameleon.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bantu_mythology

I kept my first chameleon when I lived in Africa in the early 70's - locals were mostly wary of him - Ethiopians for the most part didn't like them and as in Kenya people would kill them. Chameleon farming has according to my reading improved their situation as far as being killed out of hand. Eco tourism gives them value- but the loss of habitat is probably more dangerous- I find that if I think too much about it I have to give some more money to
http://weforest.org/- You can donate directly to Madagascar on Canvas Chameleon's web site or make a donation on their site for the rest of the continent.

 

[Carlton]

Most of the folktales I've found stress they're hiding, hiding from death - sneaking around stealing things - they change their looks to trick us.

http://www.gateway-africa.com/stories/Anansi_and_the_Chameleon.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bantu_mythology

That's fascinating! Hadn't heard the theme about stealing or hiding from death before.

 

[kplatvoet]

I can't find the link for the hiding from death one - but I had looked up a bunch at one point - I've been having major computer problems. I'm pretty sure it was East African..
http://www.ethiopianfolktales.com/en/snnpr/omo-zone/263-lightning-and-thunder

 

[maya2]

Most of the folktales I've found stress they're hiding, hiding from death - sneaking around stealing things - they change their looks to trick us.

http://www.gateway-africa.com/stories/Anansi_and_the_Chameleon.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bantu_mythology

I kept my first chameleon when I lived in Africa in the early 70's - locals were mostly wary of him - Ethiopians for the most part didn't like them and as in Kenya people would kill them. Chameleon farming has according to my reading improved their situation as far as being killed out of hand. Eco tourism gives them value- but the loss of habitat is probably more dangerous- I find that if I think too much about it I have to give some more money to
http://weforest.org/- You can donate directly to Madagascar on Canvas Chameleon's web site or make a donation on their site for the rest of the continent.

Thank you so much for these links and your insight!
This is exactly what I was looking for.

 

[maya2]

I think my favorite is the Thunder and Lightning one so far.

Just the idea of a chameleon eating sheep is a bit silly and amazing.