As the cold winds of winter creep in and the dark nights of October loom, the world gears up for a celebration like no other – Halloween. It’s a tradition deeply rooted in the history of the Celtic people, who believed that on the night of October 31, the boundary between the realms of the living and the dead grew thin. This age-old festival, though far removed from the sun-kissed shores of the Maldives, has found a unique and enchanting home at Oaga Art Resort, where vacationers embark on a spooky journey to commemorate the spirits of the past.
From Samhain to the Maldivian Spirit World
Halloween’s origins trace back to the Celtic festival of Samhain, which marked the transition from summer to winter, symbolising the onset of darkness and cold. It was a time when the Celts believed the spirits of the dead returned to Earth. The veil between the worlds of the living and the dead blurred, giving birth to the Halloween we know today.
While the customs of Halloween may be foreign to the Maldives, the culture and folklore of this tropical paradise are rich with tales of the spiritual world intertwining with the living. Ghoulish stories have been told through the ages, where otherworldly spirits reward the virtuous and reprimand the less so.
Santhi Mariyambu: The Grim Tooth Keeper
This Halloween, Oaga Art Resort draws inspiration from one such tale, introducing visitors to the enigmatic legend of Santhi Mariyambu, referring to her as the Grim Tooth Keeper. This demoness emerges under the cover of night, her presence announced by a crooked, limping gait and a hunched shoulder burdened by a jute sack filled with teeth. Her legacy has endured for countless moons.
The tale goes that she plucks out the teeth of the living, which are tainted by opulent feasts of indulgence. For those patient and virtuous, she offers teeth adorned with silver and gold in exchange. But woe to those whose hearts are stirred by impatience, for her retribution is swift, planting teeth that sprout uncontrollably all over the face, creating an uncouth visage.
The Haunting Island of Oaga
Oaga is no ordinary island; it’s haunted, with Rahvehin spirits rising from the dark. Eerie drumbeats echo across the island as the Maali emerge from the shadows. And there, in the midst of the mysterious atmosphere, lurks the Grim Tooth Keeper.
Venture through the island, seek out her lair, and offer a tooth in exchange for authentic Maldivian delicacies. But the real question is, do you have the courage to find her hut? Until the midnight clock strikes, Santhi Mariyambu and her Maali companions drum a haunting farewell, vanishing into the night, waiting for the next year’s turn to bring life back to this enchanted isle.
This Halloween, Oaga Art Resort invites you to celebrate in a way you’ve never experienced before. Immerse yourself in the age-old legend of the Grim Tooth Keeper, taste the flavours of the Maldives, and embrace the eerie ambiance of this tropical paradise. It’s a getaway like no other, a vacation that bridges the gap between the living and the spiritual world, offering experiences that will linger in your memory long after the ghosts of Halloween have faded into the past.