The Ciguapas, in the mythology of the Dominican Republic, were female demons with the appearance of a beautiful woman with very dark or bluish skin, black eyes and who lived in the forest. They did not wear clothes and covered themselves with their long black hair. Like the Abarimon, they left false footprints, were very fast, and liked to live in direct relationship with nature. They are also known as "mountain mermaids" because they attract men with their songs to their caves, from where they never return.
In addition, they are credited with stealing children and babies and are believed to be able to mimic human crying. It was also said that although it was difficult to catch them, this could be achieved with the help of a white dog on a full moon night, however once captured they did not live long.
Origins[]
For many, the origin of this creature is unknown. However, it has been hypothesized that it has an African origin. The problem is in the late development of the legend and its absence in other African-American populations, including Haiti.
The origins of the Ciguapa, however, may really possibly be related to the arrival of Christopher Columbus and the invasion of the Spanish conquerors. After the Spanish conquest, many Taínos were enslaved, which is why the Taínos fled.
There is a legend of the Ciguapa that may be related to the last survivors of the Taínos, those who went to hide in the mountains burying themselves in tunnels and caves to avoid being captured by the Spanish: according to history, a woman was seen leaving of a cave, which was described as a woman with long hair, white skin, blue eyes and who walked half naked. She took food, clothing and other useful things from her homes. The latter was associated with demons, witches or beings from the Underworld. But the truth is that it could be that some Taíno Indians survived underground, and that today they are known as Ciguapas.
The Ciguapa is a mythical being that appears in the rural areas of the Dominican Republic, but it is also spoken of Ciguapas in Holguín, Cuba. She could possibly be a character that could have been carried by Dominicans who went to fight for Cuban independence. [1]
The Ciguapo[]
It is said that the Ciguapo exists, which is a kind of Rooster turned back with its feathered back and on its chest it has the breasts of a woman, which appears in the ranches, forests and / or jungles of Cuba and the Dominican Republic. His cry resembles the cry of a baby and those who come across this "Ciguapo" and want to kill him, a terrible curse awaits him. It is also said that he usually appears to peasant women to supposedly seduce them with the desire to reproduce (to have children).
The Ciguapo is believed to be the son of a ciguapa. However, it is also believed that he was a person who had committed suicide and that, due to not indigenous blood, he was turned into this creature. He has no pure evil, he is harmless; Since he is said to be playful, he does no harm to anyone.