THE SYMBOLISM AND POETRY OF WATER

Within South Africa, presently in the throws of a water crisis, the content herein could be of interest to readers. No longer can water be taken for granted as an everyday commodity.  As bland as what it looks, it is sensational, and can be as calm as a mirror, yet wild as a cyclone.

With no colour, taste and or smell, it is however a source of life, essential to humans, animals and to sustenance of growth across planet earth.

Religion being an interesting, yet controversial topic, one cannot alleviate the cultural norms.

In India, water is commonly used for healing; for baptisms and rituals are carried out with emersion into Ghats, water then flowing to the Ganges river being totally pure, and sacred water as per religious belief.

Christianity has its form of worship with “holy” water especially in Catholicism. In alternate faiths, worshippers pray to a sacred God for rain and many sea faring nations pray on water, for blessings and safety for a return home.

Culturally, a few primitive nations utilize water and fire against vampires and evil sources.

We may observe in urban areas that water is predominately on or near the surface, and less seldom arising from beneath the earth.

This accomplice has been verified by the world’s largest obtainable water,  the “Devils Kettle“ between Iceland and Greenland, which splits into two, spurting water every three seconds, three million cubic measures emerging from the strait – quite phenomenal.

The healing water for Muslims comes from a spring near to Mecca. “Zam-Zam” is regarded as holy water and used during weddings to bless the bride and groom and can be poured over the graves of the beloved.

In 2023 the prophet’s mosque in Medina provided 400 tons of water during the Hajj.

Questions frequently arise regarding the need for water in the desert.

Saltwater lakes can exit in some areas; however, the water is not drinkable. One can observe goat skin water bags being carried on camels in the desert, stopping at the oases, being able to tap into ancient aquafers to obtain water.

Questions frequently arise as to why icebergs cannot supply water for drought ridden countries.  Quite a bizarre answer results, as although floating in salty sea water, they retain no salt.  However, the transference would be a major issue.  Of which we are aware, melting icebergs do affect sea levels.  However, ice cubes in a glass, make no difference. Something to think about !!

In conclusion, the need for water is forever present and must be preserved at a maximum rate.

Water is not only God given, but also critical for the preservation of life.