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The Carau
The carau (Aramus guarauna), is a bird found in the wetlands of Argentina and other countries in the Americas. It is also known as the crying bird, limpkin, carrao or courlan and is looks like a cross between a crane and a rail. From the northeastern part of Argentina comes a legend about its origin which also warns about the dangers of disrespecting one’s mother.
The Legend of the Origin of the Carau
The story tells how a mother suffering from a terrible illness sent her son to fetch medicine for her from a nearby village which she desperately needed. Her son was a young man who was perhaps not too bright and more than a little selfish and he set off walking to the next village to get the medicine. On the way he heard the distant sound of an accordion playing. Intrigued by the music he followed the sound and came to a place where a country dance was in full swing. Like many young men he liked to dance and liked nothing better than dancing with a pretty girl. Searching out the prettiest girl he asked her to be his partner and was soon completely taken up with dancing with her.
He was enjoying himself so much he forgot his poor, sick mother was waiting for him to return with her medication. He danced and caroused with her all through the afternoon and as evening began to fall one of his friends tapped him on his shoulder and said,
“Please accept my condolences on the death of your poor mother. I am very sad and very sorry for you.”
“It matters not that my mother has died, I will have time to grieve later. Right now I am enjoying myself” he replied and carried on dancing through the night. As dawn was breaking he asked the girl if he could go home with her. She looked at him with disbelief and anger and said,
“My home is far away and if it were near I would never allow one such as you who has no love for his mother to pass through the door!”
This shocked the young man and broke his heart as he suddenly realized what he had done and he went home crying bitter tears. God looked down and as punishment for his callousness towards his poor sick mother turned him into a large bird wearing the black feathers of mourning. Ever since his lamenting cry will be heard at dusk, through the night and at dawn, as a warning to all young men to respect their mothers, until God sees fit to pardon him.
© 05/09/2018 zteve t evans
References, Attributions and Further Reading
Copyright August 9th, 2018 zteve t evans
Under the influence! 
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