This was interesting.... I just found the following here: http://bestofbahia.talkspot.com/aspx/templates/tuleSunset.aspx?msgid=76099
"The Figa (fee-gah) is a symbol of one of the age-old myths of Africa, this clenched-fist good-luck charm came to Brazil with its XVII century slave trade. As its memories paled over generations, belief in its powers to increase warriors' fertility also faded, but until nowadays it is prized by brazilians for luck, prosperity, and protection. Ranging from delicate earrings to meter-tall sculptures, Brazil's attractive figa may be carved from wood or stone, crafted from plain or precious metals, and even set with gems. The figa can be made into jewelry or sculptures (produced from plain wood or precious metals and gems), but the figa is now used purely for luck. The figa tradition is that to obtain luck from this symbol the figa must be received as a gift. They can be found in Bahia today worn as necklace by bahianas to complement their wardrobe or mounted in the home of a schoolteacher." --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] Follow the confirmation directions when they arrive. For more options, such as changing to List, Digest, Abridged, or No Mail (vacation) mode, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/Azores. Click in the blue area on the right that says "Join this group" and it will take you to "Edit my membership." -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~---
