Unique experience
Doan Phuoc Truong (from Ho Chi Minh City) is a passionate travel blogger who has visited hundreds of countries around the world. On his journey to explore the continents, he once visited Sri Lanka - a remote island nation in the Indian Ocean. Here, the male tourist witnessed the art of snake hypnosis for the first time.
Mr. Truong shared: “On the way to visit famous markets and tourist attractions, we happened to see a man holding a flute and a rattan basket, attracting many onlookers. When the man played the flute, everyone was amazed when a large cobra slowly emerged from the basket.”
People call them snake charmers. Watching the performance, tourists are surprised to see the snakes move according to the flute player's every move, as if they have the ability to hear. This makes tourists like Mr. Truong both scared and excited, eager to try the experience.
“Talking to the snake charmer, we learned that the cobras had been de-venomized and were almost no longer dangerous. Many of us in the group were eager to experience the feeling of using the flute to control this fearsome reptile,” said Mr. Truong.
As an explorer, the male tourist volunteered to try it first under the guidance of the Sri Lankan artisan. There was no need to look into the snake’s eyes or recite the correct spell, nor learn a specific tune, just the flute made a sound, and the snake would immediately shake itself and slither in the direction of the flute’s sound.
The male tourist affirmed: “This is a unique experience, testing the courage of tourists. Although these cobras are unlikely to cause harm, we were still instructed not to sit directly in front of the artist, but to slightly hide behind the artist to avoid the case of the snake suddenly attacking when trying to perform snake hypnosis.”
The art of snake charmers can be seen in many countries such as India, Bangladesh, Pakistan or Arab countries... Most tourists are curious, come to watch or directly experience the snake charmer and happily tip the snake owner a small amount of money as thanks.
The Secret of the Art of Snake Hypnosis
During the heyday of snake charmers, it was not uncommon to see snake charmers roaming the roads from the countryside to the big cities of India, often sitting cross-legged behind a round bamboo basket, their heads covered in loose orange turbans, their hands happily tapping the basket.
The artists’ companion is often a king cobra. When the lid of the basket is lifted, the cobra emerges like a puppet in a box, scanning the surroundings with its gills fully extended. The snake stares at the flute’s head, its black scales glistening as it sways to the flute’s gourd. For several minutes, man and snake seem to be linked in an intricate and ancient dance, leaving the surrounding crowd, especially visitors from far and wide, in awe.
Historically, ancient Egypt is considered the cradle of snake charmers, but the tradition quickly flourished in India. In the world's most populous country, snakes are worshiped animals. The powerful Hindu god Shiva is often depicted with blue skin and a king cobra around his neck. According to Indian folklore, women who wanted to conceive often adopted a cobra.
The cobra is a popular choice for use in most shows because of its striking appearance, ferocious and dangerous nature. The cobras are placed in wooden boxes, woven baskets or sacks. The hypnotist will take them to a crowded place, lay everything out on the ground and start playing a flute. Immediately after, the snakes are released and begin to move to the music.
At first glance, the snakes seem to be dancing and wriggling to the tune of the flute. However, behind the hypnosis of this notorious venomous snake with music is a secret that not everyone knows. In fact, snakes do not have ears and cannot hear music as many people mistakenly believe. During the evolution process, their outer ears have completely disappeared, while the inner ear is just a piece of bone. Therefore, snakes cannot hear any sound.
Instead, snakes have a keen ability to sense the situation through vibrations, especially those transmitted through the ground. Cobras are often attracted to the movement of the flute and mistake it for an “enemy”.
Taking advantage of this, “magic” masters use flutes to create special snake hypnosis performances, making them dance to the music. Snakes with eye-catching appearances, famous for their ferocity and deadly venom, become objects of entertainment in crowded markets and streets.
Before being brought out to perform, cobras are usually stripped of their venom, have their fangs removed, or have their mouths tied. At the same time, the hypnotist will have the role of protecting and supporting visitors so that they can get close and experience the feeling of hypnotizing snakes without fear of danger.
A traditional profession that has existed for thousands of years in India is in danger of disappearing forever. Snake charmers are rarely seen on the streets of India. However, this is still an interesting experience, sought after by many tourists when they have the opportunity to visit India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan... and Arab countries.
(Posted on the special edition of Labor Weekend Spring At Ty)
