Airline Education on Snakes for Children

It is amazing the information that can be gleaned culturally from a children’s story handed out on a Saudi Arabian Airlines flight.

The Prolog

Dear young passenger,

Your renowned Arab grandfather, Abbass Ibn Farnas, a Muslim Scientist, was the first person to attempt to fly, thus he had been considered as a Pioneer of Aircraft Manufacturing. He saw the aircraft in his mind’s eye. He did not imagine it in its present day shape. In fact, he dreamed of flying by fluttering his own feathery wings in the air, just like a bird. This ambitious scientist, however, lost his life in trying to fly. It is generally thought that he failed because he overlooked the vital role of the bird’s tail. This belief is certainly untrue. Though all of us are now aware of the role of the bird’s tail, none of us can dare to make a similar attempt. Allah has guided us to make the airplane that has shortened distances and made it possible for you to easily travel to destinations farther than those visited by your grandfather, the great traveler. But one problem still hangs around. You often feel that you stay on board the aircraft too long and become board due to the limited space you are confined to. Of course, you want to play freely as you usually do. This is not possible on board and aircraft. We, in Saudi Arabian Airlines, have therefore deemed it appropriate to help you stimulate your mind to overcome the monotony of your long stay in your seat. Nothing can be more amusing than reading this book written by “Papa Yaquob”. You will not only overcome boredom of a long flight, but you will also pass this time merrily. You can keep this book. It is your complimentary copy.

Signed,

Saudi Arabian Airlines

The Snake: By Papa Yaqoub

Once upon a time there were two brothers who herd camels. Unfortunately their land had suffered from great drought. Neighboring to their land is a very fertile green valley. One of the two brothers decided to move to that valley to graze his camels. But his brother prevented him because there is a huge snake living in that valley.

Nevertheless his brother made up his mind and determined to move to that valley. There suddenly the snake killed and attacked him.

The deceased brother resolved to revenge for his brother, and kill that snake. But the snake requested reconciliation and peace. The brother responded to that request.

After some days the brother remembered his deceased brother, so again he began thinking of revenge for his brother, and determined to kill the snake when it comes out of its hole.

Just when the snake came out of its hole the deceased’s brother picked up his axe and tried to hit the snake’s head with his axe. But unfortunately the axe missed the snake’s head. The snake was wounded only with a small cut. So the snake has escaped death.

The brother was terrified and became worried for his life. So he requested reconciliation with the snake. But the snake laughed, saying to him “How can I make peace with you, when there is a mark of your axe on my body?”

The End

Upon reading this to Felyx, his response was “Is that the end of the story?”

I replied “apparently, but there are some facts about snakes if you would like to read those with me”.

Felyx asked, “but what about them forgiving one another and becoming friends?” “That is how all stories end.”

I replied, “Well I think perhaps we should re write the end of the story.”

So we did, and they all lived happily ever after in the green valley together discussing the symbolism hidden in the spiritual significance of the snake as an animal totem for the brothers of the dessert.

Snake Totem: www.sayahda.com

Snakes are fascinating creatures that deserve respect. Throughout history the snake has had many legends associated with it linking them to creation, fertility and transformation.
In Israel the snake was regarded as the earth mother and played a beneficial role in fertility. In Egypt the cobra was known for its ability to expand the upper neck into a disc shape by spreading its ribs, which symbolized immortality. In Christian lore the snake is seen rising from the chalice of St. John wound around a cross sometimes portrayed with a woman's head to symbolize lust and temptation. In Eastern cultures a snake rising up through the spine represents the kundalini, or life force being awakened.

One of snake’s most noticeable characteristics is the regular shedding of its outer skin as it grows. Once the skin is shed, the old inner layer becomes the new outer layer and a new inner layer of skin begins to develop. Crawling out of its old skin is very significant for those with this medicine. It is a metaphor for how we shed old ways and habits as we grow into higher spiritual energy symbolizing the death and rebirth process. It is also associated with astral travel and out of body experiences.

The eyes of a snake are always open protected by immobile transparent scales. Prior to shedding its skin the snake’s markings become obscure and the eyes appear opaque or blue. This gives it a trance like appearance as if it is looking right through you. Learning how to see into the hearts of others is part of what it teaches us.

Snake has been a symbol of life and sexuality for thousands of years in many cultures. It is a totem of power, renewal and transmutation. Soundless in motion and invisible at rest snakes are unable to produce their own body heat. They are often seen lying in the hot mid day sun. The suns warmth coupled with the snake’s behavior regulates their body temperature. Not relying on the energy of food to generate body heat, they can survive on meager diets for extended periods of time. Those with this totem need very little food to energize them. They are usually cold and prefer warmer climates. Their body temperatures are often lower than normal.

Snakes lack eardrums and external ear openings but have small bones in the head that conduct sound. They are able to hear low frequency sounds and sense vibrations that travel through the earth. This links them to the underworld where secrets are stored.

The snake symbolizes healing on a cellular level. Because their bodies are lightweight and flexible they have speed and agility. When they enter into your world expect swift changes to sweep through your life. These changes signify a death of the old and a birth into untapped power, creativity and wisdom. Snake is a powerful totem to have. Only those with a high degree of spiritual training, be it past or present, will be awarded this totem. It is the guardian of sacred places and the keeper of hidden knowledge.


Other interesting Saudi Arabian Airlines Facts on Snakes for children:

1. The snake is the most famous reptile known to man, which he fears greatly.
2. The snake has no nose, but can smell through an opening in that frontage of its throat’s roof.
3. Snakes feed on rats, mice, and harmful insects.
4. When a snake wants to pull off its skin it scratches its head with a course object such as a rock around its mouth.
5. Only poisonous snakes have fangs, and the toxic poison comes out though the caved canine tooth and passes to the victim’s body.
6. Poor Indians use some kinds of snakes to display some of their special skills through playing flutes.
7. Different ladies hand bags and shoes are made of snake’s skins.
8. Snakes appear as if they are glaring at you because they have no eyelids.
9. Snakes usually increase in size and length at close periods.