By Paige Hesse on May 1st, 2023
When you think of fairies, what do you think of? Maybe Tinker Bell or Thumbelina? Miriam-Webster defines fairy as “a mythical being of folklore and romance usually having diminutive human form and magic powers”, and if we’re going by that idea, you can say that fairies can be found in every corner of the world! Different cultures have their own fairies, these are some of our favorites.
Yumboes (Yum-bow-z)- West Africa
In West Africa, you can find Yumboes, small winged people with silver hair. They are generally known for their generous spirits, but because they can’t start fires, they are forced to steal some from humans. They are said to be the spirits of people who have passed on and can sometimes tie themselves to families.
Alux (Uh-loosh)- Maya and Yucatan Peninsula
Though mainly known as protectors of farms, Alux are also tricksters. They will protect your crops from invaders by pretending to be other creatures, stealing tools, or throwing small rocks. Legend says that while building a bridge in Cancun, construction crew would come in to work every morning to find their work from the previous day destroyed. This continued until they were instructed to build a small shelter on site for the alux to live in. If you visit the city, you can still see their little house.
Menehune (Meh-neh-hoo-neh)- Hawaii
The Menehune are the small mystical beings of Hawaiian folk stories. They are said to have built ponds and architectural structures that still stand today despite some being dated at over 1,000 years old. Some say they were disappeared when settlers appeared, but others say they still hide away on the islands.
Chin Chin Kobakama (Chin Chin Ko-bak-ah-mah)- Japan
These little fairies like homes kept clean, specifically the floors. Stories say they will come to your home dressed like little warriors and annoy you into cleaning your room. I won’t lie, I might need the Chin Chin Kobakama to visit my house.
Kwanokasha (K-wan-oh-ka-sha)- Choctaw Nation
These fairy creatures are known to take young boys into the forest for a test. The child will be presented with a knife, poisonous herbs, and medicinal herbs. If he chooses the good herbs, he will be a great leader.