From a Snake's Gift to Sacred Stones—the Amazing Turkmen Legend of "Harpyz"
The watermelon is an essential symbol of summer in the lives of Turkmens. However, in folk memory, it's not just a tasty fruit; it's also the subject of unique legends and beliefs. A curious legend associated with the watermelon has been preserved in the materials collected by the renowned ethnographer Sergei Demidov, who studied Turkmen traditions and beliefs. This information is based on stories heard from villagers and elders.
According to legend, a snake gave the first watermelon seeds to people. However, when the first fruit grew, people were afraid to eat it. Since the seed came from a snake, they feared the watermelon might be poisonous. Then the snake gave them unusual advice: first, it suggested they give the watermelon to a donkey and a goat to try. In legend, the donkey is associated with the word "har," and the goat with the word "puz." Both animals ate the watermelons without any ill effects; in fact, they only gained weight. Only then did people dare to include the new melon in their diet. Thus, according to folklore, the fruit's name is linked to the names of its two first tasters: "har + puz" → "harbuz/harpyz."
Of course, this explanation cannot be considered scientific etymology. Rather, it's an interesting example of folk etymology. Such legends demonstrate how people sought to explain obscure or ancient words through familiar concepts of everyday life.
This legend is also associated with a remarkable place called "Garpyzly ovluye" ("Watermelon Sanctuary"). According to local lore, this sacred site and cemetery is located approximately 14 kilometers from the village of Dushak in the Ahal region. Naturally occurring stones resembling watermelons are found here. Some, according to popular belief, resemble watermelons that have frozen or turned to stone. These unusual natural formations attracted attention in the past. Explaining the origin of such unusual stones was difficult. Consequently, such places gradually became associated with notions of holiness, miracles, and the supernatural.
In the Serakhs region, there is also a site called "Garpyzly," also known as "Gyzylger," in an area associated with pistachio vegetation. This name is also associated with folk beliefs about stones, shape and color of which resembled watermelons. In the popular imagination, these stones were perceived as more than just the result of geological processes. They could be seen as unique traces of plant life transformed into stone by higher powers.
Such beliefs reflect an important feature of the traditional perception of nature among the peoples of Central Asia. A stone, spring, tree, cave, or unusual geological formation could be more than just a natural object; they could also be transformed into a memory of an event, a holy person, or an ancient legend. This legend reminds us of one important thing: a people's language consists of more than just words. Behind some words, place names, and traditions lie stories, beliefs, and ancient human attempts to understand the world around us, passed down from generation to generation.
Therefore, the Turkmen word "garpyz" is more than just the name of a sweet summer fruit. In the context of folk tradition, it also bears a unique trace of humanity's ancient desire to understand nature, to find explanations for its mysteries, and to give meaning to the inexplicable through legend.
Atael ASTANOV
