Significance of Old woman
The term "Old woman" appears in various cultural and narrative contexts, symbolizing wisdom, vulnerability, and resilience. In Jainism, she serves as a guardian figure to the painter Daraka. In South Asian folklore, multiple old women characters play crucial roles, from offering guidance and sustenance to representing themes of cunning and manipulation. In Vaishnavism and other traditions, she embodies nurturing qualities and the passage of knowledge, while often reflecting societal challenges faced by the elderly. Overall, the "Old woman" symbolizes the intersection of age, experience, and influence across various stories and traditions.
Synonyms: Elderly woman, Aged woman, Mature woman, Matron, Elderly lady, Grandma
In Swedish: Gumma; In German: Alte; In Dutch: Oude vrouw; In Finnish: Vanha nainen; In Spanish: Anciana; In Malay: Perempuan tua; In French: Vieille; In Portugese: Velha; In Italian: Vecchia donna; In Polish: Staruszka
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Old woman'
In Buddhism, the term "Old woman" embodies various characters symbolizing purity, motherhood, generational conflict, humility, and community grievances, illustrating diverse roles and spiritual lessons intertwined with the experiences and dilemmas faced throughout life.
From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6
(1) The attendant of the young woman, who was manipulated to help the scamp get close to her mistress.[1] (2) A character in the story representing the older generation, often in tension with the younger generation.[2] (3) Granny, the caretaker of the Bodhisatta when he was a young calf.[3] (4) A character in the story who represents humility and kindness, whose fortunes change after she welcomes Elder Sariputta to her home.[4] (5) The character in the story who complains about Prince Brahmadatta stealing her white seeds.[5]
From: Mahavamsa
(1) A character in the narrative who faced unfortunate weather conditions that impacted her livelihood.[6]
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) A character offering food to the Buddha, representing purity of intention and faith, leading to her ultimate spiritual reward.[7] (2) The character who sold cakes made from flour and was involved in the brahmin's maintenance of purity through her food.[8]
From: Hualin International Journal of Buddhist Studies
(1) This person is associated with floss silk, as they wore silk floss hats to keep themselves warm and to cover their thinning hair, and also is linked to the story of Nichiren.[9]
Hindu concept of 'Old woman'
In Hinduism, the "Old woman" symbolizes wisdom, cunning, and guidance, often serving as a go-between or manipulator. She reflects themes of age, change, and knowledge, intertwining with characters and narratives that convey life's complexities.
From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)
(1) An old woman showed determination to ascend the pyre, illustrating the strong will of some individuals.[10] (2) The old woman is a go-between in the story, assisting the young man in his endeavors, which includes creating the liaison.[11] (3) A character who guides the woman seeking magic and instructs her on how to make her husband return.[12] (4) A character in the narrative that aids the youth by providing directions to her elder sister.[13] (5) A character within the story who uses clever strategies to manipulate situations in favor of her interests, paralleling Devasmita's own resourcefulness.[14]
From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu
(1) A term of address directed at an elderly female, possibly witnessing the interaction between the child and Krishna.[15] (2) A character in the text who instructs Krishna to open His mouth, representing wisdom and the passing of knowledge through generations.[16]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) Referring to Padmavati, who is depicted as delivering the cruel words that affect Devaki.[17]
Jain concept of 'Old woman'
In Jainism, the "Old woman" signifies a guardian figure who shared a friendship with the painter Daraka in Saketa, highlighting themes of companionship and support during his experiences in the community.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) The guardian whom the painter Daraka lived with during his stay in Saketa and with whom he formed a friendship.[18]
The concept of Old woman in local and regional sources
The term "Old woman" encompasses various significant characters in literature, illustrating themes of wisdom, poverty, familial dynamics, and societal struggles, while influencing younger generations and embodying traditional roles and challenges within their communities.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) The subject of a portrait, depicted as emaciated, wrinkled, and cross-eyed, sparking a range of reactions from those who view the artwork.[19] (2) The person who comforted the teacher and later the agent, showing compassion and trying to understand the situation, and offering support to those involved in the train compartment.[20] (3) This person traded for Meera's curtains.[21] (4) The elderly woman, who was in search of a job, and who faced numerous challenges due to her age and circumstances.[22] (5) In the afternoons of the bi-weekly market days, an old woman coming from a village on the horizon sat leaning against another trunk with a sack half filled with greens and / or drumsticks, highlighting the tree's role as a landmark for commerce.[23]
From: Folklore of the Santal Parganas
(1) The aunt of the Paranik's daughter who caused the girl to become possessed.[24] (2) The character Anuwa disguised himself as to trick the jackal.[25] (3) A vulnerable character who unwittingly facilitates the jackal's deceit by leaving her house to get fire.[26] (4) A character who plays a role in connecting the disguised Princess with the Raja's daughter.[27] (5) The character who substitutes for the younger brother's wife, creating a ruse to distract the husband.[28]
From: Bhaktavijaya: Stories of Indian Saints
(1) Refers to Kabir's mother, who accompanied Krishna to find her son.[29] (2) Describes Rukmini's guise when she approaches Krishna, symbolizing humility and disguise in her devotion.[30]
From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
(1) The text mentions that it is a different matter if your friend is an old woman, regarding certain topics.[31]
From: Village Folk-tales of Ceylon (Sri Lanka), vol. 1-3
(1) This person takes charge of Kota after the boat drifts ashore and later plays a role in assisting Kota in various ways.[32] (2) The term refers to Loku-Appuhami's mother, who initially questioned his source of money for gambling but later cooked rice for him.[33] (3) The person with whom Krisha Gautami finds temporary refuge after her numerous misfortunes.[34] (4) An associate of the Princess who plays a role in recognizing the entertainment brought by the Minister.[35] (5) A character responsible for reviving the stone-turned prince by performing rituals and caring for him.[36]
The concept of Old woman in scientific sources
"Old woman" in the text refers to a grandmother figure, specifically identified as "cloudy eyed." She is a recurring character and a key element in understanding the narrative's context.
From: Religions Journal (MDPI)
(1) The old woman known as “cloudy eyed” is repeatedly identified as the grandmother (a phyi), according to the text, providing context for the narrative.[37]
Classical concept of 'Old woman'
From: Aesop's Fables (English translation)
(1) An Old Woman is a character who discovers an empty jar that once held wine and appreciates the lingering scent, suggesting a fondness for pleasant experiences.[38] (2) A character who experienced vision loss and entered into a financial agreement with a medical professional contingent on the restoration of eyesight.[39]
From: The Odyssey of Homer (English translation)
(1) The old woman, Euryclea, is chosen to wash the stranger's feet because she is respectable and nursed Ulysses in infancy, demonstrating her long-standing loyalty and connection to the family.[40]
From: Ancient Egypt the Light of the World
(1) According to the text, the maiden in the story of the Kirgis of Siberia was initiated into the mysteries of mediumship at the period of her puberty by an old woman.[41]