Significance of Old woman
The term "Old woman" encompasses a variety of representations across different contexts such as Jainism, Vaishnavism, and folklore traditions. In these narratives, she often embodies wisdom, cunning, and caretaker roles, influencing characters' fates and decisions. For instance, she may act as a guide, provide crucial information, or symbolize resilience and vulnerability. The multifaceted nature of the "Old woman" character highlights her significance in cultural storytelling, representing both the challenges of aging and the depth of experience she brings to various situations.
Synonyms: Elderly woman, Aged woman, Mature woman, Old lady, Elderly lady
In Dutch: Oude vrouw
In Finnish: Vanha nainen
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, "Old woman" embodies various roles, including a caretaker, a symbol of faith, and a voice of community grievances, highlighting themes of purity, humility, familial duty, and the tension between generations.
From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6
(1) A character in the story representing the older generation, often in tension with the younger generation.[1] (2) Granny, the caretaker of the Bodhisatta when he was a young calf.[2] (3) A character in the story who represents humility and kindness, whose fortunes change after she welcomes Elder Sariputta to her home.[3] (4) The character in the story who complains about Prince Brahmadatta stealing her white seeds.[4] (5) The character who found and cared for the young pigs, feeling maternal towards them and refusing to sell them despite pressure.[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]
Hindu concept of 'Old woman'
In Hinduism, the "Old woman" symbolizes wisdom, vulnerability, and cunning. She serves as a guide, manipulates situations, and contrasts with youthful figures, embodying themes of age, knowledge transfer, and the complexities of human relationships.
From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)
(1) A character who guides the woman seeking magic and instructs her on how to make her husband return.[9] (2) A character in the narrative that aids the youth by providing directions to her elder sister.[10] (3) A character within the story who uses clever strategies to manipulate situations in favor of her interests, paralleling Devasmita's own resourcefulness.[11] (4) A typically vulnerable figure involved in a desperate form of dharna, used by the creditor as leverage against the debtor.[12] (5) A character often found in folklore, frequently depicted as wise or cunning, sometimes associated with witchcraft.[13]
From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu
(1) A term of address directed at an elderly female, possibly witnessing the interaction between the child and Krishna.[14] (2) A character in the text who instructs Krishna to open His mouth, representing wisdom and the passing of knowledge through generations.[15]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) Referring to Padmavati, who is depicted as delivering the cruel words that affect Devaki.[16]
From: Agni Purana
(1) A term referring to a female individual who has advanced in age.[17]
From: Sahitya-kaumudi by Baladeva Vidyabhushana
(1) A character contrasted with Radha and Krishna, often used to highlight themes of age, wisdom, or change.[18]
Jain concept of 'Old woman'
In Jainism, the "Old woman" symbolizes a guardian figure who fosters friendship and guidance, exemplified by her relationship with painter Daraka during his time in Saketa, highlighting themes of companionship and spiritual mentorship.
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.[19]
The concept of Old woman in local and regional sources
The keyphrase "Old woman" encompasses various characters representing guidance, nurturing, deceit, and wisdom across different stories, reflecting societal roles and the implications of age, often intersecting with themes of vulnerability and resource scarcity.
From: Folklore of the Santal Parganas
(1) The aunt of the Paranik's daughter who caused the girl to become possessed.[20] (2) The character Anuwa disguised himself as to trick the jackal.[21] (3) A vulnerable character who unwittingly facilitates the jackal's deceit by leaving her house to get fire.[22] (4) A character who plays a role in connecting the disguised Princess with the Raja's daughter.[23] (5) The character who substitutes for the younger brother's wife, creating a ruse to distract the husband.[24]
From: Triveni Journal
(1) Rajee's mother-in-law whose garrulous behavior irritates Parvati, illustrating generational differences and burdens of family dynamics.[25] (2) A beggar woman described in the poem 'An Old Woman,' symbolizing helplessness and poverty.[26] (3) A senior female individual, specifically referring to Khateeja, who lived a solitary life.[27] (4) The character whom the boy approached and who played a significant role in his awakening.[28] (5) Refers to the elderly female character in the text, embodying resilience and hardship as she carries out her daily tasks.[29]
From: Folk Tales of Gujarat (and Jhaverchand Meghani)
(1) A character in the story who represents wisdom and tradition, involved in the welcoming and transformative rituals.[30] (2) An elder female figure in the household, whose potential presence is associated with the telling of stories to grandchildren.[31] (3) A character encountered by the Brahmin lady who asked for a head massage and turned out to be a goddess.[32] (4) An elderly villager whose pot was broken by Budho, causing her to refer to him as 'fatherless' in frustration.[33]
From: Bhaktavijaya: Stories of Indian Saints
(1) Refers to Kabir's mother, who accompanied Krishna to find her son.[34] (2) Describes Rukmini's guise when she approaches Krishna, symbolizing humility and disguise in her devotion.[35]
From: Village Folk-tales of Ceylon (Sri Lanka), vol. 1-3
(1) The person with whom Krisha Gautami finds temporary refuge after her numerous misfortunes.[36] (2) An associate of the Princess who plays a role in recognizing the entertainment brought by the Minister.[37] (3) A character responsible for reviving the stone-turned prince by performing rituals and caring for him.[38] (4) A character who aids the Prince by providing him with food and asking for help to gather resources.[39] (5) A character in the story who becomes a victim when the foolish thief attempts to fry pulse and accidentally burns her mouth.[40]