The ritual use of insects in different socio-cultural contexts

Abstract

The ritual use of insects in different cultural contexts throughout the world is briefly described. These animals have been playing important roles in religion, mythology, rites, beliefs, and magical medicine of different peoples since ancient times. In some parts of Brazil, insects are the main ingredients used to make pembas, which are employed to purify houses and to protect people against malefic influences (evil eye) or even to transfer those influences to certain individuals. The involvement of insects in the ordinary life of human beings shows the importance of these organisms. So, they deserve a better consideration from scientists, particularly from ethnoentomologists.