In Malayalam we use an expression "paambaayi" [which translates to "became a snake"] to denote a state of extreme inebriation. The usage comes from the idea that when a person is very drunk he will crawl on the floor like a snake and put his tongue out [but IN THIS CASE - to vomit] like a snake.
Facebook Update on 3rd Feb : Just saw my 5th snake since moving to Chengottukonam ... this is in addition to the hissing sound and windlessly moving grass near my feet a month ago AND the dead cat on my lawn a week ago ... scary place this is :-o
I came to know today that my friend Sunil Lekshman who was earlier bitten by a snake on his right wrist [a month ago] in his sleep was bitten again by the same snake ... again in his sleep :-) ... this time 17 times on both feet - [ left 6 and right 11]. Apparently he tried to kick it away with his feet in his sleep as an involuntary reflex and this pissed off the snake which went on giving him "a piece of me". Poisonous snakes apparently will slither away if they have not been touched. But if they have been pushed, shoved or in any other way harmed [or even if they perceive that they 'have been' OR 'are being' harmed], then they will go on attacking you and making a nuisance of themselves.
He survived as he was already on a heavy dosage of anti-venom tribal-Malayalam medicine recovering from the first bite. At the time, there were no signs of bites on his right wrist but that was the only place aching when he was bitten about a month ago. The reason for the pain and other body symptoms were suspected but later mostly confirmed to be the initial diagnosis - as a snake bite - when he saw it crawling out of his room. This was fortunate as thanks to this glimpse, his treatment became accurate. I believe that the local ayur-medic treated him till then with some kind of "cure-all" anti-venom. On seeing the snake for the first time, however, Sunil did not kill it. He decided to forgive it for the assumed offence and let it go. This is what happens when nature lovers live in civilization.
The snake got away but was killed the next [3rd] known time it entered his room. It was the snake known as "ettadie veeran" or 8-feet-killer. It is one of the "Big Four"of Indian snakes. Killer is not the correct translation for "veeran". "Brave" as a noun would be a better approximation though I am not sure why we Malayalis would call a poisonous snake that bites us as a hobby "brave". Either we are immune or even more poisonous than the snakes :-) . The 8-feet implies that if bitten, you will die within the time it takes you to walk that distance.
If you must know, Sunil does not live in Chengottukonam. For precautions go here.
I got the following relevant information from this link.
All the major venomous species of snakes found in India are also found in Kerala. Kerala is recognized as having a major problem with snakebite. The five common poisonous snakes found in Kerala are Indian Cobra, King Cobra, Russel’s Viper, Saw-scaled viper and Krait. Out of these, Indian Cobra, Russel’s Viper, Saw-scaled viper and Krait are the most dangerous since the King Cobras usually habit in dense forests and hence rarely comes in contact with humans.
Feeds mainly on rodents, frogs and other snakes. The prey is pursued and a lethal dose of venom injected. The prey is then let go and consumed once dead. It is notorious for its appetite for snakes and frequently consumes blind snakes and other species including other members of the genus bungarus. When in pursuit of rodents it often ends up in human dwellings.
Facebook Update on 3rd Feb : Just saw my 5th snake since moving to Chengottukonam ... this is in addition to the hissing sound and windlessly moving grass near my feet a month ago AND the dead cat on my lawn a week ago ... scary place this is :-o
I came to know today that my friend Sunil Lekshman who was earlier bitten by a snake on his right wrist [a month ago] in his sleep was bitten again by the same snake ... again in his sleep :-) ... this time 17 times on both feet - [ left 6 and right 11]. Apparently he tried to kick it away with his feet in his sleep as an involuntary reflex and this pissed off the snake which went on giving him "a piece of me". Poisonous snakes apparently will slither away if they have not been touched. But if they have been pushed, shoved or in any other way harmed [or even if they perceive that they 'have been' OR 'are being' harmed], then they will go on attacking you and making a nuisance of themselves.
He survived as he was already on a heavy dosage of anti-venom tribal-Malayalam medicine recovering from the first bite. At the time, there were no signs of bites on his right wrist but that was the only place aching when he was bitten about a month ago. The reason for the pain and other body symptoms were suspected but later mostly confirmed to be the initial diagnosis - as a snake bite - when he saw it crawling out of his room. This was fortunate as thanks to this glimpse, his treatment became accurate. I believe that the local ayur-medic treated him till then with some kind of "cure-all" anti-venom. On seeing the snake for the first time, however, Sunil did not kill it. He decided to forgive it for the assumed offence and let it go. This is what happens when nature lovers live in civilization.
The snake got away but was killed the next [3rd] known time it entered his room. It was the snake known as "ettadie veeran" or 8-feet-killer. It is one of the "Big Four"of Indian snakes. Killer is not the correct translation for "veeran". "Brave" as a noun would be a better approximation though I am not sure why we Malayalis would call a poisonous snake that bites us as a hobby "brave". Either we are immune or even more poisonous than the snakes :-) . The 8-feet implies that if bitten, you will die within the time it takes you to walk that distance.
If you must know, Sunil does not live in Chengottukonam. For precautions go here.
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I got the following relevant information from this link.
All the major venomous species of snakes found in India are also found in Kerala. Kerala is recognized as having a major problem with snakebite. The five common poisonous snakes found in Kerala are Indian Cobra, King Cobra, Russel’s Viper, Saw-scaled viper and Krait. Out of these, Indian Cobra, Russel’s Viper, Saw-scaled viper and Krait are the most dangerous since the King Cobras usually habit in dense forests and hence rarely comes in contact with humans.
KRAIT
SCIENTIFIC NAME : Bungarus caeruleus
MALAYALAM :Vellikettan, Mothiravalayan, Ettadi veeran, Ettadi Moorkhan, Samkhuvarayan
Krait is a common snake with many species. The common species found in Kerala is Bungarus Coeruleus with blue or dark bluish grey colour and stripes across. These are found near human habitats due to availability of rodents. They are also found in farmlands and open forests. Venom is neurotoxic.
Krait is a common snake with many species. The common species found in Kerala is Bungarus Coeruleus with blue or dark bluish grey colour and stripes across. These are found near human habitats due to availability of rodents. They are also found in farmlands and open forests. Venom is neurotoxic.Feeds mainly on rodents, frogs and other snakes. The prey is pursued and a lethal dose of venom injected. The prey is then let go and consumed once dead. It is notorious for its appetite for snakes and frequently consumes blind snakes and other species including other members of the genus bungarus. When in pursuit of rodents it often ends up in human dwellings.
