Eguzkilore, flower of the sun

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Eguzkilore. Photo: EFE

The "Eguzkilore" (literally: flower of the sun) is a large dried thistle head with a pronounced likeness to the sun which is placed by the door of farm and other kinds of houses in order to protect inhabitants against evil spirits, sorcerers, lamiak (mermaid-resembling creatures with bird’s legs), the spirits of illness, storms and lightening.

According to the legend, when the men and women lived in the Earth, there was not neither moon nor sun. Genies and other evil beings usually threatened them. They asked Amalurra to help them. Amalurra created the moon. The genies were frightened for some days, as they had never seen the moon, but after some time, they were not scared and frightened the humans again.

The humans then asked for something more. Amalurra created the sun. It shined more than the moon so the genies did not get used to it. However, the genies and evil beings attacked humans at night, so Amalurra gave humans a last present: eguzkilore, the flower of the sun. Eguzkilore resembles a sun, so if it was placed by the door of a farm or house, it would protect them.