Vaccination -- That Holy Cow

 


In India where the number of Covid-19 cases rose in the last months, it was reported that certain people started smearing themselves with cow dung and urine. They believe it will boost their immunity, the cow being sacred in the Hindu religion, revered and protected -- The symbol of life itself. Of course, Indian doctors quickly discouraged what they label as outrageous.

I am reminded of another Bovine incident two centuries ago that of an English doctor named Edward Jenner, who came up with the idea of introducing the virus of Cowpox (Variolae vaccinae) to the human body in order for it to develop antibodies against the said skin disease, seen first in cows and to other related pathogens such as deadly smallpox.

"Vacca" is the Latin term for cow, obviously where we also get the Tagalog "baka", as influenced by Spanish which in turn was brought about by the maternal role of the Latin language to many European tongues. Thus Jenner's method we also know now as: "vaccination".

Going back to the dung smearers of India, one can actually argue that this cattle worship is not only confined in the Indian subcontinent. Remember the Semitic tribe Moses left in the desert near Sinai? When he went back carrying the 10 laws from above they were venerating a golden calf. In Greek mythology, Zeus came to lure and abduct the maiden Europa in a form of a bull. But of course, we must not forget to mention that public holiday in India in honor of cows known as Gopastami.

Incidentally, it was in 2020 the Year of the Rat in the Oriental calendar, that we entered the covid pandemic. This year 2021 happens to be the year of the Ox -- Science is adamant that vaccination is the only way out of this pandemic. Holy cow indeed!

Pasig City. May 2021 

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