i/NorthEastIndia
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What is the word for God in your language?
In the pre colonial times, Mizos had many words for God. When the Bible was being translated into Mizo there was a question on which word should be used. They eventually landed on Pathian. The other options were Pu Vana, Khuavang and Khuanu. Pathian comes from the word Pa (father) and thian (holy). So Pathian means Holy Father. In Mizo folklore, there are stories of pathianpa and pathiannu(male ans female god). So, there was an argument against this word. Pathian was also thought to reside in heaven and not be involved in mortal affairs. But once the Bibles were printed, Pathian came to used in Christian settings exclusively. However, in common speech and song, khuanu continues to be used. Khuanu is thought to be weaver of fate. "Khuanu ruat" means destiny. And the word "Khuanu samsuih" means lovers ordained by God. Khuavang is also sometimes used in secular context. The small marks on skin (black dots/moles) are called Khuavang chhinchhiah meaning the marking of Khuavang. While freckles and skin blemishes are shameful in some communities, in Mizo community, it is a mark of God and it thought to be pretty. Pu Vana means "Grandfather Sky". To this day, when children lose their milk teeth, they take a handful of rice and throw it up to the sky as an offering to Pu Vana. Then they say a prayed to ask him for good teeth for the bad one they lost.3
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