Luzerta Catching

Come, children, it's nearly dusk! Lay the trail of leaves and lie in wait.

Luzerta Catching is the name of an activity Kuman participate in their dry season. During this time, Luzerta come out from their hiding places out in the desert and venture into Kuma Town to look for water and food.

The Setup

During the dry season, families save all of the leaves and other inedible plant products they have. They make small, shallow bowls out of clay that they let their children decorate. Leaves are set in a small place inside the house next to the door, and the bowls are filled with water before heading out.

The Activity

On a cool night, familes go out with their leaves and their water bowls and place them at the edge of town, making sure not to bring any lanterns or light sources with them. They set them down in a line and back away behind rocks or brush. Then, when everything is quiet for way too long, the sound of munching and drinking can be heard, and slowly, the line of lizards begins to show themselves as the Luzerta begin to glow. Children at this point can slowly approach the small lizards and attempt to pick them up and hold them.

No, you can't keep it! This is a one-time thing, okay?

— A parent, a day before a lizard is added to the family

Aww, look! It's so cute! Oh, gross, it peed on me!

— A young girl

They say Panahon gave a shard of the moon to the Queen of the Luzerta, making them all glow!

— A father to his son