Fernand Braudel: Why Do People Connect To Water?

“Water mingles with every kind of natural phenomenon; and more than one might imagine, it has also mingled with the particular destiny of mankind.” (Solomon, no page number). The words of Fernand Braudel reflect mans unique connection to water. Throughout history, from the first Mediterranean civilizations and the ancient Roman Empire, to modern day nations, water has played a key part in the development of all societies. Water is needed for all forms of life, be it physical, spiritual, or mental. People are connected to water not only through vital role in survival it provides, but also a sense of security and wellbeing. But why? What causes these feelings? Why are people so connected to water?

Probably the most obvious answer to that question

Many religions such as; Hinduism, Shinto, Islam, Christianity, and Judaism, have water rituals which symbolize purification. In addition, most cultures from all across the globe have creation stories that tell how life came out of water. For example, the Bible tells how God created water first before creating humans in Genesis 1), which backs up the importance of water’s connection with human survival.

Water has also been an important factor in cultural development and the birth of nations. Beginning around the Mediterranean Sea, both inland and island civilizations developed by relying on their seafaring skills for trade and naval power (Solomon, 59). Indeed, as Gϋlsϋn Sağlamer remarked, “The Mediterranean basin has been the cradle of world civilization since the first settlements in Jericho in 9000 BC.” (3). Because the Mediterranean’s location, shape, and size it prevented opposing civilizations battling for power while providing a way to connect other peaceful cultures

The main difference was the islands in the pacific were large enough to sustain enough food for an island population. However, the problem was a continual growing population. When an island became overpopulated designated navigators would go out sailing in canoes in search of other islands. Because compasses and other modern devices of navigation were not invented yet, island navigators would use the stars, the sun, cloud formations, and the sea itself as a means of finding a new island to populate. This special talent would be taught verbally from navigator to navigator down through many generations (Nova