Tramuntana wind.
Tramuntana is a strong north wind that blows in Mallorca and the other Balearic Islands. It is especially felt in the Sierra de Tramontana mountain range, located in the north-west of the island. This wind can be both refreshing and harsh, especially in winter when it brings with it a sharp chill. The name ‘Tramontana’ comes from the Latin ‘Trans montanus,’ which means ‘Beyond the mountains.’ The wind often comes from the north or north-west. Tramontana in Mallorca and elsewhere in the Mediterranean has long been associated with various myths and beliefs. One of the most interesting is the connection between Tramontana and madness.
How does Tramontana affect the psyche?
In many cultures, strong and prolonged winds are associated with influencing a person’s mental state. For example there is the expression ‘estar tocat per la Tramuntana’, which means ‘to be touched by Tramontana’ – that is, a little crazy.
In psychology, there is even a term ‘wind syndrome’ describing increased anxiety, insomnia and headaches during high winds. Although there is no scientific confirmation of ‘Tramontana madness’, this myth has lived on for centuries. Many locals in Mallorca do believe that this wind makes people a little strange. It is often associated with more than just a natural phenomenon: Tramontana symbolises nature’s influence on the soul and mind.
Have you ever felt the influence of Tramontana?
Ekaterina Zaytseva
