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The Hunt for Djukus–Bonaire’s Lucky Beans

by | Oct 15, 2021 | Activities

Lucky Beans (Djukus) found on Bonaire's shoreline.

An unusual activity to consider for your next Bonaire trip:  Hunting for Bonaire’s lucky bean, locally called djukus!

Many times visitors to Bonaire are repeat guests–they visit Bonaire year after year.   These visitors are always on the lookout for something new to do on Bonaire.  Hunting for djukus–Bonaire’s lucky beans–is fun to do for a few hours, and the best part is that it is free, and you can also help the island while hunting!

What is a Lucky Bean?

Bonaire’s lucky bean has many names–locally called a djuku (pronounced jú-ku) in Papiamentu–they are also known as horse-eye beans, donkey-eye beans, or ox-eye beans. It’s even known in some places as the Hamburger Bean!

These special finds in the flotsam and jetsom of the Caribbean Sea are actually seeds from a pod of the Mucuna urens,  a species of large liana from the family Fabaceae. This plant is native to tropical Central and South America, including the West Indies.  It grows in forests and woodland at altitudes of up to 1,800 meters (6,000 feet).  Other species of Mucuna have established themselves in other locations, such as Mucuna pruriens on Trinidad and Tobago, just up-current from Bonaire!

By Arn - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0

Where can I find djukus on Bonaire?

Since lucky beans do not grow here on Bonaire, when one finds a djuku on the beach, it is treasured!

When storms and heavy rains hit the Windward Islands archipelago, for example, during hurricane season from June 1st through November 30th, the four seeds, once freed from their pod, are washed into the ocean, and they then begin their journey, floating and bobbing across the Caribbean Sea’s surface, until their reach their destination:  the first shoreline they meet–Bonaire’s east coast.

When hunting for Bonaire’s lucky beans, you will need to be on any beach which is on Bonaire’s eastern coastline–Lagun, Washikemba, Cai at Lac, or Boka Chikitu in Washington-Slagbaai National Park.  Walk along the windward beach (be sure to wear good closed shoes–no flip-flops!), and you’ll see lots of flotsam and jetsom that has washed ashore–some natural and lots which are not natural.  Do Mother Earth a favor, and be sure to bring some trash bags when you plan to hunt for djukus and fill them up with the man-made trash that washes ashore from the plastic soup floating around the world’s oceans. Then please dispose of it in a responsible manner–the turtles and birds thank you!

As you walk along the shoreline, look for the most common type of djuku, the ones which look like little hamburgers!  They are round, about the size of a bottle cap, and brown or tan on the top and underside (the bun) with a darker rim (the burger) which runs nearly all the way around the middle.  Although you may find Bonaire’s lucky beans in other colors and shapes, these “hamburger beans” are the ones most often found.

A djuku found along Bonaire's eastern coastline.

Uses of Lucky Beans in Bonaire’s culture and history.

So exactly what does one do when one finds their lucky bean?

In some island locations, it can be used for medicinal purposes.  The older folks on Bonaire will recall their playtime as kids when they would repeatedly rub the djuku against a hard surface, such as concrete, causing it to get very hot from the friction.  Then they would place the djuku on the arm of a playmate!  Ouch!

Today, many will keep the lucky bean in their pocket or handbag, to bring them continued luck.  You’ll also find many local artisans who will craft them into jewelry–pendants, necklaces, or ankle bracelets.  When you think about it, this is one of the best ways to enjoy your Bonaire lucky bean.  Not only will you have a nice adornment, but you’ll have good luck all the time you wear it!

Take a few hours on your next visit and hunt for your very own Bonaire lucky bean!

A pendant made from a Bonaire lucky bean.

(Source:  Bonaire  Insider Reporter)

 

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