Caribbean Folklore: The Pumpkin Daughter, An Indo-Caribbean Folktale with Kesha Christie

The Moreish Podcast

The Moreish Podcast
Caribbean Folklore: The Pumpkin Daughter, An Indo-Caribbean Folktale with Kesha Christie
Oct 28, 2025 Season 3 Episode 5

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We’re back with another Caribbean folktale, told by Kesha Christie.

In this episode, Kesha shares an Indo-Caribbean folktale from Trinidad titled 'Kadoo Ki Beti' or 'The Pumpkin Daughter.' The story, which dates back to the late 1800s and early 1900s, revolves around Mama Savitri, an old woman who desperately wishes for a child. Through prayers and a magical pumpkin, her wish is partially granted. This folktale has themes of spirituality, cultural cues, and community. 

Hema and Kesha discuss the importance of preserving these oral traditions and  nuanced differences between Indo-Caribbean and Indian cultures. 

Listen to more Caribbean folklore episodes

Exploring Caribbean Folklore with Kesha Christie
Trickster Tales
Anansi's Antics in Antigua & Barbuda
The Power of Pataki Stories in Cuba
A Lizard's Lesson
Making a Deal with Death
The Lady and Her Three Sons

Episodes referenced

Exploring Caribbean Folklore with Kesha Christie
Caribbean Food History with Dr. Candice Goucher
The Irish-Caribbean Connection with Dr. Ellen Howley

References

Dr. Amina Blackwood-Meeks

Connect with Kesha

To learn more about Kesha and her work, visit http://www.talkintales.ca
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Episode Artwork Caribbean Folklore: The Pumpkin Daughter, An Indo-Caribbean Folktale with Kesha Christie 35:43 Episode Artwork Exploring Guyana’s Foodways with Dr. Geoffrey Giddings 42:54 Episode Artwork Historical Roots of Guyana with Melissa Goolsarran Ramnauth 48:39 Episode Artwork Caribbean Food History with Dr. Candice Goucher 57:46 Episode Artwork Caribbean Folklore: The Lady and Her Three Sons - A Grenadian Folktale with Kesha Christie 23:23 Episode Artwork ENCORE: Slave Voyages with Dr. Gregory O’Malley and Dr. Nafees M. Khan 53:53 Episode Artwork Caribbean Folklore: Making a deal with Death told by Kesha Christie 22:46 Episode Artwork The Irish-Caribbean Connection: Unmasking Myths with Dr. Ellen Howley 47:07 Episode Artwork Caribbean Folklore: A Lizard’s Lesson with Kesha Christie 24:34 Episode Artwork Book Talk: Caribbean Culinary History with Keshia Sakarah 59:34 Episode Artwork Caribbean Folklore: The Power of Pataki Stories in Cuba with Kesha Christie 24:24 Episode Artwork Papiamentu: The Language of Curaçao with Sheedia Jansen 37:06 Episode Artwork Caribbean Folklore: Anansi’s Antics in Antigua & Barbuda with Kesha Christie 27:59 Episode Artwork Discovering the Flavours of Tobago with Devonne Adanna 52:29 Episode Artwork Tobago's Past Revisited with Devonne Adanna 48:10 Episode Artwork Caribbean Folklore: Trickster Tales with Kesha Christie 21:29 Episode Artwork Exploring Trinidad Part 2: Culture and Influence with Sunity Maharaj 22:45 Episode Artwork History of Trinidad Part 1: Tales of Heritage and Resistance with Sunity Maharaj 1:08:31 Episode Artwork Exploring Caribbean Folklore with Kesha Christie 34:37 Episode Artwork Curaçao's Culinary Heritage with Sheedia Jansen 31:24 Episode Artwork Curaçao: History, Heritage and Harmony with Sheedia Jansen 29:50 Episode Artwork ENCORE Caribbean Carnival Chronicles with David Bremang 35:29 Episode Artwork Trinbagonian Chats with Devonne Adanna 15:43 Episode Artwork Caribbean Christmas Flavours with Teri 39:15 Episode Artwork A Taste of St. Lucia with Chef Marissa Leon-John 57:43