5 Traditional Beliefs About Boro House Courtyards - Bodo Culture
The Boros take special care of their house and courtyard or Cisla. According to experts, the significance and sanctity of their house's courtyard bear similarity with the importance they give to a Boro traditional dress, which is sacred according to the Boro culture.
While reading a book about the cultural and traditional heritage of the Boros, I stumbled upon an article, which I felt is worth sharing. The Boro cultural heritage is deep, and I believe you will be fascinated to learn about them. 
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Please note: These beliefs are associated with the traditional Boro society and may or may not be prevalent in modern times.
So what are the traditional beliefs of Boros regarding their courtyard? What are the restrictions they follow regarding their courtyard? What happens if you break these rules?
If you love the Boro culture and tradition and want to know more about it, you have landed on the right page.
This article features five traditional beliefs of the Boros associated with their house courtyards.
Top Five Beliefs about House Courtyards - Boro Tradition and Culture
1. Never cross the courtyard carrying an axe or a pitcher full of water
If a man crosses the courtyard holding a bamboo, spade, or an axe on his shoulder, it signifies the ushering of evil spirits. As for women, they are restricted to cross the courtyard carrying a pitcher full of water. It is believed that these actions can invite evil into your house and may lead to complications.
2. Dogs dragging buttocks
Dogs dragging their buttocks may seem hilarious, but the Boro culture has a different interpretation of this animal behavior. It is believed that if a dog drags his buttock or bum in the middle of the courtyard, it invites misfortune for the family.
3. The Crow or Vulture factor
The Boros name crows as Daokha and vultures as Sigun. Although vultures and crows are known as Natural Scavengers, these birds can predict various outcomes as per Boro traditional beliefs. For instance, if a vulture or crow leaves a piece of animal meat in the courtyard, it allures evil forces into your house.
However, if a vulture vomits in the courtyard, the family may gain prosperity and fortune.
4. A Fox's cry
Foxes venture into human territory in search of food, especially if you live near a forest or reserve. While it may sound normal, the Boro tradition has other things to say. It is believed that if a fox steps into your courtyard and produces a cry, it signifies the advancing of a calamity in the family.
5. Disputes
If a person tramples on the courtyard and rebukes another person, it signifies enimity between two families or persons. These disputes may lead to severe and dire consequences.
Bonus
6. The Broom Effect
It is believed that if a male family member walks through the courtyard that hasn't been broomed yet, his life span may become short. To avoid this situation, female members sweep the courtyard early in the morning before the male members wake up.
Final Thought
Although these beliefs may have vanished from the modern Boro society, I believe following some rules may keep us tied to our culture and tradition. For instance, keeping our courtyard clean in the morning is a healthy practice and should be followed by everyone. Likewise, we should always take pride in our Boro traditional dress, Boro traditional jewellery, and Boro traditional beliefs.
Source
Book: A Study in Cultural Heritage of the Boros (Page 45)
Author: Dr. Kameswar Brahma
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