Back home they're associated with either holy sacrifice or as symbols of the devil himself. [She clucks her tongue.] Well. In some religions.

[Can't speak for the Sikhs and the Buddhists now can she?]

Judging from the make of the place and all the movie referencing, I'd guess they're aiming for the devil angle. Evoking strong Christian paranoia, here.

I'd say whoever's really in charge is from a place similar to my home. Probably a more mystical version of it.