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LEGEND

THERE IS A LEGEND AT POKEGON STATE PARK IN INDIANA, NEAR FORT
WAYNE, CONCERNING THE WATER. AFTER DRINKING THE WATER FOR MORE
THAN ONE DAY, A PERSON WILL GET STOMACH CRAMPS AND DIARRHEA.
THIS ILLNESS IS COMMONLY CALLED "POKEGON'S REVENGE." THE STORY
BEHIND THIS IS THAT CHIEF POKEGON CURSED THE WATER WHEN HIS LAND
WAS TAKEN AWAY. THIS CHIEF WAS PROBABLY OF THE POTAWATOMI TRIBE
BECAUSE THE POTAWATOMI INN IS LOCATED HERE.

Where learned: ILLINOIS ; 15220 DANTE AVE ; DALTON ; 60419

Subject headings: PROSE NARRATIVE -- Running water Small current. Brook, spring....
BELIEF -- Curse
BELIEF -- Means of Causing or Avoiding Illness

Date learned: NOT GIVEN

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THE LEGEND OF PRIEST'S LEAP

AN IRISH PRIEST WAS SAYING MASS IN THE HOMES OF THE PEOPLE LIVING
ON TOP OF A MOUNTAIN IN COUNTY KERRY. THE BRITISH FOUND OUT ABOUT
THIS AND CAME AFTER THE PRIEST. THEY CHASED THE PRIEST FOR A
WHILE AND HAD HIM CORNERED, ABOUT TO BE CAPTURED. THE PRIEST,
BEING ON TOP OF THIS MOUNTAIN, HAD NO WHERE TO GO. SO HE GAVE
HIS HORSE A SWIFT KICK AND HE LEAPED FROM THE MOUNTAIN, OVER
BANTRY BAY, AND LANDED TWENTY MILES AWAY IN COUNTY CORK. IF YOU
GO DOWN THE ROAD, 1/4 OF A MILE OUT OF THE CITY OF BANTRY, YOU
WILL STILL SEE A ROCK ALONG THE SIDE WITH THE HOOF PRINTS OF THE
HORSE AND THE SIGN OF THE WHIP THAT ARE STILL THERE TODAY.

Submitter comment: THE INFORMANT SAW THE HOOF PRINTS AND THE SIGN OF THE WHIP.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

Subject headings: PROSE NARRATIVE -- Explanation of a name
BELIEF -- Mammal
BELIEF -- Curse

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THE FLAG OF MACEDONIA

THE FLAG OF MACEDONIA IS BLACK AND RED BECAUSE THE COUNTRY'S
HISTORY HAS BEEN SHROUDED IN THE BLOOD AND DESPAIR OF THE PEOPLE.
THIS HAS BEEN LEGEND SINCE ALEXANDER THE GREAT CURSED MACEDON.

Submitter comment: JIM LEARNED THIS FROM HIS GRANDPARENTS.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT

Subject headings: PROSE NARRATIVE -- Product or activity of man or animal
BELIEF -- Curse
BELIEF -- Sign Color

Date learned: 10-15-1967

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STRASBOURG, THE HAUNTED STREET

IN THE EARLY 1950'S A STORY CIRCULATED IN DETROIT ABOUT A HAUNTED
STREET CALLED STRASBOURG. WHENEVER ANYONE WOULD DRIVE THEIR CAR
ON THIS PARTICULAR STREET, A CONSTANT KNOCKING NOISE COULD BE
HEARD. IT SEEMED TO COME FROM EVERYWHERE. SOMETIMES IT SOUNDED
LIKE IT WAS COMING FROM THE DOOR; THEN IT WOULD COME FROM THE
ROOF.
THE KNOCKING NOISE WAS SUPPOSED TO HAVE BEEN MADE BY THE GHOST
OF A YOUNG GIRL WHO HAD BEEN KILLED BY A HIT AND RUN DRIVER.
SHE WAS PERHAPS TEN OR ELEVEN YEARS OLD. AS SHE TRIED TO CROSS
THE STREET, HER COAT WAS CAUGHT BY THE DOOR HANDLE OF A PASSING
CAR. AS THE CAR DRAGGED HER ALONG THE STREET, THE GIRL STARTED
TO KNOCK ON THE DOOR, TRYING TO GET THE DRIVER'S ATTENTION, BUT
SHE FINALLY FELL AND WAS CRUSHED UNDER THE CAR WHEEL. THE CAR
SPED AWAY.
THE GIRL'S FATHER, WHO WAS A GYPSY, PLACED A CURSE ON THE STREET.
HE SAID THAT UNTIL THE DAY THE HIT AND RUN DRIVER WHO KILLED HIS
DAUGHTER WAS CAUGHT, THE SPIRIT OF HIS DAUGHTER WOULD KNOCK ON
EVERY CAR THAT DROVE DOWN STRASBOURG.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; ROYAL OAK

Subject headings: PROSE NARRATIVE -- Ghost Spirit Phantom Specter
PROSE NARRATIVE -- Product or activity of man or animal
ART CRAFT ARCHITECTURE -- Means of transportation Vehicle propelled by mechanical or other force on land
BELIEF -- Curse

Date learned: 11-19-1968

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OMEN

IF YOU SEE A BULL FROG, IT'S A WITCH BRINGING A CURSE. YOU SHOULD
PUT THE FROG ON A BOARD (FULCRUM) AND HIT IT INTO THE AIR, SENDING
THE CURSE AWAY.

Submitter comment: THE INFORMANT GOT THIS FROM HER MOTHER WHEN INFORMANT WAS A CHILD.
SHE SAID SHE NEVERR DID THE ACTION DESCRIBED BECAUSE SHE WAS TOO
AFRAID OF THE FROG TO PICK IT UP. SHE JUST RAN AWAY.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; WARREN ; 7632 WESTMINSTER

Subject headings: PROSE NARRATIVE -- Witch Shaman
PROSE NARRATIVE -- Animal
BELIEF -- Curse

Date learned: 02-22-1970

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METHOD OF CURE

IF A PERSON OR BABY HAS BEEN ADMIRED (HAIR, LOOKS, DRESS, ETC.), THE
ADMIRER MUST TOUCH THAT WHICH THEY ADMIRED OR ELSE IF THE BABY (OR
OTHER) DEVELOPS A FEVER, THEY WILL CALL THE MEDICINE MAN OR WOMAN TO
CURE THEIR BABY. THE CURE IS A FRESH EGG DRAWN IN A CROSS OVER THE
PERSON WHILE SAYING THE SIGN OF THE CROSS, AND A HAIL MARY, OUR
FATHER OR AN ACT OF CONTRITION. THEY THEN DREW A CROSS OVER THE SICK
PERSON'S EYES, NOSE, MOUTH, HEAD, FOREHEAD, BODY, AND LEGS WHILE
SAYING 2 MORE PRAYERS(3 IN ALL), THE HAIL MARY , OUR FATHER OR ACT OF
CONTRITION. THEY THEN BROKE THE EGG INTO A DISH WHILE SAYING THE
CREED. FOR SOME UNKNOWN REASON, AS THEY BROKE THE EGG, AN EYE
APPEARED IN THE CENTER OF THE YOLK. THE YOLK SOMETIMES APPEARED TO BE
PARTIALLY COOKED. I KNOW IT'S HARD TO BELIEVE, BUT I SAW IT MYSELF.

Submitter comment: THE INFORMANT LEARNED THIS WHEN SHE WAS A LITTLE GIRL IN TEXAS.
SHE WAS TAUGHT THIS BY HER MOTHER OR GRANDPARENTS, PRIMARILY HER
GRANDMOTHER. THE INFORMANT DIDN'T SEEM TO COMPLETELY BELIEVE THE
SUPERSTITION, BUT SHE SAID SHE HAD SEEN IT HAPPEN. AND SHE SAID SHE
SAW THE METHOD WORK ON A LITTLE GIRL. SHE DIDN'T WHOLEHEARTEDLY
BELIEVE IN THE SUPERSTITION, THOUGH.
THIS IS ACTUALLY A CURE FOR THE EVIL EYE.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; LINCOLN PARK

Subject headings: Food Drink -- Animal product Egg
BELIEF -- Body part Senses
BELIEF -- Curse
BELIEF -- Curer
BELIEF -- Remedy
BELIEF -- Plant

Date learned: 01-10-1973

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GETTING CHILD TO SLEEP

IF YOUR BABY HAS BEEN LOOKED AT A LOT BY STRANGERS, TO GET IT TO
SLEEP, WIPE THE RIGHT SIDE OF HIS HEAD BY THE EYE THREE TIMES WITH
A RAG, THEN TO THE OTHER SIDE THREE TIMES BY THE LEFT EYE. THE
BABY WILL FALL RIGHT TO SLEEP.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

Subject headings: 686 Thirds / Thrice / Three / Triple
BELIEF -- Body part Senses Eyes, evil eye
BELIEF -- Moon
BELIEF -- Curse
BELIEF -- Method of Curing

Date learned: 02-00-1974

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CURSE TO KEEP PEOPLE AWAKE

FIRST WRITE A LETTER TO A DEAD PERSON TELLING HIM ABOUT THIS PERSON
YOU WANT TO KEEP AWAKE AT NIGHT TO THINK ABOUT HIS WRONG DOINGS. YOU
THEN SEAL THE LETTER AND PLACE IT UNDER YOUR BED. YOU ALSO PUT A
GLASS OF WATER ON TOP OF THE LETTER. WHEN THE WATER EVAPORATES THE
SPELL IS WORKING.

Submitter comment: THIS CURSE WAS USED ON A MALE FRIEND OF THE INFORMANT AND IT WAS
SUCCESSFUL. IT WAS USED IN FLORIDA.

Where learned: LOUISIANA ; FLORIDA ; New Orleans

James Callow Keyword(s): INSOMNIA ; SYMBOL

Subject headings: BELIEF -- Measure of time Sleeping
BELIEF -- Curse
SPEECH -- To Be Seen

Date learned: CA11001973

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WATCH OUT FOR PEOPLE WHOSE EYEBROWS MEET ABOVE THEIR NOSE, ESPECIALLY
IF THEIR HAIR IS DARK. THESE PEOPLE HAVE THE EVIL EYE AND CAN MAKE
YOU SICK OR GIVE YOU BAD LUCK IF THEY STARE AT YOU.

Where learned: OHIO ; CLEVELAND

Subject headings: BELIEF -- Body part Senses
BELIEF -- Curse
BELIEF -- Color

Date learned: 09-10-1972

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EVIL EYE

ONE CURE FOR THE EVIL EYE IS TO DROP SOME OIL WATER IN THE PRESENCE
OF THE VICTIM . IF AFTER IT SPREADS THE OIL TAKES ON THE SHAPE OF AN
EYE , THERE IS NO DOUBT THE VICTIM HAS FALLEN TO THE EVIL EYE. THE
PERSON GIVING THE CURE CAN THEN MAKE THE SIGN OF THE CROSS THREE
TIMES ON THE VICTIM'S FOREHEAD, RESULTING IN A RAPID RECOVERY.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; FARMINGTON ; TOLD IN

Subject headings: 686 Thirds / Thrice / Three / Triple
BELIEF -- Curse
BELIEF -- Sign Geometric figure Cross and its various modifications
BELIEF -- Use of Object
SPEECH -- Gesture

Date learned: 09-24-1972

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EVIL EYE

ONLY WAY A PERSON CAN PROTECT HIMSELF FROM THE EVIL EYE IS TO WEAR
GARLIC SEWN INTO A LITTLE BAG AND WORN AROUND THE NECK. THIS MUST
BE WORN ESPECIALLY BY WOMEN AND CHILDREN WHO ARE THE MOST
SUSCEPTIBLE TO THE EVL EYE.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; FARMINGTON ; TOLD IN

Subject headings: BELIEF -- Curse

Date learned: 09-24-1972

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EVIL EYE

BY RAISING A CLOSED FIST AND EXTENDING THE LITTLE FINGER AND THUMB,
THE VICTIM CAN COUNTER THE EVIL EYE AND RETURN THE EVIL TO ITS
ORIGINATOR.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; FARMINGTON ; TOLD IN

Subject headings: BELIEF -- Curse
SPEECH -- Gesture

Date learned: 09-24-1972

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EVIL EYE

THE INFORMANT ALMOST FAINTED ONE DAY IN CHURCH. WHEN HE
CAME OUT OF CHURCH HIS GRANDMOTHER EXCITEDLY CRIED "MAL OCCHIO"
WHICH MEANS EVIL EYE, SHE RUSHED HIM HOME AND
MADE SIGN OF CROSS
ON HIS FOREHEAD WITH VINEGAR TO CHASE OUT THE EVIL SPIRITS.

Submitter comment: THIS HAPPENED HERE IN THE UNITED STATES

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; BIRMINGHAM

Subject headings: BELIEF -- Curse
BELIEF -- Plant

Date learned: 11-09-1972

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EVIL EYE

IF A LADY HAS AN EVIL EYE AND IS JEALOUS OF A MAN, SHE CAN
MAKE THAT MAN'S MULE FALL DOWN AND DIE. IF SHE LIKES THE MAN,
THE MULE WILL RUN AND BE HEALTHY.

Submitter comment: (THE EVIL EYE HAS POWER OVER THE MULE BECAUSE IT IS LIKE A MAN
STRONG AND STUBBORN.)

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; ALLEN PARK

Subject headings: BELIEF -- Mammal
BELIEF -- Curse

Date learned: 09-00-1972

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CORNETTO GESTURE

YOUR MIDDLE AND FOREFINGER POINTED AT A PERSON WITH THE EVIL EYE
WILL THROW THE BAD LUCK BACK ON THEM.

Where learned: UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT

Subject headings: BELIEF -- Curse
SPEECH -- Gesture

Date learned: 03-13-1975

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EVIL EYE

THE EVIL EYE IS KNOWN AS MAL OCCULO IN ITALY

Where learned: UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT

Subject headings: BELIEF -- Curse
SPEECH -- Common Word

Date learned: 03-13-1975

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EVIL EYE

YOUNG WOMEN ARE THE MOST LIKELY TO HAVE THE EVIL EYE BECAUSE
THEY ARE SLY AND VICIOUS.

Where learned: UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT

James Callow Keyword(s): SEXISM

Subject headings: BELIEF -- Curse

Date learned: 03-13-1975

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EVIL EYE

PRIESTS ARE RESPECTED BECAUSE NOTHING CAN SAVE YOU FROM THEIR
EVIL EYE.

Where learned: UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT

Subject headings: BELIEF -- Curse

Date learned: 03-13-1975

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PROTECTION FROM EVIL EYE

THE MANU CORNATA, HAND GESTURE WITH FOREFINGER AND BABY FINGER
PROTECTS YOU FROM THE EVIL EYE

Submitter comment: HE CONSIDERS THIS A MALTESE BELIEF.

Where learned: UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT

Subject headings: BELIEF -- Curse
SPEECH -- Gesture

Date learned: 03-21-1975

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EVIL EYE

OLD WOMEN ARE THE MOST LIKELY TO HAVE THE EVIL EYE BECAUSE
THEY ARE THE MOST DOMINANT.

Submitter comment: HE CONSIDERS THIS A MALTESE BELIEF.

Where learned: UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT

James Callow Keyword(s): SEXISM

Subject headings: BELIEF -- Curse

Date learned: 03-21-1975

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