SUPERSTITION--DREAMS

IT IS BELIEVED THAT DREAMS CAN MEAN THE OPPOSITE OF WHATEVER
YOU DREAM. FOR EXAMPLE:
(1) IF YOU DREAM YOU GOT MARRIED IT WILL OR CAN MEAN THAT
SOMEONE IN THE FAMILY WILL DIE.
(2) DREAMING OF LOSING YOUR FRONT TOOTH ALSO MEANS SOMEONE
IN THE FAMILY WILL DIE OR BECOME ILL.
(3) IF YOU DREAM YOUR MOM OR DAD DIED OR IF YOU DREAM YOU
ATTENDED A FUNERAL, IT CAN MEAN THE PERSON WHO HAD DIED IN THE
DREAM WILL LIVE LONG.
(4) DREAMING OF WEDDINGS ALSO SIGNIFY DEATH.

Where learned: BAHAMAS ; EXUMA

Keyword(s): CONTRAST

Date learned: 00001920S

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PROVERB

IF YOU SPIT IN THE WIND IT WILL COME BACK IN YOUR FACE.
THE ABOVE PROVERB COULD BE INTERPRETED AS MEANING: IF YOU DO
HARM TO SOMEONE OR INTENTIONALLY HURT THEM, SOMETHING BAD WILL
HAPPEN TO YOU AS WELL. IN OTHER WORDS, YOU SHOULD NOT EXPECT TO
DO WRONG TO OTHER PEOPLE AND GET AWAY WITH IT, YOU SHOULD
BE PREPARED TO RECEIVE THE CONSEQUENCES FOR YOUR ACTIONS.

Where learned: BAHAMAS ; EXUMA

Date learned: 00001930S

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BELIEF (CUSTOM)

WHEN A BABY IS BORN, THE AFTERBIRTH IS DRIED CARE-
FULLY IN AN OVEN. THE HUSBAND WEARS A BAND OF THE
DRIED AFTERBIRTH ON HIS HAT. HE BELIEVES THIS
GIVES HIM STRENGTH.

Submitter comment: THIS IS A CUSTOM OF THE BAHAMA NEGROES IN THE MIAMI

Where learned: TENNESSEE ; FLORIDA ; BAHAMAS ; NASHVILLE ; MIAMI ; PEABODY COLLEGE LIBRARY

Date learned: 05-09-1969

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BELIEF (CUSTOM)

THE MIDWIFE PUTS AN AXE UNDER THE BED OF A LABORING
WOMAN TO "CUT THE PAINS" OF CHILDBIRTH.

Submitter comment: THIS IS A CUSTOM OF THE BAHAMA NEGROES IN THE

Where learned: TENNESSEE ; FLORIDA ; BAHAMAS ; NASHVILLE ; MIAMI ; PEABODY LIBRARY

Date learned: 05-09-1969

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THE WIFE WHO IS DELIVERING, PULLS ON AN OLD SWEATY SHIRT OF
HUSBAND'S TO RECEIVE STRENGTH FOR DELIVERY. IT'S TIED ON THE
FOOT OF THE BED. THE BAHAMA NEGROES TAKE THIS BELIEF FROM THE
FOLLOWING SCRIPTURE: "BY THE SWEAT OF THY BROW, SHALT THOU EARN
BREAD." GEN. 3--CURSE ON ADAM. "IN SORROW SHALT THOU LABOR
ALL THY DAYS." WIFE'S CURSE--"IN SORROW SHALT THOU BRING
FORTH CHILDREN."

Submitter comment: THIS IS A CUSTOM OF THE BAHAMA NEGROES IN THE MIAMI LABOR

Where learned: TENNESSEE ; FLORIDA ; BAHAMAS ; NASHVILLE ; MIAMI ; PEABODY COLLEGE LIBRARY

James Callow Keyword(s): BIBLE GENESIS

Date learned: 05-09-1969

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SHAGGY DOG JOKE

THERE ONCE WAS A BOY CALLED JOHN. ONE DAY HE AND HIS FRIEND WERE
WALKING DOWN THE STREET AND THEY HEARD SOMEONE SAY THE WORD
EVERGREEN.
AND JOHN DID NOT KNOW WHAT THE WORD MEANT. SO HE ASKED HIS FRIEND
WHAT THE WORD EVERGREEN MEANT. HIS FRIEND GASPED AND SAID,"YOU
MEAN THAT YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT THE WORD EVERGREEN MEANS?" NO REPLIED
JOHN, "WHAT DOES IT MEAN?" "I AM NOT GOING TO TELL YOU
WHAT EVERGREEN MEANS. GO AND ASK YOUR MOTHER. SO JOHN WENT HOME AND
WALKED UP TO HIS MOTHER AND SAID "MOM WHAT DOES THE WORD EVERGREEN
MEAN?"
HIS MOTHER GASPED AND SAID "I AM NOT GOING TO TELL YOU WHAT
THE WORD EVERGREEN MEANS."
"GO AND ASK YOUR FATHER." SO WHEN HIS FATHER RETURNED FROM
WORK JOHN SAID
"DAD WHAT DOES THE WORD EVERGREEN MEAN?" HIS FATHER GASPED
AND SAID, "I
AM NOT GOING TO TELL YOU WHAT THE WORD EVERGREEN MEANS,
GO AND ASK YOUR
TEACHER" SO THE NEXT DAY JOHN WENT UP TO HIS TEACHER
AND SAID, "WHAT DOES
THE WORD EVERGREEN MEAN?" HIS TEACHER GASPED AND SAID
"I AM NOT GOING TO
TELL YOU WHAT THE WORD EVERGREEN MEANS, GO TO THE OFFICE."
SO JOHN WENT TO THE OFFICE AND THE PRINCIPAL SAID "WHAT ARE YOU
DOING IN MY
OFFICE?" JOHN SAID "ALL THAT I DID WAS ASK MY TEACHER WHAT THE WORD
EVERGREEN MEANT." THE PRINCIPAL GASPED AND SAID,
"GET OUT OF THIS SCHOOL AND
DO NOT EVER COME BACK." SO JOHN WAS WALKING HOME AND
HE SAW A POLICEMAN.
SO HE WENT UP THE POLICEMAN AND SAID
"MISTER POLICE OFFICER I WAS JUST
KICKED OUT OF SCHOOL AND I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO. I JUST ASKED
WHAT THE WORD EVERGREEN MEANT." THE OFFICER GASPED
AND SAID "I AM NOT
GOING TO TELL YOU WHAT EVERGREEN MEANS. IN FACT I AM
GOING TO HAVE TO ARREST YOU." SO THE OFFICER TOOK JOHN TO JAIL
AND HE WAS NOT SEEN UNTIL TWO WEEKS LATER WHEN HE WAS
BROUGHT BEFORE THE JUDGE. THE JUDGE SAID "WHAT ARE YOU HERE
FOR JOHN?" JOHN SAID "ALL THAT I DID WAS ASK WHAT THE WORD
EVERGREEN MEANT." THE JUDGE GASPED AND SAID "I AM NOT GOING
EITHER, IN FACT I AM GOING TO SENTENCE YOU TO LIFE IN JAIL."
JOHN APPEALED THE CASE AND IT WAS TAKEN ALL THE WAY TO THE SUPREME
COURT WHERE THE DECISION WAS UPHELD. WHEN JOHN GOT TO JAIL HIS
CELLMATE ASKED HIM WHAT HE WAS IN FOR. JOHN SAID "ALL I DID
WAS ASK WHAT THE WORD EVERGREEN MEANT." HIS CELL MATE
GASPED AND DEMANDED TO BE MOVED AWAY FROM JOHN. SOON JOHN WAS IN
SOLITARY CONFINEMENT BECAUSE NOBODY WOULD GO NEAR HIM. FINALLY
SOLITARY CONFINEMENT BECAUSE NOBODY WOULD GO NEAR HIM . FINALLY
AFTER TWENTY YEARS IN PRISON JOHN WAS PAROLED.
AT THE FIRST MEETING WITH
HIS PAROLE OFFICER JOHN SAID, "I HAVE SPENT ALMOST TWENTY ONE YEARS
OF MY LIFE TRYING TO FIND OUT WHAT THE WORD EVERGREEN MEANS, COULD
YOU PLEASE TELL ME WHAT IT MEANS?" THE PAROLE OFFICER
GASPED BUT FELT
SORRY FOR JOHN AND SAID, "I AM NOT GOING TO TELL YOU
WHAT IT MEANS, BUT I WILL SHOW YOU HOW THE MEANING CAN BECOME
KNOWN TO YOU." SO HE TOOK JOHN OUT INTO THE COUNTRY AND STOPPED
AT THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THEY GOT OUT OF THE CAR AND THE OFFICER
SAID "STAND IN THIS BUSH UNTIL THE LIGHT IN THE HOUSE ACROSS THE
STREET COMES ON AROUND MIDNIGHT, THEN CROSS THE STREET
AND GO UP TO THE DOOR AND ASK THE MAN WHO ANSWERS WHAT THE
WORD EVERGREEN MEANS." SO JOHN WAITED IN THE BUSHES GETTING
VERY EXCITED. FINALLY THE LIGHT IN THE HOUSE HAD COME ON.
THE TIME WAS NEAR, JOHN JUMPED OUT OF THE BUSHES AND RAN ONTO THE
STREET AND WAS RUN OVER BY A PASSING TRUCK." THE MORAL OF
THE STORY IS TO LOOK BOTH WAYS BEFORE YOU CROSS THE STREET.

Submitter comment: THIS STORY CAN BE TOLD USING ANYONE'S NAME WHO IS IN THE LISTENING
AUDIENCE. WHEN I FIRST HEARD THE STORY I WAS THE CHARACTER "JOHN"

Where learned: BAHAMAS ; FREEPORT

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BAHAMIAN FUNERAL PROCESSION

IN THE BAHAMAS AFTER THE CHURCH CEREMONY IS HELD FOR THE
DECEASED, THE FRIENDS, RELATIVES AND LODGE (THESE ARE SPECIAL
ORGANIZATIONS IN THE BAHAMAS) MEMBERS FORM TWO LINES OUTSIDE
THE CHURCH. THE LODGE'S BAND HEAD THE PROCESSION RENDERING
SONGS LIKE "ONWARD CHRISTIAN SOLDIERS" WITH A PARTICULARLY
LOUD BUT MOURNFUL THUMP ON THE BASS DRUM. THE PARTICIPANTS IN
A FUNERAL PROCESSION ARE BOTH CHILDREN AND ADULTS WALKING
SILENTLY AND SOLEMNLY IN PAIRS. LITTLE GIRLS DRESSED IN WHITE
WITH HUGE BUTTERFLY BOWS ATTACHED TO THEIR PIGTAILS AND LITTLE
BOYS IN CLEAN WHITE SHIRTS AND BLACK TROUSERS CARRY IMMENSE
WREATHS OF REAL (AND SOMETIMES ARTIFICIAL) FLOWERS AS WELL.
BEHIND THE CHILDREN WOMEN FOLLOW DRESSED IN THEIR WHITE UNIFORM
OR LODGE DRESSES. THEY ARE FOLLOWED BY A MAN CARRYING A
LODGE BANNER OF ONE OF THE FRATERNAL ORDERS IN THE SAME COLOURS
AS THE MEN'S SASHES OR IN THE LODGE'S COLOURS. THE OFFICIAL
UNIFORM WORN BY THE MEN CONSISTS OF THE FOLLOWING: BLACK SUITS, WHITE
SHIRTS, BLACK BOWTIES, BLACK TOP HATS, AND SASHES OR APRON-LIKE
WEAR EMBLEMS SUCH AS "BROTHERS" (OR BILLS) AND "DAUGHTERS" (OR
SISTERS) AROUND THEIR NECKS. BEHIND THE PROUD BANNER CARRIER
A GROUP OF TIGHTLY KNIT MEN TAKE THEIR LAST WALK WITH THEIR
LODGE "BROTHER". THESE MEN ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR PUSHING THE
COFFIN ON A BIER TOWARD ITS FINAL DESTINATION. THE FAMILY
MEMBERS FOLLOW BEHIND IN ISOLATION (AND TODAY THE IMMEDIATE OR
CLOSE FAMILY FOLLOW IN BLACK CADILLACS BELONGING TO THE FUNERAL
HOME OR MORTICIAN). AFTER THE INTRODUCTION OF MOTOR VEHICLES
IN NASSAU HEARSES AND OTHER COMMODITIES SUCH AS A CAR FOR
THE FAMILY ARE USED. OTHER MEMBERS MAY CHOOSE TO RIDE THEIR
CARS INSTEAD OF MARCHING IN THE PROCESSION, BUT FREQUENTLY
MANY PEOPLE SHOW THEIR RESPECT FOR THE DEAD BY MARCHING IN
THE PROCESSION. THE FACT THAT MOST CHURCHES ARE WITHIN WALKING
DISTANCE OF A CEMETERY IS ALSO ANOTHER REASON. IN SOME CASES
THE CEMETERY MAY BE IN THE CHURCH'S YARD.
AT THE CEREMONIES AROUND THE GRAVE, AFTER THE CHURCH OR
OFFICIAL CEREMONY ARE COLORFUL OR DRAMATIC PERFORMANCES
SUCH AS VARIOUS SIGNALS WITH THE HANDS AND ARMS. FOR EXAMPLE:
(1) THE MEMBERS WOULD STRETCH THEIR ARMS OUT.
(2) THEN THEY WOULD CLASP THEIR ARMS TO THEIR BREASTS THREE
TO FOUR TIMES.
(3) AFTER THIS IS DONE THEY WOULD RESPOND TO A READING FROM THE
BIBLE OR THEIR MANUAL BOOK IN UNISON.
(4) FINALLY THEY WOULD GRASP THE GREEN LEAF OR FOLIAGE THAT
HAD BEEN PINNED TO THEIR LAPELS (OR HATS) AND IN ONE FINAL
GESTURE THROW IT IN THE GRAVE OF THE DECEASED.

Submitter comment: IN THE BAHAMAS THE LODGE OR ORGANIZATIONS ADD TO THE FLARE
AND TRADITION OF THE BAHAMIAN PEOPLE. BAHAMIANS TAKE THEIR
LODGES VERY SERIOUSLY AND KEEP UP THEIR PAYMENTS WHEN THEY ARE
DUE. THEY DO THIS BECAUSE THEY ENJOY HELPING OTHERS IN
THEIR SOCIETY AND PROBABLY BECAUSE THE WANT TO BE PUT DOWN
OR BURIED IN STYLE.

Where learned: BAHAMAS ; NASSAU

Date learned: 00001970S

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JUNKANOO

THE JUNKANOO PARADE IS A MUSIC FESTIVAL CELEBRATED IN THE
BAHAMAS ANNUALLY. IN THE CULTURAL CALENDAR OF THE BAHAMAS
JUNKANOO IS THE BIGGEST AND MOST SPECTACULAR EVENT. JUNKANOO
OCCURS ON DECEMBER 26 WHICH IS CALLED BOXING DAY IN THE BAHAMAS
AND ON JANUARY 1, NEW YEAR'S DAY. COMMENCING IN THE EARLY HOURS
OF THE MORNING (3:00 A.M.) AND CONTINUING UNABATED UNTIL AFTER
SUNRISE (9:00 A.M.). HUNDREDS OF COSTUMED REVELLERS IN
EXTRAVAGANT OR IMAGINATIVE HEADDRESSES CONGREGATE ON MAIN
STREETS SUCH AS BAY STREET AND FREDRICK STREET TO PERFORM
BEFORE THOUSANDS OF SPECTATORS. MOST OF THE JUNKANOOS OR
PARTICIPANTS BELONG TO ORGANIZED GROUPS SUCH AS:
THE MUSIC MAKERS, SAXONS, OR THE VALLEY BOYS. OTHER CATEGORIES
ARE INDIVIDUAL COSTUMES AND SCRAP GANGS. SCRAP GANGS HAVE LITTLE
INTEREST IN COSTUMES AND THE PARTICIPANTS' MAIN INTEREST LIES IN
EXPERIENCING THE SHEER JOY AND UNINHIBITED ABANDON OF RUSHING
THROUGH THE CROWD. THE GROUPS SUCH AS THE SAXONS AND VALLEY BOYS
SPEND MONTHS DESIGNING, CONSTRUCTING, AND PASTING PAPER FRINGE
COSTUMES RELATED TO SPECIFIC THEMES SUCH AS "KINGS OF AFRICA".
THE GROUPS MAY BE SMALL OR LARGE (50-300 PARTICIPANTS).
THERE IS AN INTENSE COMPETITION BETWEEN THE GROUPS TO WIN THE
PRESTIGIOUS TITLE AND CASH PRIZE AWARDED TO THE BEST ADULT GROUP
ANNUALLY DURING THE CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR'S JUNKANOO PARADES.
IN THE EARLIER DAYS OF JUNKANOO THE COSTUMES WERE NOT RESTRICTED TO
LARGE PAPER FRINGE THEME PIECES AND SMALL OR SIMPLE PAPER FRINGE
COSTUMES AS THEY ARE TODAY. JUNKANOO PARTICIPANTS IN THE EARLIER
DAYS WORE COSTUMES MADE FROM CLOTH, NEWSPAPER, SPONGES,
BRANCHES OF TREES, AS WELL AS BROADLY FRINGED PAPER COSTUMES
WHICH WERE THE FORERUNNERS OF THE COSTUMES WE SEE TODAY.
THE PAPER USED IN MAKING THE COSTUMES IS CALLED CREPE PAPER
AND THERE ARE MANY COLOURS, WHICH CONTRIBUTE TO THE BEAUTY OF
THE COSTUMES. THE PAPER IS ALSO FRINGED OR CUT FINE AS OPPOSED
TO THE BROAD FRINGES IN EARLIER TIMES.
THE BEAUTIFUL COSTUMES ARE ONLY ONE FEATURE OF JUNKANOO. TWO
VERY IMPORTANT FEATURES ARE MUSIC AND DANCE. TWO EXAMPLES OF
DANCE ARE:
(1) MARANGY--A DANCE WHEREIN YOU MOVE YOUR HIPS FROM SIDE TO
SIDE AND SPIN AROUND.
(2) SKULLING--A DANCE WHEREIN YOU PUT ONE FOOT IN FRONT OF THE
THE OTHER AND ROCK YOUR BODY FORWARD AND BACKWARD.
EACH GROUP CONCENTRATES ON IMPROVING AND CO-ORDINATING ITS
JUNKANOO SOUND, AND IT IS NOT UNUSUAL TO HEAR JUNKANOO MUSIC
BEING REHEARSED THROUGHOUT NEW PROVIDENCE (NASSAU) FROM AS
EARLY AS THE BEGINNING OF NOVEMBER. THE INSTRUMENTS WHICH
CONTRIBUTE TO THE JUNKANOO SOUND ARE:
(1) GOAT-SKIN DRUMS--HANDBEATEN INSTRUMENTS WHICH CREATE LOUD
VIBRATING SOUNDS.
(2) COWBELLS--HANDSHAKEN INSTRUMENTS USED TO CREATE A SHARP
METALLIC SOUND.
(3) WIND INSTRUMENTS--THESE INCLUDE WHISTLES, BUGLES, AND
BICYCLE HORNS WHICH CREATE A PIERCING OR HIGH PITCHED SOUND.
ADDITIONAL INSTRUMENTS INCLUDE CONCH SHELLS AND OTHER ODD
OBJECTS SUCH AS A CUTTING SAW AND THE RIM OF WHEELS.
ONE NOTABLE CHANGE THAT HAS OCCURRED IN THE MUSIC SEGMENT OF
JUNKANOO IS THE FACT THAT SINGING IS NO LONGER CONSIDERED
ESSENTIAL TO THE SOUND OF JUNKANOO. TODAY THERE ARE FEW
JUNKANOO SONGS THAT REMAIN FROM THE EARLIER DAYS. A NAME
OF SUCH A SONG IS "MAMA BAKE YOUR JOHNNIE CAKE".
JUNKANOO ORIGINATED IN THE DAYS OF SLAVERY WHEN IT WAS
CUSTOMARY TO ALLOW THE SLAVES THREE DAYS OFF TO CELEBRATE
CHRISTMAS. IT IS ALSO A COMMON BELIEF THAT THE JUNKANOO
FESTIVITIES WERE CONNECTED WITH THE MEMORY OF A CELEBRATED
AFRICAN TRADER-PRINCE NAMED JOHN CONUU OR JOHN CONNY. THE
BAHAMAS REMAINS UNIQUE IN THAT IT IS THE ONLY COUNTRY WHERE
THE CELEBRATION HAS NEITHER DISAPPEARED ENTIRELY NOR DECLINED
INTO ALMOST TOTAL OBSCURITY BUT, ON THE CONTRARY HAS DEVELOPED
INTO AN ANNUAL EVENT OF NATIONAL SIGNIFICANCE. IN FACT
JUNKANOO IS AN INTEGRAL PART OF BAHAMIAN HERITAGE.

Where learned: BAHAMAS ; NASSAU

Date learned: 00001970S

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JUMP-IN OR JUMPING DANCE

THIS DANCE IS PERIODICALLY PERFORMED AND ITS MUSIC IS CHARACTER-
IZED BY A RHYTHMIC PATTERN OF FIVE EVEN DRUM BEATS WITH A
STRONG ACCENT ON THE FIFTH. IT IS OFTEN DESCRIBED AS A SENSUAL
DANCE. THE FIRST DANCER LEAPS INTO THE CIRCLE IN AN ANGULAR
POSE, HIS LEGS ARE WIDE APART, AND HIS ARMS AKIMBO OR TO HIS
SIDE (BOTH HANDS RESTING ON THE SIDES OF THE WAIST). EACH BEAT
OF THE DRUM SENDS THE MALE DANCER SPINNING AND LEAPING ABOUT
THE CIRCLE IN A WIDE ARC OF RAPID AND COMPLEX LEAPS, AT THE END
OF WHICH THE DRUM JERKS HIM BACKWARD INTO ANOTHER ANGULAR
POSTURE. HE IS THEN SIGNALLED OUT OF THE RING AND HIS FINAL
LEAP CARRIES HIM IN FRONT OF A FEMALE WHOM HE VIOLENTLY GESTURES
TO DANCE. HE DOES THIS BY THRUSTING THE PELVIC REGION FORWARD
ON THE FIFTH BEAT OF THE DRUM. THE FEMALE DANCER REPLACES THE
MALE DANCER BY ENTERING THE RING AND WITH WHIRLING SKIRTS SHE
DANCES TO THE BEAT OF THE DRUMS. WHEN SHE IS SIGNALLED OUT OF
THE RING SHE MOVES HER HIPS FROM SIDE TO SIDE AND THE PELVIC
REGION IS THRUST FORWARD.

Submitter comment: THE JUMP-IN DANCE IS DESCRIBED AS LASCIVIOUS AND SENSUAL
BECAUSE THE DANCERS THRUST THE PELVIC REGION FORWARD WHEN
DANCING BEFORE A MEMBER OF THE OPPOSITE SEX.

Where learned: BAHAMAS ; NASSAU

Date learned: 00001970S

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FIRE DANCE

THE FIRE DANCE WAS OFTEN HELD OUTDOORS, USUALLY LATE AT NIGHT
IN THE MOONLIGHT AND IT WAS PERFORMED BY ADULTS. A FIRE WAS
LIGHTED IN THE MIDST OF THE PARTICIPANTS GATHERED TOGETHER IN A
RING FORMATION. THEY WOULD SING, CLAP THEIR HANDS, AND BEAT
DRUMS AS THE INDIVIDUAL DANCERS PERFORMED IN THE CENTER OF THE
RING. THE DANCERS WOULD EXECUTE AS MANY EXTRAVAGANT CAPERS IN,
OVER, AROUND AND ABOUT THE FIRE AS THEY COULD WITHOUT BURNING
THEMSELVES.

Submitter comment: TODAY THE FIRE DANCE IS EXTINCT AS A COMMUNITY ACTIVITY, BUT
A WATERED DOWN VERSION OF IT MAY BE FOUND IN NIGHTCLUB ACTS IN
NASSAU AND FREEPORT.

Where learned: BAHAMAS ; NASSAU

Date learned: 00001970S

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PRAYER

WHEN I LOOK UP TO YONDER SKY
SO PURE, SO BRIGHT, SO VERY HIGH
I THINK OF ONE I CANNOT SEE
BUT ONE WHO SEES AND CARES FOR ME.
HE SEES THAT MY DAILY FOOD IS PROVIDED
AND ALL THAT I CAN WANT BESIDE.
AND WHEN I CLOSE MY SLEEPING EYES
I REST IN PEACE FOR HE IS THINE.
THEN SHALL I ALWAYS EVER LOVE
THIS GRACIOUS GOD WHO REIGNS ABOVE.
FOR VERY GOOD INDEED IS HE
TO LOVE A LITTLE CHILD LIKE ME.

Where learned: BAHAMAS ; NASSAU

Date learned: 00001970S

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RECIPES FOR FOUR NATIVE DISHES (CUISINES) MADE IN THE BAHAMAS.

CONCH IS A WHITE FLESHY MOLLUSK WHICH LIVES INSIDE A LARGE SHELL.
AFTER THE CONCH HAS BEEN REMOVED FROM ITS SHELL IT CAN BE USED
TO PREPARE A VARIETY OF DISHES SUCH AS:
(1) "SCORCH CONCH"
(2) "CRACK CONCH"
(3) CONCH FRITTERS
(4) CONCH SALADE
TO PREPARE SCORCH CONCH THE STEPS BELOW MUST BE FOLLOWED:
(1) WASH THE CONCH IN EITHER WATER AND LIME, WATER AND VINEGAR OR
WATER AND SALT TO REMOVE THE SLIME AFTER IT HAS BEEN REMOVED
FROM ITS SHELL.
(2) YOU THEN SCORCH THE CONCH BY CUTTING IT INTO SEGMENTS, WHICH
MAY BE SEPARATED INTO BIG CHUNKS OR REMAIN AS ONE.
(3) ONIONS, AND TOMATOES ARE CUT INTO BIG PIECES.
(4) SQUEEZE LIME JUICE FROM LIMES OR YOU MAY USE THE BOTTLED
LIME JUICE.
(5) CUT A FEW HOT PEPPERS INTO SMALL PIECES
(6) PUT EVERYTHING INTO ONE BOWL AND MIX TOGETHER
(7) ADD SALT (IF YOU DESIRE), AND THE CONCH IS READY TO BE SERVED.
THE PREPARATION OF CONCH SALADE IS SIMILAR EXCEPT FOR A FEW
STEPS. CONCH SALADE IS PREPARED AS FOLLOWS:
(1) WASH THE CONCH TO REMOVE SLIME
(2) CUT THE CONCH INTO SMALL PIECES
(3) CUT THE ONIONS, TOMATOES, SWEET PEPPER (GREEN PEPPER), HOT
PEPPER (AND CUCUMBER IF YOU DESIRE) INTO SMALL PIECES
(4) PUT EVERYTHING INTO ONE BOWL, AND SQUEEZE A LOT OF LEMON
JUICE ON THE CONTENTS IN THE BOWL
(5) ADD SALT AND MIX EVERYTHING TOGETHER.
TO PREPARE CONCH FRITTER THE STEPS ARE AS FOLLOWS:
(1) CUT CONCH INTO SMALL PIECES
(2) CUT THE ONIONS, SWEET PEPPER, AND HOT PEPPER INTO SMALL
PIECES AS WELL
(3) MIX THE ABOVE ITEMS INTO FLOUR AND WATER UNTIL THE BATTER OR
MIXTURE IS STICKY OR THICK
(4) THYME, A SPICE OR SEASONING, MAY BE ADDED IF YOU DESIRE.
(5) USING A TABLE SPOON, TAKE OUT THE AMOUNT YOU DESIRE AND FRY
THEM INTO LITTLE OR BIG BALLS. WHEN THEY ARE A BROWNISH COLOR
THEY MAY BE REMOVED AND SERVED. THEY MAY BE EATEN LIKE THIS OR
WITH A SAUCE MADE FROM KETCHUP, MUSTARD, HOT-SAUCE AND MAYONNAISE.
CRACK CONCH IS PREPARED AS FOLLOWS:
(1) BEAT THE CONCH WITH A CONCH BEATER TO MAKE IT SOFTER TO CHEW
(2) BEAT A FEW EGGS
(3) ADD SALT AND CREAM (MILK) TO THE EGG AND MIX TOGETHER
(4) DIP THE CONCH INTO THE EGG MIXTURE
(5) COVER THE CONCH WITH A FLOUR COATING (AFTER IT HAS BEEN
DIPPED INTO THE EGG)
(6) FRY THE CONCH UNTIL IT IS A GOLDEN BROWN COLOUR
(7) IF YOU DESIRE YOU SQUEEZE LIME JUICE ON THE CONCH, AND OTHER
THINGS SUCH AS KETCHUP AND HOT-SAUCE MAY BE ADDED AS WELL.

Submitter comment: CONCH IS SAID TO BE VERY GOOD FOR STRENGTHENING THE BACK.

Where learned: BAHAMAS ; NASSAU

Date learned: 00001970S

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GAME--RING PLAY

RING PLAY IS A GAME PLAYED BY BOTH SEXES AND ALL AGES. IT IS
MORE POPULAR AMONG THE YOUNGSTERS BETWEEN THE AGES OF FIVE AND
TWELVE. IN THIS GAME A LARGE "RING" OR CIRCLE IS FORMED BY THE
PARTICIPANTS. ONE PERSON IS PERMITTED IN THE RING AND THE OTHER
PARTICIPANTS SING A SONG. AS THE SONG IS ABOUT TO END THE PERSON
KICKS ONE OF THEIR LEGS TO THE SIDE (MORE TO THE FRONT) AND MOVE
THEIR HIPS FROM SIDE TO SIDE IN A DANCE. THIS DANCE IS PERFORMED
IN THE FRONT OF ONE OF THE PARTICIPANTS IN THE RING, AND THIS
PERSON WHO WAS SELECTED MUST GO IN THE CIRCLE. THIS PROCESS
CONTINUES UNTIL EVERONE IN THE RING OR CIRCLE HAS THE OPPORTUNITY
TO GO IN THE RING AND "SHAKE" OR MOVE THEIR HIPS FROM SIDE TO
SIDE. A VARIETY OF SONGS ARE SUNG AND CLAPPING ACCOMPANIES
THE SINGING. AN EXAMPLE OF A RING PLAY SONG IS GIVEN BELOW; TL[ BROWN GIRL
THERE IS A BROWN GIRL IN THE RING, TRA-LA-LA-LA-LA
THERE IS A BROWN GIRL IN THE RING, TRAA-LA-LA-LA-LA
THERE IS A BROWN GIRL IN THE RING, TRA-LA-LA-LA-LAA
AND SHE LOOKS LIKE SUGAR (OR IS SWEET LIKE SUGAR) IN A PLUM, PLUM,
PLUM!!!
COME SHOW ME YOUR MOTION, TRA-LA-LA-LA-LA
COME SHOW ME YOUR MOTION, TRAA-LA-LA-LA-LA
COME SHOW ME YOUR MOTION, TRA-LA-LA-LA-LAA
AND SHE LOOKS LIKE SUGAR (OR SWEET LIKE SUGAR) IN A PLUM, PLUM,
PLUM!!!

Where learned: BAHAMAS ; NASSAU

Date learned: 00001970S

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RECIPE TO MAKE SOUR SOP

SOUR SOP IS A BIG FRUIT WHICH HAS A GREEN SKIN WITH SHORT
POINTED PROJECTIONS. AFTER THE SKIN IS TAKEN OFF YOU MAY EAT IT
LIKE IT IS OR WHEN IT IS MIXED.
TO PREPARE SOUR SOP YOU MUST FOLLOW THE STEPS BELOW:
(1) PEEL THE FRUIT
(2) SEPARATE THE PIECES OF FLESHY SEGMENTS
(3) ADD "SWEET MILK" OR CONDENSED MILK AND A LITTLE CREAM TO THE
FRUIT AND MIX TOGETHER FOR A FEW MINUTES. IT IS THEN READY TO
SERVE OR YOU MAY CHILL IT FOR A FEW MINUTES BEFORE SERVING.

Submitter comment: THE CORE OF THE SOUR SOP IS SAID OR BELIEVED TO AID IN PREVENTING
A CHILD FROM WETTING THEIR BED.

Where learned: BAHAMAS ; NASSAU

Date learned: 00001970S

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RECIPE FOR TAMARIND (A FRUIT) SAUCE

TAMARIND IS A SLENDER FRUIT WITH A FEW SEGMENTS. IT IS ENCLOSED
IN A LIGHT BROWN THIN SHELL AND IT MAY BE EATEN NOT ONLY WHEN IT
IS RIPE, BUT HALF RIPE AS WELL.
TO MAKE TAMARIND SAUCE THE FRUIT MUST BE RIPE (BROWN WHEN THE SHELL
IS REMOVED). YOU MUST ALSO PICK A LOT OF THEM AS THE FRUITS ARE
SMALL. IT IS PREPARED BY THE FOLLOWING STEPS:
(1) REMOVE THE SHELL FROM ALL THE TAMARIND FRUIT
(2) ADD THE TAMARIND TO A POT WITH WATER AND BROWN SUGAR
(3) COOK THE MIXTURE UNTIL IT IS THICK. ALLOW IT TO COOL BEFORE
SERVING.

Submitter comment: IF A LOT OF THIS SAUCE IS EATEN YOU WILL HAVE DIARRHEA.

Where learned: BAHAMAS ; NASSAU

Date learned: 00001970S

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SUPERSTITION

IT IS ALSO SAID THAT ONLY THE DOCTOR SHOULD KNOW THE EXACT TIME
WHEN THE BABY IS DUE, BECAUSE SOMEONE COULD "FIX" YOU OR DO EVIL
AND AS A RESULT THE BABY CAN BE CROSSED IN THE MOTHER'S STOMACH,
AND SHE WILL NOT GIVE BIRTH TO THE BABY. THIS CAN CAUSE THE
DEATH OF BOTH MOTHER AND CHILD.

Where learned: BAHAMAS ; NASSAU

Date learned: 00001960S

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SUPERSTITION--PREDICTION OF GENDER

IT IS SAID THAT THE SHAPE OF THE PREGNANT WOMAN'S STOMACH WILL
DETERMINE WHETHER OR NOT SHE HAS A BOY OR GIRL. FOR EXAMPLE,
A ROUND STOMACH IS AN INDICATION OF THE BABY BEING A GIRL, AND
A SHARP OR POINTED STOMACH IS AN INDICATION OF A BOY.

Where learned: BAHAMAS ; NASSAU

Date learned: 00001970S

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SUPERSTITION--BUSH MEDICINE

SOME PEOPLE SAY THAT THE DIFFERENT WINES, BUSHES AND TREE BARKS
FOUND IN THE CARIBBEAN IS GOOD TO CURE ANY AND ALL AILMENTS.
FOR EXAMPLE: CAURACE (A WINE) IS SAID TO BE GOOD FOR CURING
CANCER AND PURIFYING THE BLOOD. SEVERAL OTHER WINES ARE SAID TO
BE GOOD FOR STRENGTHENING BOTH MALES AND FEMALES. FOR EXAMPLE:
DRINKING SEVERAL WINES BOILED TOGETHER WILL AID YOU IN HAVING
A BABY.

Where learned: BAHAMAS ; NASSAU

Date learned: 00001960S

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SUPERSTITION--CURING HICCUP

IT IS BELIEVED THAT IF YOU TEAR A PIECE OF BROWN PAPER OF A BAG
AND PUT SALIVA ON IT AND STICK IT TO THE BABY'S FOREHEAD, IT
WILL STOP THE HICCUP.

Where learned: BAHAMAS ; NASSAU

Date learned: 00-00-1978

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SUPERSTITION

IT IS SAID THAT IF A CREEPING BABY LOOKS BETWEEN HIS OR HER
MOTHER'S LEGS WHILE CREEPING MEANS THAT THE MOTHER IS PREGNANT
OR SOON WILL BE.

Where learned: BAHAMAS ; NASSAU

Date learned: 00001960S

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