Notice: session_start(): A session had already been started - ignoring in /var/www/libs/inc/cfa/cfa-search.inc.php on line 919

Notice: Undefined index: dcSecurity in /var/www/libs/inc/cfa/cfa-search.inc.php on line 920

Notice: Undefined index: CFASafeSearch in /var/www/libs/inc/cfa/cfa-search.inc.php on line 925

Notice: Trying to access array offset on value of type null in /var/www/libs/inc/cfa/cfa-item.inc.php on line 328
The James T. Callow Computerized Folkore Archive | University of Detroit Mercy Libraries Back to Top
Top Nav content Site Footer
University Home
James T. Callow Computerized Folklore Archive
search for

Offensive content Filter is ON

RURAL BLACK BAD LUCK OMEN

BLACK CHILDREN IN LOUISVILLE, MISSISSIPPI THOUGHT THAT
STEPPING ON SOMEONE'S HEEL WOULD BRING THAT PERSON BAD LUCK.
THE BAD LUCK COULD ONLY BE REMOVED BY STRIKING THE VICTIM
ON THE BACK THREE TIMES. NOW IT HAD TO BE THE SAME PERSON
WHO HAD STEPPED ON HIS HEEL TO BEGIN WITH. SOMETIMES WE
WOULD MAKE A GAME OF IT BY REFUSING TO STRIKE THE VICTIM'S
BACK. NATURALLY, A CHASE WOULD DEVELOP, USUALLY ENDING
ONLY AFTER THE VICTIM HAD THE CURSE REMOVED. WE DIDN'T
REALLY BELIEVE IN BAD LUCK, EVEN AS KIDS, BUT WE LIKED TO
MAKE A GAME OF IT. FREQUENTLY, WE WOULD STEP ON A BUDDY'S
HEEL AND REFUSE TO REMOVE THE CURSE JUST FOR THE FUN OF THE
CHASE, OR THE WRESTLING MATCH, OR THE MOCK-FIGHT.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

Subject headings: 686 Thirds / Thrice / Three / Triple
Observation
Favorites
Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Racing Chasing Fighting
BELIEF -- Body part Senses
BELIEF -- Bad luck Gestures

Date learned: 09-00-1982

Back to Top