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When a person praises or compliments you or
your children, you should make the sign of evil,
or the devil, behind your back by holding your
little finger and first finger up while making
a fist. By doing this you ward off the evil eye
or bad luck.

Submitter comment: My grandmother doesn't particularly believe in this
but her parents and husband's parents did. It is
a strong belief in Malta.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

James Callow Keyword(s): index finger

Subject headings: BELIEF -- Body part Senses
BELIEF -- Curse
BELIEF -- Bad luck
SPEECH -- Gesture

Date learned: 00001930S

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