Superstition, non-Christian

Each evening, after dinner but before dark, pound around the
foundations of the house with a hammer to expel evil spirits.
Then draw a line in the ground around the house with a butcher
knife to prevent them from returning.

Submitter comment: The informant reports that the woman observed doing this (name
forgotten) was wealthy and a poet, but reviled her neighbors
for contaminating her with their Christianity.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

Keyword(s): Apotropaic Ritual