TO PROTECT AGAINST HARM:( ITALIAN)

IN ITALY FISHERMEN HAVE A SPECIAL PRAYER
WHICH THEY SAY WHEN A HURRICANE OCCURS.
THE PRAYER IS SAID IN THE FACE OF THE STORM WHILE MAKING
THE SIGN OF THE CROSS TO "CUT THE TAIL OF THE STORM."
THE PECULAR ELEMENT IS THAT THIS PRAYER CAN NOT BE
LEARNED OR READ FOR THE FIRST TIME EXCEPT
ON AUGUST 14TH OR CHRISTMAS EVE. THE INFORMANT DID NOT KNOW THE
PRAYER.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; WARREN

Keyword(s): PECULIAR