The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

PINCH OF THE DEAD

WHEN YOU FIND A BLACK AND BLUE MARK ON YOUR BODY
THAT YOU DON'T KNOW WHERE IT CAME FROM
IT MEANS THAT SOMEONE WHO IS CLOSE TO YOU,
AND THAT HAS DIED, AND THAT NEEDS YOUR PRAYERS HAS COME BACK
AND WANTS TO MAKE YOU AWARE OF THIS NEED.
THEREFORE HE PINCHES YOU AND LEAVES A BLACK AND BLUE MARK
AS A SYMBOL OR SIGN OF HIS NEED.

Where learned: UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; STUDENT UNION

Date learned: 03-31-1970