The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

GHOSTS

THE MALTESE ANCESTORS BELIEVED IN GHOSTS, AND THE OLD PEOPLE OF
THE COUNTRY STILL BELIEVE THAT THESE GHOSTS HIDE UNDER STATUES
IN THE FORM OF A BLACK SNAKE. HE WATCHES THAT HOUSE AND PREDICTS
THAT THE FAMILY WILL KEEP ON GROWING FROM GENERATION TO GENERA-
TION. THIS SNAKE MUST NOT BE KILLED FOR IF THEY KILL HIM, A BIG
DISASTER WILL FALL UPON THAT FAMILY.

Submitter comment: INFORMANT HEARD THIS FROM HER MOTHER.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; TAYLOR

Date learned: 11-11-1967