The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

HEALING COIN

IN YUGOSLAVIA, WHEN A YOUNG GIRL GETS MARRIED, HER
HAIR IS BRAIDED. A COIN IS THEN WEAVED INTO THIS
BRAID, WHERE IT MUST STAY FROM THAT DAY FORWARD.
NOW, THE COIN IS SUPPOSED TO HAVE HEALING POWER,
AND EVERYONE BELIEVES IT. THE STEPSISTER OF THE
INFORMANT ON A VISIT TO THE COUNTRY RECENTLY, WAS
APPROACHED BY A BOY WITH A CASE OF HIVES. SHE
TOOK HIM TO A POND, WASHED HIM AND DRESSED HIM.
THE BOY WAS HEALED BY THE NEXT DAY, ALL DUE TO THE
HEALING EFFECTS OF THE COIN.

Submitter comment:

TOLD BY A NEIGHBOR, MRS. BENESTELLI, AT THE RESIDENCE
FROM HER MOTHER WHO HAD JUST RETURNED FROM YUGO-
SLAVIA, ON TAPE.

Where learned: PENNSYLVANIA ; PITTSBURGH

James Callow Keyword(s): Yugoslavia

Subject headings:

BELIEF -- Body part Senses Hair, on head, mustache, widow's peak
BELIEF -- Marriage
BELIEF -- Curer
BELIEF -- Use of Object

Date learned: 11-01-1970