The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

MALOCCHIO CURE (EVIL EYE)

A CUP OF WATER IS SET ON A TABLE IN FRONT OF THE
AFFLICTED PERSON AND 13 GRAINS OF WHEAT ARE
PREPARED. EACH GRAIN OF WHEAT IS INDIVIDUALLY
DROPPED INTO THE WATER. IF THE GRAINS OF WHEAT
FLOAT AT THE TOP STANDING ON END, THIS MEANS THAT
YOU HAVE THE MALOCCHIO; BUT IF THEY JUST LAY FLAT,
THIS MEANS THAT YOU DON'T HAVE IT. AS EACH GRAIN OF
WHEAT IS INDIVIDUALLY DROPPED INTO THE WATER, A
PRAYER IS CHANTED AUDIBLY BUT NOT SO THAT (IT) IS
ABLE TO BE UNDERSTOOD.

Submitter comment: NOTE: THE CURE AND ITS PRAYERS ARE INHERITED ON
CHRISTMAS EVE AT MIDNIGHT. IT IS AT THIS TIME
AND THIS TIME ONLY THAT THEY CAN BE DISCLOSED.
THE PERSON WHO RECEIVES THE CURE TAKES AN OATH OF
SECRECY CONCERNING THE PRAYER.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

Date learned: 09-29-1969