The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

GOLD PIN

THE GREEK PEOPLE ARE VERY MUCH AFRAID OF THE EVIL EYE.
A BABY MUST WEAR A GOLD PIN ON HIS GOWN
TO PROTECT HIM AGAINST THE EYE.
ONCE A CHILD HAS BEEN BEWITCHED BY THE EVIL EYE
ONLY CERTAIN WOMEN MAY RID HIM OF THE SPEEL.
THIS WOMAN SAYS CERTAIN WORDS IN GREEK.
I DO NOT KNOW THEM , BUT THEY ARE A SORT OF PRAYER.
THIS WOMAN MAY TELL WHOMEVER SHE PLEASES THE WORDS,
AND THEN THIS PERSON IS ABLE TO CAST OFF THE EVIL
EYE SPELL. NO MAN HOWEVER MAY BE TOLD
THESE SECRET WORDS. MY MOTHER IN LAW
KNOWS THEM, AND AFTER SHE REPEATS THEM SHE SPITS.
IF THE BABY BEGINS TO YAWN, THE SPELL IS GONE.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

Keyword(s): INCANTATION

Date learned: 06-29-1964