The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

CURSE

WHEN MY GRANDMOTHER WAS REALLY PROVOKED WITH SOMEONE
OR WANTED TO SHOW HOW MUCH SHE DISLIKED A PERSON,
SHE WOULD SAY CHOLERA} (PRONOUNCED "HELLIDA" AND
FOLLOWED BY A SPITTING NOISE).
AT ONE TIME THERE WAS A TERRIBLE EPIDEMIC IN POLAND
AND THIS IS A GESTURE WHICH IS SUPPOSED TO BRING
THE DISEASE OF CHOLERA ON THE PERSON TO WHOM
IT IS ADDRESSED.

Where learned: DETROIT

Date learned: 03-20-1967