SLAVE NARRATIVES - Library of Congress

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*> W123
Name of Interviewer Mrs. W»M» Ball
Tezarkana District
Subject Superstitious BeMyfs Among Negroes* (Negro j&re)
Story - Information:
Some aged negroes believe that many of the superstitious ideas
that are practiced by their race today had their origin in Africa. A
practice that was quite common in ant£ bellum days was for each member
of the family to extract all of their teeth, in the belief that in do-
ing so the family would never disagree. Fortunately, this and similar
practices of self mutilation have about become extinct*
An old custom practiced to prevent the separation of a husband
and wife was to wrap a rabbit's forefoot, a piece of loadstone, and 9
hairs from the top of the head in red flannel, and bury it under the
front door steps.
As a preventitive against being tricked or hoo-dooed, punch
a hole through a dime, insert a string through the hole, and tie it
around the left ankle•
To carry an axe or hoe into the house means bad luck. An itch-
ing nose indicates some one is coming to see you, while an itching eye
indicates you will cry.
Infoimation given by Doc Quinn
Place of Residence 1207 Ash St«» Texarkana, Arkansas
Occupation None ■ Age 92