Old time people say ‘belief kill and belief cure’ and

this is absolutely true. Oftentimes these things we say and subscribe to make

little to no sense, but we continue to do them out of tradition.

Our local customs are strong. Indeed, visitors to our

island marvel at and revel in our culture and customs even as many think they

are old wives’ tales. Even those who do not subscribe to them will attest to

the fact that their parents or their grandmothers do, as it was part of their existence.

At our core, we are who we are.

Check out our list of practices below and let us know

which you still do to this day.

1. Do not point

on a grave: If you do you had better ‘spin you roll’ and bite all ten

fingers

2. Do not sweep

at night: You granny never tell you that you are sweeping out all you good

luck?

3. Don’t throw

out water at night and not say ‘excuse me’ first: Mind you wet up Maas Joe

or Miss Ena. Duppy nuh waa ketch up nuh fresh cold.

4. Do not open

umbrella indoors: At least not if you intend to get married.

5. When going

home late, enter your home backwards: This will ensure that any spirits you

encounter do not follow you inside.

6. If you have

a baby boy, do not cut his hair until he begins to walk: Ideally you should

not cut his hair until he can both walk and start talking.

7. Not jinxing a wish for oneself by knocking on wood: If you want all those high hopes and dreams of yours to come true, take all precautions necessary.

8. Avoid letting girls or women on their menses hold a newborn baby: It is said this will cause the baby to have stomach issues.

9.  Do not leave your hair or finger nail clippings lying around: People who do not like or envy you can take them and carry them go obeah you.

10. Do not attend the funeral of someone you did not get along with: If you didn’t get along with someone who passed, avoid going to their funeral. If you do, you may get a ‘box’ (slap) that could twist your mouth or even your whole face!