Page:Folk-lore - A Quarterly Review. Volume 23, 1912.djvu/216

194 To keep off a vicious dog. Repeat the following,—"I am a tiger. However much he may bark, a dog is a dog. Shall he not fear the bite of a lion?" Then repeat the twelve zodiacal signs, viz., dog, wild boar, rat, ox, tiger, etc., telling them off on your fingers, beginning with the thumb. When you have done, clench your fist tightly.

To keep awake at nights. Take the tail of a falcon, calcine it, and infuse the ashes in water. Put some of this on the navel, and paste paper over it. This will keep you awake for many nights.

To bring to life a man who has been killed and blackened by lightning. Lay him down promptly, light a torch, and apply the heat of it to him. [Similia similibus curantur.] If water is accidentally applied he will die.

To keep off lightning. Carry shitōkō in your bosom. Or, when it thunders, burn some. No lightning will fall in that neighbourhood.

A wonderful incense called the Heaven and Earth Three God Incense. Burn it with your face turned towards the sky, and you will attain all that you desire. Burn it in the wood, and you will not fear the approach of wild beasts, poisonous serpents, or venomous insects or reptiles. Burn it habitually, and you will escape robbery and wounds by swords. Burn it on board ship, and you will prevent danger from the winds and waves. You will be free from pestilence and epidemic disease. You will be purified from all manner of uncleanness. Burn it before Kami and Buddhas, and their favour will be conciliated. Burn it when it thunders, and no lightning will fall in the neighbourhood. Keep some in a charm-bag, and let it not leave your person. Its beneficial influence will be felt in an infinite manner.

To keep out snakes. Write on small wooden tablets the Chinese characters for "White Horse." Hang one of these upside down at each corner of the room. Experience shows that snakes will not pass them. Flies and mosquitoes may be kept out by other Chinese characters.

To stop a pot from making a rumbling noise [unlucky] when boiling. Say to it,—"Bajo! Bajo!" Bajo is the [Chinese] name