Taking off the Cuss

The old Ozark hillfolk carried with them a whole host of taboos, signs, and omens, many of which could mean the downfall of the family associated with the sign or the breaking of the taboo. When a taboo is broken, or when a certain bad omen is seen, it puts a harmful curse or cuss on the person or family, but there are certain actions that the person, if they’re in the know, may do in order to avoid certain tragedy. These actions aren’t limited to healers, but are most often carried by lay people who were passed the actions by family members. One story I remember is of an Ozark woman alone one night in the cabin with her children when all of a sudden a screech owl, which is probably the most well known omen of death, flies into the house. While the children were screaming and crying (seemingly knowing the omen even though they were very young) the woman shooed the owl out of the house with a broom then took off the cuss by throwing salt into the fire and knotting up a piece of yarn.

Here are some other common cusses and their associated methods of removal:

  • When you hear a screech owl, throw some salt into a fire.
  • When you hear a hoot owl, blow tobacco smoke in the direction of the sound, or clap your hands together loudly three times.
  • If you see a witch make a strange gesture at you, turn out all of your pockets.
  • If you drop a dishrag, throw a pinch of salt over your left shoulder.
  • If you spill salt at the table, poor some water on it.
  • Returning to your house immediately after leaving incurs bad luck, but can be removed by exiting backwards while saying, "Ten, nine, eight, seven, six, five, four, three, two, one, amen!"
  • If a black animal crosses the path or road in front of you, take off your jacket or shirt, turn it inside out, and put it back on again. You can also say, "There goes (name of animal). Have a nice day!"
  • When you feel the chill of a ghost, cross your arms across your chest and spin three times clockwise.
  • When you hear a crow call, spit on the ground, or flip your tongue over inside your mouth.