Folk-Lore of West and Mid-Wales

by Jonathan Ceredig Davies

CHARMS FOR FITS AND FOR QUINSY.

There is a belief in some parts of West Wales that fits may be cured by wearing round the neck a band made of the hair from the crop of an ass’s shoulder. Hair cut at midnight from the shoulder of an ass and applied to the throat was also thought to be efficacious in curing the quinsy.

Charm for Rheumatism.—Carry a potato in your pocket.

A charm for the Ague.— Ague was charmed away by tying on the breast a piece of cheese; and after keeping it there for a time, throw it away back over the head.

Charms for Whooping Cough.—Drink the milk of a female ass; or buy a penny roll, drape it in calico, bury it in the garden take it up next day, then eat the roll until it is consumed.