Health superstitions

Model
Video

Abstract

In a dramatization, a mother and daughter in their kitchen react to an assortment of food and health-related superstitions they believe while the announcer explains the basis and origin of many of them, such as eggshell color as indicator of nutrient, ailments from aluminum, hiccups remedies, sneeze superstitions, and other food misconceptions. Lynn Poole adds to the list: the beneficial properties of coffee and tea, smoking to ward off disease, night-borne illnesses, the evil eye. Superstitions surrounding medical treatment, such as treating wounds with "sympathy powder," is also addressed.