General Information about Item:

• Mexican Superstition
• Language: Spanish
• Country of Origin: Mexico
• Informant: Thalia Dominguez Bautista
• Date Collected: 11-03-18

Informant Data:

• Thalia Dominguez Bautista was born in the state of Washington but her parents originate from Mexico. She is currently studying Digital Arts at Dartmouth College. Thalia only speaks Spanish at home with her parents. Although Thalia grew up in America, her parents made sure to instill the Mexican culture in her upbringing. Thalia is the last child of her parents.

Contextual Data:

• Cultural Context: In Mexican culture, red symbolizes blood and power. Thalia’s family members practice this superstition as they have seen the effects Aloe Vera has. It is believed that within the spirit world, Aloe Vera prevents accidents
• Social Context: The Aloe Vera plant has many medicinal uses. In addition to its many medicinal uses, it can be used to treat burns, cuts, and scrapes. It is also known to reduce inflammation, pain, and redness quickly. When ingested, Aloe Vera can reduce blood sugar levels in diabetics. Due to the many beneficial uses of the plant Aloe Vera in society, Thalia believes it is fitting that the Aloe Vera plant is used as a precautionary item to ward off bad energy.

Subgenre: good luck superstitions (preventing bad luck)

Item (Transcript):

“Since I was little my family has this superstition where you tie a red ribbon around an Aloe Vera leaf and it is supposed to ward off evil and bad spirits and bad luck and anything bad that is trying to get you or your family and it is supposed to replace that with good energy.”

Collector’s Name: Ama Kyerewaa

Tags/Keywords:

• Mexican. Superstition. Tying Red Ribbon on Aloe Vera. Homeopathic Magic