Other Apotropaic magic

geto-dacian apotropaic eyes motif on helmet of iron gates (4th century bc)

items , symbols such crosses, crucifixes, silver bullets, wild roses , garlic believed ward off or destroy vampires.

in ireland , great britain, magpies traditionally thought bring bad luck. many people repeated various rhymes or salutations placate them.

a worn out man s buckle shoe found in wainscoting of combination room, st john s college, cambridge, dates mid late 18th century. placed in wall ...as apotropaic item intended ward off evil , bad luck. discovery exciting because kind of magic silent tradition in england. after repairs done wall, shoe re-interred along current coins, custom when dealing finds this. replacing shoe , concealing respects original desire of owner.

in ancient greece, phalloi believed have apotropaic qualities. stone reliefs placed above doorways, , three-dimensional versions erected across greek world. notable of these urban monuments found on island of delos. grotesque, satyr-like bearded faces, pointed cap of workman, carved on doors of ovens , kilns, protect work fire , mishap.

apotropaic marking on farmhouse niemelä tenant farm, exhibited @ seurasaari open air museum in finland

a similar use of phallic representations ward off evil eye remains popular in modern bhutan. associated 500-year-old buddhist tradition of drukpa kunley. paralleled other south asian uses of lingam symbol.

in roman art, apotropaic imagery common theme. envy thought bring bad luck person envied. avoid envy, romans sought incite laughter in guests using humorous images. images such large phalluses (see fascinus), deformities hunchbacks, or pygmies , other non-roman subjects common. romans saw deformity comical , believed such images used deflect evil eye.

in europe, apotropaic figureheads carved onto prow of sailing ships considered have been replacement sacrifice of thrall during age of invasions saxon , viking sailors, avoid bad luck on voyage. dredging of thames under london bridge, led discovery of large number of bent , broken knives, daggers, swords , coins, modern period , dating celtic times. custom seems have been avoid bad luck, particularly when setting off on voyage. similarly, burial of old boot or shoe lintel of door of house, seems have had similar intention.

apotropaic marks such initials of virgin mary scratched near openings of buildings in england ward off witches.