Jumbie Beads Trinidad
Trini Myths. Just the name leaves one with the feeling that the conversation that follows is not true and as stated a myth, a tale of sorts. However, there are times when certain things happen and we are left with that uncertain feeling that something is 'up' and doubt sets in. Well, most of us (those who are honest) can reflect on something that has happened and made us question what others simply won't give the time of day. So here we are questioning the validity of beliefs held as bible truth for many years when pitch oil lamps brought light to many living rooms in Trinidad. 'Trini Myths,' are these facts or fictitious claims? To be honest, it is not easy to get me to believe in these things akin to Folklore and of course the classic myths. I am not alone but there are others who believe because of their experiences. I can't fault these people but will leave it up to you to conclude as you see fit. The text in quotation was submitted by Gail following Sandiego Lee's post on 'Trini Myths'. It references the so-called myth that "if you iron clothes and bathe immediately after so doing you will catch a cold or even worse get a stroke" - You be the judge!
"Long ago if you iron it was said that you will catch a cold or sometimes it resulted in death. To me, this is not a myth but a fact in those days. I remember as a young child people in my village used to iron with a coal-pot and iron (iron was placed on the hot coals) and in those days one had to endure a lot of heat especially with the large bundles of khaki pants, shirts, sheets, pillowcases; I know some women even ironed their husband's underwear. I remembered 2 women dying after ironing all or most of the day then bathing outside in the afternoon. It was said that they caught Pleurisy. I had a great uncle who worked in his garden in the hot sun all day then went down to the Blue Basin river to bathe and died within 2 hours. It was said that he caught Pleurisy after being in the hot sun all day then bathing in the cold river water... So was this a myth or fact???" November 20, 2009, 8:45 AM.
OK, that was Gail's experience but now most of you may be wondering what exactly is pleurisy and can it really cause death that quickly? If you want to learn about pleurisy here is a link that would help: http://www.medicinenet.com/pleurisy/article.htm