A Superstitious West Indian Anthology

Auntie Ga

Mummy’s distant cousin-turned-auntie, Ga, always, always, found a reason to spin in a complete circle before leaving the house. Maybe she forgot something. Maybe she remembered something. Maybe she forgot that she remembered, or remembered that she forgot. However you arrive at that point, Auntie Ga was already there, and one ‘recollection’ and 360° later, she’d be there again too. 

My mum never learned the impetus behind the behaviour, so despite hearing about it many times over the course of my life, I’ve always been left wondering what Auntie Ga believed would happen if she didn’t. 

Who among us hasn’t asked to be remembered after the incoming windfall when someone’s left hand is itching, or gotten in trouble for accidentally sweeping someone’s foot? Though there will certainly be some who put more stock in these beliefs, generally speaking, West Indians are what I would call, “socially superstitious.”

Like not placing your bag on the ground or biting a finger if we point at a graveyard, there are some things we do and say, not because we truly believe they will bring us luck or protection – though welcomed if they do – but out of socially curated habit.

I have yet to encounter anyone as stoutly religious about their pre-abodal departure revolutions as Auntie Ga, however, across the Caribbean, interesting superstitions abound. I am currently working on a cultural collection of short stories inspired by some of my favourites. Stay tuned!