Thinking About Amulets and Folk Medicine

  • Do you have any particular possessions that you believe are lucky or special?

  • What are some reasons a specific material becomes amuletic?

  • What are some examples of amulets in American culture?

  • In this country there are now drugs to treat colds and infections so people don't need amulets for protection from them, but what are some modern threats that people would want to be shielded from?

  • Do you see a difference between religious charms, like crucifixes and St. Christopher's medals, and amulets?

  • Can you think of any phrases or actions that have amuletic value, such as saying "Gesundheit" or "God bless you" after someone sneezes to ward off illness?

  • Do you think people will ever stop believing in the power of magical tokens?