Monday, March 17, 2008

Ooo, eee, ooo ah ah, ting tang, walla walla, bing bang

When I moved last fall, I found an Easter palm underneath the boxsprings. A quick phone call revealed that, unbeknownst to me, Mom smuggles one of those frondy protective talismans into my house every year. Protects me when I lay me down to rest, apparently. That some voodoo shit, isn't it? "Didn't we put them BETWEEN the mattress and boxsprings when we were young?" I asked. "Yes," she replied, "but I knew you'd throw it away if you found it when you flip the mattress." Do you think she does burnt offerings while I'm at work when she visits? Catholics crazy.

I do remember being very excited as a kid when we'd take home that palm. Mostly because I'd get to parade around, waving it like a wand.

Right now the palm I'm most interested in is yours under my nuts. Esteban wants to feel your life line.

4 comments:

Moominmama said...

I just love it when religious people get going about "silly superstitions." slays me every time. and amazes me that more people don't understand that there is no difference between religion and superstition. (except the level of beauracracy.)

jason said...

Awww...I think it's sweet.

But she's totally sacrificing the odd chicken here and there in your honor, I'm sure.

Ur-spo said...

tut tut
if she was doing it 'proper' then she would be placing the palm where it can be honored/revered and in the bed doesn't count
and every year they are supposed to be returned to make the ashes of palm sunday.
so she is 'not quite proper' here.

Michael said...

CB, when I broached that topic with her, I was surprised to learn she agrees it's all hocus pocus. I wasn't giving her enough credit. When I asked here why she still does it, she replied, "Because I always have." But she still believes in Heaven and Hell. I think having a bent son has forced her to reevaluate her beliefs. She needs to work it out that he can make it through the pearly gates. The hoops she jumps through!

Jason, it is sweet. And now I'm wondering if there's a bag of beaks and claws under my car seat.

Ur-spo, she must have missed class that day!