Post by Spooky on Sept 18, 2007 22:02:18 GMT -5
A caul is a thin membrane of amniotic fluid which sometimes remains covering the head of a newborn child at birth. Since the time of the Romans, to be born with a caul means to be blessed with luck, protection (especially form drowning) and supernatural powers such as the ability to see into the future and converse with spirits and ghosts.
Traditionally, cauls were carefully preserved and kept as a sort of amulet and talisman, sometimes worn around the neck. It was common for midwives to take the cauls and sell them as charms, especially to sailors who paid a high price because of the belief it would protect them against drowning in the sea.
Cauls are said to indicate good health to the owner only if the caul is crisp and dry. Bad health if the caul is wet and limp. Story goes that a caul will become flaccid after the owners death and that if a caul is torn the owner will soon die. In Greek folklore anyone born with a caul will become a vampire.
Traditionally, cauls were carefully preserved and kept as a sort of amulet and talisman, sometimes worn around the neck. It was common for midwives to take the cauls and sell them as charms, especially to sailors who paid a high price because of the belief it would protect them against drowning in the sea.
Cauls are said to indicate good health to the owner only if the caul is crisp and dry. Bad health if the caul is wet and limp. Story goes that a caul will become flaccid after the owners death and that if a caul is torn the owner will soon die. In Greek folklore anyone born with a caul will become a vampire.
