For many Islands in the Caribbean, folklore and superstition still reigns, and if you brush it aside, folks are quick to give you a sermon with many details and examples of previous happenings. Stories are told in such an elaborate manner, to convince you of the existence of these creepy beings.

So folks protect their families with herbs and rituals to feel safe or to ward off these mythical antagonists like Ole Higue who is also known as “Loogaroo.” It is said that Ole Higue is an old woman with special powers who sucks your blood, sheds her skin, can change into a ball of fire, and fly through the night skies to her victims. She is especially fond of babies. If you do not believe in such tales, don’t even try voicing your opinion, they don't want to hear it. Many of them firmly believe Ole Higue to be an old woman who dwells amongst regular folk by day, but by night she dons her special powers, and creates havoc.

Then of course there is “Bacoo.” It has been told that he is this little man with a big head who lives in a bottle, which must be kept sealed at all times for fear of his destructive behavior. Oh! I almost forgot that he is also famous for the confusion that he causes. Legend has it, he lives in the forests, eats bananas and with milk. According to folks, if he befriends you, he will bring you good luck.

The scariest one of them all is the “Churile Jumbie.” She is said to be the ghost of a pregnant woman who had died during child birth. So she haunts everyone. She mostly hates pregnant women and women with children.

And if those weren’t enough, there is Moongazer. He is said to be a very tall, white, and ghost like type. He does not like children, and stands motionless gazing at the moon. Creepy!!

So because of all these stories flying around the islands, herbs, rice and garlic is placed in the home by doorways and windows to protect people and children from these creatures of woe. Of course none of this is true, but it makes for good bedtime stories, and has kept me in bed and under the covers in fear of being a victim by one of these scary ghouls. Happy Halloween!