Every place has its traditions and beliefs, and even after ten years in Seychelles new ones, common knowledge for the Seychellois but not part of my background, pop up for me.

Today is Good Friday. In the Christian-flavored world, that has certain well-defined meanings with customs attached, and this country is no exception being about ninety-eight percent Roman Catholic. In addition, however, to the church-related activities, one thing you can be sure of: no one will go fishing on Good Friday.

Yes, it's a public holiday, so the working stiffs have a leisure day. And, this time of the year is known for calm seas and clear skies. No matter. Fishing is not done on this day.

I've asked why, and get the answer I get almost every time I ask about these absolute edicts that are tossed into conversations: because you'll die.

Here are a few other examples:

• If there's a yellow wasp in the house, someone is going to die.


• If you're ever bitten by a snake, you must get to the nearest river before the snake does, or you'll die.


• If you lean against a sun-heated rock your lungs will cook, and you'll die.


• If you step out of bed and your unshod feet touch the floor, the heat will be sucked out of your body and, that's right, you'll die.

When you take into account the fact that yellow wasps are everywhere all the time, no snake in Seychelles is venomous, and the temperature here is never more than about 90F or less than 75F, you, too, will wonder where the heck this stuff came from ... and why people are completely convinced.

And there are hundreds of these sayings.

Not all consequences are reputed to be fatal ... not that anyone takes these lightly either, though:

• Never dust or clean the house after 6 pm or you will throw away money.


• If you ever dream the location of buried treasure, go find it alone. If you tell anyone, it will move and you'll never find it.


• Don't shout or sing in the house after midnight or a ghost will hear you and steal your voice.


• Don't let anyone pass a broom over your feet. If they get swept, you'll never marry.


• Don't count the stars. If you do, you'll get a skin condition.


• Eating pineapple after dark will give a heavy stomach.

So, no fishing for Mark today, and I'm going to force myself to refrain from scrubbing the floors after dark. Gee, darn.