South Africa's Tokoloshe: Bricks under the Bed Legs Because It Can't Reach

South Africa has a ghost called the Tokoloshe, known to the Zulu and Xhosa people, and well-known in Black communities.

It is said to be very short, only as high as a human knee; some say it looks like a hairy child; some say its face is like a monkey's; others say it comes from the water. Legend says it is sent by witches to harm people: sneaking into houses at night, scaring people, making them sick, and even causing death. In some stories, it swallows a small stone to become invisible, unseen by anyone.

It has one trait: it cannot reach high places.

So, many families in South Africa still put bricks, pieces of iron under their bed legs, or raise the bed, saying this keeps the Tokoloshe from climbing up. Some also place salt by the head of the bed. In some markets and stores, you can even buy special "bed risers" made for sleeping.

This custom has been written about many times in local newspapers and travel guides. Some tell it as a joke; others take it seriously.

#Ghosts #网络转载 #世界民俗