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Cursed Stone Souvenirs

tpaajanen Profile Photo
Posted by
tpaajanen on 07/25/2009
Tags:
hawaii, rocks, volcano, bad luck, legends, superstitions, souvenirs
Location:
Hawaii,
United States
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Did you know if you happen to pick up a volcanic rock while at the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, you just might regret it?

The legend has it that the volcano goddess Pele will curse anyone who takes rocks, sand or seashells from the park. It may seem like superstitious nonsense, but the number of people who insist that their lives have taken serious turns for the worse after taking such a souvenir are in the thousands.

Every day, the local hotels and park offices get packages in the mail with rocks in them as people try to return their stolen treasures.

Believe it or don't, but you should think twice about picking up that curious black rock while in Hawaii.

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  1. Posted by
    OmnivoreInk on 07/26/2009
    OmnivoreInk Profile Photo
    In addition, just as a general rule of thumb, don't take loose stones from ruined castle sites in England, or from Hadrian's wall, or from ruined buildings or sites in any place you travel! You may think you're just one person who does it, but if everyone does it, pretty soon nothing will be left of the site. This problem is most egregious with scuba divers, pilfering items from World War II wrecks.
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