Should a person be bewitched by an evil neighbour, he must take two
black cocks, lay a charm over the head of one and let it loose; but the
other must be boiled down, feathers and all, and eaten. Then the malice
of the neighbour will have no effect on him or his.
Ancient Egypt and Greece had likewise superstitions on the subject of
sacrificing a cock. Even the last words of Socrates had reference to
this subject. It is remarkable also that in the Christian legend it
was a cock that testified indignantly by his crowing against Peter’s
treachery and cowardice, and aroused in him the remorse that was
evidenced by his tears.