Man’s agony over his fate and future fortunes is a primeval phenomenon. Powerful natural phenomena such as bad weather menacing crops, animals and human life, disease and unexplained death, malevolent thoughts and envy are some of the reasons for preserving this agony. Since to deal thoroughly with all relevant customs and beliefs would be an impossible task, this article confines itself to a selective approach, mainly on the basis of inscriptions which prove the antique origin of certain customs.