Travelers’ Insurance for a Safe Return

Sitting in the airport, Betty Evely fingered a red, green and white beaded bracelet as she anxiously awaited the return of her son, Jim Owen, from Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. A survivor of the U.S. Embassy bombing, he had given his mother the bracelet before leaving for Africa. “I’ll be back to get it,” he promised, then explained that it was an African custom to give somebody something to hold for them while they were away as a means of ensuring the traveler’s return. He had not returned unscathed, however, suffering a concussion and cuts from the blast. His mother burst into tears as they embraced.

For centuries, travelers have protected themselves by carrying special objects or observing certain practices to help them cope with the uncertainties of the journey. Catholics may carry a rosary or St. Christopher’s medal.

Until the 1960s, the British often threw worn shoes at ships leaving port or at those starting a journey to endow the travelers with the power of the donors. Some people believe that before departure a family member should give the traveler a dollar or his or her oldest penny to ensure a safe journey. Likewise, keeping a light burning in the window brings an absent loved one home. Negative omens include watching departing persons until they are out of sight and travelers looking back.