55| douens

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My biggest childhood fear. In the forest behind my cousin's house, it was said that many douens resided there, so I made every effort not to be in her backyard alone, ever, even up to this day. 

Douens are lost souls of children who had not been baptized before they passed away. Douens wander the earth for eternity, and usually live in forests or near swamps. They have backward feet, wear straw hats, and have faces that are indistinguishable. 

They lure children into the forest by chanting their name, which is why Trinidadian parents may be wary of calling their childrens' names in public. Children often mistake douens for real children, making it easier to be lured. 

There have been actual recorded reports of douen encounters from children in rural areas within Trinidad.

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