The mother of a teenage girl says she was horrified recently to see her daughter pushing needles into a voodoo doll to increase her luck ahead of an important exam at school.

"I found my daughter piercing a doll before the examination, which she claims can transfer bad luck to other classmates," said the woman, who only gave her surname Qin.

The dolls, which were imported from Thailand, are on sale at the Xin Xigong Trade Building on Dongxin Road in Putuo District.

They are made from a single string of hemp and they are said to be able to help people put curses on their enemies, or bring luck to themselves and friends.

Voodoo is a religion practiced primarily in Caribbean countries, especially Haiti. It is based on a mixture of Roman Catholic ritual elements and the magic of Dahomean slaves.

The dolls have been a hit with young people in the city, according to store owner Yang Min.

"All the dolls sold in my store are from southern Thailand. They are made by residents there," said Yang. "They can all be used for incantations."

An eight-centimeter-tall doll sells for more than 40 yuan (US$5) at the store. Yang said an entire set includes 56 dolls, each of which has its own secret force.

"For example, this 'terminal daimo' doll is the most powerful cursing doll. It can make your personal enemy unhappy for a long time," said Yang.

The doll has a heart made out of red cloth attached to its chest by two needles and a screw through its skull.

For those who don't have enemies to curse, Yang claims some of the dolls can bring love or blessings.

A girl surnamed Sun bought a blessing doll yesterday that is supposed to help its owner lose weight.

"No matter if it actually works or not, the moment I see the fat doll I would lose my appetite. I believe this will help me lose weight. That's enough," Sun said.

"I can't guarantee the effects of voodoo dolls," said Yang. "But if you believe in it, it will surely bring some changes to your life."

"The dolls could be regarded as a new way to relieve the stress of city life, but it is a negative way to deal with stress and not recommended," said Li Chunbo, a mental health expert at Tongji Hospital.

(Shanghai Daily February 24, 2006)