According to African-American folklore, High John the Conqueror was an African prince, sold into American slavery. John was known as a clever trickster for the games he played on his oppressor and for his enduring spirit, which was never dampened by his life in captivity.
Other stories say John fell in love with the Devil’s daughter. The Devil challenged John to plow 60 acres in half a day, and sow the acres in the second half of the day, for John to win the daughter’s hand in marriage. However, the Devil had no intentions on John completing the task, but was planning to kill John even if he did complete the task. Clever John, out wit the Devil, and stole the Devil’s horse, to escape and returned to Africa. It is believed John left his powers in America in the root of a southern plant, Ipomoea jalapa, a powerful and strong plant species.
High John the Conqueror root is apparently one of the staples of African-American folk magic. It is the root of Ipomoea Jalapa, an evergreen climber that grows to about 9 feet and belongs to the same family as morning glory and sweet potato. High John the Conqueror root is used in Hoodoo, a folk version of the religion of Voodoo, that focuses on herbal magic. The root is considered to bring good luck in gambling, love and strength. It is also a popular item of a mojo or gris gris bag (a small flannel bag containing one or more magical items, worn by followers of hoodoo and voodoo). When dried, the root resembles the testicles of a dark skinned man. Many believe it is extremely important for good manifestation that the root be whole and unblemished!
Information from Cultural Curiosity, Zora Neale Hurston, Virginia Hamilton, Walter Mosley. Photo by Cotton Quilts