the quirky behaviors of the nacirema, continued

The elders among the Nacirema believe that the continuous intake of a certain magical potion aids in transporting their souls through the various stages of the day.

The members of the tribe religiously create this magical potion each day at the crack of dawn. First, they carefully gather some of the "holy water" and place it into the mouth of a sacred container. They then take out a jar full of dark enchanted dust, measured amounts of which they sprinkle into the holy water. They close the container and turn away. As their eyes remain averted, they utter silent prayers in their heart until the container sends out a signal for them to stop. Reverently, they retrieve their half-done potion—transformed from a pure, pristine liquid to one now murky in color—and proceed to add the finishing touches. For this, they require a bit of the sweet, bewitching dust and another liquid white in color.

The older Nacirema take considerable pleasure in downing this warped form of their holy water multiple times daily. Although their medicine men have repeatedly told them of the benefits of consuming holy water alone—that it causes the skin to glow and the body to function more smoothly—they do not care much for it. The medicine men have repeatedly warned them that this magical concoction causes insomnia, nervousness, restlessness, stomach upsets, and  headaches. But the Nacirema pay no heed.

"It is to be hoped that, when a thorough study of the Nacirema is made, there will be careful inquiry into" their unusual dependency on EEFFOC.