Purpose or Intention Coffin nails have a rich history and symbolism in various magical and folk traditions, particularly in practices related to protection, binding, and hexing. Historically, coffin nails were used in funerary practices, literally nailing down the lid of a coffin to secure the deceased within. This act of containment and finality became associated with magical practices of binding, trapping, or laying something to rest. In folk magic traditions, such as hoodoo and Appalachian folk magic, coffin nails are commonly used in jinx removal, curse-breaking, and banishing rituals. The act of driving a coffin nail into the ground, a poppet, or a representation of the target is believed to metaphysically "nail down" or bind negative influences, curses, or unwanted entities.