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CIGARS FOR BIRTH

IT IS A QUITE COMMON CUSTOM FOR A FATHER TO HAND OUT CIGARS TO HIS
FRIENDS AFTER HIS FIRST CHILD HAS BEEN BORN.

Where learned: HOME ; MICHIGAN, ASSUMED ; GROSSE POINTE WOODS, ASSUMED

James Callow Keyword(s): GIFT-GIVING

Subject headings: 686 Properties attributed to specific numbers or numerals individually.
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Birth

Date learned: 02-22-1968

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TRADITION

A NEW BORN MALAYSIAN WILL RECEIVE RED EGGS AND SMALL GOLD
NECKLACES DURING ITS BIRTHDAY DINNER CELEBRATION FOR GOOD LUCK.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT ; CAMPUS

Subject headings: CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Birth
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Private birthday or anniversary
Food Drink -- Typical menus for the various meals For meal hours, see F574.84. Special or festive meals
Food Drink -- Animal product Egg
BELIEF -- Color
BELIEF -- Good luck

Date learned: 04-00-1979

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HOPECHESTS

IN AN ITALIAN FAMILY WHEN A GIRL IS BORN HER HOPE CHEST IS STARTED
FOR HER ON THAT VERY DAY

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; LIVONIA

Subject headings: CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Birth
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Marriage
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Private birthday or anniversary

Date learned: CA02001980

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FROM WEDDINGS TO CHRISTENINGS

IN THE EVENT OF A SON MARRYING IN THE FAMILY, THE GROOMS MOTHER
GIVES THE BRIDE A WHITE LINEN HANDKERCHIEF TO CARRY AT HER
WEDDING. AFTER THE WEDDING IS OVER, THE BRIDE GIVES IT BACK TO
HER MOTHER-IN-LAW. IT IS THEN CLEANED AND PRESSED . IN THE EVENT
OF THE FIRST CHILD BORN TO THE COUPLE, THE HANDKERCHIEF IS FOLDED
INTO A BABYS BONNET AND WORN AT THE CHRISTENING.
AFTER THIS IS OVER, THE BONNET IS PUT AWAY UNTIL HE OR SHE GETS
MARRIED AND IT IS UNFOLDED AND PASSED TO THE NEXT GENERATION.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; LIVONIA

Subject headings: CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Birth
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Baptism Naming rite

Date learned: CA02001980

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BABY JOKE

WHY DO YOU BOIL WATER WHEN A BABY IS BORN?
IN CASE IT DIES YOU CAN HAVE FRESH BABY SOUP.
THIS ITEM WAS COLLECTED WITH MANY SIMILAR ITEMS THROUGH
NUMEROUS MEETINGS AT VARIOUS BARS IN DETROIT.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

James Callow Keyword(s): CANNIBALISM

Subject headings: PROSE NARRATIVE -- Jest Anecdote
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Birth
RIDDLE -- Riddle Question

Date learned: 00001970S ; 03-00-1980

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RUSSIAN WEDDING CUSTOM

WHEN A BRIDE AND GROOM ARE MARRIED EITHER A DOLL OR A BEAR IS PLACED
ON THEIR CAR. THIS SIGNIFIES WHAT THEY WANT THEIR FIRST CHILD TO BE.
A DOLL IS A GIRL AND A BEAR IS A BOY.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; GARDEN CITY

James Callow Keyword(s): SYMBOLS

Subject headings: CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Birth
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Marriage

Date learned: CA0001969

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IF A PREGNANT WOMAN EATS A PART OF A COOKED OR FRIED CHICKEN, THE
PART THAT WAS EATEN BY THE WOMAN WILL BE MISSING FROM THE CHILD.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; HAWKS

Subject headings: CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Birth
BELIEF -- Body part Senses

Date learned: 00-00-1977

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THE WOMAN WHO GAVE THE SEVENTH GIFT AT A BABY SHOWER WILL BE THE
NEXT ONE, AMOUNG THOSE WOMEN, TO HAVE A BABY.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; SAINT CLAIR SHORES

Subject headings: 686 Seven / Sevenths / Several
Observation
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Birth
BELIEF -- Marriage

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WHEN A WOMAN IS PREGNANT SHE SHOULD NOT DRINK CREAM OR MILK IN HER
COFFEE BECAUSE, IF SHE DOES, HER BABY WILL HAVE BROWN BIRTH MARKS.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; SAINT CLAIR SHORES

Subject headings: CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Birth
BELIEF -- Body part Senses Specific distinguishing characteristic Dimple, wart, mole, scar, freckle, birthmark, strawberry mark, bruise, spot (on any part of body)
BELIEF -- Birth

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DETERMINING SEX OF UNBORN CHILD

IF A PREGNANT WOMAN GAINS WEIGHT ONLY IN THE STOMACH, THEN SHE
WILL HAVE A BOY. IF SHE GAINS WEIGHT ALL OVER, THEN SHE WILL
HAVE A GIRL.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; Sterling Heights

Subject headings: Observation
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Birth

Date learned: CA00001950

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WEDDING SHOWER CUSTOMS AND SUPERSTITIONS

AT WEDDING SHOWERS, THE RIBBONS AND BOWS ARE COLLECTED FROM THE
GIFTS AND SAVED BY MAKING A SLIT IN A PAPER PLATE AND INSERTING
THEM INTO PLACE. WHEN THE BRIDE-TO-BE OPENS HER GIFTS, SHE SHOULD
NOT BREAK, CUT OR TEAR THE RIBBONS. THE NUMBER SHE BREAKS IS AN
INDICATOR OF THE NUMBER OF CHILDREN SHE WILL CONCEIVE. A
VARIATION IS THE NUMBER OF BOWS BROKEN IS EQUAL TO THE NUMBER OF
YEARS SHE WILL WAIT TO HAVE HER FIRST BABY.

Submitter comment: THE CUSTOM OF SAVING RIBBONS WAS FIRST HEARD BY THE COLLECTOR IN
1976. IT IS A RITE OF PASSAGE CEREMONY IN WHICH THE BRIDE-TO-BE
CHANGES FROM SINGLE TO MARRIED LIFE. HERE TWO VARIATIONS CAN BE
ILLUSTRATED. EACH IS DIFFERENT ALTHOUGH THE MAIN IDEA IS SIMILAR.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; USA ; SOUTHGATE

Subject headings: 686 Properties attributed to specific numbers or numerals individually.
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Birth
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Marriage Bows
BELIEF -- Birth
BELIEF -- Marriage
BELIEF -- Number Counting beliefs
BELIEF -- Use of Object

Date learned: 06-00-1978 ; 10-00-1976

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GREEK BAPTISM

WHEN A GREEK CHILD IS BAPTISED AS AN INFANT, HE IS GIVEN A SAINT'S
NAME. THE GODFATHER HAS A WHITE BLANKET WHICH HE PLACES THE BABY IN.
THE PRIEST ANOINTS THE CHILD'S FOREHEAD, PALMS, AND FEET. HE IS THEN
CLOTHED IN BRAND NEW CLOTHES WHICH SYMBOLIZES HIS STARTING A NEW LIFE
WITH A CROSS PLACED AROUND HIS NECK.

Submitter comment: THE GREEKS' WAY OF A BAPTISM IS SIMILAR TO THE CATHOLIC ONE, WITH A
SLIGHT VARIATION.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

Subject headings: 686 Properties attributed to specific numbers or numerals individually.
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Birth
BELIEF -- Sign Geometric figure Cross and its various modifications
BELIEF -- Color

Date learned: 00-00-1980

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IN DETERMINING THE SEX OF A CHILD, THE GREEKS SPRINKLE SALT ON THE
BACK OF A WOMAN'S HEAD, IF SHE SCRATCHES THE LEFT SIDE, THEN SHE
WILL HAVE A GIRL. IF SHE SCRATCHES THE RIGHT SIDE OF HER HEAD,
THEN SHE WILL HAVE A BOY.

Submitter comment: I WAS ENTHRALLED BY THIS TECHNIQUE.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

James Callow Keyword(s): POSITION DIRECTION

Subject headings: CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Birth
BELIEF -- Body part Senses
BELIEF -- Mineral
BELIEF -- Birth
BELIEF -- Sensations and involuntary actions
BELIEF -- Use of Object

Date learned: 00-00-1980

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IF THE GIRL GAINS WEIGHT ONLY IN HER BELLY, SHE WILL HAVE A BOY.

Submitter comment: THIS SAYING PREDICTS THE BIRTH OF A BOY. I,M NOT SURE WHY.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

Subject headings: Observation
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Birth
BELIEF -- Body part Senses

Date learned: 00-00-1980 ; 00-00-1950

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IF THE GIRL GAINS MORE WEIGHT IN HER HIPS, LEGS, AND BUTTOCKS
SHE WILL HAVE A GIRL.

Submitter comment: I DON,T KNOW THE REASON FOR THIS SAYING.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

Subject headings: Observation
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Birth
BELIEF -- Body part Senses

Date learned: 00-00-1980 ; 00-00-1950

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POLISH WEDDING CUSTOM

WHEN THE COUPLE ENTER THE DOOR AT THE RECEPTION, THEY
ARE GIVEN WHOLE WHEAT BREAD. THIS IS BROKEN INTO
LITTLE PIECES AND GIVEN TO EACH OTHER. THIS
SYMBOLIZES THE SHARING OF THEIR FIRST BREAD TOGETHER.
THERE IS SALT ON THE BREAD. THIS SYMBOLIZES THAT
MARRIED LIFE WILL HAVE SOME BITTERNESS.

Submitter comment: SHE LEARNED THIS FROM HER FAMILY.

Where learned: UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT

Subject headings: CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Birth
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Marriage

Date learned: 04-11-1967

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YUGOSLAVIAN CUSTOM

WHEN A BABY IS YOUNG, A BLACK PEARL IS HUNG AROUND ITS
NECK. THIS PROVIDES PROTECTION FROM AN EVIL EYE.

Submitter comment: LEARNED FROM HER MOTHER.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

Subject headings: Charm / Enchantment / Conjuration
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Birth
BELIEF -- Birth
BELIEF -- Means of Causing or Avoiding Illness

Date learned: 04-10-1967

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PRENATAL SUPERSTITION

MY WIFE HAS A PATTERN OF BIRTH MARKS ON HER SHOULDER
WHICH ENCOMPASS AN AREA OF ABOUT A SQUARE INCH. THE
MARKS SEEM TO DEPICT NO PARTICULAR PATTERN, BUT I WAS
INFORMED BY MY MOTHER-IN-LAW THAT THE PATTERN IS THAT
OF A CHICKEN WHICH IT MAY WELL BE. IT SEEMED THAT
WHEN MY MOTHER-IN-LAW WAS CARRYING MY WIFE, SHE
VISITED A FARM OF SOME FRIENDS. DURING THE COURSE
OF THE VISIT, SHE WENT IN SEARCH OF MY FATHER-IN-LAW.
STEPPING THROUGH A DOORWAY IN A SECTION OF THE BARN,
SHE UNWITTINGLY ENTERED THE CHICKEN-COUP. APPARENTLY
HER ARRIVAL SO DISTURBED THE CHICKENS THAT THEY BECAME
AROUSED. SHE CLAIMED SHE WAS ACTUALLY ATTACKED BY
SEVERAL OF THEM AND IT WAS ONLY WITH GREAT DIFFICULTY
THAT SHE ESCAPED UNHARMED. FOUR MONTHS LATER, MY
WIFE WAS BORN AND MY MOTHER-IN-LAW WAS NOT IN THE
LEAST SURPRISED TO SEE THE MARK OF THE CHICKENS UPON
HER SHOULDER. AS I SAID, IT MIGHT WELL BE THE MARK
OF A CHICKEN, ALTHOUGH WITHOUT PREVIOUS KNOWLEDGE,
IT MAY TAKE ANY FORM ONE WISHES TO SEE.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

Subject headings: CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Birth
BELIEF -- Birth

Date learned: 00-00-1950

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EXPECTANT MOTHERS

TO HASTEN CHILDBIRTH, SEVERAL PEOPLE GATHER IN THE
MOTHER'S ROOM AND OPEN AND CLOSE THE BREECH OF A GUN.
THEY MAY EVEN SHOOT THE GUN OFF IN THE ROOM.

Submitter comment: LEARNED FROM HER MOTHER.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

Subject headings: CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Birth
BELIEF -- Birth
BELIEF -- Medicine

Date learned: 04-10-1967

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THE UMBILICAL CORD: A KNOTTY PROBLEM

IF YOU ARE PREGNANT, NEVER HOLD YOUR ARMS ABOVE YOUR
HEAD OR YOUR BABY WILL HAVE THE CORD WRAPPED AROUND
HIS NECK.

Submitter comment: TOLD TO THE INFORMANT BY HER FRIEND, RUTH CLENDENEN
OF COLUMBUS, OHIO. MRS. WELLS, THEN PREGNANT, WAS
LIFTING UP HER ARMS. SHE ADDED TO ME THAT HER CHILD
WAS BORN WITH THE CORD TWISTED AROUND HIS NECK.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; BLOOMFIELD HILLS

Subject headings: CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Birth
BELIEF -- Birth

Date learned: 00-00-1961

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