The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

RAILROAD CROSSING

WHENEVER DRIVING OVER RAILROAD TRACKS EVERYONE IN THE CAR
SHOULD LIFT THEIR FEET OFF THE FLOOR, DRIVER INCLUDED, AND
TOUCH THE ROOF OF THE CAR WITH THEIR HANDS. THIS IS TO INSURE THE
OCCUPANTS OF A LONG LIFE AND TO WARD OFF THE COMING OF OLD AGE.

Submitter comment:

INFORMANT DOES THIS OFTEN WHEN CROSSING RAILROAD TRACKS IN A CAR.

Data entry tech comment:

Updated by TRD

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

Keyword(s): BELIEF ; Car ; FEET ; Roof ; SUPERSTITION ; Tracks

James Callow Keyword(s): DIRECTION ; POSITION

Subject headings:

BELIEF -- Body part Senses Feet, toes, toenails
BELIEF -- Street Trip Relations between relatives, friends, host and guest Social class Rank
SPEECH -- Gesture

Date learned: 02-20-1971