The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

SHARP THINGS FOR PRESENTS (COLLECTOR,S TITLE) ; CONVERSION; GIVING COIN (CLASSIFIER,S TITLE)

IT IS VERY BAD LUCK FOR ANYONE TO GIVE YOU A PIN FOR A PRESENT OR
FOR THAT MATTER ANYTHING SHARP.
TO OVERCOME THIS WITHOUT HURTING THE GIVER,S FEELINGS INSIST ON HIS
TAKING A PENNY FOR THE GIFT.
THIS WAY YOU WILL HAVE PAID FOR THE GIFT AND IT WILL NOT BE BAD LUCK.
IF IT IS A BOY WHO GIVES YOU THE PIN YOU WILL SURELY BREAK UP SOON.

Submitter comment: THE INFORMANT LEARNED THIS FRON HER MOTHER, CARRIE ADAMS, ABOUT 1920

Where learned: SOUTHFIELD

Date learned: 05-12-1965