The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

CUSTOM-FIRST FOOTING

THE FIRST PERSON TO STEP FOOT IN YOUR HOUSE AFTER THE NEW YEAR
CANNOT DO SO EMPTY-HANDED. IF THEY DO IT MEANS THAT YOU AND YOUR
FAMILY WILL HAVE A LEAN YEAR. IF THEY BRING A GIFT, THEN YOU AND
YOUR FAMILY WILL HAVE A FAT YEAR.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; BIRMINGHAM

Keyword(s): HOMEOPATHIC MAGIC ; SYMBOLIC ACTION

Subject headings:

686 686.1
Favorites
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- January 1 New Year's
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Fixed DateFor specific dates, use the following system: F640.0101
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20
BELIEF -- Street Trip Relations between relatives, friends, host and guest Social class Rank
BELIEF -- Measure of time Year
BELIEF -- Good luck P881.42
BELIEF -- Bad luck P882.42

Date learned: 09-26-1965