The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

NEW BORN CHILDREN

A WOMAN SHOULD NOT BE LEFT ALONE FOR 40 DAYS AFTER SHE DELIVERS OR
AN EVIL SPIRIT WILL COME AND STEAL THE CHILD AND EXCHANGE IT WITH ONE
OF HIS OWN. IF THIS HAPPENS THE PARENTS TAKE THE EVIL CHILD TO
THE CHURCH AND PLACE IT ON THE STEPS FOR ONE HALF HOUR AND GO IN
SIDE TO PRAY. WHEN THEY RETURN THEY HAVE THEIR OWN CHILD BACK

Submitter comment: CHANGELING

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DEARBORN

Date learned: 10-00-1977