The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

SUPERSTITION

IF A SHOP OWNER DOES NOT PLEASE THE FIRST CUSTOMER HE HAS IN THE
MORNING, HE WILL HAVE BAD LUCK FOR THE REST OF THE DAY.

Submitter comment: MY INFORMANT CLAIMS THAT THIS SUPERSTITION IS BELIEVED WIDELY AMONG
JEWISH PEOPLE. SHE TOLD ME THAT HER FATHER USED TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF
SHOP OWNERS WHO BELIEVED IN THIS SUPERSTITION BY MAKING IT A POINT
TO BE THE FIRST CUSTOMER OF THE DAY AND HAGGLING OVER THE PRICE
OF SOME ITEM IN ORDER TO GET A GOOD BUY.

Where learned: DETROIT