The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

SUPERSTITION

ACCIDENTLY SWEEP SOMEONE'S FOOT WITH THE BROOM--BAD LUCK.
THIS CAN BE CONVERTED BY SPITTING ON THE BROOM.

Submitter comment: THE INFORMANT STATES THAT THE BROOM IS ASSOCIATED WITH
THE ACCESSORIES OF A WITCH, WHO IS SOMEONE EVIL. THEREFORE,
SWEEPING SOMEONE'S FOOT WITH THE BROOM IS THE SAME AS
TRANSFERRING EVIL SPIRITS TO THE PERSON. SPITTING IS
USED TO RID THE BODY OF THE EVIL SPIRITS.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT ; LOUNGE

Date learned: 02-22-1979