The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

CUSTOM

AT SUGDEN LAKE IN MICHIGAN, NOBODY TAKES THE FIRST SWIM OF
THE YEAR UNTIL ST. JOSEPH BLESSES THE WATER, OTHERWISE IT IS BELIEVE
YOU WILL HAVE GREAT FAILURE DURING THE SUMMER AND EITHER A MEMBER
OF YOUR FAMILY OR EVEN YOU YOURSELF COULD BE SERIOUSLY INJURED
IN THE WATER AND YOU WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO RECEIVE ANY SUITABLE
MEDICAL HELP IN TIME TO SAVE YOU FROM DEATH OR PARALYSIS.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; TROY

Date learned: 00-00-1979