The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

CURE FOR BUMPS ON THE HEAD

BEFORE ICE WAS A HOUSEHOLD ITEM, THE STEEL BLADE OF A BUTCHER KNIFE
WAS APPLIED TO RECENTLY RECEIVED BUMPS ON HEADS.

Submitter comment: THIS CURE WAS BELIEVED EFFECTIVE EVEN AFTER 'ICE BOXES' WERE
COMMON. I (THE COLLECTOR) REMEMBER, WHEN I WAS A CHILD, EVERY
TIME I BUMPED MY HEAD, ADULT FAMILY MEMBERS WOULD COME AT ME
WITH BUTCHER KNIVES. IT IS UNCERTAIN WHETHER THE STEEL IN THE
BLADE OR THE COLDNESS OF THE BLADE IS RESPONSIBLE FOR REDUCING
THE SWELLING OF BUMPS ON THE HEAD.

Where learned: DETROIT

Date learned: CA00001916 ; 01-13-1980