The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

SUPERSTITION

THE PEOPLE IN THE CITY WOULD PUT A CRADLE, FULL OF STRAW, IN A TREE,
HOPEFULLY, A STORK WOULD MAKE ITS NEST THERE. WHEN THE STORK
THROWS ONE OF HER BABIES OUT OF THE NEST, THIS MEANS THAT THERE
WILL BE A BAD SUMMER.

Submitter comment: THIS WEATHER PREDICTOR WAS FIRST HEARD BY THE INFORMANT AROUND 1910
IN POLAND. A STORK, CRADLE AND GOOD SUMMER ALL SYMBOLIZE LIFE.
THIS IS HINDERED BY A BIRD FALLING FROM THE CRADLE (DEATH) CAUSING
A BREAK IN THE LINK (A BAD SUMMER).

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

Subject headings:

Observation
Favorites
BELIEF -- Bird
BELIEF -- Weather sign or control
BELIEF -- Measure of time Summer
BELIEF -- Use of Object
BELIEF -- Weather sign or control

Date learned: 10-00-1980 ; CA00001910