The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

WHEN MRS. MURPHY WAS A CHILD, THERE WAS A TRADITION
AROUND HER HOME THAT THE YOUNGEST CHILD WAS TO
BE THE "BLOOD CATCHER" DURING BUTCHERING TIME. THE
CHILD WOULD STAND AT THE HEAD OF THE PIG AND A
KNIFE WOULD BE STUCK IN THE NECK OF THE PIG. THEN
SHE WOULD PUT A PAN UNDER THE BLEEDING WOUND AND
CATCH THE BLOOD. THIS BLOOD WAS LATER USED FOR THE
MAKING OF "BLOOD SAUSAGE," WHICH WAS A COMBINATION
OF THE BLOOD AND PORK PUT IN A CASING. THIS SAUSAGE
WAS ONE OF THEIR STAPLES DURING THE WINTER MONTHS.

Where learned: DETROIT ; MICHIGAN, ASSUMED

Date learned: 05-22-1965