The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

BIRTH CUSTOM

IT WAS THE CUSTOM OF THE INFORMANT'S MOTHER, AT THE
BIRTH OF A CHILD, TO BIND IT TIGHTLY IN A LONG
CLOTH, WHICH WAS USUALLY ABOUT A FOOT IN WIDTH.
STARTING AT THE NECK, THIS CLOTH WAS WOUND VERY
TIGHTLY AROUND THE BABY'S BODY. THIS WAS WORN BY THE
BABY FOR THE FIRST SIX OR SEVEN WEEKS OF LIFE IN ORDER
TO INSURE THAT HE WOULD GROW STRAIGHT AND TALL.

Submitter comment: THE INFORMANT CAN REMEMBER WHEN SOME OF HER BROTHERS
AND SISTERS WERE BOUND AT BIRTH IN THIS WAY.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

Date learned: 03-03-1965