The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

SLEEP-WELL BELIEF

IN THE SPRING AND SUMMER, WHEN MY GRANDMOTHER WAS
YOUNGER, SHE AND HER BROTHERS AND SISTERS WOULD RUN
OUT IN THE FRESH DEW ON THE GRASS AT NIGHT IN THEIR
BARE FEET. THIS WAS PRACTICED TO MAKE THEM SLEEP
BETTER. MM
WHEN SHE WAS YOUNG, MY GRANDMOTHER AND HER BROTHERS AND
SISTERS WOULD RUN OUT ON THE PORCH IN THE FRESH SNOW
IN BARE FEET BEFORE BEDTIME. THEN THEIR PARENTS WOULD
RUB THEIR FEET WITH HOT TOWELS AND THEY'D GO TO BED
WITH WARM FEET. THIS PRACTICE WAS TO CIRCULATE THE
BLOOD BETTER IN THEIR FEET AND HELP THEM SLEEP BETTER.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

Date learned: 03-31-1971