The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

DURING THE BAPTISM RITES THERE WERE CERTAIN HUNGARIAN
CUSTOMS. IF THE CHILD WAS A BOY, AN AXE WAS PLACED ON
THE MOTHER'S BED DURING THE RITES. IF THE CHILD WAS A
GIRL, SEWING NEEDLES WERE PLACED ON THE MOTHER'S BED. ALSO,
RIBBONS WERE TIED TO THE CHILD'S ANKLES. THE BEAUTY OF
THE CHILD COULD NOT BE ADMIRED BECAUSE IT MIGHT HAVE AROUSED
THE ENVY OF EVIL MEN.

Submitter comment: INFORMANT'S FATHER SAID THIS WAS THE PRACTICE IN HUNGARY
IN 1901.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

Date learned: 10-22-1971