The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

IRISH LEGEND

IT SEEMS THAT MY GRANDMOTHER KNEW A WOMAN IN IRELAND WHO TOLD HER
THE STORY OF HER SON. ONE DAY WHEN THE LITTLE BOY WAS BEING CHASTISED
HE RAISED HIS HAND IN ANGER TO HIS MOTHER. SHORTLY THEREAFTER THE
LITTLE BOY DIED. A FEW DAYS AFTER HE WAS BURIED HIS MOTHER WAS CALLED
TO THE GRAVE SITE. THERE WAS THE LITTLE BOY'S HAND STICKING UP OUT
OF THE GROUND. A PRIEST WAS SUMMONED AND AFTER A SERIES OF RITUALS
AND APPLICATIONS OF HOLY WATER THE HAND RECEDED INTO THE GROUND. THIS
INCIDENT OF COURSE WAS AN EXAMPLE FOR THE TOWNSPEOPLE OF WHAT
HAPPENS TO CHILDREN WHO DO NOT RESPECT THEIR PARENTS.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

Keyword(s): BODY PART

Date learned: 00-00-1937