The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

RELIGIOUS CUSTOM

INFORMANT STATED THAT, WHILE HE WAS A SEMINARIAN, HIS SPIRITUAL
DIRECTORS USED TO BELIEVE IN WHAT WAS CALLED A "CIRCLE OF PURITY,"
AND THEY ACTUALLY MADE THE SEMINARIANS UNDER THEIR DIRECTION ADHERE
TO THIS CUSTOM. THE CIRCLE OF PURITY MEANT TO STAY AN ARM'S LENGTH
AWAY FROM A MAN ON EVERY SIDE AND TWO ARMS' LENGTHS AWAY FROM WOMEN
ON EVERY SIDE.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT