The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

ROCKING CHAIRS AND SHIPS

WHEN THE INFORMANT LIVED IN GLOUCESTER, MASSACHUSETTS, A VERY
IMPORTANT FISHING TOWN, HIS GRANDMOTHER TOLD HIM NEVER TO ROCK
AN EMPTY ROCKING CHAIR. WHEN HE DID OR WHEN IT ROCKED BY ITSELF
OR IN THE WIND, THEN THEY BELIEVED THAT THE SHIPS IN THE SEA WERE
ALSO BEING ROCKED BY THE WAVES, ESPECIALLY THOSE SHIPS ON WHICH
MEMBERS OF THEIR FAMILY WERE SAILING.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; ROYAL OAK

Date learned: 03-15-1967