The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

GYPSY CUSTOM

WHEN SOMEONE DIES ALL THE FRIENDS ARE TO GO OVER TO
THE DEAD ONE'S HOUSE AND SPRINKLE FLOUR ON ALL THE
FLOORS AND THEN HOLD A TWENTY-FOUR HOUR VIGIL.
IF THE PERSON WAS HAPPY WHEN HE DIED, HIS SOUL WILL
NOT RETURN, BUT IF HE WAS NOT AT PEACE WHEN HE DIED,
HIS SOUL WILL RETURN AND THE PEOPLE WILL KNOW IT'S
THERE BY THE FOOTPRINTS IN THE FLOUR.

Submitter comment: INFORMANT'S PARENTS OWN A BAR AND GYPSY MUSICIANS
PLAY THERE AND TOLD HER THIS PIECE OF INFORMATION.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

Date learned: 03-13-1971