The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

GYPSY TRADITION

THIS TRADITION STARTED IN HUNGARY. IF A MAN LAYS
DOWN A BROOM DIAGONALLY BETWEEN HIMSELF AND A WOMAN,
AND SHE JUMPS OVER IT, THEN THEY ARE MARRIED. AND
IF LATER IN MARRIAGE, THE MAN PLACES THE BROM
DIAGONALLY AND THE WOMAN JUMPS BACKWARDS OVER IT,
THEN THEY ARE DIVORCED. CONCERNING THE DIVORCE,
THE MAN CAN PUSH THE WOMAN OVER THE BROOM BACKWARDS.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT

Date learned: NOT GIVEN