The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

THE TRIPPING STUMP

WHEN MY MOTHER AND FATHER LIVED IN LITHUANIA, THERE WAS A FEAR
THAT THE PEOPLE OF THEIR VILLAGE HAD OF A TREE STUMP. THE STORY
WAS THAT ONE NIGHT A TERRIBLE MURDER WAS COMMITTED BY A TREE STUMP
OUTSIDE THE VILLAGE. AFTER THE MURDER PEOPLE WERE AFRAID TO GO BY
THE STUMP BECAUSE THEY BELIEVED IT WOULD STICK OUT ONE OF ITS
ROOTS AND TRIP PEOPLE AS THEY WALKED BY.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

Date learned: 10-03-1972