The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

IN AUSTRIA-HUNGARY IN THE PAST CENTURY THERE WAS A WOMAN WITH FIVE
CHILDREN WHO ONE DAY REFUSED A GYPSY MALE SOME FOOD OR MONEY. HE
MUTTERED SOMETHING AND WENT AWAY. THE NEXT MORNING, WHEN THE WOMAN
OPENED THE WINDOW IN HER KITCHEN - THE WINDOWS OPENED INWARDS - SHE
FOUND A DAGGER STICKING IN THE MIDDLE OF THE SILL. BEFORE THE YEAR
WAS UP SHE HAD LOST ALL OF HER FIVE CHILDREN TO DEATH, EACH SEPA-
RATELY. SHE TURNED TO DRINK AND LOST HER WILL TO LIVE. HER HUSBAND
REFUSED SYMPATHY AND BEAT HER UP INSTEAD. SHE FELL, BROKE HER HIP
AND DIED SHORTLY AFTER.

Submitter comment:

INFORMANT SAYS THAT AS HER MOTHER TOLD HER THE STORY, IT WAS HER
MOTHER'S SISTER THAT THIS HAPPENED TO - THE INFORMANT'S GREAT AUNT.

Data entry tech comment:

Updated by TRD

James Callow comment:

THE COLLECTOR'S GREAT AUNT?
CK[ CURSE

Where learned: OHIO ; CLEVELAND

James Callow Keyword(s): CURSE

Date learned: 09-10-1972