The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

DETERMINING THE SEX OF AN UNBORN CHILD

THE EXPECTANT MOTHER HOLDS OUT HER LEFT HAND. ANOTHER PERSON
TAKES A NEEDLE SUSPENDED FROM A THREAD AND RUBS IT AGAINST THE
RIGHT SIDE OF HER HAND. AFTER THIS IS DONE, THE NEEDLE
IS HELD OVER HER PALM - IF THE NEEDLE GOES IN CIRCLES IT'S GOING
TO BE A GIRL AND IF IT GOES STRAIGHT BACK AND FORTH IT'S GOING
TO BE A BOY.

Submitter comment: THIS CUSTOM OF DETERMINING THE SEX OF AN UNBORN CHILD WAS USED
ON INFORMANT'S WIFE BY INFORMANT'S MOTHER.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

Date learned: 11-22-1974