The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

EACH NEW FAMILY WE VISITED, MY MOTHER INSISTED THAT
MY FATHER ENTER THE HOME FIRST. WHEN I ASKED HER
WHY, SHE SAID THAT IF A MAN (EXCLUDING ANY MALE
LIVING IN THE HOME) IS THE FIRST PERSON TO ENTER
THE HOUSE ON NEW YEAR'S DAY, THE FAMILY WILL HAVE
GOOD LUCK. BUT IF A WOMAN ENTERS THE HOUSE FIRST,
THERE WILL BE BAD LUCK FALL UPON THE HOUSE.

Submitter comment: INFORMANT LEARNED THIS SUPERSTITION AS A CHILD
IN WINDLIER, PENNSYLVANIA.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; WYANDOTTE