The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

CIRCUMCISION RITE

THE CONTINUED USE OF FLINTS AS THE INSTRUMENT FOR
CIRCUMCISION UNTIL THE 17TH CENTURY IS CONNECTED TO
THE JEWISH LILITH MYTH. LILITH IS SAID TO BE
ADAM'S FIRST WIFE WHO LEFT HIM TO BEGET CHILDREN
WITH THE DEVIL.
IN ANCIENT TIMES, WHEN A GIRL WAS BORN, THE JEWS PUT AN
"X" ON THE WALL. FOR A BOY, THEY PUT AN "O"--
TO KEEP LILITH FROM INVADING THE SPIRIT OF THE BOY CHILD.
CIRCUMCISION BY FLINT WAS ACCOMPLISHED IN ONE FELL
SWOOP, AND EVOLVED FROM THE CIRCLE ON THE WALL
SUPERSTITION.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; BIRMINGHAM

Date learned: 02-24-1968