James Callow Folklore Archive
Dr. James T. Callow publications
Browse by
Questions or comments on this site? Please email davidsor@udmercy.edu.
The James T. Callow Folklore Archive
A NEEDLE HANGING ON A THREAD THAT IS 18 INCHES LONG
WILL TELL IF A PERSON IS LYING OR TELLING THE TRUTH.
IF THE NEEDLE SWINGS IN A STRAIGHT LINE WITHOUT ANY
AGITATION, THE PERSON IS TELLING THE TRUTH.
IF THE NEEDLE BEGINS TO SWING IN A CIRCLE WITHOUT
ANY AGITATION, THE PERSON IS LYING.
Submitter comment:
INFORMANT CLAIMS THAT THIS METHOD WAS USED IN
DETERMINING WHETHER OR NOT A PERSON WAS TELLING THE
TRUTH. SHE REMEMBERS THIS FROM HER CHILDHOOD.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
James Callow Keyword(s): POSITION DIRECTION
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Use of Object Domestic object, wax, needle, dishware |
Date learned: 10-09-1971