The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

THE YOUNG LADIES OF RUTH'S NEIGHBORHOOD EAGERLY AWAIT
APPLE SEASON SO THAT THEY CAN BAKE PIES AND CAKES AND
STRUDELS. IN ORDER TO MAKE THESE, THE APPLES MUST
BE PEELED. PARING OR PEELING IS A TRICKY SKILL. IF
THEY CAN SUCCESSFULLY PARE THE WHOLE APPLE WITHOUT
BREAKING OR CUTTING THE PEELING, THEN THEY THROW
THE PEEL OVER THEIR LEFT SHOULDERS. THEY BELIEVE
THE PEEL WILL FALL SO THAT THE INITIAL OF THEIR
BELOVED IS FORMED.

Submitter comment: I ONLY PRESUME THAT SOME OF THE PIES, CAKES,
DUMPLINGS, AND STRUDELS WENT TO THE BELOVED.

Where learned: HIGHLAND PARK ; ILLINOIS

Date learned: 04-08-1967