The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

MY MOTHER ONCE TOLD ME OF THIS METHOD OF PREDICTING
THE NUMBER OF CHILDREN, BOYS AND GIRLS, WE WERE TO
HAVE ONCE MARRIED. WE'D HOLD A NEEDLE DANGLING
FROM THREAD ABOVE OUR LEFT WRIST. IF THE NEEDLE
MOVED BACK AND FORTH HORIZONTALLY, IT WAS A BOY;
IF IT MOVED IN A CIRCULAR PATH, WE'D HAVE A GIRL. THE
NEEDLE REALLY WOULD MOVE IN THESE DIRECTIONS, BUT
WE'VE YET TO DISCOVER IF THIS METHOD IS VERY VALID
BUT IT'S FUN.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; GROSSE POINTE WOODS

Date learned: 10-08-1971