The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

IN DETERMINING THE SEX OF AN UNBORN CHILD, WHILE
STILL IN THE MOTHER'S WOMB, A SPECIAL MEDALLION
WAS USED. THE MEDALLION WAS SILVER AND WAS HUNG FROM
A RATHER LENGTHY CHAIN. IT WAS HUNG IN FRONT OF
THE PREGNANT WOMAN'S ABDOMEN BY A FRIEND. THE
MEDALLION WAS THEN REPORTED TO BEGIN TO SPIN ON
THE CHAIN. IF THE OBJECTS SPINS TO THE LEFT, THE
CHILD IS A GIRL, IF TO THE RIGHT, THE CHILD IS A
BOY.

Submitter comment: THE INFORMANT'S SOURCE WAS A FORMER NEIGHBOR IN
DEARBORN, MICHIGAN, WHOSE NAME SHE COULD NOT
REMEMBER. SHE REMEMBERED THE NEIGHBOR AS BEING
FROM THE SOUTH.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DEARBORN

Date learned: 06-00-1963