The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

THE SEVEN YEARS BAD LUCK ATTACHED TO A BROKEN MIRROR
IS SAID TO HAVE ORIGINATED DURING SLAVERY, WHEN
MIRRORS WERE HIGHLY EXPENSIVE AND OBTAINED ONLY
THROUGH IMPORT FROM ENGLAND. WHEN A SLAVE WAS
CARELESS WITH THE VALUED ITEM, ITS OWNER WOULD WINCE
AND WARN, "CAREFUL, CAREFUL...YOU'LL HAVE
SEVEN YEARS BACK LUCK IF YOU BREAK THAT MIRROR."

Where learned: TENNESSEE ; NASHVILLE

James Callow Keyword(s): ACCIDENT

Date learned: 00001965 SUMMER