The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

IT IS A COMMON BELIEF AMONG GRAVEDIGGERS (OR WAS) THAT
A DEAD MAN'S "REST" WILL BE DETERMINED BY THE QUALITY OF
THE EARTH IN WHICH HE IS BURIED--THAT IF IT IS SOFT AND
CLAYLIKE, HE WILL NOT BE DISTURBED, BUT IF IT IS HARD
AND STONY, HIS GHOST WILL BE RESTLESS.

Data entry tech comment:

Updated by TRD

Where learned: TENNESSEE ; NASHVILLE

Keyword(s): AFTERLIFE ; BELIEF ; Clay ; GHOST ; GHOSTS ; Grave ; Gravedigger ; Haunt ; Peace ; QUALITY ; Rock ; Soil