The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

IT WAS TOLD TO ME BY A BLACK MAN THAT IT WAS UNLUCKY TO
RECEIVE A KNIFE WITHOUT PAYING FOR IT. THEREFORE, HE SAID
I SHOULD NEVER RECEIVE A KNIFE AS A GIFT, BUT MUST AT
LEAST GIVE THE PERSON WHO WAS OFFERING ME THE KNIFE A
PENNY. THE MAN COULD HAVE THOUGHT THAT BY PAYING FOR
THE KNIFE IT WAS MORE PERSONALLY HIS AND THEREBY THE
KNIFE WOULD PROTECT HIM MORE WHEN HE USED IT.

Where learned: TENNESSEE ; NASHVILLE

Subject headings:

BELIEF -- Street Trip Relations between relatives, friends, host and guest Social class Rank
BELIEF -- Measure of quality Medium of exchange
BELIEF -- Measure of quality Monetary systemMoneyWealth
BELIEF -- Bad luck Sharp objects
BELIEF -- Conversions Money

Date learned: NOT GIVEN