James Callow Folklore Archive
Dr. James T. Callow publications
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The James T. Callow Folklore Archive
SPIDER KILLING TABOO
IN IRELAND IT IS TABOO TO KILL SPIDERS BECAUSE SPIDERS WERE SUPPOSED
TO BUILD GIANT WEBS INTO WHICH PEOPLE CRAWLED TO HEAR MASS.
Submitter comment:
INFORMANT RELATED THAT THE ABOVE WAS TRUE BECAUSE THE CATHOLICS
WERE BEING KILLED AND THEIR CHURCHES BURNT, AND THIS WAS THE ONLY
WAY THEY COULD HAVE MASS.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Insect |
Date learned: 02-00-1971