The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

A BUTTON IN THE POTATOES

AT THE BOARDING SCHOOL I WENT TO FOR HIGH SCHOOL, EVERY YEAR ON THE
DAY BEFORE LENT STARTS, CALLED SHROVE TUESDAY, THE COOKS WOULD
PREPARE THE POTATOES WITH A RING, A BUTTON, AND A MEDAL IN EACH ONE
(BOWL). TRADITION HAD IT THAT THOSE RECEIVING A BUTTON WOULD BE
AN OLD MAID; THOSE WITH A RING, MARRIED; AND THOSE WITH A MEDAL,
BECOME NUNS.

Where learned: WISCONSIN ; SUN PRAIRIE

Keyword(s): RELIGIOUS CUSTOM

Date learned: UNKNOWN