The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

CUSTOM

WHENEVER SOMEONE GIVES A SHARP OBJECT AS A GIFT IN HER FAMILY,
THE PERSON WHO RECEIVES THE SHARP OBJECT AS A GIFT GIVES THE GIVER
A PENNY TO SYMBOLIZE THAT THEIR FRIENDSHIP WILL NOT BREAK UP AS A
RESULT OF THE GIFT. THE SUPERSTITION, THAT GIVING A SHARP OBJECT
AS A GIFT WILL RESULT IN THE LOSS OF FRIENDSHIP, IS COUNTERACTED
BY THE PENNY.

Where learned: TOLD AT INFORMANTS HOME ; SAINT CLAIR

Keyword(s): GIFT FRIENDSHIP PENNY

Date learned: 02-27-1971