The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

CROSSING OVER RAILROAD TRACKS

I REMEMBER WHEN I WAS ABOUT THIRTEEN,
WHENEVER DRIVING IN A CAR OVER RAILROAD TRACKS
YOU HAD TO LIFT YOUR FEET OFF THE FLOOR OF THE CAR,
PUT YOUR ARM UP INTO THE AIR, AND
MAKE A WISH. IF YOU DID NOT DO THIS
ONE DAY YOUR BOYFRIEND WOULD LEAVE YOU.

Submitter comment: INFORMANT RECALLS THAT FOR MANY YEARS
THIS TASK WAS PERFORMED WHEN CROSSING RAILROAD TRACKS,
AND STILL FINDS HERSELF PICKING UP HER FOOT WHEN DRIVING OVER TRACKS.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; OAK PARK

Date learned: 02-01-1972