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Local Customs

I live in Northwest Arkansas. I'm a native Arkansan, but I've lived and traveled all over the country.

Most places, depending on their ancestry or other demographic differences, have different customs.

I invite you to read some of the customs here, and to post some of your own (don't forget to put where you're from):

When visiting someone, make sure you have to open the door with your elbow. (Meaning make sure you take something as a gift that has your hands full)
Never thank someone for the gift of a plant. (Superstition says that it will die)
If given a knife as a gift, you must pay for it - even if it's just a penny. (This will keep you from ever cutting yourself with it)
Never ever ever put shoes on the bed (either on your feet or off). (Shoes on the bed, someone soon will be dead)
You must plant your garden according to the signs (astrological). (i.e. Root crops when the signs are in the "feet"). Dig potatoes on the 4^th of July.
No burials on Sunday-no exceptions. (Most cemeteries won't even allow a grave to be opened on Sunday)

What are some of your local customs?

Posted by Gary Gay (GRI) - NW AR and SW Missouri Realtor on 09/09/2007 08:51 AM

Comments (5)

benton county, real estate, for sale, customs, local

Post is included in group: NWA Realtors Forum

5 Comments on Local Customs

wow, never heard any of these customs before.

James Boyer

09/09/2007 09:01 AM

by New Jersey Real Estate James Boyer Morris, Essex & Union County NJ Realtor (RE/MAX Properties Unlimited, Real Estate)

Interesting post, Gary

I enjoyed reading the local customs of your area and most of them are similar here too...except for the bed one, I've never heard that before !

-no floors in highrises numbered 13...they go right from 12 to 14

-if a bird hits your window or windshield and dies, it means you will have a death in your family ( I really don't believe this is true, however the 'old wives' did and do)

-if you knock over the salt shaker, you have to sprinkle it over your left shoulder so to avoid bad luck (another hokey one)

-don't step on any cracks or you will break your Mother's back

-always remove your footwear when you enter someone's house

that's all I can think of for now....thanks for a great post

09/09/2007 10:08 AM

by Jo-Anne Smith-Belleville, Quinte and Prince Edward Region Real Estate, Ont. (Royal Lepage Proalliance Realty, Brokerage)

Heard this from a Real Estate Trainer once - When you go to a house for a listing appointment always ask before you enter their house if they would like you to take your shoes off? Most will say no that's OK, but it shows them that you have respect for their house.

My strictly Southern Mom says: "You never visit someone's house empty handed" and almost 100% of the time what you have in your hands when you visit is FOOD.

09/09/2007 12:04 PM

by Debbie Cook (Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc)

Hi Gary, informative post on local customs. I hadn't heard of them before.

09/28/2007 02:27 PM

by Gary White~ Grand Rapids Real Estate, FLexIt Realty, a call or click away! (Flexit Realty~Serving West Michigan)

It's bad luck to walk under a ladder.

It's bad luck if a black cat crosses your path.

Carry a rabbit's foot in your purse for luck.

10/06/2007 08:27 PM

by Barbara S. Duncan ABR, CRS, GRI, e-PRO Searcy AR (RE/MAX Advantage)

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