The Argyle Sweater by Scott Hilburn for August 09, 2015

Giving the officer flak?

When I was a kid it was fun trying to avoid the cracks in the sidewalk. Really messed up your stride.

Son Zach.

I remember it as: “Step on a crack, break your mother’s back”. Fits the cartoon – see the footprint on the sidewalk crack.

Thanks- I didn’t get it.

Pop out the sty?

Stepping on a crack, break you mothers back.

Clever! LOL!

From the footprint, somebody stepped on a LINE, not a crack – step on a line, you’ll break your mother’s spine!

How about my favorite horror story, “If I should die before I wake”……

“Ack!” – Bill the Cat

Poor Bilan, everyone jumping on you, and all you did was provide a little information. Sorry about that.Now, for those who need to know but don’t want to look for themselves, (citation below), in ancient times through several cultures, cracks in the earth, walls, doors…pretty much anywhere, could be an opening to another world, usually the under world. To step on a crack was to tempt fate and generally bring woe to oneself and one’s family. This included broken backs. So cracks were to be avoided if possible. The rhymes just made it easy to remember to avoid the cracks.

Encyclopedia of American Popular Beliefs and SuperstitionsJohn A. DowellAmerican Culture StudiesB.G.S.U.Bowling Green, OH 43403