   Linea NigraSouthern Pregnancy Folklore About Baby GenderA Southern old wives’ tale and pregnancy superstition: a dark line running down the mother’s belly (linea nigra) means a boy, while a faint line means a girl. Hillbilly Dude Says...  You'll hear folks determining boy or girl from that line these days, it's another common one. Hillbilly Dude Says... You'll hear folks determining boy or girl from that line these days, it's another common one. OriginThis superstition has been told in the South and Appalachia for generations, often by older women watching for signs of a baby’s gender. Variations of this belief are also common in Latin America, the Mediterranean, and beyond. While it isn’t unique to the South, Southerners adopted it and passed it down right alongside other pregnancy folklore like carrying high versus low or the wedding ring test. NotesYou’ll still hear women say: "That dark line means you’re having a boy." In Southern families, it was treated as sure as science, even though modern medicine says the linea nigra has nothing to do with gender. Like other old wives’ tales, it’s mostly shared today as entertainment and tradition. DislaimerWhat you're reading here is old Southern folklore and storytelling - not medical advice, and not meant to guide health, or pregnancy decisions (especially pregnancy decisions!). These tales are part of how folks once made sense of the world, passed down from grandparents and midwives. If you have any medical questions or concerns, talk with a qualified healthcare professional. Learn more on the Folklore hub page. | ...
About Created by The Hillbilly Dude, this site is a growing field guide to culture, speech, memory, and meaning - rooted in Appalachia but reaching across the world. Every slang word, saying, accent and story is gathered from first-hand experience and trusted sources. The goal: preserve authentic voices and share them with writers, learners, and culture lovers everywhere - with a little humor thrown in here and there. Read more... |