   Pregnancy CravingsSouthern Folklore About Baby GenderA Southern old wives’ tale and pregnancy superstition: if a mother craves sweet foods, it means she’s carrying a girl; if she craves salty or sour foods, it means a boy. Hillbilly Dude Says...  This one's like the others in this category - it comes up often when you're expectin'. Hillbilly Dude Says... This one's like the others in this category - it comes up often when you're expectin'. OriginThis superstition has been told in the South and Appalachia for generations, usually by older women watching what an expectant mother reached for at the dinner table. While variations of the craving tale appear in Europe and other places, Southerners adopted it and passed it down right alongside other pregnancy folklore like the wedding ring test or carrying high versus low. NotesEven today, you’ll hear folks say: "She keeps wanting sweets - must be a girl." Or, "All them salty cravings mean a boy for sure." For most, it’s playful guessing, but many Southern grannies once took this old wives’ tale to heart. 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... |