Lucky Crystals

General information about item:

Informant Data:

NS is a female current Dartmouth College sophomore in the graduating class of 2024. She is originally from Colts Neck, New Jersey and currently resides in Hanover, New Hampshire. She plans to major in Environmental Studies at Dartmouth. NS runs the 1500, 3000, and 5000 for track and the 5k and 6k for cross country.

Contextual Data:

Cultural Context: Athletes often have rituals that they follow before big events or competitions. Not only do these rituals act as an way to soothe one’s mindset before they compete, but it leaves little room for the error. These rituals originate from a desire to feel as in control as possible as to leave no variable up to chance when leading up to such a high stakes event. Rituals can be seen as a global phenomenon for athletes in order to prepare themselves.For NS, she has specific crystals that she carries around and sleeps with the night before a race- her crystals resemble luck and purity.
Social Context: Rituals are accepted throughout the athletic community and beyond- it is something to make one feel more comfortable in a situation that they have little control over. Additionally, rituals are an individualized action even if many people in society are involved in this act- depending on the individual their ritual can be serious or playful. Rituals are used for individuals to feel connected to something they are used to before they enter a situation of the unknown.

Item:

“I have specific crystals that I carry around and sleep with the night before a race. To me, these crystals represent good luck and provide me with a sense of security. I have always been a very ritualistic and spiritual person. I have a lot of rituals in my everyday life. Racing brings out a lot of these rituals. I think these rituals have a lot to do with a desire to be in control and feel a sense of comfort in a situation that is very uncomfortable. However, I have learned to become more adaptable in college because it is not possible to maintain all of the same rituals here.”

Associate file (a video, audio, or image file):

Collector’s Comments:

I found this to be a very unique ritual/superstition out of the many that I collected. While many of my items had some overlapping features, the crystals that this informant uses were extremely unique to her which I admired.

Collector’s Name: Anna Brause

Tags/Keywords:

Dartmouth Folklore Archive