picked up the caul from his first child, which he always carried with him
Was this a thing ?
Yes, it absolutely was a thing — and still is in some cultural and historical contexts.
What is a caul?
A caul is a piece of the amniotic sac that sometimes remains on a baby’s head or face at birth. It’s rare (about 1 in 80,000 births), and for centuries it has been surrounded by superstition and symbolism.
Why would someone keep it?
Historically, the caul was considered:
• A good luck charm: Especially in European folklore, being born with a caul was thought to bring lifelong protection and fortune.
• A sign of a special destiny: Some believed it meant the child would never drown, or that they were destined for greatness or second sight.
• A protective talisman: Sailors in particular prized cauls. They would sometimes buy them from midwives and keep them as a charm against drowning.
Carried around?
Yes, it was common for parents or even the person born with the caul to dry it, preserve it in a locket, envelope, or pouch, and carry it on their person — much like a relic or amulet.
In literature
This tradition shows up in literature too. For example:
• In David Copperfield by Charles Dickens, David is born with a caul, and it becomes a plot point when it’s sold to a superstitious buyer.
• In other novels, especially those with maritime or magical themes, cauls are often referenced as protective charms.
So yes — carrying a caul from a first child was a real and meaningful tradition to many, especially in earlier centuries.
