Does anyone know the saying for

why you give a penny to those who gave you a gift with a sharp edge, like a knife or cake server?

I forgot to give pennies to those who gave me these at my shower so I wanted to include them in their thank you cards but I can't think of what to say, why it's there. I know it's to not sever the friendship but does anyone have any suggestions on how I can word this?

Thanks?

Nope- I am wrong, sorry. I found this:

'The French have an age old custom to dispel any negative feels of giving a cutting item as a gift. If you give someone a knife, sword or scissors, then the receiver must give the giver a penny to bring good luck and no misfortune to the user.'

Knife superstitions
In some countries it is traditionally believed that the giving of a knife as a gift to a friend will cut or sever the relationship. To avoid such ill luck, the receiver should give a coin in return so as to 'pay' for the gift. It is common to include a penny, often taped to the blade, with a knife given as a gift which the receiver is to return as 'payment'.

Stirring liquids or powders with a knife is considered unlucky; as the rhyme says, 'Stir with a knife, stir up strife'.

In some cultures giving a knife as a gift is considered a sign of respect and trust. This is especially true in Finland where various non-governmental organizations, clubs and even government agencies traditionally give a puukko (a Finnish fixed-blade hunting/outdoor knife) as a gift to trusted employers or contacts. The puukko is always presented handle first as a sign of trust and friendly intentions.

In many places in the United States it is considered bad luck to hand an open, folding blade knife to someone. This is especially true in more rural areas where carrying a pocket knife is as common as carrying a set of keys. This most likely stems from the fact that it is just not a safe thing to do.

i googled this. i'llkeep looking

Yes, I heard about this one.. But they are suppose to include it as apart of the gift for you.
Otherwise it's bad luck.. like as if they were tearing you guys apart..
But you are not suppose to give it them.. at least as I understand it.
Are you superstitous ? If your not than don't even worry about it.. If you are than you must return them.

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Posted by Suzannebride

Nope- I am wrong, sorry. I found this:

'The French have an age old custom to dispel any negative feels of giving a cutting item as a gift. If you give someone a knife, sword or scissors, then the receiver must give the giver a penny to bring good luck and no misfortune to the user.'

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Great, thanks!