Why does my neighbor have a string with a rag on it across his front entrance?

Question

He is an elderly gentlemen and I think he might live alone or be widowed. For more than a year he has had a string across his front entrance with what looks like a handkerchief or a rag in the center. Is this some sort of bizarre custom and/or superstition, or is there a practical reason for it?

Answer 1

He is possibly trying to use it as a kind of warning system he may have a bell on the inside of the door to warn him of unwanted guests.