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CATHOLIC JOKE
A CIRCUS PERFORMER WENT TO CONFESSION TO A PRIEST WHO LOVED THE
CIRCUS BUT COULD NOT GET THERE THIS TIME AROUND. THE PERFORMER
TOLD THE PRIEST ABOUT SOME NEW CARTWHEELS AND HANDSTANDS THEY WERE
DOING. HE OFFERED TO SHOW THE PRIEST IN THE CENTER AISLE. HE DID
SO WHILE THE PRIEST WATCHED FROM THE CONFESSIONAL. MRS. O'BRIEN,
WAITING TO GO TO CONFESSION, SAID TO MRS. KELLY," MOTHER OF GOD,
LOOK AT THE PENANCE FR. FLANIGAN IS HANDING OUT AND ME WITH NO
BLOOMERS ON."
Where learned: FLORIDA ; KEY BISCAYNE
| Subject headings: | Favorites PROSE NARRATIVE -- Jest Anecdote |
Date learned: 09-00-1981
PROSE ROUND
ONCE UPON A TIME THERE WERE THREE BUMS SETTING BY THE FIRE, AND ONE
BUM SAID TO THE OTHER BUM, "TELL ME A STORY." AND THE OTHER BUM
SAID, "OOOOOK," AND THIS IS WHAT HE SAID. "ONCE UPON A TIME THERE
WERE THREE BUMS SETTING BY THE FIRE, AND ONE BUM SAID TO THE OTHER
BUM, "TELL ME A STORY." AND THE OTHER BUM SAID,"OOOOK," AND THIS
IS WHAT HE SAID..............
Submitter comment:
LAURA LEARNED THIS STORY FROM HER FATHER, GEORGE SYLVAIN. BOTH
HE AND HIS BROTHER TOLD THIS STORY TO THEIR CHILDREN FOR AS LONG
AS THEY CAN REMEMBER.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; Mount Clemens
| Subject headings: | Favorites PROSE NARRATIVE -- Formula tale |
Date learned: 10-00-1981
HANGING SPOONS ON THE NOSE
AFTER A PERSON HAS HAD A FEW DRINKS (OF ANY KIND) THEY HAVE TO TRY
TO HANG A SPOON FROM THEIR NOSE. THIS IS DONE BY BREATHING ON THE
SPOON TO MAKE IT SLIGHTLY MOIST. THEN YOU STICK THE ROUND END TO
YOUR NOSE. IF IT DOESN'T HANG THERE YOU HAVE TO DRINK. EVENTUALLY
THE GAME GETS RATHER ELABORATE. YOU HAVE TO BE ABLE TO WALK, DANCE,
AND TALK WITH THE SPOON HANGING FROM YOUR NOSE. NEEDLESS TO SAY
EVERYONE GETS QUITE DRUNK. THE DRUNKER YOU ARE THE HARDER IT IS
TO GET THE SPOON TO HANG FROM YOUR NOSE.
Submitter comment:
THIS GAME IS PLAYED OFTEN WITH LAURA'S RELATIVES IN HARBOR SPRINGS.
EVERYONE IN HER FAMILY IS GOOD AT HANGING SPOONS FROM THEIR NOSES.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; Mount Clemens
| Subject headings: | Favorites Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Bodily Activity |
Date learned: 10-00-1981
ACADEMIC FOLKLORE
SOME PEOPLE I WAS ATTENDING SCHOOL WITH AT CENTRAL MICHIGAN UNIV.
WERE MEMBERS OF THE THETA CHI FRATERNITY. ONE OF THE MEMBERS
TOLD ME ABOUT WHAT HAPPENED TO ONE OF THEIR RUSH MEMBERS THE YEAR
BEFORE. THE FRAT MEMBERS TOOK A PLEDGE AND BLIND FOLDED HIM AND
PUT HIM IN A CAR. THEY DROVE ALL THE WAY TO INDIANA WITH HIM AND
LEFT HIM IN THE MIDDLE OF A MAN'S FIELD. THE GUY HAD NO IDEA WHERE
HE WAS BUT HE SAW A FARMHOUSE AND WENT UP TO IT. HE ASKED THE
FARMER WHERE HE WAS AND EXPLAINED WHAT HAD HAPPENED TO HIM. THE
FARMER GOT A BIG KICK OUT OF IT BECAUSE HE HAD BEEN IN A FRAT WHEN
HE WAS IN COLLEGE. THE FARMER SAID HE WOULD HELP THE GUY GET BACK
TO SCHOOL. HE HAD A PLANE FOR DUSTING CROPS AND HE FLEW THE GUY
BACK TO MT. PLEASANT IN THE PLANE. THE RUSH MEMBER MADE IT BACK
TO THE FRAT HOUSE BEFORE THE OTHER GUYS AND WAS WAITING THERE FOR
THEM. WHEN THEY ARRIVED BACK HE SAID, "WHAT TOOK YOU SO LONG?"
Submitter comment:
THIS WAS TOLD TO ME ABOUT FIVE YEARS AGO (1976) WHEN I WAS A LITTLE
SISTER TO THE THETA CHI FRATERNITY.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; ROYAL OAK
| Subject headings: | Favorites PROSE NARRATIVE -- Legend CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- School CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Initiation rite Hazing |
Date learned: 11-00-1981
ITALIAN JOKE
AN ITALIAN PUT AN ADVERTISEMENT IN THE PAPERS THAT HE HAD DISCOVERED
A METHOD OF WRITING WITHOUT PEN AND INK, AND THAT HE WOULD GIVE THE
SECRET FOR A SMALL FEE. IN A FEW DAYS HE WAS FLOODED WITH REQUESTS
FROM ALL OVER THE COUNTRY, TO WHICH HE REPLIED: "WRITE WITH PENCIL."
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; WARREN
James Callow Keyword(s): TRICKSTER, ITALIAN
| Subject headings: | Favorites PROSE NARRATIVE -- Jest Anecdote ITAL |
Date learned: 02-25-1982
EVIL EYE
THE MOLOQUE IS A HAND GESTURE THAT HAS THE FIRST AND FOURTH FINGER
POINTING STRAIGHT UP WITH THE OTHER TWO FINGERS AND THUMB CLENCHED
IN A FIST.
Submitter comment:
THE MOLOQUE IS USED BY A PERSON AGAINST SOMEONE WHO IS EITHER
ENVIOUS OF OR SAYING BAD THINGS ABOUT THAT PERSON. IT IS MOST OFTEN
FLASHED SOMEWHERE THE ENVIOUS PERSON CAN'T SEE IT (BEHIND A THIGH
OR IN A POCKET, FOR EXAMPLE). IT IS BELIEVED TO "REPULSE" WHATEVER
"SIGNALS" OR "VIBES" THE ENVIOUS PERSON IS SENDING OUT.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; WARREN
| Subject headings: | Favorites BELIEF -- Bird SPEECH -- Gesture |
Date learned: 02-25-1982
HOLY WEEK CUSTOM
AN ITALIAN CUSTOM FOR HOLY THURSDAY IS TO VISIT SEVEN CHURCHES.
A FAMILY WOULD SPEND A HALF-HOUR IN EACH CHURCH AND SAY PRAYERS AS A
FORM OF PENANCE.
Submitter comment:
THIS IS DONE IN ITALY BUT NOT IN THE UNITED STATES. THE FAMILY
WOULD WALK TO EACH CHURCH, SO THEY PICKED THOSE THAT WERE CLOSE.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; WARREN
| Subject headings: | 663 Holy Thursday 686 Seven / Sevenths / Several Favorites BELIEF -- Church BELIEF -- Prayer |
Date learned: 02-25-1982
DUCK ON A ROCK
THE GAME WAS CALLED "DUCK ON A ROCK" AND INVOLVED MANY PLAYERS.
ONE KID WAS "IT" AND THE REST WOULD GO AND HIDE ANYWHERE ON THE
STREET. A TIN CAN (THE "DUCK") WAS PLACED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE
STREET. AS THE PLAYER WHO WAS "IT" SEARCHED FOR THE HIDERS, ONE OF
THE KIDS WOULD RUN TO THE CAN. IF HE/SHE BEAT "IT" TO THE CAN,
HE/SHE WOULD PICK IT UP AND THROW IT DOWN THE STREET. "IT" WOULD
THEN HAVE TO GO GET THE CAN WHILE EVERYONE CHANGED HIDING PLACES.
IF "IT" WON THE RACE TO THE CAN, THE OTHER KID WOULD BECOME "IT."
THE PERSON WHO WAS "IT" COULD ALSO CHANGE PLACES WITH A HIDER IF
HE DISCOVERED THE HIDER BEFORE ANYONE THREW THE DUCK.
Submitter comment:
THIS GAME WAS PLAYED IN PENNSYLVANIA BY THE INFORMANT, JOHN KOWATCH,
BETWEEN 1920-1925. OFTEN, ONE OF THE KIDS WHO GOT TO THE CAN BEFORE
"IT" WOULD THROW THE CAN IN THE DIRECTION OF ANOTHER KID'S HIDING
PLACE, HOPING TO GIVE THE LATTER AWAY.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; ROSEVILLE
| Subject headings: | Favorites Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Special Object or Implement |
Date learned: 03-22-1982
POLISH WEDDING CUSTOM
ONE OF THE CUSTOMS AT WEDDINGS WAS TO TRY TO SMASH A DISH BY THROWING
SILVER DOLLARS AT IT. THE BRIDE AND GROOM WOULD SIT AT A TABLE WITH
PLATES SPREAD OUT IN FRONT OF THEM. THE MEN AT THE WEDDING WOULD
COME BY, ONE AT A TIME, AND THROW A SILVER DOLLAR AT THE PLATE. IF
IT BROKE, THE "THROWER" WOULD GET TO DANCE WITH THE BRIDE. IF IT
DIDN'T, THE NEXT GUY WOULD TAKE A TURN.
Submitter comment:
THIS CUSTOM WAS BROUGHT OVER FROM POLAND AND WAS EXTREMELY POPULAR
IN THE YEARS FROM 1900 TO 1930. ITS PURPOSE WAS TO RAISE MONEY
FOR THE NEWLYWEDS. IT DIED OUT IN THE LATE 1930'S.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; ROSEVILLE
| Subject headings: | Favorites CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Marriage |
Date learned: 03-22-1982
GAME VERSE
SPRING HAS SPRUNG,
THE GRASS HAS RIZ.
I WONDER WHERE THE FLOWERS IS
Submitter comment:
WE ALWAYS SAID THIS ON THE FIRST SPRING-LIKE DAY AFTER A COLD
WINTER. IT WAS THE ONLY TIME MY PARENTS TOLERATED BAD GRAMMAR.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; ROYAL OAK
Date learned: 00001960S
FINDING A FOUR-LEAF CLOVER IN YOUR YARD BRINGS YOU GOOD LUCK
(MORE SO THAN FINDING IT IN SOMEONE ELSE'S YARD)
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; ROYAL OAK
| Subject headings: | 686 Fourths / Quarters Favorites BELIEF -- Plant BELIEF -- Good luck Plants |
Date learned: 00001960S
BODY PART BELIEFS
IF A PART OF YOUR BODY GOES TO "SLEEP", LICKING YOUR FINGER
AND DRAWING AN "X" ON THE PART WILL MAKE IT GO AWAY.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; ROYAL OAK
| Subject headings: | Favorites BELIEF -- Body part Senses BELIEF -- Sign Geometric figure Cross and its various modifications BELIEF -- Remedy BELIEF -- Method of Curing SPEECH -- Gesture |
Date learned: 00001970S
WHEN THE OPPOSITE SEX COMES NEAR YOU, CROSS THE FIRST TWO FINGERS
OF YOUR RIGHT HAND AND PLACE THEM ON THE BACK OF YOUR LEFT HAND.
THIS PROTECTS YOU FROM "COOTIES".
Submitter comment:
THIS IS FOR GRADE SCHOOL CHILDREN, WHO ARE CONVINCED THAT THE
OPPOSITE SEX CARRIES SOME SORT OF INFECTIOUS GERM (COOTIES).
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; ROYAL OAK
Date learned: 00001960S
EACH APRIL THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE SAINT FRANCIS CLUB MEETS ONE
LAST TIME BEFORE THE NEWLY-ELECTED BOARD TAKES OFFICE. THE SAINT
FRANCIS CLUB IS A UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT SOCIAL COOPERATIVE AND
STUDENT ORGANIZATION. FOR THE LAST MEETING OF THE OLD BOARD, ALL
FORMALITY IS DROPPED BECAUSE IT IS NOT REALLY MEANT TO BE A SERIOUS
MEETING. THE OFFICIAL REPORTS THAT ARE NORMALLY GIVEN ARE
DISCOURAGED, AND IT IS REALLY AN OCCASION FOR JOKING AND DRINKING AND
JUST HAVING A GOOD TIME IN THE TRADITONAL CLUB SPIRIT, WHILE THE
SECRETARY RECORDS THE MINUTES BACKWARDS (SO THAT THEY MUST BE READ
IN A MIRROR). THIS HAS BEEN AN ANNUAL TRADITION FOR SOME TIME NOW,
AND THE ENTIRE BOARD USUALLY SHOWS UP FOR THIS MEETING, AN OTHERWISE
RARE OCCURENCE.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT ; CAMPUS
James Callow Keyword(s): POSITION DIRECTION
| Subject headings: | Favorites CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- April CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- School |
Date learned: 03-00-1979
SELLING SALT AT NIGHT BRINGS ILL LUCK TO THE SHOPKEEPER. THIS BELIEF
IS SO DEEP-ROOTED THAT ONE WILL NEVER SUCCEED IN PERSUADING A SHOP-
KEEPER TO GIVE SALT AT ANY TIME DURING THE NIGHT.
Where learned: TANZANIA ; EAST AFRICA
| Subject headings: | Favorites BELIEF -- Mineral BELIEF -- Work Commerce Business BELIEF -- Measure of time WeekDayHour BELIEF -- Bad luck Food and drink |
Date learned: 03-00-1982
TO SWEEP AT NIGHT IS TO CHASE AWAY BLESSINGS.
Submitter comment:
THIS AFRICAN BELIEF CAUTIONS ONE AGAINST SWEEPING UP SOMETHING OF
VALUE AND THROWING IT AWAY IN THE DARK.
Where learned: TANZANIA ; EAST AFRICA
| Subject headings: | Favorites BELIEF -- Measure of time WeekDayHour BELIEF -- Bad luck Broom Sweeping |
Date learned: 03-00-1982
THE JEWISH PEOPLE CONSIDER IT VERY GOOD LUCK IF YOU HAVE 17 CENTS
IN YOUR POCKET.
Submitter comment: LEARNED IN BROOKLYN, NEW YORK
Where learned: NEW YORK ; BROOKLYN
| Subject headings: | Favorites BELIEF -- Measure of quality Monetary systemMoneyWealth BELIEF -- Number P686.1.17 BELIEF -- Good luck Money |
Date learned: 00-00-1975
THE JEWISH LUCKY NUMBER IS 17. THIS IS BECAUSE 17 IS THE JEWISH
SYMBOL FOR LIFE
Submitter comment: LEARNED IN BROOKLYN, NEW YORK
Where learned: NEW YORK ; BROOKLYN
| Subject headings: | Favorites BELIEF -- Number P686.1.17 |
Date learned: 00-00-1975
NEVER START PLANTING ON A FRIDAY BECAUSE IT IS BAD LUCK.
Submitter comment: THIS WAS ORIGINALLY LEARNED IN WATERTOWN, NEW YORK
Where learned: NEW YORK ; WATERTOWN
| Subject headings: | Favorites BELIEF -- Plant husbandry Farming BELIEF -- Measure of time WeekDayHour BELIEF -- Bad luck Time (year, season, week, hour, etc.) Occasion Event |
Date learned: 00-00-1940
ON GOOD FRIDAY, THE HOUSE IS OPEN TO THE ENTIRE COMMUNITY.
ONLY BREAD AND WATER IS SERVED BECAUSE THE ENTIRE COMMUNITY EATS
ONLY ONE MEAL FROM THURSDAY TO SUNDAY.
Submitter comment:
THE CITY OF WATERTOWN, IS ONE OF THE LARGER UPPER NEW YORK STATE
CITIES. THERE IS A VERY DIVERSIFIED GROUPS OF PEOPLE. MY FATHER
LIVED IN A MOSTLY. ITALIAN SECTION OF THE CITY
THE ITALIANS DO NOT EAT FROM DINNER WEDNESDAY TO EASTER DINNER ON
SUNDAY AFTERNOON.
THIS WAS ORIGINALLY LEARNED IN WATERTOWN, NEW YORK
Where learned: NEW YORK ; WATERTOWN
| Subject headings: | Favorites CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- F633 F633.12 Food Drink -- Typical menus for the various meals For meal hours, see F574.84. Special or festive meals |
Date learned: 00-00-1942