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THERE WAS A YOUNG FELLOW NAMED WIER,
WHO HADN'T AN ATOM OF FEAR.
HE INDULGED A DESIRE,
TO TOUCH A LIVE WIRE.
(MOST ANY LAST LINE WILL DO HERE.)
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
Keyword(s): FUNCTION AND GENRE ; HUMOR LIMERICK ; INDIRECTION ; METER: IAMBIC ; RHYME: MASCULINE, AABBA ; STRUCTURE, PATTERN AND FORM ; SUBJECT SOUND RHYME: ; TONE AND POINT OF VIEW
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Narrative Verse |
GOOD LUCK IN THEATRE: "BREAK A LEG."
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT
James Callow Keyword(s): FORMULA SPEECH
| Subject headings: | DRAMA -- Secular BELIEF -- Good luck Activities SPEECH -- Formula |
Date learned: 11-30-1967
SAMA DAVA
SAMA DAVA LITERALLY MEANS 'ALONE MAIDENS' IN BULGARIAN. THESE
ARE YOUNG AND BEAUTIFUL GIRLS WHO HAVE BEEN ABDUCTED BY EVIL
SPIRITS AND TAKEN INTO THE WOODS. HERE THEY REMAIN IMMORTAL,
AS THEY TRY TO TEMPT YOUNG SHEPHERD BOYS INTO JOINING THEM. THE
SAMA DAVA RETURN TO MORTAL WOMEN, IF THEIR SPECIAL CLOTHING IS
STOLEN BY SOME FORTUNATE MAN.
Submitter comment:
THE INFORMANT SAID PEASANTS GAVE US THE EXPLANATION OF THE SAMA
DAVA TO EXPLAIN THE DISSAPPEARANCE OF YOUNG GIRLS AND SHEPHERD
BOYS IN RURAL AREAS.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
James Callow Keyword(s): ETIOLOGICAL ; TRANSFORMATION
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Ghost Spirit Phantom Specter BELIEF -- Supernatural Being |
Date learned: 03-21-1970
SUPERSTITION
HAIRS, WHEN LEFT IN WATER, TURN TO WORMS.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; GRAND RAPIDS
James Callow Keyword(s): TRANSFORMATION
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Body part Senses BELIEF -- Insect |
Date learned: 10-00-1971
FAIRY BELIEF
PALLICKS FARTH WAS A HALF MILE FROM MY HOME, A DRUMBLIN OR
RIDGE OF DIRT 8010 FEET HIGH, SHAPED LIKE A BIG BOWL. EVERY NIGHT
AFTER SUNDOWN THE LEPRECHAUNS WOULD COME AND DANCE UNTIL THE COCKS
WOULD CROW IN THE MORNING AND BY SOME MYSTERIOUS POWER,
THEY WOULD PULL UP A BOWLEN, THAT IS WHAT WE CALL THE GOLDEN ROD.
THEY COULD TURN IT INTO A HORSE AND RIDE OFF UNTIL THE NEXT EVENING.
Where learned: NEW YORK ; ROCHESTER
James Callow Keyword(s): TRANSFORMATION
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Fairy Elf Goblin Gnome |
Date learned: 03-11-1972
TRUTH
DON'T TAKE ANY WOODEN NICKELS.
Submitter comment: HIS GRANDFATHER SAID THIS.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; YPSILANTI
James Callow Keyword(s): ADVICE: NEGATIVE ; GULLIBILITY ; LEAVETAKING FORMULA
| Subject headings: | SPEECH -- Formula PROVERB -- Proverbial Apothegm Maxim |
Date learned: 10-15-1967
WHO BECOMES A VAMPIRE
UNBAPTISED PEOPLE BURIED IN UNHALLOWED GROUND WILL BECOME VAMPIRES.
Where learned: ENGLAND ; WORCESTER
James Callow Keyword(s): TRANSFORMATION
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Baptism Naming rite CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Death Funeral Burial BELIEF -- Werewolf Vampire |
Date learned: 04-00-1972
THE FOLLOWING IS A VERSE THE RESPONDENT LEARNED FROM A CUSTOMER WHO
SAID IT WAS AN OLD MEXICAN SAYING:
"HE WHO DRINKS GETS DRUNK;
HE WHO GETS DRUNK GOES TO SLEEP;
HE WHO GOES TO SLEEP DOES NOT SIN;
HE WHO DOES NOT SIN GOES TO HEAVEN;
SO LETS ALL DRINK AND GO TO HEAVEN."
Where learned: DETROIT ; PAT SULLIVANS TAVERN
James Callow Keyword(s): ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES ; CUMULATIVE FORMULA ; RATIONALIZATION
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Verse without Music Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Food Drink C855.447 |
Date learned: 10-00-1975
RIDDLE QUESTION
WHAT DO YOU CALL A 6FT. 7IN. NATIVE WHO IS MEAN
AND UGLY LOOKING AND WHO HAS A SPEAR IN BOTH HANDS?
SIR
Submitter comment:
THE INFORMANT RECALLED HEARING THE RIDDLE ONLY TWO WEEKS EARLIER
FROM A FRIEND AT GEORGETOWN UNIVERSITY. THE FRIEND COULD NOT RECALL
WHEN OR FROM WHOM HE HEARD IT.
Where learned: WASHINGTON DC
Keyword(s): CATCH ; FORM OF ADDRESS
| Subject headings: | RIDDLE -- Riddle Question |
Date learned: 09-26-1963
THERE'S A HOLE IN THE BUCKET
1. THERE'S A HOLE IN THE BUCKET, DEAR IVAN, DEAR IVAN,
THERE'S A HOLE IN THE BUCKET, DEAR IVAN, A HOLE.
2. THEN PATCH IT DEAR LIZA, DEAR LIZA, DEAR LIZA,
THEN PATCH IT DEAR LIZA, DEAR LIZA, PATCH IT.
3. WITH WHAT SHALL I PATCH IT, DEAR IVAN, DEAR IVAN?
WITH WHAT SHALL I PATCH IT, DEAR IVAN, WITH WHAT?
4. WITH A STICK, DEAR LIZA ,ETC.
5. BUT THE STICK IS TOO LONG, DEAR IVAN, ETC.
6. THEN CHOP IT DEAR LIZA, ETC.
7. WITH WHAT SHALL I CHOP IT, DEAR IVAN, ETC.
8. WITH THE AX, DEAR LIZA,ETC.
9. BUT THE AX IS TOO DULL, DEAR IVAN, ETC.
10. THEN SHARPEN IT, DEAR LIZA, ETC.
11. WITH WHAT SHALL I SHARPEN IT, DEAR IVAN, ETC.
12. WITH THE STONE, DEAR LIZA, ETC.
13. BUT THE STONE IS TOO DRY, DEAR IVAN, ETC.
14. THEN WET IT, DEAR LIZA, ETC.
15. WITH WHAT SHALL I WET IT, DEAR IVAN, ETC.
16. WITH WATER, DEAR LIZA, ETC.
17. WITH WHAT SHALL I FETCH IT, DEAR IVAN, ETC.
18. WITH THE BUCKET, DEAR LIZA, ETC.
19. THERE'S A HOLE IN THE BUCKET, DEAR IVAN, ETC.
ETC...........
Submitter comment:
THIS CAMPFIRE SONG IS ONE OF THOSE CYCLIC SONGS THAT END WHERE THEY
BEGAN AND SO GO FOREVER.
Remembered from the days when I was a Boy Scout.
Data entry tech comment:
Informant and collector are the same person.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT ; BOY SCOUTS ; REMEMBERED
Keyword(s): CIRCULAR FORM
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Good humor Jest |
CUCKOO MOTHER
A LONG, LONG TIME AGO, A WIDOW MOTHER LIVED ON A FARM WITH HER
THREE SONS; STRONG AS OAK TREES AS BROAD AS TREE-TRUNKS. THEY
LIVED MANY YEARS HAPPILY, EVERYONE'S RESPECTED, TILL HER SONS
GREW UP. AND WHEN THEY GREW UP, THE KING INVITED THEM TO RIDE
WITH HIM INTO WAR. ONE RODE OUT TO THE EAST, ANOTHER TO THE SOUTH,
AND THE THIRD, THE YOUNGEST--TO THE WEST. WHEN THEY RODE OUT,
THROUGH THE THREE YEARS NOT ONE SENT ANY WORD AND THE MOTHER
DIDN'T KNOW WHETHER THEY WERE ALIVE OR DEAD. SHE CRIED, BUT
DIDN'T GIVE UP HOPE, THAT SOMEDAY THEY WILL RETURN, TO CALM
HER OLD DAYS. BUT WHEN THE THIRD SPRING CAME, SHE WENT OUT
ON TOP OF A HILL AND SAW, THAT A HORSE WAS RIDING EMPTY-SADDLED.
AND SHE RECOGNIZED IT AS HER OLDEST SON'S HORSE. SHE
RECOGNIZED AND REALIZED, THAT HER OLDEST SON WAS NO LONGER ALIVE.
AND WHEN SHE REALIZED THIS, SHE CRIED FOR THREE DAYS AND THREE
NIGHTS. BUT THE PEOPLE TOLD HER: "DON'T CRY, THAT YOUR SON DIED
IN WAR. GOD GAVE, AND GOD TAKETH AWAY. BETTER YOU ASK HIM TO
RETURN YOUR OTHER TWO SONS WELL." WHILE THEY WERE CALMING HER,
THEY SAW A SECOND HORSE COME GALLOPING UP, NEIGHING AS IF
WEEPING HIMSELF. THE REIGNS PULLED OFF, THE SADDLE SPLASHED WITH
BLOOD AND THE HORSE ITSELF WOUNDED. HE RAN UP TO THE GATE, KNELT
DOWN ON ALL FOURS AND FELL OVER DEAD. AND THE MOTHER RECOGNIZED
THAT THE SECOND HORSE BROUGHT HER PAINFUL NEWS. SHE BEGAN TO CRY
EVEN MORE PAINFULLY, THAT NOW HER SECOND SON WAS DEAD. THE
PEOPLE DIDN'T KNOW TO COMFORT HER NOW. "IF ONLY. LORD, I KNEW
WHERE MY SONS LIE. WITH A FOX I'D RUN THERE, WITH A BIRD I'D FLY
THERE, ON THEIR GRAVES I WOULD CRY." SHE CRIED DAY AND NIGHT,
CURSING HER FUTURE, WAITING FOR HER YOUNGEST SON. BUT WHILE
SHE WAS CRYING, THE THIRD HORSE CAME HOME, TOO, INJURED AND
WOUNDED. HE RAN UP TO THE GATES, NEIGHED SORROWFULLY AND
KNEELING ON ALL FOURS, FELL OVER DEAD. THE MOTHER RECOGNIZED THAT
NOW HER THIRD SON WOULDN'T COME HOME. SHE FELL TO THE GROUND
FROM THE GRIEF AND TURNED INTO A CUCKOO BIRD, CUCKOOD IN A
SORROWFUL WAY AND FLEW AWAY TO FOREIGN LANDS IN SEARCH OF HER
SONS: SHE FLIES AND HUNTS FOR THEM YEAR ROUND IN THE STRANGE LANDS,
AND IN THE SPRING TIME COMES HOME, FLIES THROUGH THE FORESTS,
CRYING FOR HER SONS. AND WHEN THE DAY COMES THAT THE YOUNGEST
SON'S HORSE CAME HOME, SHE AGAIN FLIES OUT TO THE FOREIGN LANDS
TO SEARCH FOR THEM. AND THAT'S HOW IT ALWAYS WAS, AND ALWAYS WILL
BE....
Submitter comment: (TRANSLATED FROM LITHANIA BY RAMUNE M. STONYS)
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; SOUTHFIELD
Keyword(s): BIRDS, ANIMALS, TRANSFORMATION
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Mammal PROSE NARRATIVE -- Bird |
Date learned: DATE NOT RECORDED BY COLLECTOR
ABOUT A MOUSE, THAT WAS A CAT, DOG AND TIGER
IT IS SAID: THAT IF A TIGER HAS THE HEART OF A MOUSE, THEN IT
WOULD BE BETTER IF HE DIDN'T SEE OR MEET A CAT. ONE TIME, A CROW
WAS CARRYING A MOUSE IN HIS BEAK, AND FLYING OVER A FOREST WHEN HE
DROPPED IT. IN THAT FOREST LIVED A MAN THAT KNEW MAGIC. AND
THE MOUSE DROPPED DOWN BY THE MAN'S FEET. SEEING THE MOUSE,
THE MAN PICKED HIM UP AND CARRIED HIM INTO HIS HUT. MANY DAYS
THE MOUSE LIVED WITH THE MAN. THE MAN FED HIM, WATERED HIM
AND THE MOUSE WAS HAPPY. BUT ONE TIME, GOING OUT OF THE HUT,
HE SAW A BIG CAT NOT TOO FAR AWAY. HE RAN BACK INTO THE HUT,
CRAWLED INTO THE FARTHEST AND DARKEST CORNER AND SHOOK FROM FRIGHT.
SEEING THIS, THE MAN ASKED: "WHT'S WRONG? WHY ARE YOU SHAKING?"
"O MY GOOD MAN," SQUEEKED THE MOUSE, "NOT FAR AWAY FROM
OUR HUT I MET A CAT AND NOW I'M DYING FROM FRIGHT}" AFTER
THINKING FOR AWHILE, THE MAN SAID: "ALRIGHT, I'LL DO IT SO THAT
YOU'LL NEVER BE AFRAID OF CATS AGAIN} GO TO BED. IN THE
MORNING WHEN YOU WAKE UP, YOU'LL BE A CAT--NOT A MOUSE." THE MAN
DID AS HE PROMISED: THE MOUSE WOKE UP AS A CAT. "--NOW YOU DON'T
HAVE TO BE AFRAID OF CATS ANYMORE. YOU ARE A CAT YOURSELF,"
SAID THE MAN. HAPPILY, THE CAT-MOUSE RAN OUT OF THE HUT.
AND WHEN SHE WANTED TO TWIST AROUND IN THE SUN, SHE AGAIN SAW
THE CAT. THE POOR THING IMMEDIATELY FORGOT THAT SHE HERSELF WAS
A CAT, AND RAN BACK INTO THE HUT. "WHAT'S WRONG WITH YOU?" ASKED
THE MAN. "HOW COME YOU'RE FRIGHTENED AGAIN?" THE CAT WAS
LIED. "I MET A DOG IN THE FOREST: HE STARTED CHASING ME AND I
BARELY MANAGED TO ESCAPE FROM HIM. THE MAN SAID AGAIN: "GO TO SLEEP.
IN THE MORNING YOU'LL WAKE UP AS A DOG, AND YOU WON'T HAVE TO
BE AFRAID OF DOGS ANYMORE." AND THAT'S HOW IT WAS: IN THE MORNING
THE CAT WOKE UP AS A DOG AND BARKING LOUDLY, RAN OUT OF THE
HUT. BUT NEARING A TREE SHE AGAIN SAW THE CAT. THE CAT ALSO
SAW THE DOG. SHE THOUGHT THAT THE DOG WAS GOING TO ATTACK,
SO SHE PREPARED TO DEFEND HERSELF, HISSED, LIFTED HER RIGHT PAW
AND LOUDLY MEOWD. HEARING THE CAT MEOWING, THE DOG RAN INTO THE
HUT FRIGHTENED. "WHAT FRIGHTENED YOU THIS TIME?" ASKED THE
MAN. THE DOG WAS ASHAMED TO ADMIT, THAT HE HAD BEEN FRIGHTENED
BY A CAT, SO AGAIN HE LIED: "O MY GOOD MAN, NOT FAR FROM
OUR HUT I MET A TIGER} UP TO NOW I STILL DON'T UNDERSTAND
HOW I MANAGED TO GET AWAY ALIVE} "WELL, I'LL MAKE IT SO THAT
FROM NOW ON, YOU WON'T BE AFRAID OF ANYTHING. TOMORROW YOU
SHALL WAKE UP AS A TIGER." AND THAT'S HOW IT WAS: IN THE MORNING
THE DOG WOKE UP A TIGER AND DECIDED: "IT DOESN'T BEFIT ME,
RULER OF THE ANIMALS TO LIVE IN A MERE MAN'S HUT} I WILL GO INTO
THE FOREST AND LET THE OTHER ANIMALS TREMBLE AT MY POWER AND
BRAVERY}" THINKING THIS, THE TIGER STEPPED OUT OF THE HUT AND
HEADED FOR THE DARK JUNGLE. AND SUDDENLY HE SAW THE CAT. AND
THE CAT SAW THE TIGER. OUT OF FRIGHT, THE CAT'S FUR STOOD
ON END, BACK ARCHED AND EYES CRACKED FIRE. "NOW I'M DEAD}"
THOUGHT THE CAT. "FROM THE TIGER I WILL NOT ESCAPE}" THE TIGER,
IN WHOSE BREAST BEAT THE HEART OF A MOUSE, SAW THE CRACKLING
EYES AND IMMEDIATELY RAN OFF TO THE MAN'S HUT. HE SHOT INTO THE
HOUSE, CRAMPED HIMSELF INTO THE FARTHEST CORNER AND LAYED
THERE WITH TEETH CHATTERING OUT OF FRIGHT. THE MAN WAS
SUPRISED: "HOW COME YOU ARE TREMBLING AGAIN? IS THERE IN OUR
LAND AN ANIMAL STRONGER THAN THE TIGER?" "THERE IS..." WHISPERED
THE TIGER. "WHAT IS HE?" ASKED THE SUPRISED MAN. "A..A..
CAT}" THEN THE MAN UNDERSTOOD AND SAID: "A TIGER, IN WHOSE
BREAST BEATS THE HEART OF A MOUSE, IS WEAKER THAN A CAT. LET HIM,
THAT HAS A HEART OF A MOUSE, ALWAYS BE A MOUSE. HAVING SAID
THIS, THE MAN TURNED THE TIGER BACK INTO A POOR LITTLE MOUSE.
Submitter comment:
(THIS IS THE TALE RETOLD AND ILLUSTRATED BY MARCIA BROWN
AS "ONCE A MOUSE"9)
Where learned: LOCATION NOT RECORDED BY COLLECTOR
Keyword(s): TRANSFORMATION
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Animal PROSE NARRATIVE -- Mammal PROSE NARRATIVE -- Bird PROSE NARRATIVE -- Product or activity of man or animal |
STORY ABOUT THE DEVIL,S DANCING IN THE WOODS
IT WAS HARVEST TIME AND ALL THE YOUNG FOLK WERE THRASHING THE GRAINS
THAT HAD JUST BEEN HARVESTED.
ONE AUTUMN NIGHT ABOUT 11 O,CLOCK WHILE THEY WERE THRASHING THE GRAIN
THEY HEARD MUSIC COMING FROM THE RAFTERS, THEY LOOKED UP AND SAW
SOME DEVILS DANCING UP IN THE LOFT. THESE DEVILS WERE ALL BLACK AND
ALL THEIR CLOTHING WERE BLACK. THEY DANCED ON ONE LEG AND ONLY HAD
ONE EYE AND ONE NOSTRIL. THE MUSIC WAS PLAYED ON A SMALL ACCORDION
AND FIDDLE.
THE YOUTHS WERE TYPICALLY BRAVE AND BOISTERIOUS AND DECIDED TO TAKE
THE INSTRUMENTS AWAY. THE DEVILS LEFT AT THE FIRST COCKS CROW
(ONE O,CLOCK) WITH A WHISTLE AND A BANG. SO THE NEXT NIGHT THE
YOUTHS , AS THE DEVILS WERE ABOUT TO LEAVE AT THE COCK,S CROW,
KNOCKED ONE INSTRUMENT OUT OF THE HANDS OF THE DEVILS.
BUT WHEN THEY REACHED THE INSTRUMENT IT WAS JUST A LARGE CHARRED
PIECE OF WOOD. THE NEXT NIGHT THE DEVILS CAME BACK AND BEGGED
CKRYVEL, KRYVEL GIVE US BACK OUR FIDDLE" BUT THE YOUTHS DID NOT
RETURN IT. THE TWO YOUTHS WHO HAD TAKEN IT HAD TO PREPARE THE
STOVE FOR DRYING OUT THE GRAINS BEFORE THE THRASHING. THEY THREW THE
CHARRED WOOD INTO THE STOVE BUT IT WOULDN,T BURN. SO THEY WENT TO
BED AND THE NEXT MORNING THE TWO WERE FOUND STRANGLED.
Submitter comment:
THIS STORY WAS TOLD TO MY GRANDMOTHER BT HER GRANDMOTHER WHEN SHE WAS
A CHILD. THE TIME IS APPROXIMATELY THE TURN OF THE CENTURY WHEN THE
STORY WAS TOLD. THE STORY TOOK PLACE AROUND 1850.
SHE TOLD MY GRANDMOTHER THAT SHE ACTUALLY SAW THESE DEVILS.
Where learned: HOME ; MICHIGAN ; DETROIT ; 12111 SORRENTO
Keyword(s): DO NOT TAKE THINGS THAT DO NOT BELONG TO YOU -PAYMENT CAN BE COSTLY ; THEFT FORM DEVIL
| Subject headings: | Favorites PROSE NARRATIVE -- Devil Demon |
THE WERWOLF OF KOTTERN
ONCE UPON A TIME THERE WAS A VERY POOR MAN WHO HAD TWELVE CHILDERN.
HE LIVED IN THE TOWN OF KOTTERN. HE WAS SO POOR THAT HE COULDN,T
AFFORD TO BUY THE WOOD FOR HIS HOME. SO, HE STOLE THE WOOD AND WAS
CAUGHT IN THE ACT. OUT OF FEAR OF SEVERE BODILY PUNISHMENT, HE FLED
TO THE WOODS TO HANG HIMSELF.
SUDDENLY A STRANGER APPEARED AND ASKED THE MAN WHAT HIS TROUBLE WAS.
THE STRANGER LAUGHED AND TOLD THE POOR MAN THERE WAS AN ESAY WAY
TO ESCAPE FROM JUSTICE. ALL HE HAD TO DO WAS BECOME A WOLF.
HE COULD DO THIS BY CONCENTRATING ON THE DEVIL AND COMPLETING
IGNORING GOD. WHEN THE POLICE ARRESTED THE THIEF, HE WOULD
CONCENTRATE ON THE DEVIL AND WOULD IMMEDIATELY CHANGE INTO A WOLF.
THE POLICE WOULD RUN AWAY. THE MAN BEGAN TO ENJOY THE POWER TO
CHANGE INTO A WOLF WHENEVER HE FELT LIKE SCARING SOMEONE. BUT EVERY
NOW AND THEN HIS CHILDREN NOTICED THAT THEIR FATHER SMELLED FROM
BLOOD.
ONE DAY IN BROAD DAY LIGHT, THE MAN GOT THE URGE TO TURN INTO A WOLF
AND HE COULDN,T CONTROL HIMSELF. THE CHILDREN THEN KNEW THEIR FATHER
WAS A WERWOLF.
THAT VERY DAY THE FATHER DISAPPEARED AND HIS FAMILY BECAME
EVEN POORER.
Data entry tech comment: THE KEYPUNCHER HAS CORRECTED THE COLLECTOR,S SPELLING.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; WARREN
Keyword(s): PUNISHMENT ONLY TO FIND PUNISHMENT. ; TRANSFORMATION: MAN TRANSFORMED FROM MAN TO WOLF TO SAVE SELF FROM
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Werewolf Vampire |
Date learned: 10-10-1968
SUPERSTITION
OWLS ARE BAD LUCK. IF YOU SEE ONE, OR IF ONE FLIES OVER YOU, YOU'LL
GET BAD LUCK FOR A WEEK. IF YOU'RE WALKING, YOU'LL FALL. IF YOU'RE
WRITING, YOU'LL MAKE MISTAKE; IF YOU DRIVE CAR, YOU'LL MAKE ACCIDENT.
Submitter comment: HE LEARNED THIS SUPERSTITION FROM HIS FAMILY AND BELIEVES IN IT.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT ; COLLECTORS HOME
James Callow Keyword(s): PALESTINIAN INFORMANT
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Measure of time Week Day Hour BELIEF -- Bird BELIEF -- Bad luck |
Date learned: 02-00-1979
THERE IS A LEGEND THAT SAYS THAT ONE OF THE MOUNTAINS IN
COUNTY SLIGO, IRELAND HAS A LUMP IN THE MIDDLE AND THE PEOPLE
SAY THAT ONE DAY THE DEVIL TOOK A BITE OF THE MOUNTAIN AND SPIT
IT AT CASHEL.
Submitter comment:
KATHY HEARD THIS FROM AN IRISHMAN WHILE HITCH-HIKING FROM CORK
TO LIMERICK IN IRELAND. CASHEL IS A ROCK ABOUT THREE HUNDRED FEET
HIGH WITH A RUIN OF A CASTLE AND CATHEDRAL ON IT. I BELIEVE IT WAS
ONCE THE SEAT OF RELIGIOUS LEADERS BUT AM NOT SURE. I DO NOT KNOW
IF THE MAN WHO TOLD KATHY BELIEVED IT BUT KATHY DOESN'T.
Data entry tech comment:
Additional (non-numbered) Motifs added by TRD
James Callow comment:
[Please make a copy. Label it B472] - handwritten at the bottom of the card.
The original Boggs Number [P400] is crossed out and B425 and B472 are written next to it.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT ; PARTY ; Bieke, Kathy
Keyword(s): Castle ; Cathedral ; DEVIL ; GEOLOGY ; IRELAND ; IRISH BELIEF ; MOUNTAIN ; NATURE ; Pagan ; RELIGION ; RELIGIOUS LEGEND ; Rock ; Rock Formation
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Devil Demon PROSE NARRATIVE -- Formation |
Date learned: UNKNOWN
HOW MICHIGAN CAME TO BE (INDIAN LEGEND)
THE GREAT SPIRIT IN THE SKY WAS MAKING THE WORLD AND ONE DAY
HE GOT TIRED AND PUT HIS HAND DOWN ON THE EARTH AND THAT
IS HOW MICHIGAN WAS FORMED.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT ; CAMPUS
Keyword(s): GEOGRAPHY ; LAND FORMATION ; MICHIGAN ; MYTH ; SPIRIT
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Creation and Order of Universe |
Date learned: 04-01-1970
LEGEND
AN OLD INDIAN LEGEND SAYS THAT SUGAR LOAF MOUNTAIN
ON MACKINAC ISLAND, MICHIGAN WAS MADE WHEN A PRINCESS OF OLD
WAS STRANDED ON TOP OF THE MOUNTAIN. ALL ATTEMPTS TO RESCUE
HER WERE NO USE, SO INSTEAD THE GODS SENT HER COMPANY, A MAN
ON A HILL BENEATH HER ON EITHER SIDE. THAT IS WHY THE MOUNTAIN
HAS ONE HIGH CREST AND TWO SMALLER CRESTS.
I HEARD THIS LEGEND FROM AN OLD GUIDE FOR THE CARRIAGE TOURS ON
MACKINAC ISLAND, MICHIGAN.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; MACKINAC ISLAND
Keyword(s): GODS ; LAND FORMATION ; MICHIGAN ; MOUNTAIN ; MYTH ; PRINCESS
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Creation and Order of Universe |
Date learned: 00-00-1970
A GAMBLER'S LESSON
FAR AWAY BY A RIVER, THERE WAS A LITTLE WHITE HOUSE IN WHICH THERE LIVED A FAMILY.
A FATHER, MOTHER, A BOY AND A GIRL. THEY HAD ONE PROBLEM, THEIR FATHER LIKED TO GAMBLE
AND DRINK. ALL OF A SUDDEN, THEIR MOTHER GOT VERY SICK. THEY DIDN'T HAVE THE MONEY TO SEND
HER TO THE HOSPITAL BECAUSE THE FATHER GAMBLED EVERYTHING HE EARNED. THE MOTHER DIED. THE
GIRL WAS HELPING WITH EVERYTHING AROUND THE HOUSE AND THE BOY WAS TRYING TO EARN MONEY FOR
THE LIVING OF THE FAMILY. ONE DAY THE BOY WAS DRAFTED INTO THE ARMY. HE WAS ALWAYS WONDERING
HOW HIS SISTER WAS MANAGING AT HOME AND WAS ALWAYS VERY SAD. HIS ARMY BUDDY WAS ASKING HIM WHY
HE WAS SO SAD. HE TRIED TO HIDE THE ANSWER FROM HIM, BUT FINALLY TOLD HIM THAT HE HAD A BEAUTIFUL
SISTER WHO COULD NOT MANAGE THE HOME BECAUSE OF THE FATHER'S GAMBLING. HIS FRIEND PROMISED TO
HELP HIM DURING HIS NEXT FURLOUGH. HE WENT TO A THEATRE AND BOUGHT HIMSELF A DEVIL OUTFIT. WHEN
FURLOUGH TIME CAME, HE PUT THE OUTFIT ON, AND ON TOP OF IT, THE BEST SUIT THA HE COULD FIND.
WHEN THEY REACHED THE BOY'S HOME, THEY COULDN'T FIND THE BOY'S FATHER. THE SISTER TOLD HIM THAT
THEIR FATHER WAS A FEW MILES AWAY AT AN INN. THE BOY'S FRIEND WENT TO THE INN AND ASKED FOR THE MAN.
THE INNKEEPER TOLD HIM THAT HE WAS PLAYING CARDS IN THE CORNER. HE WENT OVER TO THE CORNER AND GREETED
THE GAMBLERS, ASKING PERMISSION TO JOIN THEM. THEY ACCEPTED HIM. HE WAS A VERY GOOD CARD PLAYER AND
STARTED TO WIN FROM THE BEGINNING. A FEW HOURS LATER, ONLY THE GIRL'S FATHER WAS LEFT IN THE GAME.
ALL THE OTHERS HAD STOPPED PLAYING BECAUSE THEY HAD LOST EVERYTHING THAT THEY HAD. THE GIRL'S FATHER
WAS LOSING ALSO. BY ELEVEN O'CLOCK, HE ASKED FOR ONE FREE HAND OF CARDS. HE HAD LOST EVERYTHING. THE
BOY GAVE IT TO HIM. IT ALSO WAS A LOSING HAND. THE MAN WANTED TO QUIT AND TOLD THE BOY THAT HE HAD NO
MONEY TO GAMBLE. THE BOY TOOK HIS GLOVES OFF. RED, LONG FINGERNAILS WERE STICKING OUT FROM HIS DEVIL'S
OUTFIT, AND WHEN HE REMOVED HIS HAT, LITTLE HORNS WERE STICKING OUT FROM HIS HAIR. HE SAID, "NOW WE ARE
GOING TO PLAY FOR YOUR SOUL. I WOULD LIKE TO WIN YOUR SOUL." THE MAN JUMPED UP AND STARTED TO RUN TOWARDS
HIS HOME. THE YOUNG MAN WAS PURSUING HIM. THERE WAS A CHURCH BY THE ROAD. THE MA RAN INTO IT. THE MAN TOOK
THE SEAT CLOSEST TO THE ALTAR. THE BOY, OUTSIDE THE CHURCH, WHISTLED HIS WAY TO HIS FRIEND'S HOME. THE MAN
WAITED TILL THE PRIEST CAME IN AND ASKED FOR CONFESSION. THE BOY RETURNED ALL THE WINNINGS TO HIS FRIEND AND
ASKED TO MARRY HIS SISTER. FROM THAT DAY ON, THEY WERE A VERY HAPPY FAMILY. THEIR FATHER DID NOT DRINK OR GAMBLE ANYMORE.
Submitter comment:
INFORMANT LEARNED THIS STORY AT AN EVENING OF FAMILY STORY TELLING I LUKOWA, POLAND.
HE LAUGHED QUITE A BIT WHEN DESCRIBING THE DEVIL AN THE EFFECT IT HAD ON THE GAMBLING FATHER.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT ; POLAND ; LUKOWA
James Callow Keyword(s): SOLDIER DISGUISED AS DEVIL REFORMS COMPULSIVE GAMBLER
| Subject headings: | Favorites PROSE NARRATIVE -- Ordinary Tale PROSE NARRATIVE -- Magic |
Date learned: 00-00-1934
AFTER AN EXCEPTIONAL PERFORMANCE ON BROADWAY, IT IS
CUSTOMARY TO TELL THE CAST TO "BREAK A LEG."
Submitter comment:
NO KNOWLEDGE OF WHERE OR HOW THE INFORMANT LEARNED
THE ITEM.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
James Callow Keyword(s): ISN'T IT RATHER, BEFORE A PERFORMANCE, TO SAY "BREAK..."
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Entertainment Diversion |
Date learned: 10-04-1967