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HAMBONE

HAMBONE, HAMBONE, HAVE YOU HEARD?
MOMMA'S GONNA BUY YOU A MARKING BIRD.
IF THAT MARKING BIRDIE DON'T SING,
MOMMA'S GONNA BUY YOU A DIAMOND RING.
IF THAT DIAMOND RING DON'T SHINE,
MOMMA'S GONNA BUY YOU A BOTTLE O WINE.
IF THAT BOTTLE OF WINE DON'T DRINK,
MOMMA'S GONNA BUY YOU A KITCHEN SINK.
HAMBONE, HAMBONE, HAVE YOU HEARD?
MOMMA'S GONNA BUY YOU A MARKING BIRD.

Submitter comment: THE SONG IS SUNG TO THE TUNE OF HUSH LITTLE BABY,
BUT THE TEMPO IS MUCH FASTER. ONE HAND BEATS THE LEG
AND CHEST DURING THE SONG. AND THE SONG IS ESPECIALLY
POPULAR AMONG MEN.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

James Callow Keyword(s): CHAIN WITH INTERLINKED ITEMS ; MOCKING BIRD

Subject headings: Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Song
Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Athletic sport and exercise Gymnastics

Date learned: 04-00-1983

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IF YOU DREAM THAT SOMEONE IS GOING TO DIE
THEN THEY WILL LIVE A LONG TIME.
THE INTERPRETATION OF THE DREAM IS ALWAYS OPPOSITE
OF WHAT THE DREAM WAS ABOUT.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

James Callow Keyword(s): CONTRAST ; LONGEVITY

Subject headings: BELIEF -- Death Funeral Burial
BELIEF -- Dreams

Date learned: 03-00-1983

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WHEN I WAS A KID IF I DROPPED ANYTHING ON THE GROUND
I WOULD CROSS MYSELF WITH THE OBJECT IN MY HAND AND
SAY "GOD KISS IT, DEVIL MISS IT." THIS MADE ME
BELIEVE THAT THE OBJECT WAS CLEAN.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

James Callow Keyword(s): SANITARY

Subject headings: Charm / Enchantment / Conjuration
Charm / Enchantment / Conjuration
Favorites
BELIEF -- Sign Geometric figure Cross and its various modifications
SPEECH -- Formula
SPEECH -- Gesture

Date learned: 04-00-1983

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IF YOU SLEEP ON YOUR RIGHT SIDE THEN YOU'LL BE A
GRUMPY PERSON, BUT IF YOU SLEEP ON YOUR LEFT SIDE
YOU'LL BE NICE.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

James Callow Keyword(s): PERSONALITY ; POSITION DIRECTION

Subject headings: BELIEF -- Product or activity of man or animal

Date learned: 02-00-1983

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NEVER SIT WITH YOUR BACK TOWARDS A DOOR, THIS WILL
DEFINITELY BRING YOU BAD LUCK.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

James Callow Keyword(s): POSITION DIRECTION

Subject headings: BELIEF -- Bad luck
SPEECH -- Gesture

Date learned: 03-00-1983

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IN THE GRADUATE LIBRARY (AT U. OF M.), MOST OF THE STUDY
CARRELS HAVE WINDOWS NEXT TO THEM, BUT THERE IS THIS ONE
THAT HAS A DOOR WHERE THE WINDOW USUALLY IS, AND IT'S MISSING
ITS DOORKNOB. THE DOOR HAS BEEN SHUT LIKE THAT FOR ABOUT
THIRTY YEARS AND A BIG CONTROVERSIAL QUESTION HAS ARISEN:
"WHAT IS BEHIND THAT DOOR?" THE ANSWER THAT SATISFIES MOST
PEOPLE FOR GOOD IS "THE BONES OF THOSE WHO LOOKED." THE CAMPUS
MAY NEVER KNOW.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; ANN ARBOR

James Callow Keyword(s): FATAL CURIOSITY ; HUMOR

Subject headings: BELIEF -- Product or activity of man or animal

Date learned: 10-00-1983

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RUSSIAN CHRISTMAS CUSTOMS

WHEN I WAS STILL IN SCHOOL WE HAD TWO WEEKS VACATION
FOR CHRISTMAS. GOVERNMENT OFFICES CLOSED FOR A WHOLE
WEEK. ON THE FIRST DAY OF CHRISTMAS ALL THE CHILDREN
AND GRANDCHILDREN VISITED THEIR GRANDPARENTS' HOUSE.
MOST OF THE PEOPLE DIDN'T MOVE MUCH. MANY OF THEM WERE
BORN, LIVED AND DIED IN THE SAME VILLAGE OR CITY. THEY
OFTEN HAD EIGHT TO FOURTEEN CHILDREN. IT WAS NOT
UNUSUAL TO HAVE TWENTY TO THIRTY PEOPLE IN THE HOUSE
AT THE SAME TIME. THE TABLES WERE LADEN WITH FOOD
FOR A WHOLE WEEK. ON THE SECOND DAY OF CHRISTMAS THE
MEN WENT FROM HOUSE TO HOUSE OF RELATIONS AND FRIENDS
FOR A DRINK OF VODKA AND SOME FOOD. THE WOMEN STAYED
HOME TO GREET THE GUESTS. ON THE THIRD AND FOURTH DAYS
OF CHRISTMAS PEOPLE WENT TO SEE THEIR BEST FRIENDS.
THEY HAD DINNER AND DRINKS AND ENDED UP SINGING AND
DANCING RUSSIAN FOLK DANCES. WE HAD NO CARS SO EVERYONE
GOT HOME SAFELY. ON THE FIFTH AND SIXTH DAYS OF
CHRISTMAS EVERYONE RESTED.

Submitter comment: THESE CUSTUMS TOOK PLACE BEFORE THE RUSSIAN REVOLUTION.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; Farmington Hills

James Callow Keyword(s): VISITING

Subject headings: CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20 Christmas Season See F645.2 for Advent Season.

Date learned: 12-00-1983

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RUSSIAN NEW YEAR'S EVE CUSTUMS

ON NEW YEAR'S EVE CHILDREN AND EVEN ADULTS PUT ON
UNUSUAL OR FUNNY COSTUMES AND WENT FROM HOUSE TO HOUSE
TO HAVE FUN. IT IS A LOT LIKE HALLOWEEN IN THE UNITED
STATES. ALL THIS IS FORGOTTEN NOW.
ALSO ON THIS EVENING, TEENAGE GIRLS WOULD GO OUTSIDE
BETWEEN TEN AND ELEVEN O'CLOCK. A GIRL WOULD ASK THE FIRST
MAN SHE SEES HIS FIRST NAME AND THIS WOULD BE THE NAME
OF HER FUTURE HUSBAND.
ALSO ON NEW YEAR'S EVE, SOME TEENAGE GIRLS WOULD PUT
A LARGE MIRROR IN FRONT OF THE DRESSER MIRROR FACE
TO FACE. THEN THEY PUT THE LIGHTS OUT AND PUT A CANDLE
ON EACH SIDE OF THE FIRST MIRROR. THEN A GIRL LOOKED
OVER ONE MIRROR AT THE OTHER IN SUCH A WAY THAT SHE
SEES A CORRIDOR. BY CONSTANTLY STARING AND USING THE
IMAGINATION SHE BEGINS TO SEE SOME SHADOWS, THEN A FORM,
AND FINALLY SHE SEES A BOYFRIEND OF HERS. THIS WILL BE
THE ONE SHE WILL MARRY. THE OTHER GIRLS TAKE THEIR
TURNS ALSO.

Submitter comment: THESE CUSTUMS TOOK PLACE BEFORE THE RUSSIAN REVOLUTION.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; Farmington Hills

James Callow Keyword(s): VISITING

Subject headings: Observation
Favorites
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 31 New Year's Eve
BELIEF -- Marriage
BELIEF -- Use of Object

Date learned: 12-00-1983

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Content filter on this entry.

Historical record from James Callow Folklore Archive.

HOW CAN YOU TELL THE BRIDE AT A POLISH WEDDING? SHE'S
THE ONE WITH BRAIDED ARM PITS!

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; WARREN

James Callow Keyword(s): CUSTOM OF SHAVING HAIR FROM ARMPITS AND LEGS.

Subject headings: BELIEF -- Poli

Date learned: 10-00-1983

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REMEDY FOR WARTS

REMEDY FOR REMOVAL OF WARTS AS TOLD BY MARK TWAIN:
UNDER A FULL MOON GO TO CEMETERY, STAND WITH YOUR
BACK TO THE MOON AND THROW THE BODY OF A DEAD BLACK
CAT BY THE CAT'S TAIL OVER YOUR LEFT SHOULDER.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; SOUTHFIELD

James Callow Keyword(s): POSITION DIRECTION

Subject headings: BELIEF -- Method of Curing

Date learned: 10-17-1983

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KNOCK KNOCK JOKE

WHEN I SAY, "KNOCK, KNOCK", YOU REPLY, "WHO'S THERE?"
I WILL SAY A NAME, THEN YOU REPLY, "I GOT TO GO WEAR MY
COAT", THEN THAT NAME.
KNOCK, KNOCK
WHO'S THERE?
BILL
I GOT TO GO WEAR MY COAT, BILL.
KNOCK, KNOCK
WHO'S THERE?
SAM
I GOT TO GO WEAR MY COAT, SAM.
KNOCK, KNOCK
WHO'S THERE?
TOM
I GOT TO GO WEAR MY COAT, TOM.
KNOCK, KNOCK
WHO'S THERE?
TEX
I GOT TO GO WEAR MY COAT, TEX.!!!!!

Submitter comment: I HEARD THIS JOKE AT A PARTY AT A NUN'S RESIDENCE.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; FRANKLIN VILLAGE

James Callow Keyword(s): KOTEX IS A SANITARY NAPKIN.

Subject headings: RIDDLE -- Riddle Question

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TONGUE TWISTERS

SAY EACH ONE OF THESE 3 TIMES RAPIDLY
SEE THE SEASHELLS SHINE BY THE SEASHORE.
BOY, GIRL, BOY, GIRL, BOY, GIRL, BOY, GIRL.
SEVEN SLIPPERY SEALS SAT SUNNING SILENTLY SIDE BY SIDE.
MIKE THE MILKMAN BRINGS MILK ON MONDAY.
TAMMY TIGER TAUGHT TIMMY TIGER TO TELL TIME.
"SAY!" SAID I, "SAY WHAT YOU SAID AGAIN."

Submitter comment: WE USED TO TRICK EACH OTHER WITH THESE IN GRADE SCHOOL.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; FRANKLIN VILLAGE

James Callow Keyword(s): ALLITERATION

Subject headings: SPEECH -- Formula

Date learned: 00001960S

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NAMES OF MY RELATIVES

IN MY FAMILY ALL OF MY BROTHERS AND SISTERS HAVE THEIR NAMES
BEGIN WITH THE LETTER J.
JALAL, JALILA, JAMAL, JOHN, JENNIFER, JULIA, JANETTE, JANE, JACK,
JOSEPH, AND JAMES OR JEFFERSON.
IN MY BROTHER JALAL'S FAMILY HIS KIDS' NAMES BEGIN WITH THE K
SOUND. CARMEN, CONNIE, KIMBERLY, CAROLINE, AND DENNY. HOW DID
THAT GUY GET IN THERE? IT'S THEIR ONLY BROTHER.
IN MY SISTER JALILA'S FAMILY, HER KIDS' NAMES BEGIN WITH THE
LETTER R, RITA, RONNIE, AND ROBERT.
IN MY AUNT SALEEMA'S FAMILY, HER KIDS' NAMES ALL BEGIN WITH
THE LETTER L, LEATH, LINDA, LAHEEB, AND LANA.

Submitter comment: I CAN'T EXPLAIN THE REASON WHY THE PARENTS DID THIS, MAYBE TO
CALL ONE OF THE KIDS AND MANY WOULD ANSWER BECAUSE OF THE SAME
BEGINNING SOUND. I REMEMBER MY MOM WOULD RATTLE OFF FOUR OR
FIVE OF OUR NAMES BEFORE SHE GOT WHO SHE WANTED RIGHT.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; FRANKLIN VILLAGE

James Callow Keyword(s): ALLITERATION

Subject headings: Person / Nickname
Favorites

Date learned: 00001960S

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IF THE HEM ON YOUR DRESS IS TURNED UP (ON THE OUTSIDE),
THEN YOU ARE GOING TO GET A NEW DRESS.

Where learned: ALABAMA ; BALDWIN COUNTY ; FOLEY

James Callow Keyword(s): POSITION DIRECTION

Subject headings: 686 Properties attributed to specific numbers or numerals individually.
BELIEF -- Product or activity of man or animal

Date learned: 00001940-00001958

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IF YOUR NECKLACE TURNS AROUND SO THAT THE CLASP IS IN
FRONT AND SOMEONE NOTICES IT, THEN YOU MAKE A WISH
AS YOU TURN THE CLASP AROUND.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; ROYAL OAK ; OAKLAND COUNTY

James Callow Keyword(s): POSITION DIRECTION

Subject headings: BELIEF -- Prayer

Date learned: 00-00-1983

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AS A YOUNG, CATHOLIC CHILD, THE INFORMANT WAS
FAMILIAR WITH THE CHURCH'S OPINION OF SINNERS. AT
THE PART OF THE MASS WHEN THE CONGREGATION CHANTED,
"LAMB OF GOD, HAVE MERCY ON US. LAMB OF GOD, HAVE
MERCY ON US. LAMB OF GOD, GRANT US PEACE," THE
INFORMANT RECITED, WITH GREAT RELIGIOUS ZEAL,
"LAMB OF GOD, HAMMER SINNERS. LAMB OF GOD, HAMMER
SINNERS. LAMB OF GOD, GRANT US PEACE!"

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; ROYAL OAK

James Callow Keyword(s): INITIAL ITERATION

Subject headings: Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Lyrical Verse Lyrical Verse
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Church
BELIEF -- Prayer

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WHEN OUR BABIES ARE INFANTS, WE PUT THEIR UNDERSHIRTS
ON INSIDE-OUT TO CONFUSE THE EVIL EYE AND KEEP IT AWAY
FROM THE BABY.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

James Callow Keyword(s): DRESSING ; POSITION DIRECTION

Subject headings: ART CRAFT ARCHITECTURE -- Dress Overall body coverUpper body and arms
BELIEF -- Curse

Date learned: 00-00-1950

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YOU SHOULD NOT CROSS OVER A CHILD WHO IS CRAWLING ON THE FLOOR
BECAUSE HE MIGHT HAVE SOME PHYSICAL ABNORMALITIES WHEREVER YOU
CROSSED OVER HIM. IN ORDER FOR THIS NOT TO HAPPEN, YOU SHOULD
RECROSS OVER HIM IN THE OPPOSITE WAY.

Where learned: GUADELOUPE

James Callow Keyword(s): POSITION DIRECTION

Subject headings: BELIEF -- Birth
BELIEF -- Means of Causing or Avoiding Illness

Date learned: 00-00-1965

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SOME "FOSSOYEUR", IN ORDER TO MAKE SOME MONEY, SELL DIRT FROM
CEMETERIES, WATER FROM TOMBS, AND ALSO SKULLS TO "QUIMBOISEURS".
THE "QUIMBOISEURS" USED TO PAY IN A CERTAIN WAY SO THAT THEY DO
NOT GET BAD LUCK OR MISFORTUNE. FOR INSTANCE, THE DIRT AND THE
WATER WERE SOLD IN GLASS CONTAINERS, AND THEY PAY FOR THEM WITH
WHITE ROCKS OR SILVER JEWELRY, AND ON THE OTHER HAND, THE SKULL
WAS PAID FOR WITH GOLD.

Where learned: GUADELOUPE

Keyword(s): "FOSSOYEURS" ARE GRAVEDIGGERS ; "QUIMBOISEURS" ARE PEOPLE THAT ; PRACTICE WITCHCRAFT AND ALSO WHITE MAGIC.

Subject headings: BELIEF -- Witch Shaman
BELIEF -- Curer

Date learned: 00-00-1973

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"M'AN COCO POTE D'ENFER" IS A WOMAN WHO LIVES IN AN UNDERWATER
CAVE, AND IT IS BELIEVED THAT SHE ATTACKS FISHERMEN AND DIVERS.

Submitter comment: SOME PEOPLE SAID THAT THEY HAVE BEEN IN HER UNDERWATER CAVE, AND
WHAT THEY SAW WAS A HUGE TABLE FULL OF DISHES.

Where learned: GUADELOUPE

Keyword(s): "M'AN COCO" MEANS "MADAME COCO". "POTE D'ENFER" MEANS "HELL'S GATE" ; SUPPOSELY THAT IS WHERE SHE LIVES. ; WHICH IS THE NAME OF THE NORTHERN EXTREMITY OF GUADELOUPE, AND

Subject headings: BELIEF -- Supernatural Being

Date learned: 00-00-1966

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