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NEW YEAR'S CUSTOM

DON'T HAVE WOMEN COMING TO YOUR HOUSE EARLY
IN THE MORNING OF NEW YEAR'S OR YOU WILL HAVE
BAD LUCK.

Where learned: HOME ; MICHIGAN ; DETROIT ; 8621 DUMBARTON

Keyword(s): ANTIFEMINISM ; SEXISM

Subject headings: CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- January 1 New Year's
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Fixed DateFor specific dates, use the following system: F640.0101
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20
BELIEF -- Bad luck

Date learned: 01-31-1971

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NEW YEAR'S

IF A WOMAN SHOULD ENTER YOUR HOME FIRST
ON NEW YEAR'S, IT IS THOUGHT TO BRING BAD
LUCK FOR THE REST OF THE YEAR.

Submitter comment:

INFORMANT LEARNED IN CHILDHOOD.

Data entry tech comment:

Informant and collector share the same surname and place of residence.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT ; 2385 MONTEREY ; informant's home

Keyword(s): ANTIFEMINISM ; SEXISM

Subject headings: CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- January 1 New Year's
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Fixed DateFor specific dates, use the following system: F640.0101
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20
BELIEF -- Measure of time Year
BELIEF -- Bad luck P882.42

Date learned: 01-26-1971

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NEW YEAR'S CUSTOM

THE FIRST PERSON WHO COMES OVER THE THRESHOLD OF
YOUR HOUSE SHOULD BE A MAN TO BRING GOOD LUCK
TO THE HOUSE-HOLD.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT

Keyword(s): FIRST FOOTING ; SEXISM

Subject headings: CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- January 1 New Year's
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20
BELIEF -- Good luck P881.42

Date learned: 09-26-1971

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WELSH SUPERSTITION

THE WELSH BELIEVE THAT THE FIRST PERSON TO COME INTO THE HOUSE
RIGHT AFTER MIDNIGHT ON NEW YEAR'S EVE TELLS OR PREDICTS THE LUCK
THE HOUSEHOLD WILL HAVE. IF A MAN COMES IN, THE HOUSE WILL HAVE
GOOD LUCK. A WOMAN MEANS BAD LUCK.

Submitter comment:

THE REASON HE KNOWS OF THIS CUSTOM IS BECAUSE A LADY ASKS HIM TO
WALK INTO HER HOUSE EVERY YEAR AT MIDNIGHT SO THAT SHE WILL HAVE
GOOD LUCK.

Where learned: OHIO ; TOLEDO

Keyword(s): ANTIFEMINISM ; SEXISM

Subject headings: CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- January 1 New Year's
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Fixed DateFor specific dates, use the following system: F640.0101
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20
BELIEF -- Good luck P881.42
BELIEF -- Bad luck P882.42

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MAN

ASHES TO ASHES
DUST TO DUST
IF IT WASN'T FOR BOYS
GIRLS LIPS WOULD RUST.

Where learned: LOCATION NOT RECORDED BY COLLECTOR

Keyword(s): KISSING ; SEXISM

Subject headings: Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Wisecracks, Gags, Silly Insults

Date learned: DATE NOT RECORDED BY COLLECTOR.

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ROPE JUMPING RHYME

WHEN YOU GET MARRIED AND YOUR HUSBAND GETS CROSS,
JUST PICK UP A STICK AND SHOW HIM WHO'S BOSS.

Where learned: HOME ; MICHIGAN ; GROSSE POINTE ; 550 SADDLE LN ; TOLD AT

James Callow Keyword(s): ADVICE POSITIVE ; PETTICOAT GOVERNMENT ; SEXISM

Subject headings: Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Game Verse Game Verse

Date learned: 02-22-1971

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MONEY AND WOMEN

IF YOU HAVE MONEY, SHARE IT WITH MEN
FOR WOMEN ARE UNGRATEFUL

Where learned: WEST AFRICA

James Callow Keyword(s): ADVICE, POSITIVE ; SEXISM ; WEALTH, GENEROSITY, GIVING

Subject headings: PROVERB -- Blason Populaire

Date learned: DATE NOT RECORDED BY COLLECTOR

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IN EUROPE, NO PREGNANT WOMEN WERE ALLOWED IN A BREWERY BECAUSE THEY
WERE BELIEVED TO SPOIL THE BEER.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; SAINT CLAIR SHORES

James Callow Keyword(s): SEXISM

Subject headings: CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Work Commerce Business
Food Drink -- Alcoholic beverage Fermented
BELIEF -- Birth

Date learned: 02-17-1980

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NO WOMEN ARE ALLOWED ON A SHIP BECAUSE THEY BRING BAD LUCK.

Submitter comment: THIS WAS A PRACTICED CUSTOM WHEN INFORMANT WAS IN THE NAVY.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; SAINT CLAIR SHORES

James Callow Keyword(s): SEXISM

Subject headings: BELIEF -- Street Trip Relations between relatives, friends, host and guest Social class Rank
BELIEF -- P535
BELIEF -- Bad luck

Date learned: 02-17-1980

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DETERMINING SEX OF UNBORN CHILD

IF A WOMAN IS PREGNANT WHEN THERE IS A FULL MOON, THEN SHE WILL
BEAR A SON--ANY OTHER SHAPE OF THE MOON WILL RESULT IN A GIRL.

Submitter comment: IN SICILIAN FAMILIES THE MALE IS THE DOMINANT FIGURE JUST AS THE
FULL MOON APPEARS TO BE MORE POWERFUL THAN ANY OTHER SHAPE OF
THE MOON.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

James Callow Keyword(s): SEXISM

Subject headings: BELIEF -- Moon
BELIEF -- Birth

Date learned: CA00001950

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HARVEST CELEBRATION IN LIBERIA

MANY PEOPLE IN LIBERIA DEPEND ON AGRICULTURE.
AGRICULTURE DEPENDS ALSO ON FAVORABLE WEATHER
CONDITIONS. THERE ARE TWO SEASONS. THE RAINY AND THE
DRY SEASON. IF THERE ISN'T SUFFICIENT RAIN THERE
WOULDN'T BE SUFFICIENT HARVEST AND THE SITUATION TENDS TO
CREATE UNHAPPINESS IN OUR COMMUNITY. WE HAVE DEVELOPED
RITES AND CEREMONIES THAT RELATES TO RURAL LIFE.
HARVEST CELEBRATION IS AN ACTIVITY WHICH
STRENGTHENED COMMUNITY CONSCIOUSNESS AND SOLIDARITY.
THE HARVEST CELEBRATION IS USUALLY CELEBRATED AT THE
BEGINNING OF THE YEAR. IT IS ALSO A FAMILY AFFAIR.
IT IS A TIME WHEN RELATIVES COME TOGETHER TO CELEBRATE THE
NEW YEAR AND TO REFLECT ON THE PAST YEAR. IT IS A TIME
OF HAPPINESS. BEFORE COLONIZATION, FAMILIES WOULD MEET AT THE
HOME OF THE OLDEST MALE RELATIVE.
AN EXAMPLE WOULD BE THE FATHER, GRANDFATHER, A NEPHEW OR
AN UNCLE OR A DISTANT MALE RELATIVE.
FAMILY MEMBERS ARE PRESENT. INDIVIDUALS CAN ONLY BE EXCUSE
IN THE CASE OF DEATH OR SERIOUS ILLNESS.
RELATIVES WHO LIVE FAR AWAY USUALLY ARRIVE AHEAD OF
SCHEDULE; THEY ARRIVE A DAY AHEAD.
ON THE LAST DAY OF THE YEAR, A SMALL CELEBRATION IS HELD.
RELATIVES ARE OFFICIALLY WELCOME, THE OLDEST MALE IS
PRESENTED WITH GIFTS. THE GIFTS CONSISTS OF CORN,
CATTLE, WHEAT OR RICE. THE YOUNG MEN AND WOMEN USUALLY
ARE GATHERED OUTSIDE AND ARE CIRCLED BY
A FIRE. THEY CARRY ON A CONVERSATION. THE GRANDMOTHERS
SIT WITH THE CHILDREN NEAR A FIRE AND TELL FOLKTALES.
ON NEW YEAR'S MORNING, GOATS ARE SLAUGHTERED. THE YOUNG
MEN PREPARE THE GOAT FOR COOKING AND ROASTING. THE
WOMEN TRAVELS INTO THE FOREST TO GATHER WOOD. THE WOMEN
RETURN AND PREPARE THE MEAL FOR THE BIG CELEBRATION.
WHILE THE WOMEN ARE COOKING, THE MEN ARE GATHERED
IN A SPECIAL GROUP TO CONVERSE AND TO DRINK PINEWINE. A PINE IS
SHARED AMONG THE MALES. MATTERS OF VITAL IMPORTANCE
ARE DISCUSSED. VILLAGE IMPROVEMENT IS ALSO DISCUSSED.
THE HARVEST CELEBRATION IS USUALLY READY BY MID_AFTERNOON.
EVERYONE EATS AT THIS TIME. AFTER EVERYONE HAS EATEN,
THE WOMEN ARE LEFT ALONE TO PERFORM THE CLEANING.
THE MEN RETIRE TO ANOTHER LOCATION TO DISCUSS THE NEW YEAR.
AFTER CLEANING THE COOKING UTENSILS AND YARD,
THE WOMEN RETURN AND THE VILLAGE ELDERS
USUALLY PRAISE THE WOMEN FOR THE DELICIOUS MEAL
AND ENCOURAGES EVERYONE TO MAKE A WISH FOR THE NEW YEAR.
AFTER THE PRAISES AND SPEECH BY THE ELDERS,
WOMEN, MEN AND CHILDREN ALIKE ARE JOINED TOGETHER
FOR A FESTIVAL WHICH INCLUDES MUSIC AND DANCE.
AT THE END OF THE MUSIC WHICH USUALLY BRING THE HARVEST
TO AN END, A GRANDPARENT LEADS ALL IN PRAYERS FOR A SAFE
JOURNEY HOME.
THIS BRING A HAPPY AND MEMORABLE CELEBRATION TO AN END.

Submitter comment: THE CELEBRATION IS HELD DURING THE MONTH OF JANUARY.
WE PARTICIPATE IN THIS FESTIVAL ANNUALLY.

Where learned: LIBERIA ; BONG COUNTY

James Callow Keyword(s): IT IS ALSO SEXES ; SEPARATION OF THE SEXES ; SEXISM

Subject headings: Favorites
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- January
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 31 New Year's Eve
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Street Trip Relations between relatives, friends, host and guest Social class Rank
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Typical Elements of a Festive Pattern
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Typical Elements of a Festive Pattern
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Autumn Fall Harvest Thanksgiving
BELIEF -- Prayer

Date learned: 00-00-1968

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EASTER MONDAY IN LIBERIA

EASTER MONDAY IS CELEBRATED AS A HOLIDAY IN MONROVIA. SCHOOLS
ARE CLOSED AND MANY GOVERNMENT AND PRIVATE BUILDINGS ARE ALSO CLOSED
EASTER MONDAY USUALLY FALLS ON THE SAME MONDAY AS THAT OF THE
UNITED STATES AND OTHER CHRISTIAN NATIONS AROUND
THE WORLD. THE ONLY BIG DIFFERENCE IS THE TIME. THERE IS A FIVE
HOUR TIME DIFFERENCE BETWEEN NEW YORK AND MONROVIA. THEREFORE,
WHEN EASTER CELEBRATION IS BEING HELD IN MONROVIA, PEOPLE ARE
ASLEEP HERE. AFTER FIVE HOURS OF CELEBRATIONS IN MONROVIA
PEOPLE ARE GETTING OUT OF BED HERE IN THE UNITED STATES. THE
CHRISTIANS IN MONROVIA CELEBRATE EASTER MONDAY BECAUSE THEY
BELIEVE THAT IT WAS AFTER THE SUNDAY THAT JESUS CHRIST THE LORD
ROSE FROM THE DEAD. THE SCHOOLS ARE THE MOST ATTRACTIVE PLACE
OF CELEBRATION. ON EASTER MONDAY, STUDENTS ARE ENCOURAGED TO WITNESS
A GAME BETWEEN RIVAL SCHOOLMATES. THE RIVAL SCHOOLMATES CONSISTS
OF MALES AND FEMALES. THE GAME TO BE WITNESSED IS CALLED THE
TUG-OF-WAR. THERE ARE THREE PLAYERS ON THE FEMALE TEAM AND
THE NUMBER IS UNEVEN BECAUSE MEN ARE SUPPOSED TO BE PHYSICALLY
STRONGER THAN WOMEN. THIS DOES NOT ALWAYS HOLD TRUE FOR THE MEN AS
THE WOMEN USUALLY WIN THE GAME. THE WOMEN USUALLY GO THROUGH
DIFFERENT FORMS OF EXERCISES SUCH AS KARATE, WRESTLING, JOGGING
AND MUSCLE PULLING FOR ABOUT SIX MONTHS DAILY PRIOR TO THE GAME.
THESE EXERCISES AID THE FEMALES IN THEIR STRUGGLE TO PROVE TO
THE MEN THAT IT MAY OR MAY NOT BE TRUE THAT MEN ARE SUPERIOR
TO THE WOMEN; WHAT IS DEFINITELY CERTAIN IS THAT TRADITIONALLY,
IN THE SIGHT OF GOD ALL IS EQUAL. THIS IS TRUE BECAUSE THE FEMALES
USUALLY WORK HARD TO PROVE THIS POINT. THE FEMALE CONTESTANTS
ARE VERY LARGE WOMEN ALSO. ABOUT SIX FEET TALL. A WOMAN OF PETITE
BUILD WILL NOT BE ELIGIBLE TO PARTICIPATE. THE SIZE AND HEIGHT
ARE PRESENTED TO THE SPECTATORS TO SHOW THAT WOMEN SHOULD
NOT BE TAKEN FOR GRANTED. WHENEVER THE MALES LOSE THE GAME IT
IS AND CAUSES LOT OF HUMILIATIONS FOR THEM UNTIL THE FOLLOWING
YEAR. ON THE FOLLOWING YEAR, ABOUT TWO DAYS BEFORE GOOD FRIDAY,
A REMATCH IS SCHEDULED. AT THIS TIME INSTEAD OF THE GAME
THEY THEN GET INVOLVED INTO A SPELLING CONTEST. THE WINNER OF
THE CONTEST IS THEN AWARDED WITH A CHECK OF 50 DOLLARS FROM
HIS SCHOOL AND THE FEMALE'S SCHOOL. THE MALES ARE ALSO
INTRODUCED TO A CRASH COURSE CALLED LEARNING AWARENESS.
THE CRASH COURSE IS SIMPLY AN EDUCATIONAL COURSE TO PROVE TO
THE MALE STUDENTS THAT MEN ARE NOT SUPERIOR TO FEMALES
INTELLECTUALLY. THE SUBJECT OF EASTER MONDAY FITS WELL INTO
THE REALM OF FOLKLORE, ESPECIALLY FROM THE STANDPOINT OF
CUSTOM. IT ALSO FITS WELL BECAUSE IT IS STILL PRACTICED TODAY
AND MANY MEN STILL FEEL THAT THEY ARE SUPERIOR TO WOMEN BY
PHYSICAL ATTRIBUTES AND INTELLIGENCE.

Submitter comment: THE SPELLING CONTEST IS USUALLY HELD TWO DAYS PRIOR TO GOOD FRIDAY.

Where learned: LIBERIA ; MONROVIA

James Callow Keyword(s): SEPARATION OF THE SEXES ; SEXISM

Subject headings: 663 Good Friday
Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Bodily Activity
Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Memory
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Street Trip Relations between relatives, friends, host and guest Social class Rank
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Spring Planting Easter Monday Dyngus

Date learned: 00-00-1968

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CIRCUMCISION

Historical record from James Callow Folklore Archive.

CIRCUMCISION IS THE REMOVAL OF THE FORESKIN COVERING THE
PENIS. FOR THE FEMALES, THE CLITORIS IS USUALLY CUT
OFF SO THAT THE WOMAN CAN IN NO WAY BE ABLE TO
FEEL OR EXPERIENCE SEXUAL SENSATION DURING INTERCOURSE.
IT IS BELIEVED THAT HER SEX ORGANS WILL BE SOLELY USED FOR
CONCEPTION. MALE CIRCUMCISION IN LIBERIA IS ATTENDED
BY MALES AND FEMALES AND WHEN A FEMALE IS BEING
CIRCUMCISED, SHE HAS THE CHOICE OF WHOEVER SHE WOULD LIKE
TO BE IN ATTENDANCE. CIRCUMCISION IS BELIEVED ORIGINATED
DURING OR ABOUT 10,000 B. C. THE FORESKIN IS USUALLY
TIED AND REMOVED AND SHOULD BE DONE WITHOUT TEARS OR
SCREAMING FROM THE YOUNG MALE. THIS IS A SIGN OF MANHOOD.
IF HE SHOULD CRY OR SCREAM, THAT GESTURE REPRESENTS
COWARDICE. IT IS ALSO SYMBOLIC OF THE CULTURE FOR A
YOUNG MAN TO WITHSTAND PAIN. NO TEARS OR SCREAMS SHOWS
A BIG SACRIFICE FOR THE YOUNG MALE AND HIS PARENTS. IF THE
YOUNG MALE DOESN'T CRY, HE IS USUALLY REWARDED WITH MANY
MATERIAL THINGS SUCH AS MONEY, CLOTHES, AND FOOD. IF HE
CRIES, HIS RELATIVES WILL FEAR FOR MANY YEARS THAT
UNTIL PROVEN WRONG, HE MIGHT EXHIBIT CHARACTERISTICS
OF A LAZY OR WEAK INDIVIDUAL.
CIRCUMCISION OCCURS EVERY FOUR YEARS. INCIDENTALLY,
THIS NOVEMBER, MANY CIRCUMCISION WILL TAKE PLACE. MANY
VILLAGES IN LIBERIA WILL BE THE FOCUS OF CIRCUMCISION
RITES. IT IS A FORM OF INITIATION INTO THE AFRICAN
SOCIETY AND MANHOOD. IT OCCURS WHEN A MALE REACHES THE AGE
OF TWELVE. CIRCUMCISION ALSO IN MANY TRIBAL VILLAGES
SUCCEEDS MARRIAGE. IT IS ALSO BELIEVED THAT CIRCUMCISION
SEPARATES THE YOUNG MALE WHO HAS BEEN CIRCUMCISED FROM
THE ONES WHO HAVE NEVER BEEN CIRCUMCISED. A INITIATION MARK
CAN ALSO BE SHOWN ON A MALE'S BACK. UNCIRCUMCISED MEN
USUALLY HAVE VERY LARGE PENIS. IT PENETRATES THE FEMALE'S
WOMB SHARPLY WHEN IT ENTERS IT. IT IS ALSO BELIEVED
THAT UNCIRCUMCISED MEN ARE FEAR AMONG WOMEN. THEY ARE
FEAR SEXUALLY. MANY PARENTS AND RELATIVES FEAR FOR THEIR
FEMALE'S HEALTH IF MARRIAGE WAS TO COME ABOUT FROM ONE OF
THESE MEN. THEY ARE NOT HAPPY MEN. THERE, TO GET AWAY FROM
THE MISERY, A VISIT TO A JUJUMAN OFTEN TIMES HELP OUT.
THE JUJUMAN CAN BE HELPFUL BY ATTACHING THE PREPUCE WITH A
RING. THIS RING HELPS THE UNCIRCUMCISED MAN NOT TO PENETRATE
THE FEMALE'S WOMB DEEPLY.HIS CHANCES OF FERTILITY CAN
ALSO BE HELPED. IT MIGHT ALSO INCREASE HIS SPERM. HIS
SEXUAL INTERCOURSE CAN ALSO BECOME SATISFYING INSTEAD
OF PAINFUL FOR HIS PARTNER. THE WORD UNCIRCUMCISED IS
A CURSE WORD. IT IS ALSO A DEGRADING WORD FOR THE MALES.
UNCIRCUMCISED IS NOT A CURSE WORD FOR FEMALES. SHE SIMPLY
ACCEPTS HER CONDITION. SHE LEARNS TO LIVE WITH IT.
THE FEMALE'S CLITORIS SIMPLY CAN'T BE REPLACED. SHE DOESN'T
DARE DO ANY THING ABOUT IT ALSO. A YOUNG MAN WHO IS
TO BE CIRCUMCISED DAY BEGINS AT DAWN. HE EATS GARI
WHICH IS HIS BREAKFAST. WHEN HE FINISHES, HE IS UNDRESS
BY HIS MATERNAL UNCLE WITH BEADS. THE BEADS ARE PLACED
AROUND HIS WAIST AND HIS HANDS. HIS NECK IS ALSO DECORATED WITH
COW ORNAMENTS. A GOAT IS SACRIFICED IN HONOR OF THE YOUNG MAN.
THIS IS DONE AROUND 12 NOON. AT ABOUT TWO O'CLOCK, THE
YOUNG MAN TO BE CIRCUMCISED IS THEN THROWN INTO A COLD
STEAM. WHEN HE GETS OUT OF THE STEAM, CIRCUMCISION BEGINS.
CIRCUMCISION FOR THE FEMALES IS NOT DISCUSSED OFTEN AS
IT IS DISCUSSED OF THE MALE. WHEN A FEMALE REACHES PUBERTY,
HER CLITORIS IS CUT. SHE THEN GETS MARRIED SHORTLY AFTER.
NOTHING MORE IS DISCUSSED BECAUSE SHE IS SUPPOSE TO BE
HER HUSBAND'S PROPERTY. THIS CUSTOM IS PRACTICED A LOT
IN MANY VILLAGES IN LIBERIA. HOWEVER, IN THE CITY OR
WITH THE CHILDREN OF EDUCATED PARENTS. CIRCUMCISION
OF THE CLITORIS IS NOT PRACTICED. IT IS NOT PRACTICED
BECAUSE OF COLONIZATION. FOR THE MALES, CIRCUMCISION IS
PRACTICED BY THE REMOVAL OF THE PREPUCE COVERING THE
PENIS.

Where learned: LIBERIA ; MONROVIA ; SINKOR

James Callow Keyword(s): SEXISM

Subject headings: Favorites
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Street Trip Relations between relatives, friends, host and guest Social class Rank
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Maturity
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Marriage
Food Drink -- Typical menus for the various meals For meal hours, see F574.84. Morning mealsBreakfast
BELIEF -- Curse

Date learned: 00-00-1968

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DON'T LET A WOMAN IN YOUR HOUSE ON NEW YEAR'S BECAUSE SHE WILL BRING
BAD LUCK

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

James Callow Keyword(s): SEXISM

Subject headings: CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- January 1 New Year's
BELIEF -- Street Trip Relations between relatives, friends, host and guest Social class Rank
BELIEF -- Bad luck

Date learned: 11-05-1980

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WHEN YOU CARRY YOUR BABY HIGH IT WILL BE A BOY AND WHEN YOU CARRY IT
LOW IT WILL BE A GIRL

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

James Callow Keyword(s): POSITION DIRECTION ; SEXISM

Subject headings: Observation
BELIEF -- Birth

Date learned: 11-14-1980

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WHEN EATING LAMB OR GOAT'S MEAT, ONLY THE MEN ARE ALLOWED TO EAT THE
ANIMAL HEAD; THE WOMEN CAN ONLY EAT THE LOWER JAW BONE.

Submitter comment: THE INFORMANT TOLD ME THAT IT WAS A TREAT TO EAT AN ANIMAL'S
HEAD, AND THAT EATING LAMB AND GOAT IS COMMON IN AFRICA.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT ; CAMPUS

James Callow Keyword(s): SEXISM

Subject headings: CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Street Trip Relations between relatives, friends, host and guest Social class Rank
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Measure of time Eating For menu, see N222.

Date learned: 03-00-1982

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BEER OR "BITTER" IS SOLD AT PUBS IN ENGLAND BY THE PINT AND BY
THE HALF-PINT. HOWEVER, MEN ARE NEVER SUPPOSED TO ORDER HALF-PINTS
AS IT'S A SIGN OF A LACK OF MASCULINITY. WOMEN BY THE SAME TOKEN
SHOULD NEVER ORDER FULL PINTS AS IT'S A SIGN OF A LACK OF FEMININITY.

Where learned: ENGLAND ; CAMBRIDGE

James Callow Keyword(s): SEXISM

Subject headings: Food Drink -- Alcoholic beverage Fermented
BELIEF -- Street Trip Relations between relatives, friends, host and guest Social class Rank

Date learned: 07-00-1982

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ON THE FIRST SIGHT OF SPRING, A CELEBRATION MUST
BE INITIATED BY THE FAMILIES WHO HAVE TWO OR MORE BOYS
IN THE VILLAGE TO INSURE GOOD LUCK FOR THE NEW YEAR.

Submitter comment: IT WAS BELIEVED THIS WOULD INSURE HEALTHY BIRTHS OF
ALL CHILDREN AND WOULD INCREASE THE BIRTHS OF BOYS.

Where learned: COLLECTED BY MAIL ; COOKHAM RISE ; BERKSHIRE

James Callow Keyword(s): SEXISM

Subject headings: 686 Properties attributed to specific numbers or numerals individually.
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Birth
BELIEF -- Birth
BELIEF -- Measure of time Year
BELIEF -- Measure of time Spring
BELIEF -- Good luck Time (year, season, week, hour, etc.) Occasion Event

Date learned: 00-00-1970

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GRAFFITO

SOME BABIES ARE BORN TO BE GREAT,
OTHERS ARE BORN BOYS}

Submitter comment: THIS MESSAGE WAS WRITTEN ON THE WALL OF A WOMEN'S RESTROOM AT
HENRY FORD COMMUNITY COLLEGE IN DEARBORN, MICHIGAN.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DEARBORN

James Callow Keyword(s): SEXISM

Subject headings: Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- C850-

Date learned: 00-00-1982

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DUNKING DAYS

CHILDREN IN PENNSYLVANIA CELEBRATE DUNKING
DAYS ON TWO CONSECUTIVE SUNDAYS IN MAY OR JUNE
AROUND WHITSUNDAY. ON THE FIRST SUNDAY, THE
BOYS ATTEMPT TO WET THE GIRLS WITH WATER. ON
THE FOLLOWING SUNDAY, THE GIRLS ATTEMPT TO WET
THE BOYS. I DON'T KNOW WHEN I FIRST HEARD ABOUT
THIS CUSTOM, BUT MY MOTHER TOLD ME THAT SHE CELEBRATED
DUNKING DAYS IN DUQUESNE, PENNSYLVANIA AROUND 1945.

Submitter comment: THE INFORMANT ADVISES THAT HER MOTHER'S NAME IS
MARY MORSILLO GINGERICH, BORN OCTOBER 3, 1937,
FARRELL, PENNSYLVANIA.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; ROYAL OAK

James Callow Keyword(s): SEXISM

Subject headings: Favorites
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- May
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- June
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Measure of time Week Day Hour
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Spring Planting After all

Date learned: 09-00-1982

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