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PROVERB
OF ALL THE SLAVES THE LOWEST IS HE WHO IS A SLAVE TO HIS PASSIONS

Submitter comment: FROM CICERO

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

James Callow Keyword(s): ADVICE: NEGATIVE ; HEDONISM ; OBSERVATION ; SYMBOL

Subject headings: PROVERB -- Proverbial Apothegm Maxim

Date learned: 12-00-1963

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EXPECTANT MOTHERS

FOR EXPECTANT MOTHERS: GIVE THEM A LOTTA PEA SOUP AND CRABS.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT

Subject headings: CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Birth

Date learned: 02-04-1972

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SIESTA

IN THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC ON A WORK DAY, EVERYBODY
GOES HOME FOR LUNCH FROM 12 TO 2. THIS TWO HOUR BREAK
IS CALLED A SIESTA. NO BODY WORKS DURING THIS PERIOD.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT

Subject headings: CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Measure of time Sleeping

Date learned: 10-24-1968

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AT A POLISH FUNERAL, THE HYMN "WITLAG KROLOVO" IS
ALWAYS SUNG INSTEAD OF THE TRADITIONAL CATHOLIC
"IN PARADISO" AS THE BODY IS BEING TAKEN OUT OF THE
CHURCH. THIS IS A SONG TO MARY. THE PEOPLE PETITION
MARY IN THE SONG TO MEET THE SOUL OF THE DECEASED IN
HEAVEN.
AT THE BURIAL, FLOWER PETALS ARE PLACED ON THE CASKET
BY ALL THE MOURNERS.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT

Subject headings: CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Death Funeral Burial

Date learned: 10-15-1971

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ST. PATRICK DROVE ALL THE SNAKES OUT OF IRELAND; HE
DROVE THEM INTO THE SEA.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT

Subject headings: BELIEF -- Religious hero
BELIEF -- Animal

Date learned: 11-01-1971

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WHENEVER YOU PASS A CATHOLIC CHURCH, YOU SHOULD BOW
YOUR HEAD.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT

Subject headings: CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Church

Date learned: 01-20-1968

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ARABIAN SAYING

A PERSIAN (LIGHT-SKINNED) IS THE SAME AS AN ARABIAN (DARK-
SKINNED), JUDGE HIM ON WHAT HE DOES.

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

James Callow Keyword(s): COMPARISON ; DON'T JUDGE A BOOK BY ITS COVER

Subject headings: PROVERB -- Proverbial Apothegm Maxim
PROVERB -- Blason Populaire

Date learned: 09-00-1967

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SALT SHAKER

IT SEEMS TO BE A CUSTOM FOR COLLEGE STUDENTS TO SIT
DOWN AT A TABLE FOR A MEAL AND, WHILE THEY'RE WAITING
FOR THEIR ORDERS TO COME, POUR SOME SALT CRYSTALS
ON THE TABLE AND THEN ATTEMPT TO BALANCE THE SALT
SHAKER ON THESE CRYSTALS.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT

Subject headings: CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- School

Date learned: 00-00-1968

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DRESS

THE MEN FROM THE MIDWEST, (OHIO, MICHIGAN, MISSOURI,
ILLINOIS, WISCONSIN, ETC.) WHEN DRESSING, LET THEIR
UNDERSHIRT HANG OUTSIDE OF THEIR UNDERSHORTS. MEN
FROM THE EAST (PENNSYLVANIA, NEW YORK, NEW JERSEY, ETC.)
TUCK THEIR UNDERSHIRTS INTO THEIR UNDERSHORTS. I FOUND
THESE HABITS EXISTED ALMOST UNIVERSALLY IN BOTH
SECTIONS AND EACH GROUP WOULD RIDICULE THE OTHER
FOR HIS MANNER OF DRESSING.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT

Subject headings: CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Daily Life

Date learned: NOT GIVEN

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THE STORY OF THE PHOO BIRD

ONCE THERE WAS A MISSIONARY WHO DECIDED HE WAS GOING
TO CONVERT SOME NATIVES ON A SOUTH SEAS ISLAND.
WHEN HE GOT THERE, THEY WERE VERY FRIENDLY TO HIM.
SUDDENLY, THEY BEGAN TO BOW AND SCRAPE IN THE SAND.
THEY WERE YELLING AND MOANING, "OH, MIGHTY PHOO BIRD,
HAVE MERCY ON US. YOU ARE OUR GOD." SURE ENOUGH,
THERE WAS A LARGE BIRD CIRCLING OVERHEAD. SUDDENLY,
THE BIRD SWOOPED DOWN AND SHIT ALL OVER THE MISSIONARY.
THE NATIVES BEGAN TO LAUGH AND CLAP. THEY TOLD HIM
THAT THE PHOO BIRD HAD GIVEN HIM THE SIGN OF FAVOR
AND THAT HE SHOULD WEAR IT ALWAYS WITH PRIDE. THE
MISSIONARY WAS MAD AND TOLD THEM THAT HE WAS GOING TO
THE BEACH TO WASH IT OFF. BUT THEY SAID, "NO, NO.
YOU CAN'T DO THAT. YOU WILL DIE IF YOU DO."
THE MISSIONARY DIDN'T LISTEN TO THE, BUT WENT RIGHT
DOWN TO THE BEACH AND INTO THE WATER. WHEN HE CAME
OUT OF THE WATER, HE DROPPED DEAD ON THE BEACH.
DO YOU KNOW WHAT THE MORAL OF THIS STORY IS?
IF THE PHOO SHITS, WEAR IT.

Submitter comment: VICKIE LEARNED THIS FROM SOME HIGH SCHOOL FRIENDS
OF HERS IN DEARBORN.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT

Subject headings: PROSE NARRATIVE -- Formula tale

Date learned: 00-00-1967

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A CANNIBAL STORY

A MAN DECIDED THAT HE WANTED TO GO ON A SAFARI
IN DEEPEST AFRICA. HE AND HIS ENTIRE PARTY WERE
CAPTURED BY CANNIBALS ON THE FIRST DAY OUT. SINCE
HE WAS THE ONLY WHITE MAN, THE NATIVES DECIDED TO COOK
HIM FIRST. THEY PUT HIM IN A LARGE POT OF WATER.
THE CHIEF CAME OVER WITH A BIG KNIFE AND CUT OFF HIS
EAR. THE MAN WAS NOT GOING TO LET THEM KNOW HE WAS
IN PAIN, SO HE DIDN'T MAKE A SOUND. THE CHIEF ATE THE
EAR AND WASHED IT DOWN WITH A VERNOR'S GINGERALE.
HE CAME BACK AND REMOVED AN ARM, THE NATIVES DEVOURED
IT AND, AGAIN, IT WAS WASHED DOWN WITH A VERNOR'S
GINGERALE.
WHEN THE CHIEF RETURNED A THIRD TIME, THE MAN FINALLY
SAID SOMETHING. "I SUPPOSE THIS TIME YOU'RE GOING
TO CUT OFF MY THING AND WASH IT DOWN WITH VERNOR'S."
THE CHIEF SAID, "UH-UH. EVERYBODY KNOWS THAT THINGS
GO BETTER WITH COKE."

Submitter comment: LYNN HEARD THIS STORY FROM SOME FRIENDS AT
UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN.

Data entry tech comment: ALLUSION TO TELEVISION COMMERCIAL FOR COCA-COLA.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT

Subject headings: PROSE NARRATIVE -- Formula tale

Date learned: 00-00-1967

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JEWISH JOKE

THERE'S A JEW WALKING DOWN THE STREET WHEN ONE OF HIS
FRIENDS COMES UP TO HIM AND ASKS, "SAUL, WHY ARE YOU
SO FORESAKEN?" AND THE JEW ANSWERS, "AH, MY SON HAS
GONE AND BECOME A CATHOLIC." SO THE SECOND JEW SAYS,
"FUNNY YOU SHOULD MENTION. MINE HAS TOO, I WAS
ON MY WAY TO THE TEMPLE TO PRAY. COME." SO THEY LEAVE,
AND ON THE WAY MEET ANOTHER OF THEIR FRIENDS, ALSO
FORLORN. THEY ASK, "DAVID, WHY SO FORESAKEN?" HE
ANSWERS, "MY SON HAS GONE AND BECOME A CHRISTIAN.
I AM ON MY WAY TO THE TEMPLE TO PRAY." SO THEY SAY,
"FUNNY YOU SHOULD MENTION. OUR SONS HAVE DONE THE
SAME." THEY ALL GO TO THE TEMPLE AND START TO PRAY,
TELLING GOD THAT THEIR SONS HAVE GONE AND BECOME
CHRISTIANS. AND GOD LOOKS DOWN ON THEM AND SAYS,
"FUNNY YOU SHOULD MENTION."

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT

Subject headings: PROSE NARRATIVE -- Man

Date learned: 00001967 FALL

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IT SEEMS THAT ONE DAY MANY YEARS BACK, WHEN CUBA AND THE
UNITED STATES WERE ON SPEAKING TERMS, CUBAN PEASANTS
WOULD TRAVEL TO FLORIDA TO PURCHASE SOME OF THE THINGS
THAT WERE NOT READILY AVAILABLE IN CUBA. ONE SUCH DAY,
PEDRO LANDED IN MIAMI AND WHILE SHOPPING HE DECIDED THAT
HE WANTED A PAIR OF WOOL SOCKS. HE WENT INTO A STORE
BUT COULD NOT ASK FOR THE PRODUCT BECAUSE HE SPOKE NO
ENGLISH. HE TRIED TO ASK, BUT THE CLERK COULDN'T
UNDERSTAND. SO HE STARTED LOOKING AND WHEN HE CAME
UPON THE RACK WITH THE SOCKS HE SHOUTED, "ESO SI QUE
ES!" TO WHICH THE CLERK REPLIED, "IF YOU KNOW HOW TO
SPELL IT, WHY DIDN'T YOU SAY SO?"

Submitter comment: TRANSLATION: "THIS IS IT."
INFORMANT HAS TRAVELED A GREAT DEAL IN SPANISH
SPEAKING COUNTRIES AND THIS IS WHERE HE PICKED UP
THE STORY.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT

Subject headings: PROSE NARRATIVE -- Man

Date learned: 09-22-1967

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GROSS JOKE

A WOMAN WENT TO THE DOCTOR AND ASKED HIM IF SHE COULD
GET FITTED WITH A PLATEGLASS DIAPHRAGM. THE DOCTOR ASKED
WHY SHE WANTED ONE. SHE SAID SHE WANTED A PICTURE
WINDOW FOR HER PLAYROOM.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT

Subject headings: PROSE NARRATIVE -- Stupid man or woman

Date learned: 00001967 FALL

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THERE'S A HOLE IN MY BUCKET

THERE'S A HOLE IN MY BUCKET, DEAR HENRY, DEAR HENRY, THERE'S A
HOLE IN MY BUCKET, DEAR HENRY, A HOLE.
WELL FIX IT, DEAR LIZA, DEAR LIZA, DEAR LIZA, WELL FIX IT, DEAR LIZA,
DEAR LIZA, FIX IT.
WITH WHAT SHALL I FIX IT, DEAR HENRY, DEAR HENRY, WITH WHAT
SHALL I FIX IT, DEAR HENRY, WITH WHAT?
WITH STRAW, DEAR LIZA, DEAR LIZA, DEAR LIZA, WITH STRAW, DEAR LIZA,
DEAR LIZA, WITH STRAW.
WITH SHALL I CUT IT, DEAR HENRY, DEAR HENRY, WITH WHAT SHALL
I CUT IT, DEAR HENRY, WITH WHAT?
WITH A KNIFE, DEAR LIZA, DEAR LIZA, DEAR LIZA, WITH A KNIFE, DEAR
LIZA, DEAR LIZA, A KNIFE.
WITH WHAT SHALL I SHARPEN IT, DEAR HENRY, DEAR HENRY, WITH WHAT
SHALL I SHARPEN IT, DEAR HENRY, WITH WHAT?
WITH A STONE, DEAR LIZA, DEAR LIZA, DEAR LIZA, WITH A STONE,
DEAR LIZA, DEAR LIZA, A STONE.
WITH WHAT SHALL I WET IT, DEAR HENRY, DEAR HENRY, WITH WHAT
SHALL I WET IT, DEAR HENRY, WITH WHAT?
WITH WATER, DEAR LIZA, DEAR LIZA, DEAR LIZA, WITH WATER, DEAR
LIZA, DEAR LIZA, WATER
WITH WHAT SHALL I FETCH IT, DEAR HENRY, DEAR HENRY, WITH
WHAT SHALL I FETCH IT, DEAR HENRY, WITH WHAT?
WITH A BUCKET, DEAR LIZA, DEAR LIZA, DEAR LIZA, WITH A BUCKET,
DEAR LIZA, DEAR LIZA, A BUCKET.
THERE'S A HOLE IN MY BUCKET, DEAR HENRY, DEAR HENRY, THERE'S
A HOLE IN MY BUCKET, DEAR HENRY, A HOLE.

Submitter comment: I LEARNED THIS SONG IN THE DAY CAMPS IN THE CHICAGO AREA.

Where learned: UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DORMS

Keyword(s): CHAIN SONG ; PURE DIALOGUE ; QUESTION AND ANSWER STRUCTURE

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

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NUN JOKE

WHAT'S BLACK AND WHITE AND PRAYS IN THE ATTIC?
A PREGNANT NUN.

Submitter comment: THE INFORMANT HEARD IT FROM A FRIEND.

Where learned: UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT HIGH SCHOOL

Subject headings: PROSE NARRATIVE -- Woman

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IF YOU'RE TOO SWEET A MAN, EVERYBODY WILL LICK YOU.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT

Keyword(s): LOLLIPOP NAIVETE

James Callow Keyword(s): GENTLE DISPOSITIONS TEMPT PEOPLE TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THEM ; OBSERVATION PREDICTION

Subject headings: PROVERB -- Proverbial Metaphor

Date learned: 09-23-1971

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IF YOU HAVEN'T PUT SOMETHING DOWN, DON'T LOOK FOR IT}

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT

Keyword(s): TAKING NOTES

James Callow Keyword(s): ADVICE: NEGATIVE

Subject headings: PROVERB -- Proverbial Apothegm Maxim

Date learned: 09-23-1971

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IF YOU HAVEN'T SOWN, YOU WON'T HARVEST. TRANSLATION OF
NEPASEGAS, NEPJAUSI.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT

Keyword(s): FARMING BIBLE QUOTATION?

James Callow Keyword(s): OBSERVATION PREDICTION

Subject headings: PROVERB -- Proverbial Metaphor

Date learned: 09-23-1971

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CHRISTMAS CUSTOM

INFORMANT TOLD ME THAT IN BOTH HER OWN CHILDHOOD AND THAT OF HER
FATHER, THEY WOULD PUT A PAIR OF SHOES OUTSIDE THE DOOR FOR SANTA
CLAUS TO FILL WITH GOODIES. HER FATHER WOULD, HOWEVER, LAY
HIS SHOES BESIDE HIS BED BECAUSE SINCE HE ONLY HAD ONE PAIR OF
SHOES, HE DID NOT WANT THEM TO BE FROZEN OVER ON CHRISTMAS
MORNING FROM BEING OUTSIDE ALL NIGHT.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT

Subject headings: CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 25 Christmas Also see F642, below.
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 24 Christmas Eve
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20 Stockings and shoes

Date learned: 12-02-1971

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