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AFTER A GIRL HAS JUST BEEN MARRIED SHE MUST KISS
THE HANDS OF HER PARENTS AND NEW MOTHER AND FATHER
IN-LAW FOR GOOD LUCK.

Submitter comment: INFORMANT SAID THAT THIS WAS DONE IN THE OLD
COUNTRY (YOZGAT, TURKEY).

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; TURKEY ; OAK PARK

Subject headings: CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Marriage Ceremony

Date learned: 02-27-1972

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INFORMANT HAS A POLISH AUNT FROM BUFFALO, NEW YORK, WHO
GIVES EVERYONE IN THE FAMILY A LOTTERY TICKET FOR
HIS BIRTHDAY FROM AGE SIXTEEN ON.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; OAK PARK

Subject headings: CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Private birthday or anniversary

Date learned: NOT GIVEN

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JACKS GAME

YEARS AGO IN RUSSIA, THE CHILDREN WOULD TAKE TINY LAMB
BONES, DRY THE, AND USE THEM FOR JACKS.

Submitter comment: INFORMANT SAID THAT HER MOTHER-IN-LAW GREW UP IN RUSSIA
(1897-1902) AND REMEMBERS MAKING AND PLAYING WITH THESE
BONES.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; OAK PARK

Subject headings: Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Special Object or Implement

Date learned: 02-02-1972

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MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY YULE,
TAKE A FRIEND AND GO TO SHULE.

Submitter comment: YULE IS AT CHRISTMAS TIME, AND SHULE IS A JEWISH HOUSE
OF WORSHIP.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; OAK PARK

Keyword(s): HOLIDAYS ; MOCK EPIC ; PARODY OF SONG ; RELIGIOUS ; RELIGIOUS OR PIOUS MOCK

Subject headings: Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Custom Festival C840.642

Date learned: 10-03-1971

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THERE IS A CUSTOM THAT SAYS THAT THE GODMOTHER MUST BE
THE FIRST TO CUT OFF THE FINGERNAILS OF AN INFANT.

Submitter comment: INFORMANT SAID THAT THE GODMOTHER WOULD PREVENT ANY
EVIL EYE THAT MIGHT GET A HOLD OF THE FINGERNAILS.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; OAK PARK

Subject headings: CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Baptism Naming rite

Date learned: 01-21-1972

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SLEEPING CUSTOM

THE HUSBAND SHOULD ALWAYS SLEEP NEXT TO THE DOOR, OR
IN THE PLACE WHERE HE CAN GET TO THE DOOR THE
QUICKEST.

Submitter comment: INFORMANT FELT THAT IT WAS NECESSARY FOR THE MAN TO BE
READY TO TAKE CARE OF ANYTHING BY JUMPING UP AND RUNNING
OUT OF THE ROOM BY SLEEPING WHERE HE COULD EXIT QUICKLY.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; OAK PARK

Subject headings: CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Measure of time Sleeping

Date learned: 01-21-1972

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YOU CAN TELL HOW MANY DAYS ARE IN THE MONTHS BY USING
YOUR KNUCKLES. USING THE FOUR KNUCKLES, ON THE
KNUCKLES IS 31 DAYS, IN THE LOW PART BETWEEN THE
KNUCKLES ARE THE MONTHS WITH LESS THAN 31 DAYS.

Data entry tech comment: DRAWING ON 5 X 8 CARD: ON KNUCKLES, JULY, ON THE

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; OAK PARK

Subject headings: ART CRAFT ARCHITECTURE -- MNEM

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MOURNING PERIOD

WHENEVER SOMEONE DIES, IT IS CUSTOMARY FOR THEIR MATE
(HUSBAND OR WIFE) TO WEAR SOMETHING BLACK FOR ONE FULL
YEAR.

Submitter comment: INFORMANT SAID MANY ARMENIANS STILL HOLD TO THIS CUSTOM.
INFORMANT ACTUALLY OBSERVED THIS CUSTOM AFTER THE DEATH
OF HER HUSBAND.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; OAK PARK

Subject headings: CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Death Funeral Burial

Date learned: 03-18-1972

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MOURNING PERIOD

THERE IS A SEVERE 40 DAY MOURNING PERIOD FOR THE
FAMILY OF THE DECEASED. THEY DO NOT LEAVE THE
HOME EXCEPT FOR NECESSITIES (FOOD, ETC.). THEY DO
NOT ENGAGE IN ANY ENTERTAINING ACTIVITIES (PARTIES,
WATCHING T. V.) (UNTIL) AFTER THE MOURNING PERIOD IS
OVER, THEN A DINNER IS GIVEN FOR THE FAMILY OF THE
DECEASED.

Submitter comment: INFORMANT SAID THIS IS A CUSTOM STILL OBSERVED BY MANY
ARMENIANS.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; OAK PARK

Subject headings: CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Death Funeral Burial

Date learned: 03-18-1972

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A FEAST

WHENEVER THERE IS A HOMECOMING (BOY COMES HOME FROM
MILITARY SERVICE, NEW BRIDE, ETC.) A LAMB IS KILLED
FOR A FEAST.

Submitter comment: INFORMANT SAID THIS CUSTOM WAS OBSERVED IN THE OLD
COUNTRY (TURKEY).

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; OAK PARK

Subject headings: CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Typical Elements of a Festive Pattern

Date learned: 03-18-1972

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DRESS

IF YOU WEAR YELLOW ON THURSDAY, IT MEANS YOU ARE
QUEER. IF YOU WEAR RED ON FRIDAY, IT MEANS YOU ARE
A WHORE.

Submitter comment: THIS WAS A CUSTOM FOLLOWED DURING MY HIGH SCHOOL DAYS
1965-1968

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; OAK PARK

Subject headings: CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- School
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Measure of time Week Day Hour

Date learned: NOT GIVEN

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"MOMMY, MOMMY" JOKE

"MOMMY, MOMMY" HOW COME I KEEP RUNNING AROUND IN CIRCLES?"
"SHUT UP OR, I'LL NAIL YOUR OTHER FOOT TO THE FLOOR"

Submitter comment: INFORMANT SAID THAT MOMMY, MOMMY JOKES WERE POPULAR IN HIS
CLASS AT SCHOOL.

Data entry tech comment: CHAPTER 6 IN "WITCRACKS" BY ALVIN SCHWARTZ

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; OAK PARK

Keyword(s): ABSURD ; CHILD ; DIALOGUE ; HUMOR ; RUNNING

Subject headings: PROSE NARRATIVE -- Jest Anecdote

Date learned: 02-02-1972

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AUTOGRAPH FROM NADYNE ORLOFF

HE WALKED HER HOME WHEN THE NIGHT WAS DARK,
HE RAN AHEAD TO OPEN THE GATE.
SHE WANTED TO THANK HIM, BUT SHE DIDN'T KNOW HOW,
'CUZ HE WAS THE FARMER, AND SHE WAS THE COW/

Submitter comment: ENTRY DATED 1963 IN AUTOGRAPH BOOK, KEPT IN OADK PARK, MICHIGAN
1963 - 1972

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; OAK PARK

Keyword(s): RHYME

Subject headings: Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Narrative Verse
Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Autograph Verse Wisecracks, gags, silly stories, insults

Date learned: 00-00-1963

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DUTCH TONGUE-TWISTER

"LIETJE LEERD LOTJE LOPEN IN DE LANGE LINDENLAAN".
TRANSLATED THE STORY IS THAT LIETJE IS TEACHING LOTJE
HOW TO WALK IN THE LONG LANE OF MAPLE TREES. LIETJE
AND LOTJE ARE TWO LITTLE GIRLS, PROBABLY SISTERS.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; OAK PARK

James Callow Keyword(s): ALLITERATION

Subject headings: SPEECH -- Formula

Date learned: 04-00-1979

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FORTUNE TELLING RICE BIRDS OF INDONESIA

IN INDONESIA A VENDER COME AROUND THE HOUSE WITH THREE
LITTLE RICE BIRDS IN A CAGE. HE WOULD ASK IF HE COULD
TELL YOUR FORTUNE FOR THE NEXT SEVEN YEARS. IF ALLOWED,
HE WOULD THROW RICE INTO THE CAGE OF BIRDS. IF THE BIRDS
ATE THE RICE, YOU WOULD HAVE SEVEN YEARS OF STARVATION, BE-
CAUSE EVERYTHING HAS BEEN EXHAUSTED. IF THEY DIDN'T EAT
ALL THE RICE, YOU WOULD HAVE SEVEN YEARS OF SUCCESS AND
GOOD LUCK. THE IDEA WAS TO GET THE VENDER AFTER HE HAS
BEEN TO ALL THE OTHER HOUSES, BY THAT TIME THE BIRDS WOULD
BE TOO FULL OF RICE, YOU COULD NOT HELP BUT GET GOOD LUCK.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; OAK PARK

James Callow Keyword(s): AUSPEXY ; HOMEOPATHIC

Subject headings: 686 Seven / Sevenths / Several
Prophet / Seer / Soothsayer
870
Favorites
BELIEF -- Bird
BELIEF -- Good luck
BELIEF -- Bad luck

Date learned: 04-00-1979 ; 00001930-1950

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SUPERSTITION

I ABSOLUTELY REFUSE TO WEAR OR HAVE ANYTHING TO DO WITH
THE NUMBER 13. THE ONE TIME I WAS "FORCED" TO WEAR IT, I
INJURED MY RIGHT SHOULDER.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; OAK PARK

Subject headings: 686 Specific number by specific number being described
BELIEF -- Entertainment Diversion
BELIEF -- Bad luck

Date learned: CA00001966

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INDONESIAN LEGEND

"KUNTIL ANAK", TRANSLATED IT IS THE "STEALER OF THE CHILD";
SHE IS AN OLD LADY WHO STEALS NEW BORN BABIES FROM OUT
OF THEIR CRIBS. SHE HAS A HOLE IN HER BACK, SHE LIVES IN
THE RUBBER TREES, AND HAS A VERY DISTINCTIVE LAUGH. IT
SOUNDS LIKE THAT OF A WITCH.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; OAK PARK

Subject headings: PROSE NARRATIVE -- Outlaw Criminal Bandit Pirate
PROSE NARRATIVE -- Witch Shaman

Date learned: 04-00-1979 ; 00001930-1950

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SUPERSTITION

I HAVE A FRIEND, WHO WHEN WALKING TO THE PLATE IN BASEBALL,
WOULD ALWAYS WALK AROUND THE CATCHER AND THE UMPIRE.
HE WOULD NEVER WALK IN FRONT OF THEM. HE THOUGHT IT WAS
TO HIS BENEFIT TO SHOW SOME COURTESY.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; OAK PARK

Subject headings: CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Entertainment Diversion
SPEECH -- Gesture

Date learned: 04-00-1979

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SUPERSTITION

NO MATTER HOW I DID IN A COMPETITIVE SPORT, I STILL WANT
EVERYTHING WASHED. THINGS LIKE T-SHIRTS, SOCKS, UNDERWEAR
AND SOMETIMES THE WHOLE UNIFORM, MUST BE WASHED. MOST PEOPLE
WILL NOT WASH CERTAIN THINGS FOR FEAR THAT THEY WILL WASH
OUT THE GOOD SPIRITS. I WANT TO KEEP THOSE SPIRITS HAPPY
BY LOOKING GOOD ALL THE TIME.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; OAK PARK

James Callow Keyword(s): WASHING OF CLOTHES

Subject headings: BELIEF -- Devil Demon
BELIEF -- Entertainment Diversion

Date learned: CA00001972

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SUPERSTITION

WHEN PUTTING ON MY SOCKS TO PLAY IN A SPORT, THE SOCK
WITH THE LABELLING GOES ON THE RIGHT FOOT. IF THE LA-
BELLING HAS FADED AWAY, THE BETTER CONDITIONED SOCK
GOES ON THE RIGHT FOOT. I'M RIGHT-HANDED AND I BELIEVE
THIS WILL BRING ME GOOD LUCK. RECENTLY, I HAVE STARTED
THIS TREND IN MY EVERYDAY MANNERISMS.

Submitter comment: I SEE THIS AS BRINGING ME GOOD LUCK.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; OAK PARK

James Callow Keyword(s): DRESSING ; POSITION DIRECTION

Subject headings: ART CRAFT ARCHITECTURE -- Dress HandsFeet
BELIEF -- Entertainment Diversion
BELIEF -- Good luck

Date learned: CA00001973

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