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GIANT STEPS (OR MOTHER, MAY I?)
THE LEADER POSITIONS HIMSELF APPROXIMATELY 200 FEET FROM
THE CONTESTANTS ALONG A SIDEWALK, ADDRESSING HIMSELF
ALTERNATELY TO THEM. HE SAYS, "YOU MAY TAKE THREE BABY
STEPS," FOR EXAMPLE. BUT THE KID MUST ANSWER, "MOTHER
MAY I?" AND RECEIVE IN TURN A "YES, YOU MAY!" FROM THE
"MOTHER." A "NO, YOU MAY NOT," AND NO ADVANCEMENT.
THE NUMBER AND TYPE OF STEPS ALLOWED IS LEFT TO "MOTHER'S"
DISCRETION. THERE ARE BABY STEPS--SHORT HEEL TO TOE
STEPS; GIANT STEPS, LARGEST STRIDES POSSIBLE; UMBRELLA
STEPS--STEPPING WHILE SPINNING ABOUT; BANANA STEPS--
STEPPING WHILE SLIDING THE FEET ON THE SIDEWALK.
FIRST TO (REACH) MOTHER WINS.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT ; SOUTHWEST
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Game Pastime |
BEST DAY
THE BEST DAY IS TODAY.
Submitter comment:
MY GRANDFATHER BELIEVES IN LIVING EACH DAY TO ITS FULLEST. HE HAS
TOLD ME THIS PROVERB MANY TIMES.
Where learned: MINNESOTA ; STURGEON LAKE ; WRITTEN IN A LETTER
James Callow Keyword(s): CARPE DIEM ; OBSERVATION
| Subject headings: | PROVERB -- Proverbial Apothegm Maxim |
Date learned: 03-05-1970
THERE WAS A BELIEF IN OLDER FARMING COMMUNITIES WHICH
STILL LINGERS THAT THE PERSON WHO FINDS A RED EAR OF
CORN WILL SOON BE MARRIED. GIRLS SEARCHED FOR THEM.
Submitter comment:
I HAVE HEARD THIS BELIEF EXPRESSED AMONG FARMING
FAMILIES ESPECIALLY WHEN THE WHOLE FAMILY IS HELPING
TO HUSK CORN, IT ADDS AN ELEMENT OF SURPRISE.
Where learned: MINNESOTA ; STURGEON LAKE
| Subject headings: | Observation Favorites BELIEF -- Plant BELIEF -- Marriage |
IT IS AN ITALIAN CUSTOM FOR THE WOMEN OF THE FAMILY
TO GET TOGETHER AT THE COUPLE'S HOME ON THE
THURSDAY BEFORE THE WEDDING AND MAKE THE BED OF THE
BRIDE AND GROOM AND SOMETIMES PUT MONEY UNDER THE
MATTRESS FOR GOOD LUCK FOR THE COUPLE.
Where learned: NEW YORK ; PORT CHESTER
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Marriage Before wedding |
Date learned: 11-28-1970
THERE IS AN ITALIAN CUSTOM, THAT IF A MEMBER OF
A FAMILY DIES, THEN THE MEMBERS OF THE IMMEDIATE
FAMILY WEAR BLACK AS A SIGN OF MOURNING FOR 3 TO
6 MONTHS.
Submitter comment: I WAS TOLD THIS BY MY PARENTS ABOUT 12 YEARS AGO.
Where learned: NEW YORK ; PORT CHESTER
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Death Funeral Burial |
Date learned: NOT GIVEN
THERE IS A BELIEF THAT THE BUTTERCUP FLOWER, WHEN HELD
TO A PERSON'S CHIN, INDICATES WHETHER THAT PERSON
IS IN LOVE OR LIKES BUTTER. IF YELLOW STAINS THE
CHIN, THAT PERSON IS IN LOVE OR VARIOUSLY LIKES
BUTTER.
Submitter comment:
THIS BELIEF WAS SHOWN TO ME YEARS AGO ON MY GRAND-
FATHER'S FARM. BUTTERCUPS GROW IN THE MEADOW.
Where learned: MINNESOTA ; STURGEON LAKE
| Subject headings: | Food Drink -- Animal product Butter BELIEF -- Use of Object Plant |
THE CREEK PEOPLE ALSO SAY THAT YOU SHOULD ENTER
THE HOUSE THROUGH THE SAME DOOR YOU LEFT THE HOUSE.
Submitter comment: SUPERSTITION
Where learned: UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; STUDENT UNION
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Home |
Date learned: 02-08-1971
PINCH OF THE DEAD
WHEN YOU FIND A BLACK AND BLUE MARK ON YOUR BODY
THAT YOU DON'T KNOW WHERE IT CAME FROM
IT MEANS THAT SOMEONE WHO IS CLOSE TO YOU,
AND THAT HAS DIED, AND THAT NEEDS YOUR PRAYERS HAS COME BACK
AND WANTS TO MAKE YOU AWARE OF THIS NEED.
THEREFORE HE PINCHES YOU AND LEAVES A BLACK AND BLUE MARK
AS A SYMBOL OR SIGN OF HIS NEED.
Where learned: UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; STUDENT UNION
Date learned: 03-31-1970
GERMAN TRADITION, GOOD LUCK FOR NEW YEAR
SAUERKRAUT AND ROAST PORK ON NEW YEARS'. THE PIG
BEING A SMART ANIMAL, ALWAYS POINTS HIS NOSE IN
THE "RIGHT" DIRECTION, WHICH IS A SIGN OF GOOD
LUCK FOR THE NEW YEAR.
Where learned: WHITEHEAD AND KALES ; MILL STREET PLANT
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- January 1 New Year's Food Drink -- Typical menus for the various meals For meal hours, see F574.84. Special or festive meals |
Date learned: 02-21-1967
SAUNA BATH
THE FINNISH HAD THE ORIGINAL SAUNA BATH AND STILL HAVE
THEM TODAY IN A LITTLE TOWN IN THE UPPER PENINSULA,
MASS, MICHIGAN. EACH FAMILY HAS THEIR OWN. THEY LOOK
LIKE A LARGE OUTHOUSE. THE WHOLE FAMILY TOOK THEIR
BATH TOGETHER, THE LITTLE ONES SAT ON THE LOWER
BENCHES IN FRONT AND THE PARENTS ON THE ELEVATED
BENCHES IN BACK. THE LITTLE ONES WERE TAUGHT NEVER
TO LOOK BACK AT THEIR PARENTS.
THE SAUNA IS A STEAM TYPE BATH TAKEN IN THE WINTER.
THE PROCEDURE IS AS FOLLOWS: FIRST YOU USE SWITCHES TO
WHIP UP THE CIRCULATION, THEN YOU MAKE STEAM BY
SPRINKLING WATER ON THE LARGE, FLAT HEATED ROCKS
WHICH MAKE UP THE OVEN. FINALLY, AFTER STEAMING
ALL THE DIRT OUT OF THE PORES, YOU GO OUT AND ROLL
IN THE SNOW.
Submitter comment:
THIS WAS RECEIVED FROM A FRIEND OF THE INFORMANT'S
WHO ACTUALLY DID THIS WITH HER FAMILY WHEN SHE WAS
YOUNG.
Where learned: WHITEHEAD AND KALES ; MILL STREET PLANT
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Home |
Date learned: 02-23-1967
POLISH EASTER CUSTOM
FOR EASTER BREAKFAST, THE FATHER TAKES A THIN WAFER WITH A FANCY
DESIGN ON IT. HE BREAKS IT IN HALF, THEN HE TAKES A PIECE. HE
PASSES IT ON TO THE OTHERS AND THEY ALL TAKE A PIECE.
Submitter comment: SHE LEARNED IT FROM HER GRANDMOTHER WHO IS POLISH.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT ; CARPOOL ; EAST SIDE
Keyword(s): FAMILY UNITY ; FOOD CUSTOM
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Spring Planting Easter Sunday |
POLISH ( ITALIAN ) EASTER CUSTOM
ON EASTER, WHEN ITALIAN PEOPLE GO VISITING, THEY EACH TAKE A
HARD-BOILED EGG AND TRY TO CRACK THE SHELL OF EACH OTHER'S EGG. THE
PERSON WHO CRACKED THE SHELL OF ANOTHER PERSON'S EGG FIRST IS THE
WINNER, AND THE PERSON WHOSE SHELL IS CRACKED FIRST IS THE LOSER.
Submitter comment:
THIS IS A NORTHERN ITALIAN CUSTOM WHICH SHE LEARNED WHEN SHE WAS
A CHILD.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT ; CARPOOL ; EAST SIDE
Keyword(s): GAME
RULES OF CONDUCT--SPAIN
THIS LIST OF RULES GOVERNING SOCIAL BEHAVIOR WAS
TACKED ON THE CHURCH DOOR IN A SPANISH COMMUNITY:
1. WOMEN SHALL NOT APPEAR ON THE STREETS OF THIS VILLAGE
WITH DRESSES THAT ARE TOO TIGHT IN THOSE PLACES WHICH
PROVOKE THE EVIL PASSIONS OF MEN.
2. THEY MUST NEVER WEAR DRESSES THAT ARE TOO SHORT.
3. THEY MUST BE PARTICULARLY CAREFUL NOT TO WEAR
DRESSES THAT ARE LOW-CUT IN FRONT.
4. IT IS SHAMEFUL FOR WOMEN TO WALK IN THE STREETS WITH
SHORT SLEEVES.
5. EVERY WOMAN WHO APPEARS ON THE STREETS MUST WEAR
STOCKINGS.
6. WOMEN MUST NOT WEAR TRANSPARENT OR NETWORK CLOTH
OVER THOSE PARTS WHICH DECENCY REQUIRES TO BE COVERED.
7. AT THE AGE OF TWELVE, GIRLS MUST BEGIN TO WEAR
DRESSES THAT REACH TO THE KNEE AND STOCKINGS AT ALL
TIMES.
8. LITTLE BOYS MUST NOT APPEAR IN THE STREETS WITH
THEIR UPPER LEGS BARE.
9. GIRLS MUST NEVER WALK IN OUT-OF-THE-WAY PLACES
BECAUSE TO DO SO IS BOTH IMMORAL AND DANGEROUS.
10. NO DECENT WOMAN OR GIRL IS EVER SEEN ON A
BICYCLE.
11. NO DECENT WOMAN IS EVER SEEN WEARING TROUSERS.
12. WHAT THEY CALL IN THE CITIES "MODERN DANCING"
IS STRICTLY FORBIDDEN.
(DATED) JULY 11, 1943.
Where learned: "IBERIA" SATURDAY EVENING POST CCXLI
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Custom |
A MIXTURE OF OIL OF WINTERGREEN (2 DROPS) AND HARD
APPLE CIDER (GLASSFUL) MAY BE TAKEN INTERNALLY TO
ACT AS A CURE FOR ARTHRITIS OR RHEUMATISM.
Where learned: ROCHESTER ; NEW YORK, ASSUMED
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Plant BELIEF -- Method of Curing |
Date learned: 03-00-1969
IF A PERSON PARTICIPATES IN THREE WEDDING CEREMONIES DURING
A ONE-YEAR PERIOD, THE NEXT CEREMONY WILL BE HIS OR HER OWN
WEDDING.
Where learned: WEST VIRGINIA ; BECKLEY
| Subject headings: | 686 Thirds / Thrice / Three / Triple BELIEF -- Marriage BELIEF -- Measure of time WeekDayHour BELIEF -- Fate Destiny Luck Chance |
Date learned: NOT GIVEN
LEGEND__BELLE ISLE
DOWN A CERTAIN STREET AT NIGHT, THERE IS A WITCH THAT HAD SPIKES IN
HER HANDS AND CLAWS AT YOUR CAR, TRYING TOO GET IN IF YOU
PARK TOO LONG
WITH YOUR GIRLFRIEND.
Submitter comment: FROM FRIEND
Where learned: UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; STUDENT UNION ; BALLROOM
Keyword(s): FUNCTIONAL FOLKTALE
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Witch Shaman |
Date learned: 10-22-1967
COMMON LAW
IF SOMETHING IS FOUND AND THERE IS NO SIGN OF THE
OWNER, ON OR NEAR THE THING, OR OBJECT, THERE IS A
LAW THAT SAYS, "FINDERS KEEPERS, LOSERS WEEPERS."
Submitter comment:
I WAS TOLD THIS ABOUT 12-14 YEARS AGO, WHEN I WAS
IN GRAMMAR SCHOOL IN NEW YORK.
Where learned: NEW YORK ; PORT CHESTER
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Common law |
Date learned: NOT GIVEN
DANCES IN 1910
IN THOSE DAYS SOME OF THE FARMERS' DAUGHTERS DIDN'T
WEAR SHOES. YOU COULD REACH DOWN AND THEY WOULD
PUT A FOOT IN YOUR HAND AND UP BACK OF THE SADDLE.
BAD FEATURE WAS AFTER SOME OF THE SQUARE DANCES,
YOU HAD TO HAVE A JACK KNIFE TO PICK OUT THE
SPLINTERS.
Where learned: MIDDLE STATE ILLINOIS
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Entertainment Diversion |
Date learned: 02-01-1971
PROMISES
IF SOMEONE NEEDS AN ANSWER TO A SPECIAL INTENTION, THEY
OFTEN PROMISE GOD THAT IF THE INTENTION IS ANSWERED
THEY WILL MAKE A PILGRIMAGE TO THE CATHEDRAL IN MEXICO
CITY WHERE THE CAPE OF SAN JUAN IS. THE PEOPLE ENTER
THE CHURCH AND GO UP TO THE ALTAR ON THEIR KNEES, WITH
A CANDLE IN THEIR HANDS. THIS IS THE FULFILLMENT
OF THEIR PROMISE.
Submitter comment:
INFORMANT SAID THAT THERE ARE MANY OTHER SHRINES
WHICH ARE USED AS PILGRIM SPOTS, SHE, HERSELF HAD TO WALK
TWENTY MILES TO A SHRINE IN FULFILLMENT OF A PROMISE
CONCERNING THE OPERATION OF A COUSIN.
Where learned: WESTERN YMCA
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Church |
Date learned: 11-11-1971
WHEN SOMEONE TELLS A STORY TO SOMEONE ELSE IN ORDER
FOR THE OTHER PERSON TO FEEL SORRY FOR THE PERSON
WHO IS TELLING THE STORY, THE PERSON WHO IS BEING
TOLD THE STORY MAKES LIKE HE IS PLAYING A VIOLIN
AND IS SARCASTICALLY SAYING THAT "MY HEART REALLY
BLEEDS FOR THE PERSON."
Where learned: PORT CHESTER ; NEW YORK, ASSUMED
| Subject headings: | SPEECH -- Mock sympathy and mock enthusiasm |
Date learned: NOT GIVEN