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HOW MANGO-STEEN (A THAI FRUIT) WAS NAMED

"A 'FALANG' (WESTERNER) ASKED A THAI SALESWOMAN AT A THAI
FRUITMARKET WHAT THE NAME OF A FRUIT WAS. BECAUSE HE ONLY KNEW
MANGO (ANOTHER KIND OF FRUIT), HE ASKED IF THIS FRUIT WAS A MANGO
SINCE HE HAD NEVER ACTUALLY SEEN ONE. SHE REPLIED, 'NO. IT'S
CALLED "MUNG-KOOT."' HE MISUNDERSTOOD AND ASKED AGAIN IF IT WAS
A MANGO TO WHICH SHE REPLIED AS BEFORE. AFTER MANY EXCHANGES
AND FRUSTRATION, THE WOMAN REPLIED THAT IT'S CALLED 'MANGO-SOAN-
TEEN' WHICH MEANS 'MANGO-AT-THE-BOTTOM-OF-THE-FOOT.' THE NAME IS
STILL USED TODAY BUT IS SHORTENED TO 'MANGO-STEEN.'"

Submitter comment: THE THAIS REFER TO THE FOOT AS THE LOWEST PART OF THE BODY. TO
USE IT WHEN REFERRING TO SOMETHING, AND ESPECIALLY SOMEONE, IS
CONSIDERED VERY IMPOLITE.
THIS IS A POPULAR STORY IN THAILAND.

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

Subject headings: PROSE NARRATIVE -- Explanation of a name
PROSE NARRATIVE -- Tale

Date learned: 02-00-1984

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"COVER-THE-EYE-AND-HIDE" OR "HIDE-AND-SEEK"

"THIS IS A GAME PLAYED IN THAILAND. THE PERSON WHO IS 'IT' MUST
COUNT AND THEN LOOK FOR THOSE WHO ARE HIDING. WHEN THAT ONE SEES
SOMEONE, HE OR SHE WILL CALL OUT THEIR NAME AND THEY'RE 'IT'
UNLESS SOMEONE ELSE CALLS OUT THE NAME OF THE PERSON WHO WAS
ORIGINALLY 'IT.' THE ONE WHO CALLED OUT THEN RUNS AND TOUCHES
THAT PERSON AND HE OR SHE IS 'IT' AGAIN."

Submitter comment: THE THAI LANGUAGE FOR THIS GAME IS "PID-AB" WHICH MEANS "COVER
THE EYES AND HIDE."

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

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

Date learned: 01-00-1984

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CHILDREN'S SONG

I'M BRINGING HOME A BABY BUMBLE BEE,
WON'T MY MOMMY BE SO PROUD OF ME!
I'M BRINGING HOME A BABY BUMBLE BEE,
OUCH! HE STUNG ME!
I'M SQUASHIN' UP MY BABY BUMBLE BEE,
WON'T MY MOMMY BE SO PROUD OF ME!
I'M SQUASHIN' UP MY BABY BUMBLE BEE,
OOOH, WHAT A MESS!
I'M LICKIN' UP MY BABY BUMBLE BEE,
WON'T MY MOMMY BE SO PROUD OF ME!
I'M LICKIN' UP MY BABY BUMBLE BEE,
BOY! I FEEL SICK!
I'M BARFING UP MY BABY BUMBLE BEE,
WON'T MY MOMMY BE SO PROUD OF ME!
I'M BARFING UP MY BABY BUMBLE BEE,
I SURE MADE A MESS!
I'M SWEEPING UP MY BABY BUMBLE BEE,
WON'T MY MOMMY BE SO PROUD OF ME!
I'M SWEEPING UP MY BABY BUMBLE BEE,
NOW MY MOMMY'S PROUD OF ME!
I FOUND ANOTHER BABY BUMBLE BEE...

Submitter comment: THIS SONG IS A CIRCULAR, OR NEVER-ENDING SONG. THE CHILD
FINDS ANOTHER BEE, AND THE WHOLE CYCLE REPEATS. THIS SONG
IS MOST OFTEN SUNG AT GIRL SCOUT GATHERINGS AND ON THE WAY TO
CAMP. A SERIES OF GESTURES OFTEN ACCOMPANIES THE VERSES,
EACH GESTURE BEING AN IMITATION OF THE ACTS POINTED TO IN THE
SONG.

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

Subject headings: PROSE NARRATIVE -- Formula tale
Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Children
SPEECH -- Gesture

Date learned: 00-00-1983

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IRISH NAMING

IN IRELAND PEOPLE DID NOT MOVE FROM TOWN TO TOWN, THEREFORE
WAS MUCH INTERMARRYING OF RELATIVES. VERY FEW FIRST NAMES WERE
USED AND ALMOST EVERYONE IN THE TOWN HAD THE SAME LAST NAMES
SO PEOPLE WERE REFERRED TO BY A CHAIN OF THEIR ANCESTORS AND A
USE OF NICKNAMES. THEY WOULD SAY THE PERSON'S FIRST NAME, THEN
THEIR FATHER'S, AND THEIR GRANDFATHER'S AND SOMETIMES EVEN
GREAT-GRANDFATHER'S.

Submitter comment: FOR EXAMPLE, THE COLLECTOR'S NAME IS KATHY, JACK, JACK, SEAN OGO.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT ; IRELAND ; 1234 WASHINGTON BLVD

Subject headings: Person / Nickname

Date learned: 11-18-1970

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MORON JOKE

WHY DID THE MORON PUT HIS MOTHER UNDER THE STEPS?
HE ALWAYS WANTED A STEP MOTHER.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

Keyword(s): HUMOR

Subject headings: RIDDLE -- Riddle Question

Date learned: 03-00-1968

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EASTER FOOD TRADITION

THE SATURDAY BEFORE EASTER, YOU TAKE A BASKET FILLED WITH COLORED
EGGS, BREAD, KABOSA, BUTTERLAMB, SALT AND PEPPER TO THE PRIEST WHO
WILL BLESS THE FOOD WITH HOLY WATER ALLOWING IT TO BE EATEN
ON EASTER.

Submitter comment: THIS ITEM WAS LEARNED IN WYANDOTTE, MICHIGAN

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

Subject headings: 663 Holy Saturday
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Church
Food Drink -- Typical menus for the various meals For meal hours, see F574.84. Special or festive meals
BELIEF -- Prayer

Date learned: CA00001960S

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CHRISTMAS FOOD CUSTOM

AT CHRISTMAS, ONE SHOULD BREAK A PIECE OF WAFER AND SHARE IT WITH
FAMILY AND FRIENDS.

Submitter comment: ITEM WAS LEARNED IN WYANDOTTE, MICHIGAN

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

Subject headings: CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Street Trip Relations between relatives, friends, host and guest Social class Rank
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20 Oplatki

Date learned: CA00001960S

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VOCULARY OF SPECIAL GROUP

IN CANADA, YOU CALL A COUCH A "DAVENPORT."

Submitter comment: INFORMANT LEARNED THIS FROM ONE OF HER RELATIVES.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; LIBRARY ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT ; 4001 W MCNICHOLS

Subject headings: SPEECH -- Vocabulary of Special Group

Date learned: 03-01-1971

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Good Luck

If you put a penny in a purse and give the purse as a gift, the person receiving the gift will become rich.

Data entry tech comment:

Input by TRD

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT ; Weber, Denny

Keyword(s): BELIEF ; CUSTOM ; GIFT ; GOOD LUCK ; LUCK ; MONEY

Subject headings: BELIEF -- Street Trip Relations between relatives, friends, host and guest Social class Rank
BELIEF -- Fate Destiny Luck Chance

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HOLIDAY DINING CUSTOM

FOR A HOLIDAY, IF AN UNEVEN GROUP OF PEOPLE SIT AT THE TABLE, YOU
SHOULD LEAVE AN EMPTY PLACE SETTING.

Submitter comment: THE ITEM WAS LEARNED IN WYANDOTTE, MICHIGAN

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

Subject headings: Favorites
Food Drink -- Typical menus for the various meals For meal hours, see F574.84. Special or festive meals
Food Drink -- Service Table furnishing and decoration
BELIEF -- Number Even number (not specific)
BELIEF -- Number Odd number (not specific)

Date learned: CA00001960S

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CANOPY BED CUSTOM FROM POLAND

IN 1844, DAVE CAMERON'S GREAT-GREAT GRANDMOTHER ARRIVED IN NEW YORK
FROM POLAND WITH HER HUSBAND AND CAME IN CONTACT WITH
HER FIRST CANOPY BED. SHE IMMEDIATELY STARTED THE FAMILY TRADITION
OF PLACING TWO SHEETS ABOVE THE BED TO HANG DOWN AND FORM A CAGE-
LIKE SLEEPING AREA. THE CUSTOM WAS PASSED DOWN THROUGH TO CAMERON'S
MOTHER WHO CEASED THE CUSTOM AFTER CANOPY BEDS WENT OUT OF FASHION.

Submitter comment: CANOPY BED CUSTOM WAS COLLECTED ON THE UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT CAMPUS
BUT IT WAS LEARNED IN ROYAL OAK, MICHIGAN.

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

Subject headings: CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Custom

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"HI, BOB" DRINKING GAME

A DRINKING GAME CALLED "HI BOB" INVOLVES A GROUP WATCHING RE-RUNS
OF A BOB NEWHART SHOW. EVERY TIME SOMEONE SAYS "HI" ON THE SHOW,
EVERYONE MUST TAKE A SIP OF BEER. EVERY TIME SOMEONE SAYS "HI BOB",
THE ENTIRE CAN MUST BE FINISHED. THE PERSON LEFT STANDING AFTER
THE HALF-HOUR SHOW IS OVER IS DECLARED THE WINNER.

Submitter comment: "HI, BOB" WAS COLLECTED ON THE UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT CAMPUS, BUT
IT IS BELIEVED TO HAVE ORIGINATED ON CALIFORNIA CAMPUSES.

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

Subject headings: Favorites
Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Bodily Activity
Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Wit
Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Special Object or Implement

Date learned: CA00001970S

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ENGAGEMENT CEREMONY

FAMILY GATHERS, IN EITHER HOME OF THE COUPLE THAT IS GETTING MARRIED.
THE CLOSEST FRIENDS AND RELATIVES ARE INVITED. PRIEST BLESSES
THE RINGS AND THEY ARE EXCHANGED. CELEBRATION PROCEDES WITH DRINKING,
AND LAUGHTER.

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

Subject headings: CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Marriage Engagement

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NEVER EAT RICE ON SUNDAY BECAUSE IT IS DISRESPECTFUL TO GOD.

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

Subject headings: Food Drink -- Plant food Cereal
BELIEF -- Creator
BELIEF -- Measure of time WeekDayHour

Date learned: 03-00-1982

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A PREGNANT WOMAN SHOULD NOT LOOK AT ANYONE WHO IS MASQUERADING
OR HER CHILD WILL TURN OUT TO LOOK LIKE THAT PERSON.

Submitter comment: THE INFORMANT SAID THAT "MASQUERADING" IS WHEN THE PEOPLE OF THE TOWN
GET DRESSED UP TO PARTICIPATE IN A PARADE, OR IF THEY DRESS IN
COSTUMES AT A PARTY OR ON A HOLIDAY.

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

Subject headings: Favorites
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Birth
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Typical Elements of a Festive Pattern
BELIEF -- Means of Causing or Avoiding Illness

Date learned: 03-00-1982

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IF YOU WHISTLE AT NIGHT, YOU ARE INVITING SNAKES INTO YOUR HOME.

Submitter comment: THE INFORMANT TOLD ME THAT IT IS DANGEROUS TO HAVE SNAKES IN YOUR
HOME IN AFRICA BECAUSE MANY ARE POISONOUS.

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

Subject headings: Favorites
BELIEF -- Animal
BELIEF -- Product or activity of man or animal
BELIEF -- Measure of time WeekDayHour

Date learned: 03-00-1982

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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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IF YOUR LEFT EYE BEGINS TO TWITCH, IT MEANS YOU WILL RECEIVE
GOOD NEWS.

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

James Callow Keyword(s): POSITION DIRECTION

Subject headings: BELIEF -- Body part Senses
BELIEF -- Body part Senses Eyes, evil eye
BELIEF -- Good luck

Date learned: 03-00-1982

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IF A NNUNU BIRD FLIES BY YOUR HOUSE, IT MEANS THAT SOMEONE IS
GOING TO DIE.

Submitter comment: A NNUNU BIRD IS NOT A COMMON BIRD IN AFRICA.

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

Subject headings: Observation
BELIEF -- Bird
BELIEF -- Death Funeral Burial

Date learned: 03-00-1982

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AT FUNERAL BURIALS, THROW MONEY ON TOP OF THE CASKET AND THE GHOST
OF THE PERSON WILL NOT COME BACK TO HAUNT YOU BECAUSE HE WILL
BE SATISFIED WITH THE GIFT.

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

Subject headings: CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Death Funeral Burial
BELIEF -- Ghost Spirit Phantom Specter
BELIEF -- Death Funeral Burial

Date learned: 03-00-1982

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