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The James T. Callow Folklore Archive
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CUSTOM-FIRST FOOTING
THE FIRST PERSON TO STEP FOOT IN YOUR HOUSE AFTER THE NEW YEAR
CANNOT DO SO EMPTY-HANDED. IF THEY DO IT MEANS THAT YOU AND YOUR
FAMILY WILL HAVE A LEAN YEAR. IF THEY BRING A GIFT, THEN YOU AND
YOUR FAMILY WILL HAVE A FAT YEAR.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; BIRMINGHAM
Keyword(s): HOMEOPATHIC MAGIC ; SYMBOLIC ACTION
Date learned: 09-26-1965
URBAN TALE
IT WAS SAID THAT A GIRL MARRIED A DEAD MAN IN THE FUNERAL PARLOR
JUST BEFORE HE WAS BURIED. HE WAS KILLED IN AN AUTO ACCIDENT ONE
NIGHT, AT THE SAME TIME SHE FOUND OUT THAT SHE WAS PREGNANT WITH HIS
BABY. SHE TOLD HER MINSTER WHAT HAD HAPPEN AND NOW THE BABY WOULD
NOT HAVE A LAST NAME. THE MINISTER SUGGESTED THAT SHE MARRY THE
BOY IN THE FUNERAL PARLOR SO THAT THE BABY WOUL BE CONSIDERED
LEGITIMATE AND HAVE A PROPER LAST NAME. THE MINISTER OFFICIATED AT
THE CEREMONY, AND IT WAS SAID TO BE LEGAL IN THE EYES OF THE STATE.
Submitter comment:
THIS TALE WAS SPUN BY SCHOOLGIRLS TO SHOW WHAT COULD HAPPEN TO THEM
IF THEY BECAME PREGNANT.
FUNCTION
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; ROSEVILLE
| Subject headings: | Favorites PROSE NARRATIVE -- Human Being PROSE NARRATIVE -- Outlaw Criminal Bandit Pirate |
Date learned: 10-00-1977
SOUP DE SOUP
WAY DOWN YONDER;
SOUP DE SOUP.
WHERE THE WHITE FOLKS LIVE;
SOUP DE SOUP.
TRY'IN TO MAKE A MESS
SOUP DE SOUP
THE BISCUITS ARE HOT;
SOUP DE SOUP.
AND THE CORNBREAD IS COLD;
SOUP DE SOUP.
THANK GOOD ALMIGHTY
SOUP DE SOUP.
JUST GIVE ME A LITTLE MORE.
SOUP DE SOUP.
Submitter comment: WE SANG THIS SONG JUST TO PASS THE TIME OF DAY.
Where learned: MISSISSIPPI ; MERIDIAN
| Subject headings: | Favorites Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Emotion |
Date learned: 09-00-1960
LEGENDS OF THE UKRAINIAN EASTER EGGS
OF THE VARIOUS TYPES OF EASTER EGGS OF THE UKRAINE, THE PYSANKA AND
THE KRASHANKA ARE THE MOST WIDELY KNOWN. KRASHANKA IS FROM THE WORD
KRASKA WHICH MEANS COLOR. THE KRASHANKA IS A HARD-BOILED EGG WHICH
IS DYED A SOLID COLOR, AND MAY BE EATEN. THE PYSANKA STEMS FROM
THE VERB PYSATY, WHICH MEANS TO WRITE, AS THE DESIGNS ARE ACTUALLY
WRITTEN ON THE EGG, WHICH IS DYED IN SEVERAL COLORS. BUT UNLIKE
THE KRASHANKA THE PYSANKY ARE RAW AND NOT EATEN. IF A WOMAN IS
CHILDLESS AND DESIRES A CHILD. SHE WOULD BE GIVEN AN EGG DECORATED
WITH A CHICKEN, THE SIGN OF A FERTILE CREATURE, AND HOPEFULLY HER
FAMILY WOULD GROW. IT WAS THOUGHT TO BE THE MAN'S FAULT AFTER
THAT. TO HELP THE MAN HE WAS GIVEN AN EGG WITH A PATTERN OF
ROOSTERS. TO HELP OLDER MEN, WHO WERE GOING DOWN HILL WHEN IT
CAME TO THEIR VIGOR, THEY
WERE GIVEN AN EGG DECORATED WITH OAK LEAVES.
AS CHRISTIANITY CAME TO THE UKRAINE SO DID SOME MORE LEGENDS.
THE HUTZELS FROM WESTERN UKRAINE TELL A STORY THAT THE VIRGIN
MARY FILLED HER APRON WITH EGGS, AND WHEN SHE APPEARED BEFORE
PONTIUS PILATE TO PLEAD FOR HER SON, SHE DROPPED TO HER KNEES AND
THE EGGS ROLLED OUT OVER THE SURFACE OF THE WORLD UNTIL THEY WERE
DISTRIBUTED AMONG ALL NATIONS. IN ANOTHER STORY, MARY IS SAID TO
HAVE FILLED A BASKET WITH EGGS WHICH SHE CARRIED TO THE SOLDIERS
SITTING AT THE FOOT OF THE CROSS. THERE SHE LEFT IT. AFTER A
TIME, THE BLOOD OF JESUS CHRIST FLOWED DOWN, STAINING THE EGGS WITH
THEIR CHARACTERISTIC COLOR. THE UKRAINIAN EASTER EGGS ALSO
ANSWER THE PROBLEMS OF THE WORLD. AS LONG AS THE PYSANKY TRADITION
REMAINS, AND EGGS CONTINUE TO BE DECORATED, THE WORLD WILL EXIST.
SHOULD THE CUSTOM CEASE, EVIL WILL ENCOMPASS AND DESTROY THE WORLD.
THIS IS BECAUSE AN ANCIENT, VICIOUS CREATURE IS HEAVILY CHAINED
AGAINST A HUGE CLIFF AND EACH YEAR SERVANTS OF THE CREATURE GO OUT
ABOUT THE WORLD AND TAKE COUNT HOW MANY PYSANKY ARE DECORATED IN
THE WORLD. WHEN THERE ARE FEW PYSANKY THE CREATURE'S CHAINS LOOSEN
AND EVIL BEGINS TO FLOW THROUGHOUT THE WORLD. SHOULD THE SERVANTS
FIND THE CUSTOM OF DECORATING EGGS BEING PRACTICED WIDELY THEN THE
CHAINS OF THE MONSTER TIGHTEN, ALLOWING LOVE TO CONQUER EVIL.
PEASANTS PLACED KRASHANKA SHELLS IN THE THATCHED ROOFS OF THEIR
HOMES AND UNDER HAY MOUNDS TO TURN AWAY HIGH WINDS. BEEKEEPERS
PUT THEM UNDER HIVES FOR A GOOD SUPPLY OF HONEY. A KRASHANKA,
BLESSED ON EASTER EVE, WAS SUSPENDED ON A STRING FROM THE NECK
OF AN ILL PERSON, OR TOUCHED TO INFECTED AREAS ON PERSONS SUFFERING
FROM BLOOD POISONING TO EFFECT A CURE.
Submitter comment: FERTILITY SYMBOLS
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; WARREN
BIRTH
IT IS CUSTOMARY TO PUT A PINK OR BLUE BOW ON THE OUTSIDE DOOR OF
THE HOME TO ANNOUNCE THE BIRTH OF A BABY IN THAT FAMILY.
Submitter comment:
THE INFORMANT GAVE ME THIS ITEM WHILE VISITING AT MY HOME IN TAYLOR,
MICHIGAN. THE INFORMANT LEARNED IT FROM A NEIGHBOR WHERE SHE LIVES
IN MARBLEHEAD, MASS. AND RECENTLY PUT THE CUSTOM INTO PRACTICE.
MARBLEHEAD, MASS. IS A VERY SMALL NEW ENGLAND TOWN ON THE COAST
APPROXIMATELY 40 MINUTES FROM BOSTON. THIS CUSTOM HAS BEEN PRACTICED
SINCE APPROXIMATELY THE TURN OF THE CENTURY AND IS STILL DONE TODAY.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; TAYLOR
| Subject headings: | Favorites CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Birth SPEECH -- To Be Seen |
Date learned: 11-00-1977
MARRIAGE ; SWEETS ; OBTAINING GOOD LUCK.
FREEZE THE TOP PORTION OF THE BRIDE AND GROOM'S WEDDING CAKE. ON
THE ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY, THE COUPLE CAN UN-THAW IT, EAT THE CAKE,
AND IT WILL BRING GOOD LUCK.
Submitter comment:
THIS CUSTOM DEALS NOT ONLY WITH MARRIAGE BUT WITH LUCK ALSO.
AN INTERESTING EXAMPLE OF MODERN FOLKLORE.
Where learned: ILLINOIS ; BERWYN
| Subject headings: | Favorites CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Marriage CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Private birthday or anniversary Food Drink -- Pastry Sweet Dessert BELIEF -- Good luck P881.41 |
Date learned: 00-00-1966
COLLOQUIALISM
THE WORD (WHIP) IS A LOCAL COLLOQUIALISM USED YEARS AGO BY THE
MARBLEHEAD FISHERMAN. IF THEY WERE IN A DIFFERENT SEAPORT ALONG
THE COAST AND THEY WALKED INTO A LOCAL BAR, THEY WOULD JUST HOLLER
OUT THE WORD WHIP AND IF THERE WAS ANYBODY THERE FROM MARBLEHEAD
THEY WOULD WAVE AND SAY HELLO. THIS WAS USED AS A MEANS OF
IDENTIFICATION FOR MARBLEHEADERS IF THEY WERE OUT OF TOWN AND THEY
WANTED TO KNOW IF ANYBODY FROM MARBLEHEAD WAS AROUND, THEY JUST
HOLLERED OUT THE WORD "WHIP" AND OF COURSE IF YOU WEREN'T FROM
MARBLEHEAD YOU DIDN'T KNOW WHAT IT MEANT AND IF YOU WERE YOU WOULD
ACKNOWLEDGE THAT PERSON AS ANOTHER MARBLEHEADER, WHETHER YOU KNEW
THEM PERSONALLY OR NOT.
Submitter comment:
THIS COLLOQUIALISM WAS USED BEFORE THE TURN OF THE CENTURY (1800'S)
BEFORE THE FISHING INDUSTRY ALMOST FELL FLAT. PEOPLE STILL USE IT
TODAY, BUT NOT FREQUENTLY. WHEN MRS. PHILBROOK AND HER HUSBAND WERE
IN BERMUDA ON THEIR SAILING SLOOP, SOME PEOPLE WENT SAILING BY AND
SAW THAT THE TRANSOM OF THEIR BOAT WAS MARKED "MARBLEHEAD" AS THE
HAILPORT AND HOLLARED OUT "WHIP". MR. AND MRS. PHILBROOK KNEW
IMMEDIATELY THAT THESE PEOPLE WERE FROM MARBLEHEAD ALSO AND
ACKNOWLEDGED THEM. WHEN THEY CAME INTO DOCK, THE PHILBROOKS'
FOUND THAT THESE PEOPLE HAD LIVED IN MARBLEHEAD BUT WERE PRESENTLY
LIVING IN BERMUDA. SINCE THEN THEY HAVE BECOME GOOD FRIENDS.
THE ITEM ITSELF AS WELL AS SOME OF THE COMMENTS WERE TAKEN DIRECTLY
AS THE INFORMANT GAVE THEM TO ME WHEN VISITING AT MY HOME.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; TAYLOR
| Subject headings: | Favorites SPEECH -- Formula |
Date learned: 11-00-1977 ; 00-00-1973
SYMBOL
THE CAPTAINS OF ANY SHIPPING VESSEL ALWAYS HAD AN EAGLE OVER THEIR
DOORWAY SO THAT IF A SAILOR CAME INTO A STRANGE TOWN AND WAS LOOKING
FOR A BERTH ON A SHIP, HE WOULD KNOW WHICH HOUSE TO GO TO BY
SPOTTING AN EAGLE OVER THE DOOR. IF HE SPOTTED ONE, HE KNEW THAT
THE MAN WHO LIVED THERE WAS A CAPTAIN OF A SHIPPING VESSEL. THE
SAILOR COULD THEN GO AND REQUEST A BERTH ON HIS SHIP.
Submitter comment:
THE EAGLE OVER THE DOORWAY HAD ITS SIGNIFICANCE DURING THE FISHING
DAYS IN MARLEHEAD AND MOST OF THE LITTLE FISHING TOWNS ALONG THE
EAST COAST, AS A MEANS OF IDENTIFYING CAPTAINS OF VESSELS. THIS
TRADITION WAS CARRIED OVER FROM ENGLAND. TODAY, MOST ANYBODY CAN
PUT AN EAGLE OVER THEIR DOOR IF THEY WANT TO, BUT IT DOES NOT HOLD
THE SIGNIFICANCE AS A MEANS OF IDENTIFICATION AS IT ONCE DID. THIS
ITEM AS WELL AS THE COMMENTS WERE TAKEN DIRECTLY AS THE INFORMANT
GAVE THEM TO ME WHILE VISITING AT MY HOME.
THIS IS AN INTERESTING SYMBOL.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; TAYLOR
| Subject headings: | Favorites SPEECH -- To Be Seen |
Date learned: 11-00-1977 ; 00-00-1973
URBAN BELIEF TALE
A KID ABOUT FIVE YEARS OLD WAS GIVING HIS HAMSTER A SPONGE BATH. BUT
IT FELL IN THE WATER AND GOT COMPLETELY DRENCHED. HE DECIDED TO DRY
IT OFF BY PUTTING IT IN THE MICROWAVE OVEN FOR FIFTEEN SECONDS. AND
IT EXPLODED.
Submitter comment:
JULIE BELIEVED THIS STORY THE FIRST TIME SHE HEARD IT IN MIDLAND,
MICHIGAN IN 1976. WHEN SHE HEARD IT AGAIN SHE BEGAN TO WONDER ABOUT
THE TRUTH OF IT. SHE'S HEARD IT SEVERAL TIMES SINCE THEN, IN MIDLAND
AND AT UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT. NOW SHE DOESN'T REALLY BELIEVE IT,
SAYING THAT IT MIGHT BE TRUE BUT SHE THINKS IT'S JUST A STORY. WHEN
WE WERE DISCUSSING THIS MY SISTER, CAROL DURAND, MENTIONED HEARING
THE SAME STORY AT UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT INVOLVING A DUMB WOMAN FROM
GROSSE POINTE AND HER PET POODLE. SHE ALSO BELIEVED IT THE FIRST
TIME BUT AFTER HEARING IT FROM SEVERAL PEOPLE, QUESTIONED THE TRUTH
OF THE STORY.
MODERN FOLKLORE: MICROWAVE OVEN
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT ; CAMPUS
| Subject headings: | Favorites PROSE NARRATIVE -- Stupid man or woman |
Date learned: 00-00-1976
EVE OF ST. NICHOLAS' DAY CUSTOM
THE WHOLE FAMILY WRITES LETTERS TO SANTA CLAUS AND PUTS THEM OUT ON
THE KITCHEN TABLE WITH MILK AND COOKIES ON DECEMBER 5, THE EVE OF
ST. NICK'S DAY. THE NEXT DAY THE LETTERS WOULD BE GONE, THE FOOD
WOULD BE EATEN AND A BOWL OF CHRISTMAS CANDY WOULD BE ON THE TABLE.
Submitter comment:
THIS TRADITION COMES FROM MARIE'S FATHER'S SIDE OF THE FAMILY. THEIR
ETHNIC BACKGROUND IS GERMAN SWISS. MARIE'S FAMILY REALLY DOES THIS
EVERY YEAR AND HAS SINCE SHE WAS LITTLE.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT ; CAMPUS
| Subject headings: | Favorites CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- F120 CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 6 Feast of St. Nicholas |
Date learned: CA00001962
ENDLESS TALE
IT WAS A COLD AND STORMY NIGHT IN THE MIDDLE OF THE MONTH OF
SEPTOBER. A BAND OF INDIANS SAT AROUND THE CAMPFIRE. THE CHIEF
AROSE AND TOLD THE FOLLOWING STORY: IT WAS A COLD AND STORMY NIGHT
IN THE MIDDLE OF THE MONTH OF SEPTOBER . . .
Submitter comment:
I HEARD THIS THROUGHOUT MY CHILDHOOD FROM MY FATHER. HE LEARNED IT
WHILE HE WAS GROWING UP FROM HIS FATHER. MY GRANDFATHER WAS FRENCH
CANADIAN AND RAISED HIS FAMILY IN NORTHERN MINNESOTA.
PORTMANTEAU WORD
WORD BLEND
| Subject headings: | Favorites PROSE NARRATIVE -- B667 |
Date learned: CA00001966
REPEATING VERSE
THE FIRST VERSE IS THE WORST
THE FLY STOOD ON THE WALL
THE SECOND VERSE, SAME AS THE FIRST
THE FLY STOOD ON THE WALL
THE THIRD VERSE, SAME AS THE FIRST
THE FLY STOOD ON THE WALL
THE FOURTH VERSE . . .
Submitter comment:
MY FATHER DOESN'T REMEMBER WHERE HE LEARNED THIS BUT MY MOTHER WHO
ALSO GREW UP IN DULUTH, MINNESOTA ALSO KNOWS IT.
CHAIN TALE
| Subject headings: | Favorites PROSE NARRATIVE -- Formula tale Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Prose Narrative C820.667 TY A-T |
TALE
WE HAVE THIS ROAD CALLED BURNS ROAD AND THE DEVIL LIVES ON BURNS
ROAD. IT WAS A FAVORITE FOR PEOPLE TO GO PARKING UNTIL ONE NIGHT
THIS COUPLE PARKED THERE. THEIR CAR RAN OUT OF GAS OR THAY HAD
TROUBLE AND THE BOY SAID HE WOULD GO GET HELP AND SAID, "YOU STAY
HERE AND LOCK THE DOORS." THE BOY WAS GONE A LONG TIME AND THE GIRL
BEGAN TO HEAR ALL THIS RUSTLING AND STUFF BEHIND HER. SHE DIDN'T
LOOK BACK BUT STAYED IN THE CAR AND FELL ASLEEP. SHE HEARD SOME
SCRATCHING BEHIND HER AND JUST FREAKED OUT OR SOMETHING. THE POLICE
WOKE HER UP AND TOLD HER TO GET OUT OF THE CAR AND NOT TO LOOK BEHIND
HER. BUT SHE DID AND SAW THE BODY OF HER BOYFRIEND. HE WAS TRYING
TO CLAW AT THE CAR AND HIS WHOLE BODY WAS MANGLED. SO PEOPLE SAY THE
DEVIL LIVES ON BURNS ROAD. OTHER PEOPLE HAVE HEARD STRANGE NOISES
AND HAVE SEEN HIS GHOST UP THERE IN THE EVENINGS.
Submitter comment:
BURNS ROAD IS IN OR NEAR AVON, OHIO. JOFRAN HEARD THIS STORY AS
A CHILD FROM HER SISTERS OR HER FRIENDS. SHE BELIEVED IT AT FIRST
BUT CONSIDERS IT A STORY NOW. THE ROAD ITSELF IS SPOOKY AND GIVES
ONE AN EERIE FEELING ACCORDING TO JOFRAN.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT ; CAMPUS
| Subject headings: | Favorites PROSE NARRATIVE -- Devil Demon PROSE NARRATIVE -- Ghost Spirit Phantom Specter PROSE NARRATIVE -- Product or activity of man or animal |
Date learned: CA00001968
BIRTH
MOTHERS KEEP UMBILICAL CORDS OF ALL HER BABIES AND TIES THEM ALL
TOGETHER SO THAT THEY WILL NEVER SEPARATE AS BROTHERS AND SISTERS.
Submitter comment: HOMEOPATHIC MAGIC
Where learned: UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT
| Subject headings: | Favorites BELIEF -- Birth |
Date learned: 12-00-1977
EASTER
A WHITE DOVE PICKS UP THE VEIL OF THE VIRGIN MARY STATUE WITH ITS
CLAWS AND DROPS IT SOMEWHERE, WHOEVER PICKS IT UP BECOMES LUCKY
IN LIFE
Where learned: UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT
| Subject headings: | Favorites CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Spring Planting BELIEF -- Good luck |
Date learned: 12-00-1977
INDIAN JOKE
A CHINESE, AN AFRICAN, AND AN INDIAN DECIDE WHO CAN BEST STAND THE
SMELL OF A GOAT. CHINESE GOES FIRST WITH THE GOAT TO A ROOM. AFTER
ONE HOUR, HE WITHDRAWS. THE AFRICAN GOES IN AND AFTER TWO HOURS, HE
WITHDRAWS TOO. THE INDIAN GOES IN AND AFTER FIVE MINUTES THE GOAT
COMES OUT.
Submitter comment: OLFACTORY JOKE
Where learned: PHILIPPINES ; MAKATI
| Subject headings: | Favorites INDI |
Date learned: 00001960S
WISHES
WHEN CONVERSING AT THE SAME TIME AND BOTH HAVE ACCIDENTALLY SAID
THE SAME THING, TWINE EACH OTHER'S RIGHT HAND POINTING FINGERS AND
GIVE ANY THREE CHOICES LIKE RED, GREEN AND BLUE. SILENTLY CHOOSE ONE
THING, WISH, AND AT A GIVEN TIME SAY YOUR CHOICES ALOUD WITH YOUR
FRIEND. IF CHOICES ARE SAME WISHES WILL COME TRUE.
Where learned: PHILIPPINES ; MAKATI
| Subject headings: | Favorites BELIEF -- Prayer |
Date learned: 00001970S
LUCK
ON THE FIRST DAY OF ANY MONTH AS SOON AS A PERSON WAKES UP
THEY SHOULD SAY "RABBIT, RABBIT, RABBIT."
IF THEY FORGET TO DO THIS, AT THE END OF THE DAY WHEN THEY ARE GOING
TO SLEEP THEY SHOULD SAY "TIBBAR, TIBBAR, TIBBAR"
Submitter comment:
"TIBBAR, TIBBAR, TIBBAR." IS "RABBIT, RABBIT, RABBIT." BACKWARDS.
SAYING THIS BRINGS GOOD LUCK FOR THE REST OF THE MONTH.
I LEARNED THIS IN PROBABLY JULY OF 1973.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; MAYFIELD
| Subject headings: | 686 686.1 686 Thirds / Thrice / Three / Triple Favorites CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Measure of time Month BELIEF -- Good luck SPEECH -- Formula |
Date learned: 00001970S
GOOD LUCK SUPERSTITION
IF THERE IS A BIRD'S NEST IN YOUR CHRISTMAS TREE IT WILL BRING YOU
LUCK FOR THE COMING YEAR.
THIS TREE IS THE ONE YOU WOULD BRING HOME FOR CHRISTMAS.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
Date learned: 00-00-1965
POLISH TRADITION FOR EASTER SUNDAY
WHEN YOU GO CALLING ON SOMEONE (USUALLY A RELATIVE) ON EASTER
SUNDAY THE FIRST PERSON WHO ENTERS THE HOUSE SHOULD BE A MALE AND
HE SAYS,"CHRYSUS PAN ZMARTWYSTAL", WHICH MEANS: CHRIST IS RISEN.
THEN THE PERSON RECEIVING THE GUESTS RESPONDS BY SAYING, "PRAWDZIWIE
ZMARTWYSTAL." THIS MEANS, "CHRIST IS REALLY RISEN."
Submitter comment:
FIRST FOOTING.
THIS TRADITION HAS BEEN DONE SINCE MY INFORMANT WAS A
YOUNGSTER AND HAS BEEN CARRIED DOWN TO HIS FAMILY TODAY.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | 686 Properties attributed to specific numbers or numerals individually. Favorites CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Spring Planting Easter Sunday SPEECH -- Formula |
Date learned: 00-00-1920