The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

ORIGIN OF THE PEARLS OF THE PERSIAN GULF

TO THE PEOPLE OF IRAQ, THE RIVER TIGRIS REPRESENTED A
BEAUTIFUL GIRL WHO FELL IN LOVE WITH THE HANDSOME EUPHRATES.
THEIR FAMILIES OPPOSED THE MARRIAGE BUT THEY RAN AWAY FROM HOME
UNTIL THEY MET IN THE SOUTH OF IRAQ IN ONE WIDE RIVER.
WHEN THE TWO LOVERS MET THEY WEPT, AND THEIR HAPPINESS TEARS
ARE STILL PICKED UP BY DIVERS IN THE ARAB GULF AS BEAUTIFUL AND
PRECIOUS PEARLS.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

James Callow Keyword(s): ANIMAL: PEARL OYSTER (MOLLUSK)

Date learned: 12-00-1965

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