The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

THE LIMBO

TWO PEOPLE LOWER A POLE, WHILE YOU SLITHER UNDERNEATH,
BENDING YOUR KNEES AND LEANING FAR BACKWARDS. THIS
DANCE IS LIKE A GAME. YOU LOSE IF YOU TOUCH THE POLE
OR IF YOU FALL.

Where learned: TRINIDAD ; MICHIGAN ; Lansing

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IN TRINIDAD SHORTLY BEFORE A YOUNG GIRL IS TO BE
MARRIED, ALL HER FRIENDS GET TOGETHER AND GIVE HER
A SHOWER.
ALTHOUGH THIS CUSTOM IS QUITE SIMILAR IN THE UNITED
STATES, THERE IS A DIFFERENCE. INSTEAD OF THE GUESTS
PLAYING GAMES FOR PRIZES, THEY PLAY PRACTICAL JOKES
ON THE BRIDE-TO-BE.
FOR INSTANCE, THE WOMEN WILL BLINDFOLD THE BRIDE-TO-BE
AND MAKE HER SIT ON A BOARD SUSPENDED BETWEEN TWO
CHAIRS. THEN SHE IS TOLD THAT SHE IS SITTING IN AN
AIRPLANE; AND THE WOMEN WILL LIFT UP THE BOARD JUST
AN INCH OR TWO FROM WHERE IT WAS. THEN THE GUESTS
TELL THE YOUNG (WOMAN) TO JUMP OUT OF THE AIRPLANE.
AS ONE CAN SEE, ABSOLUTELY NO MEN ARE ALLOWED TO
WITNESS THE YOUNG GIRL'S LOSS OF POISE AND DIGNITY.

Where learned: TRINIDAD

Date learned: 11-15-1968

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