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HAUNTED HOUSE

ABOUT 50 YEARS AGO, IN WEST SALEM TOWNSHIP, PENNSYLVANIA, A YOUNG
MAN SOON TO BE MARRIED BUILT A HOUSE ON BARRY ROAD FOR HIS BRIDE.
HOWEVER, WHEN THE DAY OF THE WEDDING ARRIVED, THE YOUNG MAN CHANGED
HIS MIND AND STOOD UP HIS INTENDED BRIDE.
THE HOUSE WAS NEVER LIVED IN BY ANYONE AND IS BELIEVED BY
RESIDENTS OF THE AREA TO BE HAUNTED BY THE COUPLE.

Submitter comment: MY AUNT, FROM WHOM I HEARD THIS STORY, LIVES IN THE AREA OF THE
SUPPOSEDLY HAUNTED HOUSE.

Where learned: PENNSYLVANIA ; MICHIGAN ; WYANDOTTE ; WEST SALEM TOWNSHIP

Subject headings: PROSE NARRATIVE -- Ghost Spirit Phantom Specter
PROSE NARRATIVE -- Product or activity of man or animal
ART CRAFT ARCHITECTURE -- Other Structure for Private Use
BELIEF -- Marriage

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EASTER CUSTOM

A BASKET OF FOOD CONTAINING HARD-BOILED EGGS, KHOBASI, SALT, HOMEMADE
NUT OR/AND POPPYSEED CAKE, AND BREAD (HOMEMADE IF
POSSIBLE) IS TAKEN TO THE CHURCH ON HOLY SATURDAY TO BE BLESSED BY
THE PRIEST WITH HOLY WATER. THIS FOOD CANNOT BE EATEN UNTIL
EASTER SUNDAY MORNING. ALL OF THE FOOD MUST BE EATEN. IT CANNOT BE
THROWN AWAY.

Submitter comment: (1890'S)
INFORMANT'S PARENTS FOLLOWED THIS PRACTICE AND INFORMANT ALSO STILL
FOLLOWS IT.

Where learned: PENNSYLVANIA ; PITTSBURGH

Keyword(s): FOOD CUSTOM ; SWIECZONKA

Subject headings: 663 Holy Saturday
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Spring Planting Easter Sunday
BELIEF -- Prayer

Date learned: 10-02-1971

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THE BLEEDING HOST

ONE DAY A CURIOUS LITTLE GIRL DECIDED TO SEE WHAT WOULD
HAPPEN TO THE HOST. INSTEAD OF SWALLOWING IT AT HOLY
COMMUNION, SHE WENT BACK TO HER PEW AND SLIPPED IT IN HER
HANDKERCHIEF. WHEN SHE ARRIVED HOME SHE PUT THE HOST
IN THE BIBLE. A FEW DAYS LATER WHEN SHE OPENED THE
BIBLE THERE WAS BLOOD ALL OVER THE PAGE.

Where learned: PENNSYLVANIA

Subject headings: PROSE NARRATIVE -- Religious

Date learned: 01-12-1968

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BLACK CAT

NEVER CROSS A STREET IF A BLACK CAT CROSSES BEFORE YOU.

Where learned: PENNSYLVANIA ; ERIE

Keyword(s): STREET BLACK CAT

Subject headings: Favorites
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Street Trip Relations between relatives, friends, host and guest Social class Rank
BELIEF -- Mammal

Date learned: 00001920S

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IT IS EASIER TO FALL THAN TO GET UP.

Submitter comment: FALLE IS NIX, ABERS UFSCHTE.

Where learned: PENNSYLVANIA

Subject headings: PROVERB -- Proverbial Metaphor

Date learned: 00-00-1965

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HAUNTED HOUSE

ABOUT 50 YEARS AGO, IN WEST SALEM TOWNSHIP, PENNSYLVANIA, A YOUNG
MAN SOON TO BE MARRIED BUILT A HOUSE ON BARRY ROAD FOR HIS BRIDE.
HOWEVER, WHEN THE DAY OF THE WEDDING ARRIVED, THE YOUNG MAN CHANGED
HIS MIND AND STOOD UP HIS INTENDED BRIDE.
THE HOUSE WAS NEVER LIVED IN BY ANYONE AND IS BELIEVED BY
RESIDENTS OF THE AREA TO BE HAUNTED BY THE COUPLE.

Submitter comment: MY AUNT, FROM WHOM I HEARD THIS STORY, LIVES IN THE AREA OF THE
SUPPOSEDLY HAUNTED HOUSE.

Where learned: PENNSYLVANIA ; MICHIGAN ; WYANDOTTE ; WEST SALEM TOWNSHIP

Subject headings: PROSE NARRATIVE -- Ghost Spirit Phantom Specter
PROSE NARRATIVE -- Product or activity of man or animal
ART CRAFT ARCHITECTURE -- Other Structure for Private Use
BELIEF -- Marriage

Date learned: 10-00-1964

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HAUNTED HOUSE

ABOUT 50 YEARS AGO, IN WEST SALEM TOWNSHIP, PENNSYLVANIA, A YOUNG
MAN SOON TO BE MARRIED BUILT A HOUSE ON BARRY ROAD FOR HIS BRIDE.
HOWEVER, WHEN THE DAY OF THE WEDDING ARRIVED, THE YOUNG MAN CHANGED
HIS MIND AND STOOD UP HIS INTENDED BRIDE.
THE HOUSE WAS NEVER LIVED IN BY ANYONE AND IS BELIEVED BY
RESIDENTS OF THE AREA TO BE HAUNTED BY THE COUPLE.

Submitter comment: MY AUNT, FROM WHOM I HEARD THIS STORY, LIVES IN THE AREA OF THE
SUPPOSEDLY HAUNTED HOUSE.

Where learned: PENNSYLVANIA ; MICHIGAN ; WYANDOTTE ; WEST SALEM TOWNSHIP

Subject headings: PROSE NARRATIVE -- Ghost Spirit Phantom Specter
PROSE NARRATIVE -- Product or activity of man or animal
ART CRAFT ARCHITECTURE -- Other Structure for Private Use
BELIEF -- Marriage

Date learned: 10-00-1964

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BLUE BELLS, COCKLE SHELLS,/ EEVY, IVY OVER./ I LIKE COFFEE,/ I LIKE
TEA,/ I LIKE BOYS,/ BUT DO THEY LIKE ME?

Where learned: PENNSYLVANIA ; COLLECTED AT UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT

Keyword(s): ENDURANCE ; Jump

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

Date learned: 11-00-1968

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PROVERBIAL METAPHOR

TURN YOUR FACE TO THE SUN, AND THE SHADOWS WILL FALL
BEHIND YOU.

Where learned: PENNSYLVANIA ; MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT ; COLLECTED AT UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT

Subject headings: PROVERB -- Proverbial Metaphor

Date learned: 10-00-1968

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PROVERB

WHEN LOST IN THE WOODS, LOOK UP A TREE.
WANND DICK IME BUSCH FERLORE HOSCHT, GUK AME BAM NUF.

Where learned: PENNSYLVANIA

Subject headings: PROVERB -- Proverbial Metaphor

Date learned: 00-00-1965

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PROVERB

WHO LIVES ON HUNTING AND FISHING MUST WEAR TORN CLOTHES.
WAER LEBT FUN FISCHE UN JAGE
MUSS F'RRISONE GLEDER DRAGE.

Where learned: PENNSYLVANIA

Subject headings: PROVERB -- Proverbial Metaphor

Date learned: 00-00-1965

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PROVERB

WHY BUY A COW WHEN YOU CAN GET MILK AT TEN CENTS A QUART?

Where learned: PENNSYLVANIA

Subject headings: PROVERB -- Proverbial Metaphor

Date learned: 00-00-1965

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VICTORY TABLE - CHRISTMAS DAY

ON CHRISTMAS DAY, MY MOTHER INSISTS WE STAY AT HOME. SHE
FIRMLY BELIEVES THAT THIS IS A DAY FOR FAMILIES TO BE TOGETHER
AND THAT IT IS NO TIME TO GO VISITING.

Submitter comment: INFORMANT SAID THAT HER MOTHER LEARNED THIS CUSTOM FROM HER MOTHER.

Where learned: PENNSYLVANIA ; DALLAS ; TOLD IN

Keyword(s): VISITING TABU

Subject headings: CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- F122
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Street Trip Relations between relatives, friends, host and guest Social class Rank

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SAYING

THAT'S A STORM THAT WILL CURDLE MILK.

Submitter comment: INFORMANT HEARD THIS SAYING WHEN SHE WAS A CHILD (1920'S),
BUT DOES NOT USE IT NOW, JUST HAPPENED TO REMEMBER IT.

Where learned: HOME ; PENNSYLVANIA ; PITTSBURGH

Keyword(s): WEATHER

Subject headings: --

Date learned: 10-02-1971

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SAYING PLUS GESTURE

SEE THE MAN ACROSS THE STREET (FOREFINGER IS PASSED
UNDER THE NOSE).
WITH STRIPES DOWN HIS PANTS (FOREFINGER IS RUBBED DOWN
TROUSER LEG).

Where learned: PENNSYLVANIA

Subject headings: PROSE NARRATIVE -- Jest Anecdote
Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Athletic sport and exercise Gymnastics
SPEECH -- Games Riddles Jokes

Date learned: 09-12-1965

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IF YOU LOSE A BASEBALL OR ANYTHING OUTDOORS, SPIT
ON YOUR HAND AND THEN SLAP DOWN ON THAT HAND WITH
THE OTHER. YOU WILL FIND THE LOST ARTICLE IN THE
DIRECTION OF THE LARGEST SPLASH OF THE SPITTLE.

Submitter comment: FROM CHILDHOOD PEERS, PORTAGE, PENNSYLVANIA.

Where learned: PENNSYLVANIA ; MICHIGAN ; DETROIT ; PORTAGE

James Callow Keyword(s): POSITION DIRECTION

Subject headings: Prediction / Divination
BELIEF -- Body part Senses Hands, palms, fingernails

Date learned: 08-00-1964

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(THE STORY OF THE MAMA HORSEFLY, THE PAPA HORSEFLY,

ONCE UPON A TIME THERE WAS A MAMA HORSEFLY, A PAPA HORSE-
FLY, AND A LITTLE BABY HORSEFLY. IT WAS NEARING SUPPERTIME,
AND THE FAMILY WAS LOOKING FOR SOMETHING TO EAT. AT THAT
MOMENT, THEY SPOTTED A FARM WITH HUNDREDS OF COWS IN THE
FIELD. THEY IMMEDIATELY FLEW INTO THE BRN, AND, BEHOLD!
IT WAS FILLED WITH TONS OF COW MANURE. THE HORSEFLIES
IMMEDIATELY STARTED EATING, AND THEY ATE AND ATE AND ATE
UNTIL THEY WERE SO FULL, THEY COULD NOT FLY AWAY. THEY HAD
TO GET OUT OF THE BARN BEFORE THE COWS CAME BACK, SO THE PAPA
HORSEFLY, SEEING A PITCHFORK STUCK INTO THE MAURE, SAID HE
WOULD CLIMB UP THE HANDLE AND TRY TO FLY AWAY FOR HELP.
HE CLIMBED UP THE HANDLE AND TRIED TO FLY AWAY, BUT HE WAS
SO HEAVY FROM EATING ALL THE COW MANURE, HE FELL DOWN AND
BROKE HIS NECK. THE MAMA HORSEFLY, WANTING TO SAVE HER
BABY, TRIED NEXT. BUT AFTER CLIMBING THE HANDLE AND TRYING
TO FLY AWAY, ALSO FELL DOWN AND BROKE HER NECK. THERE WAS
NOTHING FOR THE BABY HORSEFLY TO DO BUT TRY TO MAKE THE
ATTEMPT HIMSELF. BUT LIKE HIS MOTHER AND FATHER, HE WAS
SO FULL OF MANURE, HE FELL OFF THE HANDLE OF THE PITCH-
FORK AND BROKE HIS NECK.

(PAUSE)

DO YOU KNOW WHAT THE MORAL OF THE STORY IS?
PAUSE DON'T FLY OFF THE HANDLE WHEN YOU'RE FULL OF SHIT.

Where learned: PENNSYLVANIA ; PITTSBURGH

Subject headings: 6677 Formula Tale

Date learned: 10-02-1971

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(THE STORY OF THE MAMA HORSEFLY, THE PAPA HORSEFLY,

ONCE UPON A TIME THERE WAS A MAMA HORSEFLY, A PAPA HORSE-
FLY, AND A LITTLE BABY HORSEFLY. IT WAS NEARING SUPPERTIME,
AND THE FAMILY WAS LOOKING FOR SOMETHING TO EAT. AT THAT
MOMENT, THEY SPOTTED A FARM WITH HUNDREDS OF COWS IN THE
FIELD. THEY IMMEDIATELY FLEW INTO THE BRN, AND, BEHOLD!
IT WAS FILLED WITH TONS OF COW MANURE. THE HORSEFLIES
IMMEDIATELY STARTED EATING, AND THEY ATE AND ATE AND ATE
UNTIL THEY WERE SO FULL, THEY COULD NOT FLY AWAY. THEY HAD
TO GET OUT OF THE BARN BEFORE THE COWS CAME BACK, SO THE PAPA
HORSEFLY, SEEING A PITCHFORK STUCK INTO THE MAURE, SAID HE
WOULD CLIMB UP THE HANDLE AND TRY TO FLY AWAY FOR HELP.
HE CLIMBED UP THE HANDLE AND TRIED TO FLY AWAY, BUT HE WAS
SO HEAVY FROM EATING ALL THE COW MANURE, HE FELL DOWN AND
BROKE HIS NECK. THE MAMA HORSEFLY, WANTING TO SAVE HER
BABY, TRIED NEXT. BUT AFTER CLIMBING THE HANDLE AND TRYING
TO FLY AWAY, ALSO FELL DOWN AND BROKE HER NECK. THERE WAS
NOTHING FOR THE BABY HORSEFLY TO DO BUT TRY TO MAKE THE
ATTEMPT HIMSELF. BUT LIKE HIS MOTHER AND FATHER, HE WAS
SO FULL OF MANURE, HE FELL OFF THE HANDLE OF THE PITCH-
FORK AND BROKE HIS NECK.

(PAUSE)

DO YOU KNOW WHAT THE MORAL OF THE STORY IS?
PAUSE DON'T FLY OFF THE HANDLE WHEN YOU'RE FULL OF SHIT.

Where learned: PENNSYLVANIA ; PITTSBURGH

Subject headings: 6677 Formula Tale

Date learned: 10-02-1971

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THE ORIGIN OF MANKIND

THREE MEN WENT BEFORE THE GREAT WENDAY TO TELL HIM OF THEIR NEEDS.
THE FIRST ONE SAID, "I WOULD LIKE A HORSE." THE SECOND SAID "I WOULD
LIKE SOME DOGS TO GO HUNTING IN THE BUSH.", THE THIRD MAN SAID "I
WOULD LIKE A WOMAN TO REFRESH MYSELF."
THE GREAT WENDAY FULFILLED THEIR DESIRES; TO THE FIRST HE GAVE A
HORSE, TO THE SECOND SOME DOGS, TO THE LAST A WOMAN.
THE THREE MEN DEPARTED, BUT ON THEIR WAY HOME A GREAT RAIN CAME,
FORCING THEM TO SLEEP FOR THREE DAYS IN THE BRUSH. NEITHER THE
HORSE NOR THE DOGS WERE OF MUCH USE THEN. THE WOMAN HOWEVER
PREPARED THE MEALS FOR ALL THREE. THE MEN SAID, "LET'S GO BACK TO
WENDAY" AND THEY DID.
THEY ALL WANTED WOMEN NOW. WENDAY WAS KIND ENOUGH TO CHANGE THE
HORSE AND DOGS INTO WOMEN. THE MEN RETURNED HOME. HOWEVER THE
WOMAN WHO CAME FROM THE HORSE WAS GLUTTONOUS, THE ONE WHO CAME
FROM THE DOG WAS MEAN. BUT THE FIRST WOMAN, THE ORIGINAL ONE, WAS
GOOD, SHE IS THE MOTHER OF MANKIND.

Data entry tech comment: COLLECTOR'S SPELLING CORRECTED BY KEYPUNCHER.

Where learned: PENNSYLVANIA ; WARMINSTER

Subject headings: Favorites
PROSE NARRATIVE -- Creation and Order of Human Life

Date learned: NOT RECORDED BY COLLECTOR

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Belief: Weather

Weather Prediction:

Start to rain before seven, quit before eleven.

Data entry tech comment:

Motifs added by TRD

James Callow comment:

Original BN [P800] crossed out. Replaced with current classification

Dup. of WPP

Where learned: PENNSYLVANIA ;

Keyword(s): NATURE ; PREDICTING WEATHER ; PREDICTION ; Rain ; RHYME ; Sky ; TIME ; WEATHER

Subject headings: Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Proverb Proverb

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