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LITTLE GIRL

I KNEW A LITTLE GIRL,/WHO HAD A LITTLE CURL,/RIGHT IN THE MIDDLE OF
HER FOREHEAD./ AND WHEN SHE WAS GOOD/ SHE WAS VERY, VERY GOOD.
AND WHEN SHE WAS BAD SHE WAS HORRID.

Where learned: SARAH FISHER HOME

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

Date learned: 03-00-1970

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I LOVE COFFEE

I LOVE COFFEE/ I LOVE TEA/ I LOVE THE BOYS/ AND THE BOYS LOVE ME.

Where learned: HOME

Keyword(s): QUATRAIN FIRST PERSON ; RHYME: ABCB

Subject headings: Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Lyrical Verse C730.322

Date learned: 11-18-1968

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LIMERICK

THERE WAS AN OLD LADY FOM WOOSTER/WHO WAS OFTEN ANNOYED BY A ROOSTER.
SHE CUT OFF HIS HEAD/ UNTIL HE WAS DEAD/ AND NOW HE CAN'T CROW LIKE
HE USETER.

Where learned: HOME

Keyword(s): FEMININE RHYME ; IMPERFECT RHYME ; NONSENSE ANTICLIMAX ; RHYME: AABBA ; SLANG

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

Date learned: 11-18-1968

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SOLEMN PYATHEEK--WHICH IS LEBANESE FOR "GOD BLESS
YOUR HANDS," IS USED AS AN EXPRESSION OF YOUR APPRECIATION
FOR SOMETHING THAT YOU HAVE ACCOMPLISHED.

Data entry tech comment: AGREEMENT OF PRONOUNS?

Where learned: HOME ; MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

Subject headings: SPEECH -- Formula

Date learned: 11-13-1969

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RABBITS' FEET ( CLASSIFIER'S TITLE )

A RABBIT'S FOOT CARRIED ON ON THE PERSON BRING GOOD LUCK.

Where learned: HOME

Subject headings: BELIEF -- Good luck P881.16

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LUCK (COLLECTOR,S TITLE) ; CONVERSION: CHANGING BEHAVIOR (CLASSIFIER,S TITLE)

GAMBLERS ONCE THEY HAVE ACQUIRED A "GOOD" ROLL THEY SHOULD NEVER
CHANGE ANY BEHAVIOR (E.G. IF NOT SMOKING, DO NOT LIGHT UP CIGARETTE
OR IF CIGARETTE GOES OUT, DO NOT RELIGHT IT); OTHERWISE LUCK WILL
CHANGE.

Where learned: HOME

Subject headings: BELIEF -- Conversions P883.2

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UNDO A BAD LUCK (COLLECTOR,S TITLE) ; CONVERSION: ACTION REPEATED (CLASSIFIER,S TITLE)

SINCE IT IS BAD LUCK TO TRIP OVER SOMETHING, TO UNDUE THE BAD LUCK GO
BACK AND PASS BY IT AGAIN WITHOUT STUMBLING.

Submitter comment: (FROM MOTHER)

Where learned: HOME

Subject headings: BELIEF -- Conversions P883.2

Date learned: 11-05-1967

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BAD LUCK OMEN

ACCORDING TO THIS INFORMANT, IT IS AN
OLD POLISH SUPERSTITION THAT IF A PAIR OF
SHOES IS LEFT ON A DINING TABLE, IT MEANS
THAT A DEATH IN THE FAMILY IS NEAR.

Where learned: HOME ; BUFFALO ; NEW YORK

Subject headings: Observation

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FESTIVAL

THERE ARE MANY CHURCHES IN MALTA. EACH CHURCH TRIES TO OUTDO
THE OTHERS, COMMEMORATING ITS PATRON SAINT'S FEAST DAY WITH
FIREWORKS, BANDS, AND COLORFUL PROCESSIONS.

Submitter comment:

From grandmother.

Where learned: HOME

Subject headings: CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Church
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Typical Elements of a Festive Pattern
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Fixed DateFor specific dates, use the following system:

Date learned: 11-11-1967

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CHRISTMAS

DURING THE CHRISTMAS EVE DINNER STRAW IS PUT UNDER THE TABLE
CLOTH FOR HEALTH AND PROSPERITY. THIS IS ANOTHER POLISH CUSTOM.

Data entry tech comment:

Informant is collector's mother.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT ; informant's home

Subject headings: CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 24 Christmas Eve Christmas
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20 Straw

Date learned: 03-19-1970

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PERUSE AND LAMENT

PERUSE AND LAMENT, USED BY CRAP SHOOTERS, IT'S SIMILAR TO
READ 'EM AND WEEP.

Where learned: HOME ; DETROIT ; MICHIGAN, ASSUMED

Keyword(s): GAMBLING ; SEMANTICS

James Callow Keyword(s): DICE ; ELLIPSIS

Subject headings: SPEECH -- Formula
PROVERB -- Proverbial Apothegm Maxim

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SOUTHERN SNOW

WHEN THERE IS A BIG SNOW IN THE SOUTH, THE RESIDENTS OF HAZLEHURST
MISSISSIPPI, WOULD GATHER LARGE QUANTITIES OF SNOW. THEY WOULD
MIX THE SNOW WITH SUGAR AND FLAVOR AND A LITTLE MILK AND MAKE
ICE CREAM

Where learned: HOME ; DETROIT ; PARENTS HOME

Subject headings: Food Drink -- Pastry Sweet Dessert

Date learned: 02-21-1984

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Food - Fixed Date

EAT ANYTHING THAT ROOTS (DIGS THEIR WAY INTO THE GROUND) LIKE
PIGS, ON NEW YEAR'S EVE, OR AS THE FIRST MEAL OF THE NEW YEAR.
NEVER EAT ANYTHING THAT SWIMS OR FLIES OR YOUR MONEY WILL DO THE
SAME. EAT NO FOWL OF ANY KIND.

Data entry tech comment:

Informant is grandmother of collector.

Where learned: informant's home

Keyword(s): HOMEOPATHIC MAGIC

Subject headings: Favorites
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- January 1 New Year's
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- F123
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20
Food Drink -- Typical menus for the various meals For meal hours, see F574.84. Special or festive meals
BELIEF -- Bird
BELIEF -- Fish

Date learned: 11-10-1970

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BIRTHDAY CAKE

EATING THE FIRST SLICE OF YOUR BIRTHDAY CAKE WILL BRING
YOU GOOD LUCK AND MAKE YOUR WISH COME TRUE.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; TOLD AT INFORMANTS HOME ; LIVONIA

Subject headings: 686 Properties attributed to specific numbers or numerals individually.
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Private birthday or anniversary
BELIEF -- Prayer
BELIEF -- Good luck

Date learned: 04-03-1970

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SUPERSTITION

IF A GIRL IS SLOPPY IN WASHING THE DISHES, THEN SHE WILL
MARRY A DRUNKARD.

Where learned: HOME ; MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

Subject headings: Observation

Date learned: 10-25-1969

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RECIPE

RECIPE FOR SOUR CREAM YEAST DOUGH FOR KOLACH

2 CUPS DAIRY SOUR CREAM
2 PKG DRY YEAST (FLEASCHMANN'S)
1/2 CUP WARM WATER (105-115)
1/4 CUP MARGARINE
1/3 CUP SUGAR
2 TSP. SALT
2 EGGS
ABOUT 6 CUPS OF FLOUR
HEAT SOUR CREAM OVER LOW HEAT UNTIL LUKEWARM. DISSOLVE YEAST
IN WATER IN LARGE MIXING BOWL. ADD WARM SOUR CREAM, MARGARINE,
SUGAR, SALT, EGGS, AND 2 CUPS OF THE FLOUR, BEAT UNTIL SMOOTH.
STIR IN REMAINING FLOUR UNTIL DOUGH CLEANS SIDE OF THE BOWL.
KNEAD DOUGH ON WELL FLOURED BOARD UNTIL SMOOTH, ABOUT 10 MIN.
PLACE IN GREASED BOWL, TURNING ONCE TO BRING GREASED SIDE UP.
COVER, LET RISE IN WARM PLACE (85) ABOUT 1 HOUR, OR UNTIL DOUGH
IS DOUBLE. PUNCH DOWN DOUGH, DIVIDE INTO 3 PARTS ROLL INTO
RECTANGLE 14 BY 9 INCHES, SPREAD WITH BUTTER, ADD WALNUT
FILLING (ALSO CANNED MILK) (SEE RECIPE) ROLL, PUT INTO GREASED
CAKE PAN, BRUSH WITH BEATEN EGG,
LET RISE, BAKE 350-375 DEGREES FOR
ABOUT 20 MINUTES.

Submitter comment:

I PERSONALLY KNOW THAT THIS RECIPE HAS BEEN HANDED DOWN FOR
FOUR GENERATIONS AND PERHAPS MORE THAN THAT. IT ORIGINATED IN
YUGOSLAVIA WHERE MY GRANDMOTHER WAS BORN. THIS IS ONLY MADE
AT CHRISTMAS TIME.

Data entry tech comment:

Updated by TRD

Where learned: HOME

Keyword(s): CHRISTMAS ; CUSTOM ; Dough ; FOOD ; holiday ; RECIPE ; Yugoslavia

Subject headings: CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20 Pastry

Date learned: 11-14-1971

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IF LIGHTNING OCCURS DURING THE WINTER, THE REST OF THE
WINTER WILL BE VERY HARSH.

Where learned: HOME ; NEW YORK ; LE ROY

Subject headings: BELIEF -- Lightning Thunder

Date learned: 03-00-1971

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Christmas Day in Poland

Christmas Day in Poland finds the tables laden with food. Their favorite kielbasa, ham, beef can be seen. Also, the best in Polish wines, their favorite baked goods are shared with family and friends, Neighbors visit one another and sing kolendy outside their doors, a custom everyone thoroughly enjoys--so the day goes--a happy time for all.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; informant's home ; St. Clair Shores

Subject headings: CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- F122

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CHRISTMAS CUSTOM

LOOK FOR THE FIRST STAR ON CHRISTMAS EVE SO THE TREE CAN BE LIT.
CHRIST CHILD IS BORN.

Where learned: HOME

Subject headings: CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20 Lights and candles
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20 Christmas tree

Date learned: 11-18-1967

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HUNTS (HANS) MUFF-CHRISTMAS STORY AND BELIEF

MY FIRST RECOLLECTION OF CHRISTMAS WAS THAT AT LEAST A MONTH BEFORE
CHRISTMAS MY PARENTS WOULD SAY IF YOU AREN'T A GOOD GIRL "HUNTS MUFF
WILL GET YOU." THEY WOULD TELL US CHILDREN IF WE WOULD PRAY, HUNTS
MUFF MIGHT NOT COME. SO LONG BEFORE I KNEW ANY PRAYERS I WOULD SAY
"NA MA, NA MA." THIS WAS MY WAY OF SAYING SOME GERMAN WORD WHICH I
NEVER DID KNOW WHAT IT MEANT. BUT EVEN THO' WE PRAYED CONSTANTLY
EVERY NIGHT FOR A MONTH ABOUT A WEEK BEFORE CHRISTMAS, HUNTS MUFF
WOULD START TO COME AROUND. ONE TIME MY BROTHER CAME BURSTING INTO
THE HOUSE WITH HIS SHIRT TORN HALF OFF HIS BACK AND HUNTS MUFF RIGHT
BEHIND HIM. HE QUICKLY CLOSED THE DOOR AND HAD ALL THE REST OF US
HOLD THE DOOR AND EVEN THEN HUNTS MUFF MANAGED TO PUSH THE DOOR OPEN
A LITTLE WAYS AND WE ALL SCREAMED AND CRIED AND PUSHED ON THE DOOR
AND FINALLY HUNTS MUFF LEFT. ONE TIME WE HAD THE DOOR LOCKED AND HE
REACHED RIGHT IN AND TOOK THE KEY. ANOTHER TIME WE COULD SEE HIM
COMING ACROSS THE FIELDS, AT LEAST A MILE AWAY AND THE NEXT INSTANT
HE WAS ON THE ROOF RATTLING HIS CHAINS. WE WERE TOLD IF HUNTS MUFF
EVER GOT US, HE WOULD PUT HIS CHAIN AROUND OUR NECK AND DRAG US DOWN
THE ROAD UNTIL HE CAME TO A LAKE WHERE HE WOULD TIE A STONE ONTO THE
CHAIN AND THROW THE CHAIN AND ONE OF US INTO THE LAKE AND WE'D SINK
TO THE BOTTOM OF THE LAKE. HUNTS MUFF NEVER CAME DURING THE DAY
BUT ALWAYS AT NIGHT JUST ABOUT CHORE TIME WHICH WAS ABOUT SEVEN
O'CLOCK. I WAS TEN YEARS OLD BEFORE I KNEW THIS HUNTS MUFF WAS A
FAKE. I DON'T KNOW WHETHER WE CHILDREN JUST HAD A VIVID IMAGINATION
OR WHETHER IT WAS JUST A WELL PLANNED HOAX. THIS HUNTS MUFF COULD
GROW RIGHT IN FRONT OF YOUR EYES. EVEN WHEN I WAS TOLD THE TRUE
FACTS ABOUT HUNTS MUFF I COULDN'T BELIEVE IT BECAUSE I HAD BEEN SO
FRIGHTENED FOR SO LONG THAT THE SCAR REMAINED. THIS HUNTS MUFF WAS
EITHER A NEIGHBOR OR ONE OF MY BROTHERS WITH A BOARD ACROSS THE TOP
OF HIS HEAD AND A STOVE PIPE ON TOP OF THAT TO GIVE HEIGHT. HE
CARRIED A BIG CHAIN AND WHEN HE COULDN'T GET TO THE ROOF HE WOULD
THROW COAL UP TO MAKE IT SOUND AS THOUGH HE WAS WALKING AROUND UP
THERE. SOMETIMES IT TOOK TWO OR THREE OF MY BROTHERS TO CARRY OUT
THE HOAX. AS EACH ONE GREW UP AND KNEW WHAT WAS GOING ON THEY WOULD
PROGRESS TO HELPING IN THE HOAX. CHRISTMAS DAY MADE THE HORRORS
OF THE PAST MONTH FADE AWAY ALMOST.

Submitter comment: MRS. DIAMOND WAS THE YOUNGEST CHILD OF THIRTEEN CHILDREN. AS SHE
TOLD THIS STORY SHE USED MUCH EMPHASIS AND GESTICULATION AND IT WOULD
SEEM THAT SHE STILL BELIEVES THE FOLLOWING TALE.

Where learned: HOME

Subject headings: CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20 Lights and candles

Date learned: 04-02-1968

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