The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

MAMMAL

ONLY ON CHRISTMAS EVE, IT'S BELIEVED THAT THE CATTLE TALK AMONG
THEMSELVES. THEY TLAK OF THE DAY, DURING THE NEW YEAR, WHEN THEY
WILL CART THE CASKET OF ONE OF THE HOUSEHOLD MEMBERS TO THE CEMETARY.

Submitter comment: OUR FATHER HEARD THIS FROM HIS MOTHER DURING THE EARLY 1900'S. IT
WAS CONSIDERED TO BE AN OLD SAYING EVEN THEN. DURING THE 1800'S ONE
MAN DID DIE AND HIS CATTLE TOWED HIS BODY TO THE CEMETARY (THIS
COULD HAVE BEEN THE ORIGIN OF THIS SAYING).

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT ; TOLD AT HOME

Keyword(s): BELIEF

Date learned: 11-14-1971