The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

TRADITION

WHEN YOU ARE SITTING AROUND A CAMPFIRE AT NIGHT AND THE WIND BLOWS
SMOKE IN YOUR EYES, THE PERSON RETORTS WITH; MM
I HATE RABBITS

Submitter comment: THE INFORMANT FIRST HEARD OF THIS STATEMENT WHILE CAMPING IN
ONTARIO, CANADA. WHEN QUESTIONED, HE COULD OFFER NO EXPLANATION
AND CLAIMED THAT HIS FAMILY HAD ALWAYS DONE IT. PERHAPS A RABBIT
IS ASSOCIATED WITH MISFORTUNE (SMOKE IN THE EYES). ANOTHER
EXPLANATION COULD BE THAT RABBITS ARE SUPPOSED TO SEE GOOD AND
SMOKE IN THE EYES PREVENTS PROPER SIGHT. HENCE, "I HATE RABBITS".
THE EARLIEST DATE THAT THE INFORMANT COULD RECALL THIS WAS IN THE
SUMMER AROUND 1965.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; ALLEN PARK

James Callow Keyword(s): NON-SEQUITUR

Subject headings:

Favorites
Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Game Verse
BELIEF -- Mammal
SPEECH -- Game Pastime Sport
SPEECH -- Formula

Date learned: 10-00-1980