The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

A TALE OF TALKING ANIMALS

IN POLAND, IT IS BELIEVED THAT FARM ANIMALS WILL TALK
ON CHRISTMAS EVE. A FARMER ONCE SNUCK INTO HIS
BARN TO HEAR THEM. HE OVERHEARD HIS COW SAYING THAT
THE FOLLOWING MORNING ALL THE ANIMALS WILL BE IN A
FUNERAL PROCESSION FOR THEIR OWNER. THE FARMER GOT SO
SCARED WHEN HE HEARD THIS, HE DROPPED DEAD. THIS
IS A POPULAR BELIEF IN POLAND.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DEARBORN

Date learned: 10-22-1967