The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

SMOKING LAMP

THERE IS A TRADITION CONCERNING THE SMOKING LAMP WHILE
ON SHIP IN THE NAVY. WHEN IT IS AFTER HOURS AND SMOKING
IS NOT PERMITTED, IT IS SAID THAT THE "SMOKING LAMP IS
OUT," AND WHEN SMOKING IS ALLOWED, IT IS SAID THAT "THE
SMOKING LAMP IS ON." NO SUCH LAMP EXISTS, BUT IT IS
UNDERSTOOD BY ALL AND CONSTANTLY REFERRED TO.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; ALMA

Date learned: 03-09-1970