The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

AFTER A DEATH IN THE FAMILY, FAMILY MEMBERS AND FRIENDS HAVE PARTIES
IN NIGERIA FOR AN ENTIRE MONTH.

Submitter comment: THE INFORMANT KNEW THIS FOR A LONG TIME IN ST. THOMAS, VIRGIN
ISLANDS, BEFORE COMING TO THE UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT. I HAVE
DISCOVERED, HOWEVER, WHILE EATING LUNCH IN THE UNIVERSITY'S
CAFETERIA THAT FOR ONE YEAR AFTER THE DEATH, THE WIFE (IN THE
EVENT OF A MAN'S DEATH) WEARS A PARTICULAR DRESS AND NEVER LEAVES
HER HOME. AFTER THE YEAR, SHE RESUMES HER DUTIES IN SOCIETY.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

Date learned: 09-21-1982