The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

IN NIGERIA, IT IS BELIEVED THAT CHILDREN ARE THE "CLOTHES" AND THE
"SHELTERS" OF THEIR PARENTS IN THE OLD AGE. THE CHILDREN TAKE THE
RESPONSIBILITY OF TAKING CARE OF THEIR PARENTS WHEN THEY ARE OLD.
THUS, THE CHILDLESS COUPLES ARE ALWAYS DEJECTED AND UNHAPPY
BECAUSE THERE IS NO CHILD TO TAKE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF CARING FOR
THEM WHEN THEY GET OLD.

Submitter comment: HE NARRATED THE ITEM WITH PITY.

Where learned: DETROIT

Date learned: 00-00-1984