The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

BACK IN THOSE DAYS (THE EARLY 20'S) WHEN
SOMEONE DIED, THE FAMILY PREPARED THE BODY FOR
VIEWING. THE CASKET WAS SET IN THE "PARLOR"(TODAY'S
LIVING ROOM"). PENNIES WERE PUT ON THE EYES TO
KEEP THEM FROM POPPING OPEN. THIS HAPPENED AT A
FRIEND OF MY FATHER'S FUNERAL: AFTER VIEWING
THE BODY EVERYONE WENT INTO THE KITCHEN FOR COFFEE.
WHILE THE COFFEE WAS BEING SERVED THREE BOYS FROM
TOWN SNUCK INTO THE PARLOR, TOOK THE PENNIES OFF
THE OLD MAN'S EYES, AND PROPPED HIM UP WITH A STICK.
AFTER COFFEE THE FAMILY WALKED SLOWLY BACK INTO THE
PARLOR. THEY WERE TERRIFIED TO SEE THE OLD MAN
SITTING UP WITH HIS EYES OPEN, THEY THOUGHT HE HAD
COME BACK TO LIFE!

Submitter comment: RESURRECTION
RESUSITATION

Where learned: DETROIT ; WEST VIRGINIA

Date learned: 02-00-1984