The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

BACK ON THE FARM IT WAS BELIEVED THAT: AFTER A COW
HAD A BABY IF THE MOTHER COW DID NOT STAND UP
SHE WOULD DIE. MY FATHER GOT INTO THE HABIT OF
CUTTING THE TIP OF THE COW'S TAIL OFF AFTER SHE
HAD CALVED. THIS MADE IT SO PAINFUL FOR THE
COW TO SWISH ITS TAIL, SHE HAD NO CHOICE BUT
TO STAND UP!

Where learned: DETROIT

Date learned: 02-00-1984