The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

WHEN MY MOTHER WAS A LITTLE GIRL, SHE AND HER BROTHERS KNEW
OF A SPIRIT WHO LIVED IN A CLOSET. THE SPIRIT WAS CALLED "BEJA
BOJA." ONLY THE CHILDREN TALKED TO HIM AND OF THEM IT WAS MOSTLY
THE BOYS. HE TOLD THEM TO DO THINGS AND THEY SHARED THEIR TREATS
WITH HIM. THE OLDEST BROTHERS RESPONDED TO HIM THE MOST AND THEY
USED HIS INFLUENCE TO CONTROL THE YOUNGER SISTERS, AS IN "BEJA
BOJA SAYS...." MANY YEARS LATER, MY MOTHER MENTIONED HIM TO A
HUNGARIAN FRIEND'S MOTHER WHO TOLD HER THAT "BEJA" IS HUNGARIAN
FOR "MAN." THUS "BEJA BOJA" IS THE MYTHICAL MAN WHO LIVED IN A
CLOSET.

Where learned: OHIO ; CINCINNATI

Date learned: 00001940S