The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

STORY ABOUT A WAKE

IN THE OLDEN DAYS THEY DIDN'T EMBALM BODIES BUT JUST PUT THEM
IN A CASKET AND THEN BURIED IT. MY MOTHER TOLD ME THIS STORY.
AT A WAKE EVERYONE FELL ASLEEP. THIEVES CAME IN AND TRIED TO
STEAL THE RINGS FROM THE HAND OF THE CORPSE, BUT COULDN'T GET
THEM OFF, SO THEY CUT HER FINGER OFF. WHEN THEY DID THIS, SHE
CAME TO LIFE AND SAT UP. SHE HAD ONLY BEEN IN A COMA.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; HARPER WOODS

Date learned: 11-23-1970