The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

MOTHER MAY I?

TO PLAY MOTHER MAY I, YOU HAVE TO DO WHAT MOTHER MAY I
SAYS. EXAMPLE: MOTHER SAYS: WAVE YOUR ARM. THE
ACTION IS NOT DONE UNTIL PERMISSION IS ASKED IN THE FORM
OF "MOTHER, MAY I?" IF MOTHER SAYS YES, THEN IT MAY BE
DONE. IF PERMISSION IS NOT ASKED, THE PLAYER DROPS OUT.
THE IDEA IS TO SEE WHO IS THE MOST OBEDIENT CHILD.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

Date learned: NOT GIVEN