The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

MOTHER MAY I?

THERE IS ONE PERSON CHOSEN TO BE THE MOTHER. THE REST
OF THE PLAYERS LINE UP TOGETHER SOME DISTANCE FROM
THE MOTHER. IN TURN, THEY SAY "MOTHER MAY I MOVE
(BLANK)>" (THEY ASK TO MOVE ANY DISTANCE). THE
MOTHER CAN EITHER SAY YES OR NO. WHILE THE MOTHER
IS ANSWERING, SOMEONE ELSE THE OTHER CONTESTANTS
ARE FREE TO TRY TO SNEAK UP AS FAR AS THEY WANT, IF
THEY CAN DO IT WITHOUT BEING CAUGHT, BECAUSE IF THE
MOTHER CATCHES THEM, THEY HAVE TO START OVER FROM
THE BEGINNING.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

Date learned: NOT GIVEN