The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

CATCH THE FOX BY THE TAIL

THIS IS AN INITIATION GAME FOR A NEW BOY IN THE
COMMUNITY. IT IS PLAYED WITH A BROOMSTICK, OF WHICH
ONE END HAS BEEN DIPPED IN MANURE. THE GAME IS
PLAYED AT NIGHT AND THE HONOR IS TO BE THE ONE WHO
CARRIES THE BROOMSTICK.
ONE OF THE BOYS PUTS THE STICK BETWEEN HIS LEGS, WITH
THE DIPPED END IN BACK. THEN HE RUNS AND THE REST
HAVE TO GRAB THE STICK. THE WINNER THEN HAS THE
HONOR OF RUNNING WITH THE STICK. THE NEW BOY IS
ALWAYS THE WINNER, BUT AFTER HE CATCHES THE FOX,
HE DOESN'T CARE ABOUT THE HONOR OF CARRYING THE
STICK.

Where learned: WORK

Date learned: 12-02-1967