The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

HAND GAME

AN ADULT TAKES A CHILD'S HAND AND HOLDS IT OUT FLAT.
THEN SHE SAYS, "GRANDMOTHER WAS COOKING EGGS IN THE
KITCHEN (WHILE SAYING THIS, SHE IS DRAWING A CIRCLE
ON THE CHILD'S PALM), SHE GAVE SOME TO THIS ONE
(POINTING TO EACH FINGER AND REPEATING IT) BUT TO
THIS ONE (THE THUMB) SHE CUT OFF HIS HEAD." (THE
WOMAN RUNS HER FINGERS UP THE ARM OF THE CHILD AND
TICKLES HIM.)

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT