The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

MOTHER MAY I

ONE PERSON IS CHOSEN THE "MOTHER." HE THEN TELLS THE OTHER
PEOPLE WHAT KIND AND HOW MANY STEPS THEY MAY TAKE E.G. THREE
GIANT OR BABY STEPS. THE PERSON MUST ASK "MOTHER MAY I"
BEFORE HE CAN MOVE. IF HE FORGETS, HE CANNOT TAKE THE STEPS
AND
MUST GO BACK TO THE BEGINNING. THE WINNER IS THE ONE WHO
REACHES MOTHER FIRST.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; SAINT CLAIR SHORES

James Callow Keyword(s): POLITENESS TEST

Date learned: 00001950S