The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

JEST, ANECDOTE

ONCE THERE WAS AN ORTHODOX WOMAN AND A CATHOLIC MAN. THE
HUSBAND WENT OUT IN THE WOODS TO WORK AND THE MOTHER WHO
STAYED AT HOME TOLD THE CHILDREN IF THE CATHOLIC PRIEST SHOULD
COME TO THE DOOR TELL HIM THAT NO ONE IS HOME. ONE DAY THE
PRIEST COMES TO THE DOOR AND ASKS THE CHILDREN, QUOTATION
"WHERE ARE YOUR PARENTS?" AND THEY REPLY,
"ONE PARENT WENT OUT TO THE WOODS AND THE OTHER IS HIDING BEHIND
THE OVEN."

Submitter comment: CHILDREN DON'T KNOW HOW TO LIE. THEY APPEAR INNOCENT COMPARED
TO THE MOTHER.
THIS WAS LEARNED IN RUSSIA.
THIS ITEM IS TRANSLATED FROM THE RUSSIAN LANGUAGE.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; RUSSIA ; Sterling Heights

Date learned: 11-00-1973