The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

BUTTERCUPS TELL

TODAY, WHEN RUTH AND I WERE REMINISCING ABOUT CHILDHOOD DAYS,
SHE TOLD ME OF A SPRINGTIME PRACTICE TYPICAL OF THE
PERSONS OF HER NEIGHBORHOOD. WHEN THE BUTTERCUPS BLOSSOM
ALONG THE SWAMPS, CHILDREN WOULD PICK THEM AND PRESENT
THE BOUQUETS TO THEIR MOTHERS. THE MOTHER WOULD TAKE A
FLOWER OUT OF THE NOSEGAY AND TICKLE THE UNDERSIDE OF THE
GIVER'S CHIN WITH A BUTTERCUP. IF SOME OF THE YELLOW
SHOULD RUB OFF, THEN THAT WAS A SIGN THAT THE CHILD
LIKED BUTTER. SHE SAID THAT ONCE WHEN THE BUTTERCUPS
TOLD OF HER LIKING BUTTER, HER MOTHER SENT HER OFF TO
PLAY WITH A THANK YOU FOR THE NOSEGAY AND A PIECE OF TOAST
DRIPPING WITH MELTED BUTTER.

Where learned: HIGHLAND PARK ; ILLINOIS