The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

DEAD WOMAN STRIKES BACK

BACK IN THE DAYS BEFORE FUNERAL HOMES, WHEN THE BODY
WAS LAID OUT AT HOME, IT WAS THE CUSTOM TO HAVE
SOMEONE SIT UP IN THE ROOM WITH THE BODY DURING THE
NIGHT. ONE NIGHT, MY FATHER WAS SITTING UP WITH A
BODY; HIS CHAIR ABOUT TWO FEET FROM THE CASKET,
AND HIS BACK TO THE CASKET. HE LEANED THE CHAIR
BACKWARDS (WHILE SITTING IN IT) AND BUMPED THE
CASKET. WHEN HE DID THIS, THE DEAD WOMAN'S ARM
FLUNG OUT AND HIT HIM ON THE BACK OF THE NECK.
HE JUMPED OUT OF HIS CHAIR AND RAN OUT OF THE HOUSE
AND WOULDN'T GO NEAR THE PLACE UNTIL AFTER THE
FUNERAL.

Submitter comment: TOLD TO HER BY HER MOTHER.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

Date learned: 00001964 SUMMER