The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

THE FOO BIRD

THE FOO IS A VERY COMMON BIRD OVER IN INDIA, AND IT IS
HELD IN HIGH RESPECT. ONCE A FOREIGNER CAME TO VISIT
AND HE WAS TOLD OF THIS REVERENCE. HE WAS TOLD THAT IF
THE BIRD EVER LET A DROPPING FALL ON HIM, HE WAS TO
LET IT REMAIN. IF HE BRUSHED IT OFF, HE WOULD BE TURNED
TO STONE. WELL, HE KIND OF LAUGHED AT THIS AND DIDN'T
THINK MUCH ABOUT IT.
WELL, ONE DAY THE FOO LET A DROPPING FALL ON THE
FOREIGNER'S SHOULDER, AND IT QUITE CAUGHT HIM BY
SURPRISE. HE QUICKLY BRUSHED IT OFF IN DISGUST AND
WAS IMMEDIATELY TURNED TO STONE. THE MORAL OF THE
STORY IS "IF THE FOO SHITS, WEAR IT!"

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

Date learned: 11-19-1968