The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

RIDDLE

Q: WHAT IS IT THAT WHEN YOU REMOVE IT, YOU DO NOT USE IT,
AND WHEN YOU REPLACE IT, YOU USE IT?
A: THE LID OF A JAPANESE BATH TUB.

Submitter comment: N.B. THE JAPANESE BATH TUB IS A WOODEN, DEEP TUB COVERED WITH A LID.
WHEN NOT IN USE, THE BATH IS COVERED WITH THE LID.
INFORMANT LIVES IN JAPAN AND LEARNED THE ABOVE FROM HIS CHILDREN.

Where learned: LETTER ; JAPAN

Keyword(s): ACTIONS (Q) ; CAUSAL OPPOSITIONAL ; FURNITURE (A) ; PUZZLE

Date learned: 07-28-1964