The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

OBSERVATION

ONLY ON CHRISTMAS EVE, IT'S BELIEVED THAT THE CATTLE TALK AMONG
THEMSELVES. THEY TALK OF THE DAY, DURING THE NEW YEAR WHEN THEY WILL
CART THE CASKET OF ONE OF THE HOUSEHOLD MEMBERS TO THE CEMETERY.
CART THE CASKET OF ONE OF THE HOUSEHOLD MEMBERS TO THE CEMETARY.

Submitter comment: MY FATHER HEARD THIS FROM HIS MOTHER DURING THE EARLY 1900'S. IT WAS
CONSIDERED TO BE OLD SAYING EVEN THEN. DURING THE 1800'S ONE MAN
DID DIE AND HIS CATTLE TOWED HIS BODY TO THE CEMETERY (THIS COULD
HAVE BEEN THE ORIGIN OF THIS SAYING).

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

Date learned: 11-14-1971