The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

USE OF AN OBJECT BELIEF

MY MOTHER TOLD ME A CUSTOM THAT SHE OBSERVED
WHILE WE WERE LIVING IN JAPAN.
DURING THE WINTER WHEN THE CHERRY BLOSSOM TREES
BY THE BUDDA SHRINE HAVE NO LEAVES
THE JAPESE WORSHIPPERS OF THE BUDDA COME AND TIE
LITTLE MESSAGES ON STRINGS TO THE BRANCHES.
THESE MESSAGES ARE REQUESTS OF THE PEOPLE
FOR THINGS THAT THEY WANT VERY MUCH
AND THEY BELIEVE THAT THE SPIRITS COME AT NIGHT
AND READ THESE MESSAGES AND WILL GRANT THEIR WISHES.

Where learned: DETROIT

Keyword(s): BUDDHA

Date learned: 03-30-1968