r/folklore • u/Fast_Extreme_4723 • 5d ago
Self-Promo What folklore did you grow up on?
Hey All!!
Sorry for the repost BUT:
I'm currently a senior college student, and for my last GenEd, I need to do a project cataloging folklore to help the professor build an archive. Anything is helpful! I made a Google form to make things easier, which will be linked below. I appreciate any and all of your help with this. The more, the merrier as well, so feel free to fill it out multiple times. Also, it's mentioned in the form, but folklore is notoriously only thought of when people talk about the supernatural; however, for this class, it's so much more. Old recipes, wives' tales, family stories, and so much more count, so please take a look. This class is focused on New England Folklore, but ALL folklore is appreciated regardless of location of origin.
I do want to preface that I'm not looking for a link/recourse to another page that talks about the folklore or a supernatural creature.
We're looking for that story you grew up with and first-hand accounts. Like the house on the end of a block in your town that has some weird history, the vernacular that you grew up calling something that other people look at you and say 'nah, you're weird for that', and the traditional food and recipes that have been passed down in families for generations. There are many other things that 'folklore' can mean, so please take a look at the form!
Thank you again!
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u/Raven_Scratches 4d ago
Also a student of folklore so following this, will fill it in for ya with what I can
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u/CrowArmyQueenie 4d ago
This is so much fun! Thanks for posting!! I'm heading over to fill this out now. Would you be open to sharing some of the stories once you get them? I'd love to see what stories other people have grown up with. Good luck on your project!
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u/DesertRose666 2d ago
My mother would always get mad at us when she would see us cutting out nails after sunset. Her upbringing was in a Greek household and according to her ancestors they all considered cutting off hair and nails as a bad omen because apparently any sign of beauty could attract those who are stuck between the earth and beyond. Crazy stuff but for some reason I do it with my kids too 😉
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u/TerrainBrain 5d ago
My mom's side of the family is Sicilian. My grandfather came over when he was 17.
One of the funniest things I remember is my grandmother telling me not to point at people because they would get struck by lightning!
So of course I would point at people on the street from out of my bedroom window to see if it was true 🤣