"Fifteen miles on the Er-ie Can-al." Fireside Book of Folk Songs
A long time ago, I made a goal to learn to play every song in the Fireside Book of Folk Songs, one of the most comprehensive and beautifully decorated folk song books I've ever encountered. There's about 100 songs, and I lack maybe 15, which isn't bad for the amount of time and talent I have at the piano. Unfortunately, when I made the goal, I forgot to include the fact that I would need to learn the lyrics to the songs! The result is that I can recognize and hum the tune instantly, but the words and even the titles are hard to recall. Quite a different story from the one in which I imagine these stories were developed, first as spoken lyrics, then as a chant, then finally with a melody and instrument.
The book includes ballads and old favorites, work songs, marching songs and "songs of valor," and old hymns and spirituals. By far my favorite section is the ballads and old favorites, which contains the most songs that we would categorize as "folkloric." For the purposes of this American folklore class, I'll only comment on my favorite American songs here. But there are many other songs which are just as good and un-American. Look them up!
Prizes awarded to American songs from "Ballads and Old Favorites":
Earliest learned song: "The Riddle" - It starts out "I gave my love a cherry." I remember my mom teaching this to me when I was very young. I learned the whole thing quickly and haven't been able to forget it yet. Oh, and I think that part about "a ring when it's rolling, it has no end" is complete hogwash.
Most offensive song: Tie between "The Foggy Foggy Dew" and "Careless Love." They're both easy, fun to play songs, but my mom hates them, largely because of the references to love without marriage, broken hearts, and so on and so forth.
Most haunting song: "I Am a Poor Wayfaring Stranger." You can pretty much tell already from the title that this is going to be a sad song, and it is. It has to be played with feeling or it just sounds wooden, but when it's done right, it's really beautiful.
Funniest, catchy song:
Winner: "Arkansas Traveler." Probably my very favorite song in the book. I learned all the lyrics once, but I'm afraid I've mixed up some of the phrases and would do a pretty poor job if I tried to recite it. This is such an upbeat, happy song that I often like to hum it or think it to myself while I exercise.
Runner-up: "The Erie Canal." This song is just plumb fun to play. The melody is very bouncy, catchy, and all over the place rhythmically. It's almost like the piano's dancing. I feel like a piano player at an Old Western saloon when I really get into this song.
Does anyone else have any favorites?
Monday, September 29, 2008
Friday, September 26, 2008
How well do you know your folklore heroes? Part 1: Davy Crockett
"You may all go to hell, and I will go to Texas." ~Davy CrockettIn our folklore class, we have been studying folk narratives, which includes, among practically every story and joke ever passed around, those many tall tales surrounding well known characters in American folklore. Our teacher mentioned that most people automatically assume in an American folklore class we will be sitting around a campfire, telling tall tales about monumental figures like Davy Crockett or Johnny Appleseed. I laughed with the rest of the class, but secretly I felt it seemed a little sad and even pathetic that we are so far from the days where we could pick up tales from our rocking-chair grandmothers that we have to google or wikipedia "Paul Bunyan" to get a full sense of what everyone considers to be bona fide American folklore. Then I started thinking about what we really do know about our stereotypical folklore legends without being prompted to study, and I was curious if what we actually remember is truth or fiction, and whether it corresponds with the memories of other people around us.
I gave a simple survey on six folklore characters to my dad, mom, and two younger sisters. I asked them 1) to describes what he looks like, 2) why he was famous, and 3) if he was real. Here are the results!
Davy Crockett
What does he look like?
Dad: Like Fess Parker. Late 20s, early 30s. Rough clothing. Rifle.
Mom: Tall. Athletic. Good sense of humor. Twinkle in his eye. Straight hair. Excellent shot. Rifle. 30s.
Sarah: Coonskin cap. Young - 20s. Smart aleck. Carried a gun.
Hannah: Musket. Coonskin cap. Leather clothes, made of deerskin or something. 30s, 40s.
Dad: Early frontiersman. Tennessee legislature. Went to Texas. Was killed in Alamo.
Mom: "Sheriff" in Tennessee. Kept law and order. Elected to Congress. Killed a bear when he was 3.
Sarah: Trapper in Tennessee. Guide.
Hannah: Found the wilderness trail through Cumberland Gap, maybe. Fought a giant panther. Something to do with Indians.
Was he real?
All: Yes.
And now for the truth. Davy Crockett was a real person. He was born August 17, 1786 and died at the Alamo in March, 1836, at the age of 49. He opposed President Andrew Jackson's Indian Removal Act. He helped Texas win independence from Mexico. He was reportedly a good shot. He was a member of the TN legislature and also served in three U.S. congresses. Icons associated with Davy Crocketts are the coonskin cap (although it is not known for sure if he wore one), his rifle "Betsy," and his tomahawk, or hatchet. There are no reports of him killing a bear or fighting a giant panther. Also, he preferred "David" to "Davy."
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
"WHAT IS THE MEANING OF THIS!?" and other family sayings
"Forget it, Kid!" ~Dad (quoting a line from nearly every "Charlie Brown" movie)
Peeking ahead, "A Celebration of American Family Folklore" is easily the most interesting of our textbooks thus far (it's all pictures and stories - what could be more fun?), and the most relevant to understanding the type of folklore which I am best acquainted with. One of my favorite sections of the book is devoted to the collection of unique family sayings; I really enjoyed browsing through the stories and laughing at the explanation of seemingly baffling exclamations and expressions.
To give an example, here is my favorite story from the book:
Cut it, Helen
When you felt that someone was putting you on, you'd say, "Cut it, Helen." There was nobody in our family named Helen, but it came about when one day the phone rang and somebody said to my mother, "Hellen?" And my mother said, "No, I'm sorry, you must have the wrong number." And she kept insisting, and my mother said, "No, you must have the wrong number." And finally she said, "Cut it, Helen!" My mother told us about it at dinner that night. From then on, it became an expression in the family. It's continued in my own family, though they probably don't realize why I say it or where it came from.
I was so tickled by the quirkiness and humor in this story that I wanted to adopt the saying into my own family. Would that be a violation of this family's private folklore?
Anyway, I began thinking about sayings in my own family, and I realized that my dad has a lot of personal catch-phrases and sayings, some of which have been adopted by other family members, and some of which I have no clue where they came from. So with that lengthy introduction, I present the following
"Collection and Attempted Interpretation of Sayings from Dad":
1. "[Insert child's name] McKendrick, we are WAITING!" This comes from the Disney film The Parent Trap, I believe, but I have no reason why my dad latched onto that particular phrase. As long as I can remember, he has used this phrase (in a high-pitched, teasing voice) to call one or the other of us to family prayer, to the car, to come downstairs, etc. It's always a good sign if he uses this expression, because we know he's in a good mood and we aren't in any real trouble.
A quick funny story: When we first got our dog, Teddy, Mama was afraid that Dad would find him annoying and a nuisance. But then, one day, Dad and my sister were waiting to take Teddy on a walk, and he wouldn't come when they called, so Dad yelled, "Teddy McKendrick, we are WAITING!" Later, Mama told my sister that this was a sure sign that Dad had accepted Teddy as a bonafide member of the family.
2. "Give me that pen!" This is a quote from Veruca Salt, one of my dad's very favorite characters in the Gene Wilder version of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. He uses it whenever he's pretending to be angry with any of us kids, or when we bring him back something of his that was misplaced.
3. "Oh, you blockhead!" My dad says this in a cheerful, jovial voice, whenever one of us makes a mistake (not a serious one) or does something laughably stupid. I believe the saying was first used by characters in the Peanuts cartoons to criticize and berate Charlie Brown, which makes perfect sense since there's a running joke in my family that my dad is a lot like Charlie Brown anyway (bald, has bad luck...). With my dad being equated with Charlie Brown, you would think this would be a natural phrase for us to apply to him. And you would be right - it is now perfectly acceptable for the children of my family to say "Oh you blockhead" to Dad when he is losing a game or telling a funny "horror" story about work. We never say it to each other, however. And Dad never says it to Mama. Even folklore has its fences, folks.
4. "You wanna bet?" Also from The Parent Trap. It was used exclusively by my dad for a long time, but I sometimes catch the odd family member saying it now and then.
5. "Shock!" I have no idea where this came from, but it's always uttered in a low, exaggerated voice, and accompanied with an open mouth and a shaking head. It can be used in almost any circumstance, whether or not you are really surprised by what just happened, but the voice is more likely to be lower when the event is less surprising (i.e. BYU winning their football game against Utah in 2006 would merit a fully audible "SHOCK!!!!!!" In contrast, finding out that my mother had switched dinners for one night would only merit a mild, hushed "Shock!"). I admit to using this expression on occasion, but I prefer to hear my dad say it. My brother has started just saying "Shock" without the accompaniment, and the effect is nowhere near as good.
6. "[Insert child's name, strong emphasis on a particular syllable, usually the second - i.e. Jo-SEPH, Mary AL-MA, Dan-IEL, Ru-UTH (drats! A one syllable name won't save you here), Sa-RAH, Han-NAH]": If you hear this, it is always a bad sign. Always. We kids do the same kind of upspeak when we're mad at each other, but we never take it seriously unless it comes from my dad - he really knows how to make that emphasized syllable sound mean and nasty and threatening. You better be prepared to drop anything and come fast and come running.
7. "My wages, if you please." Also, "What a very pretty hat!" Both from Mary Poppins. Katy Nanna (another one of my dad's top ten delightfully annoying movie characters) says the first, and Mr. Banks says the second (about Katy Nanna). My dad uses the latter to tease us about our looks, sometimes inserting another word for "hat." I don't recall any exact catch-all situations when he would use the former, but it's always very appropriately suited to the expression when he does use it.
8. "What were you saying, my dear?" From the Queen of Hearts in Alice in Wonderland. Dad usually uses it to point out a mistake we've made in a conversation (and it's not uncommon for him to follow it with "Off with his/her head!"). We use the phrase on him, too, though. The only person who never uses it, and whom we never use it on, is Mama, who is apparently sacrosanct as far as teasing is concerned.
9. I'm not sure if this would qualify as an "expression," but there's a certain rhythm which we've always associated with my dad. He will honk it on his horn, he will knock it on the door, he will chant it or clap it in the house, and anytime we hear it, we know 1) it's Dad, 2) he's in a good mood, and 3) he's calling attention to himself. It's hard to spell out over a keyboard, but I'll do my best to give away this secret code, in the hopes that someone someday will be able to tell me where it comes from.
3 slow beats: knock, knock, knock
5 beats in rhythm: knock, knock-knock knock-knock
(KEY: The emphasis is on the bolded knocks. There is no pause between the hyphenated knocks.)
10. "What is the meaning of this?!?" Not even my dad is sure where this comes from, but he is guessing it's either from a Jane Austen film (my dad is a big Jane Austen fan), or The Parent Trap again. This phrase is never used in a serious situation; never. Update: My sister, who is apparently a lot sharper when it comes to identifying these sorts of things than I am, found the source for this quote - it's from the White Witch in BBC's The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. Thanks, Mary Alma!
11. "Oh, I don't know, I (he, she, it, whatever) was just over there." The Parent Trap again. It's interesting how many quotes come from this movie when my dad hasn't seen it in years and my mom really hates it. Oh well! Perhaps similarly, I have found myself saying "Inconceivable" a lot, when I really don't consider myself a huge fan of The Princess Bride (although, sigh, I will confess that I did fall in love with Wesley - well, I was only human and under the age of 13 - when I first saw the film).
I enjoyed writing up this collection of a few family sayings. It's fun to see how we interact in a close family network as opposed to the rest of the world. With that, I hope I haven't exposed too much of my dad's private character and personality to the world. I guess I won't know for sure until he reads this blog and then says, either "What is the meaning of this?" or "Ru-UTH."
Monday, September 22, 2008
State songs on my mind
"Never play anything that don't sound right. You might not make any money, but at least you won't get hostile with yourself." ~Hoagy Carmichael
a. "Michigan, My Michigan." (which totally is a copycat of "Oregon, My Oregon," or "Maryland, My Maryland," or "Florida, My Florida," or vice versa). (Texas' title tries to be a little different, but the idea is pretty much the same: "Texas, Our Texas.")
b. "State Song of Maine." Yup, that about sums it up. Practical, those Mainers.
c. "Here We Have Idaho." Can you sense that there isn't any more to say?
d. "Hail Massachusetts." (Not bad, except for the fact that Minnesota, Vermont, South Dakota all had the same idea. Except Minnesota decided to be unique by putting an exclamation point: "Hail! Minnesota.")
3. What's up with Tennessee having SIX songs? Is the state divided into six parts or something? Maybe they had six first place winners when they held the state song contest? It seems like pretty poor sportsmanship to me, anyway. Can you imagine what would happen if every state was like that? 300 state songs, that's what.
4. There's a little bit of state snobbery going on in some of these songs:
a. The first line of California's anthem is "I love you, California, you're the greatest state of all." I guess they've only got 49 states that disagree with them.
b. Utah's anthem thinks a lot of itself: "Utah! Getting bigger and better. Utah! Always leading the way." Notice that it doesn't say what Utah is leading the way in. The production of Great Salt Lakes, most likely.
c. Idaho's is just a little pretentious: "You've heard of the wonders our land does possess." Really? I mean, really? To be honest, all I've heard about Idaho is potatoes.
d. Illinois's takes a chance on offending every other state that found on the Union side in the Civil War: "When the Southern host withdrew, Pitting Gray against the Blue, There were none more brave than you, Illinois."
e. This line from Nebraska's is kind of funny: "There is no place that has so much to give." Perhaps the reason it has so much to give is because no one wants it enough to take it....?
f. My favorite one of all is the first stanza of Rhode Island's anthem ("Rhode Island - It's for Me"). It pretty much speaks for itself:
I’ve been to every state we have,
and I think I’m inclined to say
that Rhody stole my heart:
You can keep the forty-nine.
5. Fun fact: Mississippi's state song says "Mississippi" 15 times and spells it out 5 times. It's practically a tongue twister.
6. So why does Connecticut get Yankee Doodle? You would think Massachusetts might be a little offended, at least...
7. I really like Indiana's title: "On the Banks of the Wabash, Far Away." It's creative and interesting and fun to say. Imagine if you were from Indiana and were asked what your state song was (by the mean teacher, no doubt), and you got to say the words "Banks" and "Wabash" in the same sentence. Assuming you were in a classroom in a state other than Indiana, you could also mutter "Far Away" under your breath and everyone would snicker. Now isn't that just awesome?
After reading the state songs of Alabama and Georgia, I've decided that I like Georgia's better. Part of the reason is because I feel silly saying things like "Coosa-Tallapoosa" and "We will aye be true to thee!" But the main reason is that the situation in Georgia's state song is somewhat similar to my own - a person who left Georgia unwillingly (assumedly) is remembering it and promising to return someday. I've missed the green grass, trees, and country quietness of Georgia a lot since my family moved to Utah (in 2002), and I've always secretly hoped that I'll be able to move back and settle there again as an adult.
So in honor of Georgia, I'm making a pledge to memorize the lyrics of the Georgia state song before the end of the semester. But just to assure you I'm still a common flicker (and not a brown thrasher), I'm also going to memorize the title of Alabama's state song.
Georgia on My Mind
Written by: Stuart Gorrell
Composed by: Hoagy Carmichael
Georgia, Georgia, the whole day through
Just an old sweet song keeps Georgia on my mind.
Georgia, Georgia, a song of you
Comes as sweet and clear as moonlight through the pines.
Other arms reach out to me
Other eyes smile tenderly
Still in peaceful dreams I see
The road leads back to you.
Georgia, Georgia, no peace I find
Just an old sweet song keeps Georgia on my mind.
Melodies bring memories
That linger in my heart
Make me think of Georgia
Why did we ever part?
Some sweet day when blossoms fall
And all the world's a song
I'll go back to Georgia
'Cause that's where I belong.
Recently, it was brought to my attention that I am sadly ignorant in the way of my home state's musical folklore, in particular the official state anthem. Though I was born in Alabama, I was raised in Georgia, so I decided it was only fair to research the state songs of both in trying to figure out which tune I should be humming for the rest of the week. And then I got carried away in trying to post and analyze the state songs of every state that I or my family has ever been in. So I finally decided to demonstrate my true unbiased American-ness by simply linking y'all (as we say in the true South) to a complete list of all 50 state songs. The site includes not only the title of each state song, but the lyrics as well, and in most cases, the link to purchase the sheet music and a clip of the song. Amazing, no? While browsing through this remarkable compilation of true American patriotism and musical folklore, I made the following observations:
1. I am a pretty pitiful character in the way of state patriotism. I didn't know the lyrics or even the titles of the state songs for Alabama ("Alabama"), Georgia ("Georgia on my mind"), or Utah ("Utah, We Love Thee"). The only songs I could vaguely hum or recall any words to were from three states in which I've never lived for a month: Virginia ("Carry Me Back to Old Virginia"; that's where the dah dah and the dah dah dah dah dah), Kansas ("Home on the Range"; of course, you'd have to be a buffalo to not recognize that one), and Tennessee ("Rocky Top"; it's good and it's ol'). Of course, before I shed too many tears about this pathetic (or apathetic, rather) demonstration of state pride, I really should work on memorizing all the verses of the national anthem (I'm pretty sure it's called either "The Star Spangled Banner" or "O Say Can You See[?]").
2. Overall, we as a nation are not very inventive in coming with titles for our state songs. I counted 10 states where the song is simply titled the name of the state (including my beloved "Alabama"). I can see that this is useful for only two purposes: to assist players of Jeopardy with easy trivia ("What's the state song of Wyoming!?" "Wyoming."), and to make it easy for kids to memorize them for tests (supposing in the first place that there is a teacher cruel enough to actually require this absurdly abstract knowledge of them). There are also quite a few states with less-than-creative song titles. Witness the following examples:
a. "Michigan, My Michigan." (which totally is a copycat of "Oregon, My Oregon," or "Maryland, My Maryland," or "Florida, My Florida," or vice versa). (Texas' title tries to be a little different, but the idea is pretty much the same: "Texas, Our Texas.")
b. "State Song of Maine." Yup, that about sums it up. Practical, those Mainers.
c. "Here We Have Idaho." Can you sense that there isn't any more to say?
d. "Hail Massachusetts." (Not bad, except for the fact that Minnesota, Vermont, South Dakota all had the same idea. Except Minnesota decided to be unique by putting an exclamation point: "Hail! Minnesota.")
3. What's up with Tennessee having SIX songs? Is the state divided into six parts or something? Maybe they had six first place winners when they held the state song contest? It seems like pretty poor sportsmanship to me, anyway. Can you imagine what would happen if every state was like that? 300 state songs, that's what.
4. There's a little bit of state snobbery going on in some of these songs:
a. The first line of California's anthem is "I love you, California, you're the greatest state of all." I guess they've only got 49 states that disagree with them.
b. Utah's anthem thinks a lot of itself: "Utah! Getting bigger and better. Utah! Always leading the way." Notice that it doesn't say what Utah is leading the way in. The production of Great Salt Lakes, most likely.
c. Idaho's is just a little pretentious: "You've heard of the wonders our land does possess." Really? I mean, really? To be honest, all I've heard about Idaho is potatoes.
d. Illinois's takes a chance on offending every other state that found on the Union side in the Civil War: "When the Southern host withdrew, Pitting Gray against the Blue, There were none more brave than you, Illinois."
e. This line from Nebraska's is kind of funny: "There is no place that has so much to give." Perhaps the reason it has so much to give is because no one wants it enough to take it....?
f. My favorite one of all is the first stanza of Rhode Island's anthem ("Rhode Island - It's for Me"). It pretty much speaks for itself:
I’ve been to every state we have,
and I think I’m inclined to say
that Rhody stole my heart:
You can keep the forty-nine.
5. Fun fact: Mississippi's state song says "Mississippi" 15 times and spells it out 5 times. It's practically a tongue twister.
6. So why does Connecticut get Yankee Doodle? You would think Massachusetts might be a little offended, at least...
7. I really like Indiana's title: "On the Banks of the Wabash, Far Away." It's creative and interesting and fun to say. Imagine if you were from Indiana and were asked what your state song was (by the mean teacher, no doubt), and you got to say the words "Banks" and "Wabash" in the same sentence. Assuming you were in a classroom in a state other than Indiana, you could also mutter "Far Away" under your breath and everyone would snicker. Now isn't that just awesome?
After reading the state songs of Alabama and Georgia, I've decided that I like Georgia's better. Part of the reason is because I feel silly saying things like "Coosa-Tallapoosa" and "We will aye be true to thee!" But the main reason is that the situation in Georgia's state song is somewhat similar to my own - a person who left Georgia unwillingly (assumedly) is remembering it and promising to return someday. I've missed the green grass, trees, and country quietness of Georgia a lot since my family moved to Utah (in 2002), and I've always secretly hoped that I'll be able to move back and settle there again as an adult.
So in honor of Georgia, I'm making a pledge to memorize the lyrics of the Georgia state song before the end of the semester. But just to assure you I'm still a common flicker (and not a brown thrasher), I'm also going to memorize the title of Alabama's state song.
Georgia on My MindWritten by: Stuart Gorrell
Composed by: Hoagy Carmichael
Georgia, Georgia, the whole day through
Just an old sweet song keeps Georgia on my mind.
Georgia, Georgia, a song of you
Comes as sweet and clear as moonlight through the pines.
Other arms reach out to me
Other eyes smile tenderly
Still in peaceful dreams I see
The road leads back to you.
Georgia, Georgia, no peace I find
Just an old sweet song keeps Georgia on my mind.
Melodies bring memories
That linger in my heart
Make me think of Georgia
Why did we ever part?
Some sweet day when blossoms fall
And all the world's a song
I'll go back to Georgia
'Cause that's where I belong.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
My proverb can beat up your proverb, but which one is true?
"War does not determine who is right, but who is left." ~Proverb
In folklore class we are currently studying proverbs, which WordWeb handily defines as "an Old Testament book consisting of proverbs from various Israeli sages (including Solomon)." Hmmm. The second definition is more along the lines of what we mean by "proverbs" in general terms: "A condensed but memorable saying embodying some important fact of experience that is taken as true by many people." Note the connection between proverbs and folklore - both are concerned with embodying experience and expressing the firm beliefs of a people, while remaining witty, catchy, and short.
While researching some proverbs to study, I came across several lists of contradictory proverbs, and couldn't resist displaying my favorites here. What a wonderful resource to browse through for retaliation material when someone tries to spout the wisdom of the ages to your disadvantage!
Contradicting Proverbs
Birds of a feather flock together. Opposites attract.
It never rains, but it pours. Every cloud has a silver lining.
Many hands make light work. Too many cooks spoil the broth.
Actions speak louder than words. Do as I say, not as I do.
The best things in life are free. There is no such thing as a free lunch.
Look before you leap. He who hesitates is lost.
If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again. Don’t beat your head against a brick wall.
Absence makes the heart grow fonder. Out of sight, out of mind.
Never put off until tomorrow what you can do today. Don’t cross the bridge until you come to it.
Two heads are better than one. Paddle your own canoe.
More haste less speed. Time waits for no man.
You’re never too old to learn. You can’t teach an old dog new tricks.
A word to the wise is sufficient. Talk is cheap.
It’s better to be safe than sorry. Nothing ventured, nothing gained.
Don’t look a gift horse in the mouth. Beware of Greeks bearing gifts.
Do unto others as you would have others do unto you. Nice guys finish last.
Hitch your wagon to a star. Don’t bite off more than you can chew.
Don’t judge a book by its cover. Clothes make the man.
The squeaking wheel gets the grease. Silence is golden.
The pen is mightier than the sword. Actions speak louder than words.
Whether this list means that we as American society are divided, diverse, or simply dishonest in our pick-and-choose method of proverb citation is another issue for another day. But I think it's safe and fair to say that there isn't a single one of these proverbs that will apply to every person in every situation. Is this a problem? Proverbs are meant to be short, catchy, and generally applicable. As folklore, the purpose of proverbs is to entertain as well as inform, to allow for a creative form of expression while creating a kind of cultural understanding between the speaker and listener. There is a standard of common sense which must be applied when giving and receiving proverbial advice. Any person educated in the culture of proverbs will understand the hint of truth behind the blunt, somewhat exaggerated proverb, and respond appropriately.
So in conclusion, you should always think twice before quoting a proverb "at" someone. But not more than twice, because, as you know, "He who hesitates is not only lost, but miles from the next exit."
In folklore class we are currently studying proverbs, which WordWeb handily defines as "an Old Testament book consisting of proverbs from various Israeli sages (including Solomon)." Hmmm. The second definition is more along the lines of what we mean by "proverbs" in general terms: "A condensed but memorable saying embodying some important fact of experience that is taken as true by many people." Note the connection between proverbs and folklore - both are concerned with embodying experience and expressing the firm beliefs of a people, while remaining witty, catchy, and short.
While researching some proverbs to study, I came across several lists of contradictory proverbs, and couldn't resist displaying my favorites here. What a wonderful resource to browse through for retaliation material when someone tries to spout the wisdom of the ages to your disadvantage!
Contradicting Proverbs
Birds of a feather flock together. Opposites attract.
It never rains, but it pours. Every cloud has a silver lining.
Many hands make light work. Too many cooks spoil the broth.
Actions speak louder than words. Do as I say, not as I do.
The best things in life are free. There is no such thing as a free lunch.
Look before you leap. He who hesitates is lost.
If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again. Don’t beat your head against a brick wall.
Absence makes the heart grow fonder. Out of sight, out of mind.
Never put off until tomorrow what you can do today. Don’t cross the bridge until you come to it.
Two heads are better than one. Paddle your own canoe.
More haste less speed. Time waits for no man.
You’re never too old to learn. You can’t teach an old dog new tricks.
A word to the wise is sufficient. Talk is cheap.
It’s better to be safe than sorry. Nothing ventured, nothing gained.
Don’t look a gift horse in the mouth. Beware of Greeks bearing gifts.
Do unto others as you would have others do unto you. Nice guys finish last.
Hitch your wagon to a star. Don’t bite off more than you can chew.
Don’t judge a book by its cover. Clothes make the man.
The squeaking wheel gets the grease. Silence is golden.
The pen is mightier than the sword. Actions speak louder than words.
Whether this list means that we as American society are divided, diverse, or simply dishonest in our pick-and-choose method of proverb citation is another issue for another day. But I think it's safe and fair to say that there isn't a single one of these proverbs that will apply to every person in every situation. Is this a problem? Proverbs are meant to be short, catchy, and generally applicable. As folklore, the purpose of proverbs is to entertain as well as inform, to allow for a creative form of expression while creating a kind of cultural understanding between the speaker and listener. There is a standard of common sense which must be applied when giving and receiving proverbial advice. Any person educated in the culture of proverbs will understand the hint of truth behind the blunt, somewhat exaggerated proverb, and respond appropriately.
So in conclusion, you should always think twice before quoting a proverb "at" someone. But not more than twice, because, as you know, "He who hesitates is not only lost, but miles from the next exit."
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Maybe Christmas doesn't come from a store. Maybe, just maybe, perhaps, it comes from....folklore?
"Out upon Merry Christmas!" ~Ebenezer Scrooge
Recently in folklore class, we were asked to pick and respond to a favorite quote from our readings in Folk Groups and Folklore Genres: An Introduction (1986), cutely referred to as FGFG in the syllabus and "Fiji" by myself.
In our book, the chapter on "Documenting Folklore," by William Wilson, describes the functions of folklore and folklorists in society, and discusses the likely outcomes of following various methods of folklore documentation. In addressing the value that we place on folklore in American culture, Wilson states: "Folklore which does not call forth the proper associations will probably not be valued as much as that which does. Children insist on celebrating Christmas the same way each year because doing so brings forth plesant memories of Christmases past" (238).
There are several things that stand out to me from this brief excerpt. First, I find it fascinating that so much of our folklore is associated with holidays, such as Christmas, New Year's, and Thanksgiving. Although most holidays began as "holy" days dedicated to rest and worship, many have been transformed by mainstream culture into days of feasting, leisure, fun, and family association. It is during these holidays that we specifically recognize and refer to our rituals as "tradition." It is also during these holidays that we have the greatest number of traditional customs to perform. To me, this suggests that much of American folklore falls under the category of entertainment, and is passed down so successfully because people find it amusing and enjoyable, rather than merely educational, informative, or wise.
Wilson's example of Christmas traditions made me think about my own family's celebration of Christmas. I realized that we do indeed make a great effort to celebrate in the exact same way every year, even if it means inconveniencing or even embarrassing ourselves by composing letters to Santa when we are well beyond the age of knowledge, or waking up at least two hours before 6 am (a thing unheard of for any of us on any other day of the year!) to anticipate the ritualistic "going up the stairs" to see the presents. Yet our Christmas traditions never feel arduous, fake, or contrived, and I doubt that any family thinks this way about their own traditions. These observations lead me to believe that there are rules for having a successful folkloric experience, and for some reason we are often more than willing to give up our sense of practicality (and sometimes dignity!) to achieve it. Which says a lot about the value we place on folklore as individuals. As a child, I looked forward to Christmas more than any other day of the year. I still do, but not for the same reasons as I used to. Now, Christmas is more to me than a time off from school and work, and an occasion for getting more presents. It is a time to make and share tangible family folklore - traditional meals, decorations, rituals, and memories that will bring together our past and our present.
Recently in folklore class, we were asked to pick and respond to a favorite quote from our readings in Folk Groups and Folklore Genres: An Introduction (1986), cutely referred to as FGFG in the syllabus and "Fiji" by myself.
In our book, the chapter on "Documenting Folklore," by William Wilson, describes the functions of folklore and folklorists in society, and discusses the likely outcomes of following various methods of folklore documentation. In addressing the value that we place on folklore in American culture, Wilson states: "Folklore which does not call forth the proper associations will probably not be valued as much as that which does. Children insist on celebrating Christmas the same way each year because doing so brings forth plesant memories of Christmases past" (238).
There are several things that stand out to me from this brief excerpt. First, I find it fascinating that so much of our folklore is associated with holidays, such as Christmas, New Year's, and Thanksgiving. Although most holidays began as "holy" days dedicated to rest and worship, many have been transformed by mainstream culture into days of feasting, leisure, fun, and family association. It is during these holidays that we specifically recognize and refer to our rituals as "tradition." It is also during these holidays that we have the greatest number of traditional customs to perform. To me, this suggests that much of American folklore falls under the category of entertainment, and is passed down so successfully because people find it amusing and enjoyable, rather than merely educational, informative, or wise.
Wilson's example of Christmas traditions made me think about my own family's celebration of Christmas. I realized that we do indeed make a great effort to celebrate in the exact same way every year, even if it means inconveniencing or even embarrassing ourselves by composing letters to Santa when we are well beyond the age of knowledge, or waking up at least two hours before 6 am (a thing unheard of for any of us on any other day of the year!) to anticipate the ritualistic "going up the stairs" to see the presents. Yet our Christmas traditions never feel arduous, fake, or contrived, and I doubt that any family thinks this way about their own traditions. These observations lead me to believe that there are rules for having a successful folkloric experience, and for some reason we are often more than willing to give up our sense of practicality (and sometimes dignity!) to achieve it. Which says a lot about the value we place on folklore as individuals. As a child, I looked forward to Christmas more than any other day of the year. I still do, but not for the same reasons as I used to. Now, Christmas is more to me than a time off from school and work, and an occasion for getting more presents. It is a time to make and share tangible family folklore - traditional meals, decorations, rituals, and memories that will bring together our past and our present.
Monday, September 15, 2008
It's a small Deep South, after all
"I was born in Alabama. I was raised in Georgia. I'm so Southern I'm related to myself." ~Brett Butler
In an effort to educate myself about my Southern roots, I recently read two excellent novels about different time periods in the South: Christy (1967), by Catherine Marshall, and Their Eyes Were Watching God (1937), by Zora Neale Hurston. Christy is based on the true life story of Marshall's mother, Leonora Whitaker Wood, who, at age 19, left her home in Asheville, Tennessee in 1912 to teach school in the Smoky Mountains. Their Eyes Were Watching God is a work of historical fiction, describing the adventures, dreams, and trials of Janie Crawford, a Southern black girl who grows into womanhood in Florida during the 1930s.
As I quickly discovered, there are many differences between the people, places, and periods of history being described in these two books. The race of the main characters, the difference of twenty years in U.S. history, and the vastly different geography of Tennessee's Smoky Mountains and Florida's Everglades are just three factors separating these books under the heading of "Southern" literature. However, purely by accident, I was very excited to discover a small but specific item of folklore written in both books!
The item is a saying - descriptive, lengthy and exaggerated, typical of most old-fashioned Southern expressions. In Christy the saying occurs at the scene of a wedding, and is spoken by Granny Barclay, an old, respected member of the Cove who speaks with a decided Southern accent: "Hit's so crowded now you couldn't cuss a cat 'thout gettin' fur in yer mouth" (Christy, 391). In Their Eyes Were Watching God the saying is uttered somewhat scornfully by the ambitious black entrepreneur Joe Starks, upon seeing the lack of urban development in Eatonville: "Y'all ain't got enough here to cuss a cat on without gittin' yo' mouf full of hair" (Their Eyes Were Watching God, 43).
In both cases the saying expresses amusement and humorous exaggeration for dramatic effect on the part of the speaker. Though there is some variation between the two wordings of the expression, reflecting the situation, race, and dialects of the speakers, the overall meaning and effect is preserved.
I find it fascinating that such a small aspect of folklore can transcend the boundaries of race, time, and space, not only between the different worlds of Christy and Their Eyes, but between the memories and conceptions which the authors, Marshall and Hurston, have of their ancestors' everyday behavior and speech in the Southern United States.
In an effort to educate myself about my Southern roots, I recently read two excellent novels about different time periods in the South: Christy (1967), by Catherine Marshall, and Their Eyes Were Watching God (1937), by Zora Neale Hurston. Christy is based on the true life story of Marshall's mother, Leonora Whitaker Wood, who, at age 19, left her home in Asheville, Tennessee in 1912 to teach school in the Smoky Mountains. Their Eyes Were Watching God is a work of historical fiction, describing the adventures, dreams, and trials of Janie Crawford, a Southern black girl who grows into womanhood in Florida during the 1930s.
As I quickly discovered, there are many differences between the people, places, and periods of history being described in these two books. The race of the main characters, the difference of twenty years in U.S. history, and the vastly different geography of Tennessee's Smoky Mountains and Florida's Everglades are just three factors separating these books under the heading of "Southern" literature. However, purely by accident, I was very excited to discover a small but specific item of folklore written in both books!
The item is a saying - descriptive, lengthy and exaggerated, typical of most old-fashioned Southern expressions. In Christy the saying occurs at the scene of a wedding, and is spoken by Granny Barclay, an old, respected member of the Cove who speaks with a decided Southern accent: "Hit's so crowded now you couldn't cuss a cat 'thout gettin' fur in yer mouth" (Christy, 391). In Their Eyes Were Watching God the saying is uttered somewhat scornfully by the ambitious black entrepreneur Joe Starks, upon seeing the lack of urban development in Eatonville: "Y'all ain't got enough here to cuss a cat on without gittin' yo' mouf full of hair" (Their Eyes Were Watching God, 43).
In both cases the saying expresses amusement and humorous exaggeration for dramatic effect on the part of the speaker. Though there is some variation between the two wordings of the expression, reflecting the situation, race, and dialects of the speakers, the overall meaning and effect is preserved.
I find it fascinating that such a small aspect of folklore can transcend the boundaries of race, time, and space, not only between the different worlds of Christy and Their Eyes, but between the memories and conceptions which the authors, Marshall and Hurston, have of their ancestors' everyday behavior and speech in the Southern United States.
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Knick knack, paddywhack, give the blog a name
"The naming of a [blog] is a numbing blow from which [it] never recovers." ~Marshall McLuhan
It was very difficult for me to come up with a fitting title and web address for this blog. Since the main focus of all entries will be on American folklore, I wanted the title to refer to America and to an aspect of American folklore that would somehow identify me as the author. After rejecting several overly general titles like “Folk Talk" and “Life in A Merry Can,” I began searching for ways to link my birth state of Alabama with the title. In doing so I made some interesting discoveries about Alabaman folklore.
For example...
a. In the Atlas, Alabama’s nickname is “Heart of Dixie,” yet growing up I always heard it referred to as the Yellowhammer state. The name apparently goes back to the yellow clothes of Confederate soldiers in the Civil War. My mother, born in Tennessee, was a Volunteer; my father, born in Indiana, was a Hoosier; I was a Yellowhammer. In case anyone is interested, we also have two Peaches, another Yellowhammer, another Volunteer, and a Tar Heel in the family.
b. A popular saying seen recently on many Alabama license plates is “Stars Fell On [Alabama].” This phrase comes from the title of a book and a song from 1934, both of which refer to the leonid meteor shower in Alabama on November 12/13, 1833. The standard "Heart of Dixie" saying, enclosed in a conventional heart shape, is usually included in a much smaller size.
It was very difficult for me to come up with a fitting title and web address for this blog. Since the main focus of all entries will be on American folklore, I wanted the title to refer to America and to an aspect of American folklore that would somehow identify me as the author. After rejecting several overly general titles like “Folk Talk" and “Life in A Merry Can,” I began searching for ways to link my birth state of Alabama with the title. In doing so I made some interesting discoveries about Alabaman folklore.
For example...
a. In the Atlas, Alabama’s nickname is “Heart of Dixie,” yet growing up I always heard it referred to as the Yellowhammer state. The name apparently goes back to the yellow clothes of Confederate soldiers in the Civil War. My mother, born in Tennessee, was a Volunteer; my father, born in Indiana, was a Hoosier; I was a Yellowhammer. In case anyone is interested, we also have two Peaches, another Yellowhammer, another Volunteer, and a Tar Heel in the family.
b. A popular saying seen recently on many Alabama license plates is “Stars Fell On [Alabama].” This phrase comes from the title of a book and a song from 1934, both of which refer to the leonid meteor shower in Alabama on November 12/13, 1833. The standard "Heart of Dixie" saying, enclosed in a conventional heart shape, is usually included in a much smaller size.
c. In addition to its state flag and symbol, Alabama has a state tree, flower, mammal, horse, game bird, reptile, amphibian, insect, butterfly, freshwater AND saltwater fish! I won’t list all of them here, but it would certainly be fun to make a collage.
d. The popular Southern song “I wish I was in Dixie," or just "Dixie," was actually composed by a Northerner, Daniel Emmett, and premiered in New York City as part of a blackface minstrel show. It was also apparently one of Abraham Lincoln's favorite songs! Isn’t history ironic?
e. The name “Alabama” comes from the Indian Choctaw language. The Alabama Department of Archives and History website says that “the Rev. Allen Wright, a Choctaw scholar, translated the name as thicket clearers, compounded of "alba" meaning "a thick or mass vegetation," and "amo" meaning "to clear, to collect, to gather up" (http://www.archives.state.al.us/statenam.html).
I eventually decided on “American Folklore from the Common Flicker” for three reasons:
1) As you may have guessed, the common flicker is the state bird of Alabama. It’s also known as the Northern flicker, the yellow-shafted flicker, and the yellowhammer.
2) I feel the title is a good description of what the blog would consist of, as well as short and creative enough to remember in a web address.
3) I like the way that “folklore” and “flicker” sound together.
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