Context It took some effort to get my informant, who immigrated from England at 13, to remember some examples of English folklore. I prompted him by asking for bedtime stories or lullabies from his childhood. Main Piece So, when I was little, my English grandmother would sing me and my brother Tate this song before… Continue Reading »
Context This piece is not actually a recipe, but a humorous anecdote about a family recipe. Main Piece My mom would would tell about how her grandmother I believe it was had the recipe for a pot roast that got passed down and it was, you know, it was dictated by her and written down and continued… Continue Reading »
Context I asked the informant (my mother) to think of any family superstitions other than the most common ones — opening an umbrella indoors, etc. She responded with one I had never encountered before. Main Piece Okay, there was a rule: no whistling allowed inside the house. It was bad luck. And that was passed… Continue Reading »
Context Coming from my Jewish background, I had minimal knowledge of Christian holidays besides Christmas. My informant taught me about Shrove Tuesday and the special treat associated with it. Main Piece So, Shrove Tuesday — S-H-R-O-V-E Tuesday, otherwise known as Pancake Day, is a religious holiday celebrated in the United Kingdom, mostly by Christians, um,… Continue Reading »
Context Because this was my only non-American informant, I was particularly interested in customs or holidays specific to England. My informant had vivid memories of Guy Fawkes Day/Night through the lens of a child. Main Piece So, the fifth of November is a big deal in the U.K. It’s Guy Fawkes Day. Basically what we… Continue Reading »