Author Archives: Michael Effenberger

“Whoever Sleeps with Children…”

Time of Interview: April 24th, 1:07 p.m.

Place of Interview: Interior of VKC Library

Informant’s first encounter w/ Folklore: Childhood, w/ grandparents

When Folklore is Performed: Between the informant’s grandparents and parents

 

Transcript:

“’El que se acuesta con niños amanece mojado.’ If I’m not mistaken, it means, ‘Whoever sleeps with children will awaken all wet.’”

 

This quote refers to children urinating while sleeping. According to my informant, his grandparents would often tell this to his parents when they were giving him “too many chores.” It was a way of telling them not to place too much trust into your child, lest they fail at whatever task (or trust) you give them.

“Every Machete that Falls…”

Contextual Information

Time of Interview: April 24th, 1:05 p.m.

Location of Interview: Interior of VKC Library

Informant’s first encounter w/ Folklore: Childhood, w/ grandparents

When Folklore is performed: Often repeated in the kitchen

 

Transcript:

“This one’s a little out there. It’s ‘Machete caído, indio muerto.’ It translates to, ‘Every machete or large knife that falls causes a dead Indian.”

 

My informant recalls hearing his grandmother mention this phrase in passing whenever her grandchildren attempted to help with the cooking. She used it as a means to caution them from using sharp instruments such as knifes, blades, or any other utensils that could inflict damage.

“At the House of the Blacksmith…”

Contextual Information

Time of Interview: April 24th, 1:03 p.m.

Location of Interview: Interior of VKC Library

Informant’s first encounter w/ Folklore: early childhood, w/ grandparents

When Folklore is performed: when critiquing hypocritical behavior

 

Transcript

“’En casa del herrero, cuchillo de palo.’ It translates to, ‘At the house of the blacksmith, he has knives made of wood.’”

 

My informant would hear his grandfather of Spanish descent often make this passing remark when critiquing someone with hypocritical behavior. The saying speaks to hypocrisy, for the man who works with metals all day goes home to wooden utensils.

Theater Snacks

Contextual Information

Time of Interview: April 21st, 5:08 p.m.

Location of Interview: Interior of Informant’s Room, Arts and Humanities

Informant’s First Encounter w/ Folklore: Freshman Year of Private High School

When Folklore is Performed: During the production of a play

 

Transcript

“In high school theatre we used to have peanut M& M’s before every show to remember the time before any of us remembered when there was a lot of division between the cast and crew. Apparently it was like a West Side Story backstage. However, both the cast and crew work together to produce the same awesome show, so like the actors being the peanut protein you need and the chocolate and shell being what makes it look good, we come together to perform.”

 

The use of visual metaphors, along with treats such as Peanut M&Ms, allows for the cast and crew to unite together for the purpose of putting on a great show.

“Don’t Suck…”

Contextual Information

Time of Interview: April 21st, 5:05 p.m.

Location of Interview: Interior of Informant’s Room, Arts and Humanities

Informant’s First Encounter w/ Folklore: Freshman Year of Private High School

When Folklore is Performed: Before every theater performance.

 

Transcript

“We ate Jolly Ranchers before every show, using the saying “Suck now so you don’t suck later.” If you didn’t have a suck you had a bad show, apparently.”

 

When performing in front of others, it is entirely possible that one could break or falter under the pressure of the crowd. By taking the jolly rancher, one receives a sort of placebo effect that allows them to remain confident while performing in front of others.