Piece “You cannot give time” Context In Chinese culture, you cannot give someone a clock, watch, or any other time-keeping device as it is seen as giving the person time or highlighting how much time they have left on earth. It is especially insulting if given to someone older than you. So instead of giving… Continue Reading »
R: Well, we gave him a cat for luck. C: Why? And why is it waving R: I’ve actually heard two stories for that. One, was a long time ago, there was an emperor who was a good man. He would always greet everyone he saw as he went about his walks. One day, he… Continue Reading »
Context: The informant and I were driving in the car when we passed over train tracks and she told me the piece. The piece was collected in its natural performance setting. Background: The informant is my mother, who is a third generation Irish immigrant. She learned the piece as a child from her parents who… Continue Reading »
Main Piece: Saying “Merde” to ballet dancers in place of “Good luck” or “Break a leg” Background: This saying was told to me by my informant who has participated in various dance groups for close to 13 years. She is most formally trained in ballet through a local performing arts center known as KCYA. She… Continue Reading »
Original Text: Kung hindi ukol hindi bubukol. Transliteration: If it is not then it won’t lump. Full translation: If you weren’t meant to have something then you won’t have it This proverb is used to pacify others. If someone got out of a relationship and were to be mad, they would say this to justify… Continue Reading »