What would a monkey know of the taste of ginger?

Age: 19
Occupation: Student
Residence: Naperville, Illinois
Language: English

Story: “There is this proverb in Hindi that my mom used to say to me to let me know that I wasn’t smart enough to appreciate certain things. Basically she would use this proverb to roast me. The proverb is: Bandar kya jaane adrak ka swad. Which in English translates to “What would a monkey know of the taste of ginger?” But yeah, basically my mom would say this to me if I wasn’t appreciating something she did for me. If I didn’t love the dinner she made for me one night, she would say “What would a monkey know of the taste of dinner?”

Analysis: This is a phrase that really means a lot to this informant. Growing up they said, it kind of annoyed them, hearing their mom yell this at them, but now when they hear it, it carries a sense of nostalgia for them. Cultural folk phrases carry such deep meaning already, but its the people who use it that increase that meaning tenfold. Without context, “What would a monkey know of the taste of ginger?” is a totally random question–but to this informant, they know exactly what this means. This is the importance of cultural folk phrases: they create bonds amongst families, they bring nostalgia, and they have much deeper meaning than what meets the eye.

It’s Not May, It’s Summer

Age: 25
Occupation: Restaurant Manager
Residence: Sewell, New Jersey
Language: English

Story: “At my restaurant job, our boss is one of the craziest guys I’ve ever met. He’s always ranting about random stuff, leaving notes around the restaurant, and sending texts with zero context. But one day, he left a note basically screaming at us saying that we needed to get in line and work better. However, the one thing he wrote in all caps at the top of the note was: IT’S NOT MAY, ITS SUMMER! Now, the funny part of all this was, it was May. This was years ago, but this is something my coworkers and employees still talk about. Anytime someone is “slacking” or not doing a “good job,” we always crack a joke and say “It’s not May, it’s summer!”

Analysis: It’s very cool and interesting to see how different jobs and different workplaces have their own niche sayings. Typically, all workplaces have their own words and phrases recognizable to their stuff, but this one — “It’s not May, it’s summer” is definitely unique. It’s humorous, it has a great backstory, and its shared amongst the coworkers at this restaurant. Another really cool thing about this “phrase” that they share, is how not only is it used in a humorous way, but it also carries meaning in a serious way–being used to get other employees back on track and doing a better job. It’s super versatile, and it gets its message across. It’s obvious that this message carried a lot of meaning with this informant, and honestly, how important this phrase is to the community that works at this restaurant. Even now, they say the boss is in on the joke!

A Tibetan Tradition

Age: 20
Occupation: Student
Residence: Salt Lake City, Utah
Language: English

Story: “I went to a Tibetan school growing up in India, I was always class monitor, I was basically the teacher’s pet…but something that I grow up with, going to school in India, was corporal punishment. And as tough as that sounds, it was the culture I grew up with. But there’s this saying in Tibet, where teachers and parents will say “Tibetan kids’ ears are on their ass.” Essentially, this just means that physical punishment is the only way kids will listen and learn… their ears are on their ass. And honestly, this worked for me.”

Analysis: Cultures throughout the world have many different ways of teaching children, and what might seem different in the United States, can be totally normal in different countries. This is a great example of how different cultures foster different kinds of teachings for children, and as this person explained, it kind of worked for them. They later explained how when they first moved to the United States, they experienced a heavy culture shock. Corporal punishment is an ideology that has been passed down for generations, and it’s very interesting to see diverse perspectives on the ideology.

Pride Drill

Nationality: Filipino, Irish, and German American
Age: 15
Occupation: Highschool student
Residence: Corona, CA
Language: English

Text: tradition – Mater Dei High School Football Team ‘Pride Drill’

Context:

According to my brother, who plays on the Mater Dei High School Varsity football team, the ‘Pride Drill’ is a powerful tradition that fosters teamwork and camaraderie among players. This drill takes place after every game, regardless of whether the team wins or loses. Beyond its role in strengthening team bonds, the ‘Pride Drill’ also marks a player’s transition from Junior Varsity to Varsity, symbolizing their growth and commitment. Both my brother and my father, who also played football at Mater Dei, have participated in this tradition. While neither of them knows its exact origins, they believe it dates back to when their coach was a player at the school. For them, the ‘Pride Drill’ represents not just a ritual but an essential part of what it means to be a Mater Dei football player.

Analysis:

The ‘Pride Drill’ at Mater Dei High School is more than just a post-game routine. It is a deeply rooted tradition that fosters camaraderie, teamwork, and a sense of belonging within the football team. It serves both as a ritualistic practice and an initiation rite marking players from Junior Varsity to Varsity. This milestone reinforces their growth and status within the team while strengthening their connection to its legacy.

Beyond its function, the drill holds significant symbolic meaning. It unites players, ensuring they remain connected regardless of a game’s outcome. It also serves as a rite of passage, signifying a player’s advancement and deeper integration into the program. Additionally, the tradition is believed to date back to a former coach who once played for the school which reinforces a sense of continuity between past and present athletes.

Socially and psychologically, the drill fosters team cohesion by bringing players together and reinforcing their shared identity. It also provides emotional stability, helping them process both victories and losses collectively. Additionally, distinguishing Varsity players from JV creates a motivational structure that encourages younger athletes to strive for progression.

Delta Gamma Hand Symbol

Nationality: Filipino, Irish, and German American
Age: 19
Occupation: College student
Residence: San Luis Obispo, CA
Language: English

Text: 

Delta Gamma sorority hand symbol

Context:

My sister is a proud member of the Delta Gamma sorority at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. When she first joined, she was introduced to many traditions, including their unique hand symbol, as seen in the picture above. This gesture serves as a visual representation of membership and a way for sisters to express their connection to the sorority. 

It is often used in photos at events, bid days, and social gatherings as a way to reinforce a sense of unity among members. To my sister, it signifies more than just an affiliation with the sorority. It represents the lifelong bonds, shared values, and support system that comes with being a part of Delta Gamma. 

Each sorority on campus has its own traditions, and this symbol helps Delta Gamma members stand out while strengthening their sense of community. For my sister, using it is not just a display of pride but a reminder of the friendships and experiences she has gained through her sorority.

This hand symbol is also used by all Delta Gamma chapters throughout the United States. Having this can create a sense of unity for all members even if they do not know each other. They understand that through the hand symbol if they are a member of Delta Gamma anywhere, they can trust and rely on them.

Analysis:

The Delta Gamma hand symbol functions as a visual representation of membership which reinforces shared values and experiences among the Delta Gamma sisters. This aligns with Alan Dundes’ concept that folklore helps groups define themselves and differentiate from others. By using this hand sign, members of Delta Gamma distinguish themselves from other sororities while simultaneously reinforcing a sense of unity and trust within their own organization. Since the symbol extends beyond individual chapters, it connects members across different universities demonstrating folklore’s ability to transcend geographic boundaries and persist across time. This hand symbol functions more than solely as a visual cue for the members. It is a living tradition that fosters trust, belonging, and continuity among members nationwide.