Don’t Whistle Inside The House

Interviewer: Is there anything you used to tell me as a kid that you inherited from your family? 

TK: Sure, I used to tell you that you shouldn’t whistle inside the house. Do you remember?

Interviewer: Oh yes, I do. I never understood the logic behind that one.

TK: Neither did I. I guess I was told this so many times as a kid myself that it developed into a habit. 

Interviewer: Wow, I could have been a whistling prodigy if it wasn’t for you. 

TK: Sure you could have, sweetie. It’s never too late. 

Interviewer: To tell you the truth, I used to secretly whistle all over the house when you weren’t at home. 

TK: Funny, I used to do the same thing when I was a kid. 

Interviewer: What do you think is the logic behind this belief? 

TK: I think it has to do with upsetting house ghosts, but I can’t be sure. My grandma told me once, but I forgot.

Context: 

This conversion happened with my mother over a phone call. She grew up in Tbilisi, Georgia. This rule was passed down to her from her mother and grandmother. She doesn’t believe in the rule, but anytime I whistle inside the house to this day, she gives me the stern “stop that” glance. 

Analysis: 

This is an example of a household superstition. This taboo against indoor whistling is common in Georgia to this day. Whistling taboo is a good example of intergenerational transmission where the taboo is passed down throughout generations. One interesting detail is that the rule is enforced even if the original motivation behind it gets lost. The habit that forms through customary repetition regulates behavior and connects generations.

A Georgian Good Luck Superstition

Interviewer: What is something you do for good luck?

MK: Well, whenever you see a new moon, you must take a large banknote and show it to the moon. I was taught this by my grandpa when I was younger, and it’s supposed to bring good luck for the following month.

Interviewer: How exactly do you show money to the moon?

MK: Well, you take the note out of your wallet, unfold it, and tell the new moon to bring you wealth and prosperity in the following month. 

Interviewer: Has this practice brought you good luck in the past? 

MK: Well, I don’t know if I fully believe it, but it can’t hurt to try, I suppose. 

Context:

The informant is my grandfather, and the conversation was recorded during a walk in the park. He currently lives in Georgia, where he grew up. He is a secular person and does not allow many superstitions for himself but continues to perform small rituals such as this one that he inherited from his family. 

analysis:

This is an example of folk belief meant to bring good luck. The new moon is a marker for a transitional period. Prosperity-oriented traditions often are performed during transitional periods to break a pattern. The moon functions as a symbolic force that connects lunar cycles to economic cycles. This practice can additionally be read as sympathetic magic. The idea of “like produces like” is apparent. Showing money to the new moon will attract more money in the following month.

JJ DID TIE BUCKLE

Interviewer: What phrases are a part of your life that most people would find interesting or strange? 

S: Yes, I’d do it. It’s from my time as a marine. Have you heard the acronym JJ DID TIE BUCKLE?

Interviewer: What does it stand for? 

S: It’s a mnemonic to remember the 14 essential leadership traits. 

Interviewer: Would you be willing to name them?

S: Oh yeah, here we go: Justice, judgment, dependability, initiative, decisiveness. Tact, integrity, enthusiasm, bearing, unselfishness, courage Knowledge Loyalty Endurance

Interviewer: Wow, do you use this a lot in your life?

S: Whenever I need to remind myself of these values. The mnemonic really helps, and it’s a great thing current and past Marines can bond over. God knows we’ve all had to repeat this thing countless times. 

Context: 

The informant is a student at the University of Southern California. Before starting his undergraduate education, he served in the United States Marine Corps. 

Analysis:

This acronym is a marker of group identity. It teaches the members of the group where it is practiced about what values they are expected to internalize. In this form, folklore can communicate moral instructions. The phrase has both formal and informal qualities, which heightens its ability to act as a bonding object. The informant continues to use this acronym during times of need even in his civilian life. Although “JJ DID TIE BUCKLE” comes from a formal institution, it becomes folklore through repeated performance and insider recognition.

A Georgian Animal Proverb

Interviewer: Can you think of a proverb you’ve heard a lot in your childhood:

MK: Sure, one of the more common ones I heard from my parents was this:

original: 

თაგვმა თხარა, თხარა, კატა გამოთხარაო. 

translation: 

The mouse dug and dug, only to dig out a cat. 

Context: This phrase was recorded from an older relative of mine, but I myself have heard it many times. It is a fairly common proverb in Georgia. 

Analysis: 

This proverb teaches a lesson through a short, memorable animal image. The proverb warns about the possible unintended consequences of ill-motivated curiosity. Animal imagery is used to better communicate with the intended audience of children. Proverbs work as vernacular pedagogy and teach about cause and consequence. Self-restraint is a common issue children struggle with, and this proverb is designed to function as a teaching tool. 

Tell It to Running Water

Interviewer: What should I do if I have a bad dream? 

MJ: Well, something I do that I was taught as a kid is to tell whatever is mothering me to running water.

Interviewer: Tell it to water? What do you mean?

MJ: Well, you find running water, which can be a river or more commonly a bathroom faucet. And you tell it all the bad thoughts that are bothering you. The water will take the bad thoughts with it, and the bad dreams should stop. I promise you this works. I’ve been doing this my whole life, and I’ve never had trouble sleeping. 

Interviewer: I’ll be sure to try this next time I’m feeling anxious about something.

Context:

The conversation is between me and my grandma. She inherited many such beliefs and practices from her mother, who was Polish. This conversation happened during our weekly phone call. 

Analysis:

This is an example of folk belief because it assumes that anxious thoughts can be transferred, in this case to water, through a symbolic action. The water removes bad thoughts through transference. This practice can be described as apotropaic; it is meant to ward off fear and negative energy. We can choose to disregard this practice as outdated or see it as an analog to therapy of the past. Talking about the problems that are bothering us, even to the water, helps us suppress the immediate alarm system, work through them, and find solutions we wouldn’t otherwise have found.