Tag Archives: family

Traditional, Familial Greeting

Language: English

Age: 20 

Date of performance: 02/11/2025

Language: English

Nationality: American

Occupation: Student 

Primary Language: English

Context– A is a sophomore studying Human Biology on a pre-medical track. When asked if there are any traditions within his family, he told me that his mom’s side in Mexico typically greets all loved ones with smothers of kisses on the cheek. A says that it started in their family generations ago, and is now happening through his grandparents. However, he tells me that “it isn’t a generational thing, more of a grandparental thing. I don’t think it will be carried on by descendants”. He doesn’t see himself or his sister carrying on the tradition.

Analysis– Within folklore, tradition is a contemporary & observable form of action that represents a past. A’s familial tradition of kissing on the cheek as a greeting for loved ones represents a tradition his grandparents have implemented within the family because it is ongoing and represents their past as it reflects what their parents used to do to them and their family members. Personally, I see similar actions within my family as my stepmom’s family greets in a similar style, however, they do light air kisses on the cheek instead of smothering us in kisses. This can be seen as an oicotype because both my family and A’s family share the characteristic of being Hispanic and a similar way of greeting is tradition for both families, just in a slightly different way. 

Gratuity Proverb

Age: 20 

Date of performance: 02/11/2025

Language: English

Nationality: American

Occupation: Student 

Primary Language: English

Title- ‘Don’t Bite the Hand That Feeds You’

Context- A is a student studying Human Biology. A shares a saying that his dad tells him whenever he criticizes him for random things— “Don’t bite the hand that feeds you”. A says “My dad always says that whenever I ridicule him about things, telling me that he is the one who pays for everything so I should be quiet”. 

Analysis- Proverbs are very common in everyday life as they are short, catchy phrases that carry a bigger meaning while giving advice. The proverb ‘Don’t bite the hand that feeds you’ serves as a warning to stop being ungrateful towards those who provide for you while emphasizing the privilege of being able to be taken care of. A’s father using this proverb as a way to convey this message to A is very fitting as I have heard it from my parents as well. I’m sure most people have heard this phrase or a variation of it from their primary caretakers/providers, especially if gratuity is not explicitly shown.

Trinidadian Proverb

AGE: 19

Date of performance: 02/20/2025

Language: English

Nationality: American

Occupation: Student 

Primary Language: English

Title- Beat de Iron while it Hot

Context- C shares with me a cherished Trinidadian phrase his grandma, G-ma, from Trinidad tells him— ‘Beat de Iron while it Hot’. C says “It means to always seize the moment, don’t wait and linger. Take those risks take those challenges. My G-ma told me this when I got into USC and was nervous about leaving family, seize that moment”.

Analysis- Within the folk world, proverbs are metaphorical phrases that carry advice or a general truth through their unique, short structure. ‘Beat de Iron while it Hot’ is a familial, cultural variation of the well known ‘Strike an Iron while it’s hot’ proverb. Like many elements of folklore such as motifs, proverbs can be changed based on where they are used in around the world, but ultimately carry the same meaning. ‘Beat de Iron while it Hot’ conveys that when an opportunity arises, it should be seized and taken advantage of just as a smith would shape an iron when it is hot because that is the optimal time to do so.

Motivational Proverb

Age: 19

Date of performance: 02/20/2025

Language: English

Nationality: American

Occupation: Student 

Primary Language: English

Title- Chop Wood and Carry Water

Context- C is a student studying Behavioral Economics. He shares with me a saying his Irish grandfather, Pap Pap, tells him and his family through school or in fitness for any challenging times—“Chop Wood and Carry Water”. C says “it means to focus fully on the present moment by diligently performing even mundane tasks, and taking everything one step at a time. It’s a process, not overnight”.

Analysis- In folklore, proverbs are short and fixed metaphorical phrases that carry a general truth or give advice. C shared a proverb that circulates within his family– “Chop Wood and Carry Water”. This phrase can be considered a proverb as it is short and reverses the typical structure of a proverb of the topic followed by a comment. I believe that this proverb, as C mentioned, can be applied to trying times such as pursuing education or participating in a physically draining activity. In times where I may lose motivation to carry on with my studies or tidy up around the house, I’ll make sure to think of C & his family when I think to myself to ‘Chop Wood and Carry Water’.

Dime con quién andas, y te diré quién eres.

Age: 19
Language: Spanish/English

Text: Dime con quién andas, y te diré quién eres. (Literal translation: Tell me who your friends are, and I’ll tell you who you are.)

Context: The participant, upon getting into and preparing to attend college, described the saying her father taught her that he thought would best help her in her transition. In her new school, her father wanted her to make good decisions to ensure a good future. Since he believes that one’s environment is oftentimes a predictor of one’s success, he wanted to imbue a great sense of importance upon the participant that her friends were included in this environment. According to the participant, he wanted to make sure the friends she made were “like-minded and focused with good study habits”. 

Analysis: A popular Spanish proverb, this saying speaks to one’s character, and the people they choose to surround themselves. Supposedly, it is meant to convey the idea that our personalities and the way we are perceived by others is entirely predicated upon the company that we choose to keep. This sentiment is not unique to Spanish-speaking cultures, as other proverbs across different languages (such as “birds of a feather flock together”) hold similar meanings. This proverb (and subsequently, those in other languages meant to convey the same idea) is most likely intended to encourage people to be particular about those close to them, and make sure that their morals align with their friends’.