When Camels Were Town Criers and Fleas Were Barbers

We’ve talked before about the beginnings of fairy tales around the world.

In Korea, for example, a lot of fairy tales begin in the old days when tigers used to smoke.

And I was talking the other day with my friend Umay, who lives in Turkey, and she said that when she was growing up there, there was a formula that she always heard at the beginning of fairy tales.

And it goes, once there was, once there was not.

When camels were town criers and fleas were barbers.

When I rocked my grandfather’s cradle back gently.

And then the story begins.

Isn’t that gorgeous?

Oh, that’s so nice.

And you know that by then you’re all set, right?

You found your seat.

Your ears are open.

You’re intently watching the storyteller.

Lovely.

No matter your language, no matter where you are in the world, we would love to hear from you.