The Unsticking Truth Behind the Sticky-Face Tale

By Larry Billinger

In the realm of childhood, where imagination reigns supreme, old wives’ tales often weave their mythical threads. Among these, the tale of making a silly face that could permanently stick if slapped on the back thrice has tickled many a young mind and cheek. Let’s unravel this yarn and see if our faces hold their comical poses or spring back to their usual contours.

A Childhood Experiment: Myth-Busting in the Backyard

My first brush with this tale was as a little kid, probably around four or five years old. Picture this: a sunny afternoon, a couple of kids with nothing but time and a thirst for adventure. The challenge was simple yet thrilling: make the silliest, most grotesque face you can muster and endure a slap on the back. But not just one slap – oh no, we were brave souls, daring enough to escalate it to three!

It started with one cautious thump. Our faces, contorted in ridiculous expressions, remained unchanged. A sigh of relief, a giggle, and on to round two. Two slaps, a bit braver this time, but still, our faces bounced back to normal. Now, the moment of truth: the triple slap. Hearts racing, we pushed the limits, expecting our faces to freeze like statues in a garden of absurdity. And yet, nothing! Our faces, much to our childish dismay, remained defiantly un-stuck.

The Aftermath: From Belief to Mirth

This little experiment did more than entertain us for an afternoon. It debunked a myth right there in our backyard. As kids, we quickly realized it was all in good fun, like the classic “step on a crack” rhyme. But it stuck with me, not my face, mind you, but the memory.

Adult Realizations: Myths for Mischief

Fast forward to adulthood, and it’s clear these tales are more about sparking laughter than instilling belief. I’ve never met an adult who took it seriously, but it’s a fun anecdote to share with co-workers or friends when reminiscing about the good old days.

The Origin Mystery: Where Did It Start?

One curious co-worker once asked me about the origins of this myth. Truth be told, I’m as stumped as anyone. My guess is it’s part of the folklore fabric, woven by parents throughout generations to teach kids a lesson with a side of humor. It’s similar to telling kids that Santa knows if they’ve been naughty or nice — a blend of whimsy and a subtle nudge towards good behavior. These stories serve as a lighthearted way to instill values wrapped up in the colorful paper of imagination and make-believe.

A Parent’s Perspective: Truths vs. Tales

As a parent myself, I understand the temptation to use these tales for a quick behavioral fix. But do they work long-term? I doubt it. Kids are smart; they catch on quickly and might end up making more faces just out of our sight. So, maybe there’s a better way to teach lessons, one that’s based on honesty and trust.

Signing Off with a Smile

So, there you have it – my trip down memory lane with a tale as old as time. It might not be true, but it sure makes for a good story. And who knows, maybe these little myths add a dash of magic to the mundane, teaching us to laugh and not take life too seriously.