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I HAD AN AUNT NELLIE
WHO HAD A WOODEN BELLIE
AND WHEN SHE TOUCHED IT,
OUT POPPED JELLY.

Where learned: CANADA ; ONTARIO ; OAKVILLE

Subject headings: PROSE NARRATIVE -- Body part Senses
Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Lyrical Verse Lyrical Verse
BELIEF -- Body part Senses

Date learned: NOT GIVEN

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A BELIEF IN JANOWIEC, POLAND

IN THE VILLAGE OF JANOWIEC, POLAND, THE PEOPLE BELIEVE THAT IF ONE
HAS NOT COMBED HIS HAIR, AND IT BCOMES MATTED AND IMPOSSIBLE TO
COMB OUT, IT IS NECESSARY TO WAIT UNTIL THE BELLS RING ON EASTER
SUNDAY BEFORE THE HAIR IS CUT. OTHERWISE THE PERSON WILL BECOME
CRIPPLED.

Submitter comment: THIS IS A COMMON BELIEF FROM MY GRANDFATHER'S CHILDHOOD DAYS.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; 7313 EMANON ; DEARBORN

Subject headings: BELIEF -- Body part Senses

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BELIEF

ARABS BELIEVE THAT TO TEMPER A STEEL BLADE PROPERLY, YOU MUST
KILL A SLAVE AND TEMPER THE RED-HOT BLADE IN THE FRESH BLOOD.

Where learned: DETROIT ; MICHIGAN, ASSUMED

Subject headings: BELIEF -- Body part Senses

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STYE SUPERSTITION

A STYE OR INFECTION IN YOUR EYE IS CAUSED BY A SPIDER PEEING IN
YOUR EYE.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

James Callow Keyword(s): URINATION

Subject headings: BELIEF -- Body part Senses
BELIEF -- Insect
BELIEF -- Means of Causing or Avoiding Illness

Date learned: 11-29-1967

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MISCELLANEOUS CUSTOMS

A SEAMAN LEAVING THE FORECASTLE TO GO AFT, EITHER FOR HIS TRICK AT
THE WHEEL OR OTHER WORK, GOES AFT ALONG THE LEESIDE OF THE VESSEL,
UNLESS HIS IMMEDIATE DUTY LIES TO THE WINDWARD.
A SEAMAN SUMMONED TO THE CAPTAIN'S CABIN REMOVED HIS CAP AND
DROPPED IT TO THE DECK JUST OUTSIDE THE DOOR.
A MARINER ENTERING A NEW SHIP, OR EVEN AN OLD SHIP, FOR THE FIRST
TIME MAKES CERTAIN THAT HIS RIGHT FOOT IS THE FIRST TO TOUCH THE
DECK.
IT WAS A BREECH OF ETIQUETTE FOR A SEAMAN TO LOCK HIS SEA CHEST
WHILE ON BOARD HIS SHIP. OFFENDERS OFTEN FOUND, WHEN THEY
RETURNED TO THE FORECASTLE FROM THEIR WATCH ON DECK, THAT THE
COVER HAD BEEN NAILED DOWN.
IN THE BRITISH AND UNITED STATES NAVIES, A SCARF OF BLACK SILK IS
WORN, ORIGINALLY AS A MARK OF WARNING (MOURNING?) FOR THE DEATH
OF LORD NELSON.
IN THE ROYAL NAVY, OFFICERS WHO HAVE BEEN ROUND EITHER THE CAPE
OF GOOD HOPE OR CAPE HORN MAY PUT ONE FOOT ON THE WARDROOM TABLE;
BOTH CAPES CARRY THE RIGHT TO PUT BOTH FEET ON THE TABLE.
BY NAVAL CUSTOM THE SENIOR OFFICER PRESENT IS ALWAYS THE LAST
INTO A BOAT AND THE FIRST OUT OF IT.

Submitter comment:

CAPTAIN LUMAS SAYS THAT HE HAS LEARNED THESE CUSTOMS THROUGH THE
YEARS THAT HE HAS BEEN SAILING, BOTH IN THE U.S. NAVY AND UP AT
MACKINAW ISLAND.

Data entry tech comment:

Updated by TRD

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; MACKINAW ISLAND

Keyword(s): British ; Captain ; Etiquette ; Language ; Lingo ; Naval ; Navy ; POSITION ; Seaman ; Ship ; Uniform ; United States

James Callow Keyword(s): DIRECTION ; LEFT ; POSITION ; RIGHT

Subject headings: CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Street Trip Relations between relatives, friends, host and guest Social class Rank
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Work Commerce Business
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- F535
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Maturity
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Death Funeral Burial
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Initiation rite Hazing
ART CRAFT ARCHITECTURE -- Dress Overall body coverUpper body and arms
BELIEF -- Body part Senses
BELIEF -- Color
BELIEF -- Number Last events: the last person to the table...
SPEECH -- Gesture

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NOT GIVEN

WHEN I WAS ABOUT SIX YEARS OLD AND WE LIVED NEAR THE COUNTRY,
I WOULD OFTEN GO OUT TO PLAY ALL DAY. SO I USED TO GO TO THE
LAVATORY OUTSIDE. MY MOTHER WOULD ALWAYS TELL ME THAT I SHOULD
COME HOME TO GO TO THE BATHROOM, BECAUSE WHEN THE DEVIL CAUGHT
LITTLE BOYS GOING TO THE BATHROOM OUTSIDE HE WOULD BITE OFF
THEIR PENIS.

Where learned: MARYLAND

James Callow Keyword(s): FUNCTION ; URINATION

Subject headings: BELIEF -- Devil Demon
BELIEF -- Body part Senses
BELIEF -- Product or activity of man or animal

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ITALIAN CUSTOM

ITALIANS OFTEN PIERCED THEIR CHILDREN'S EARS, BELIEVING THAT IT
WAS GOOD FOR THEIR EYES. GOLD HOOPS WERE USED AS EARRINGS.

Submitter comment: TOLD TO HER BY HER MOTHER.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

James Callow Keyword(s): HIDDEN CONNECTION

Subject headings: BELIEF -- Body part Senses
BELIEF -- Means of Causing or Avoiding Illness

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BELIEF

IF YOU SPILL SALT ACCIDENTALLY, QUICKLY THROW SOME OVER YOUR LEFT
SHOULDER AND MAKE A WISH. BY RIGHTS, IT SHOULD COME TRUE.

Submitter comment: I HEARD THIS BELIEF FROM MY IRISH MATERNAL GRANDMOTHER WHO TOLD
IT TO ME FIFTEEN YEARS AGO WHEN I ACCIDENTALLY DROPPED SALT IN
HER KITCHEN.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; BIRMINGHAM

James Callow Keyword(s): POSITION DIRECTION

Subject headings: BELIEF -- Body part Senses
BELIEF -- Mineral
BELIEF -- Prayer

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SUPERSTITION

ALAYS CUT YOUR HAIR WHEN THE MOON IS GROWING, NEVER SHRINKING,
AND IT WILL GROW FASTER.

Submitter comment: SOURCE NOT REMEMBERED.

Where learned: NEW YORK ; JAMAICA

Subject headings: BELIEF -- Body part Senses
BELIEF -- Moon
BELIEF -- Product or activity of man or animal

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MENSTRUATION SUPERSTITION

NEVER HAVE A TOOTH FILLED DURING MENSTRUATION OR IT WILL FALL OUT.

Submitter comment: SOURCE NOT REMEMBERED.

Where learned: NEW YORK ; JAMAICA

James Callow Keyword(s): DENTISTRY

Subject headings: BELIEF -- Body part Senses
BELIEF -- Means of Causing or Avoiding Illness
BELIEF -- Method of Curing

Date learned: 12-24-1963

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EUCHARISTIC LORE

IF YOU GO TO COMMUNION WITHOUT THE RIGHT INTENTIONS THE HOST
WILL BURN YOUR TONGUE BADLY. THE REASON THAT PEOPLE DROP HOSTS
ON THE FLOOR IS BECAUSE IT BURNS SO BADLY.

Submitter comment: INFORMANT LEARNED THIS FROM A GRADE SCHOOL NUN.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

Subject headings: BELIEF -- Body part Senses
BELIEF -- Church
BELIEF -- Means of Causing or Avoiding Illness

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PREGNANCY EFFECTS

YOU LOSE A TOOTH FOR EVERY BABY THAT YOU HAVE.

Submitter comment: INFORMANT LEARNED THIS FROM HER MOTHER.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

Subject headings: BELIEF -- Body part Senses
BELIEF -- Birth
BELIEF -- Sign Color
BELIEF -- Means of Causing or Avoiding Illness

Date learned: 03-20-1967

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FOR GOOD LUCK A PITCHER WILL NOT SHAVE BEFORE
A (BASEBALL) GAME.
FOR GOOD LUCK, A PITCHER WILL NOT TALK TO THE OTHER
PLAYERS IF HE IS IN THE COURSE OF PITCHING A PERFECT
GAME.
WHEN DRESSING BEFORE A GAME, A PITCHER WILL PUT ON ALL
ARTICLES OF CLOTHING FROM THE LEFT.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT ; INTERVIEW ; SAINT MATTHEW SCHOOL

James Callow Keyword(s): POSITION DIRECTION

Subject headings: 881 Games / Pastimes / Sports
Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Athletic sport and exercise Gymnastics
BELIEF -- Body part Senses
BELIEF -- Good luck Body parts and functions

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IF YOU TOUCH A HUNCHBACK, YOU WILL HAVE GOOD LUCK.

Submitter comment: MRS. CONROY LEARNED THIS ITEM FROM HER MOTHER, MRS.
GERTRUDE ALLISON, AS A CHILD, IN DETROIT. (CA. 1920).

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT ; BIRMINGHAM

Subject headings: BELIEF -- Body part Senses
BELIEF -- Good luck Activities
SPEECH -- Gesture

Date learned: 00-00-1920

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THIS GUY, JOE, NEVER SHAVED THE DAY BEFORE A FOOTBALL
GAME BELIEVING THIS BROUGHT HIM AND HIS TEAM GOOD
LUCK.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

Subject headings: Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Athletic sport and exercise Gymnastics
BELIEF -- Body part Senses
BELIEF -- Good luck Activities

Date learned: 00-00-1968

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RIGHT EAR RINGS, BAD LUCK.
RIGHT EYE ITCHES, BAD LUCK.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

Subject headings: Observation
BELIEF -- Body part Senses
BELIEF -- Bad luck

Date learned: NOT GIVEN

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IF SHINGLES MEET AROUND YOUR BODY, IT IS A SIGN OF
NEAR DEATH.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

Subject headings: Observation
BELIEF -- Body part Senses
BELIEF -- Death Funeral Burial
BELIEF -- Medicine

Date learned: 09-00-1968

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DETERMINING THE SEX OF AN UNBORN CHILD

IF YOU ARE BIG FROM THE FRONT IT IS A GIRL; IF YOU ARE BIG FROM
THE BACK IT IS A BOY.

Submitter comment: LEARNED DURING PREGNANCY OF INFORMANT'S FIRST CHILD

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

Subject headings: BELIEF -- Body part Senses
BELIEF -- Birth
BELIEF -- Use of Object

Date learned: 10-16-1974

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METHOD OF CURE

IF A PERSON OR BABY HAS BEEN ADMIRED (HAIR, LOOKS, DRESS, ETC.), THE
ADMIRER MUST TOUCH THAT WHICH THEY ADMIRED OR ELSE IF THE BABY (OR
OTHER) DEVELOPS A FEVER, THEY WILL CALL THE MEDICINE MAN OR WOMAN TO
CURE THEIR BABY. THE CURE IS A FRESH EGG DRAWN IN A CROSS OVER THE
PERSON WHILE SAYING THE SIGN OF THE CROSS, AND A HAIL MARY, OUR
FATHER OR AN ACT OF CONTRITION. THEY THEN DREW A CROSS OVER THE SICK
PERSON'S EYES, NOSE, MOUTH, HEAD, FOREHEAD, BODY, AND LEGS WHILE
SAYING 2 MORE PRAYERS(3 IN ALL), THE HAIL MARY , OUR FATHER OR ACT OF
CONTRITION. THEY THEN BROKE THE EGG INTO A DISH WHILE SAYING THE
CREED. FOR SOME UNKNOWN REASON, AS THEY BROKE THE EGG, AN EYE
APPEARED IN THE CENTER OF THE YOLK. THE YOLK SOMETIMES APPEARED TO BE
PARTIALLY COOKED. I KNOW IT'S HARD TO BELIEVE, BUT I SAW IT MYSELF.

Submitter comment: THE INFORMANT LEARNED THIS WHEN SHE WAS A LITTLE GIRL IN TEXAS.
SHE WAS TAUGHT THIS BY HER MOTHER OR GRANDPARENTS, PRIMARILY HER
GRANDMOTHER. THE INFORMANT DIDN'T SEEM TO COMPLETELY BELIEVE THE
SUPERSTITION, BUT SHE SAID SHE HAD SEEN IT HAPPEN. AND SHE SAID SHE
SAW THE METHOD WORK ON A LITTLE GIRL. SHE DIDN'T WHOLEHEARTEDLY
BELIEVE IN THE SUPERSTITION, THOUGH.
THIS IS ACTUALLY A CURE FOR THE EVIL EYE.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; LINCOLN PARK

Subject headings: Food Drink -- Animal product Egg
BELIEF -- Body part Senses
BELIEF -- Curse
BELIEF -- Curer
BELIEF -- Remedy
BELIEF -- Plant

Date learned: 01-10-1973

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REMEDY

FOR ARTHRITIS AND ACHES CAUSED BY OLD AGE, ETC. - 10 TO 12 OUNCES OF
MAJORANA BOILED IN A QUART OF WATER. USED AS A CHASER OR WITH
WHISKEY, TEQUILA, ETC.

Submitter comment: THIS ITEM WAS LEARNED BY THE INFORMANT WHEN SHE WAS A YOUNG GIRL
IN TEXAS. SHE WAS TAUGHT THIS BY HER MOTHER OR GRANDPARENTS,
PRIMARILY HER GRANDMOTHER.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; LINCOLN PARK

James Callow Keyword(s): MARJORAM? HERB? ; PLANT SPICE

Subject headings: Food Drink -- Flavoring
Food Drink -- Alcoholic beverage
BELIEF -- Body part Senses
BELIEF -- Plant

Date learned: 01-10-1973

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