Back to Top
Top Nav content Site Footer
University Home
James T. Callow Computerized Folklore Archive
search for

Offensive content Filter is ON

Your search for Ail returned 170 results.

prev | items
| next

BABY BELIEF

NEVER CUT A BABY'S FINGERNAILS BEFORE HE IS ONE YEAR OLD OR
HE WILL BE A THIEF.

Data entry tech comment:

Updated by TRD

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; ROYAL OAK ; Drotar, Elizabeth

Keyword(s): BABY ; FINGERNAILS ; Nail ; PREDICTION ; SUPERSTITION ; Thief ; Trim

Subject headings: BELIEF -- Outlaw Criminal Bandit Pirate
BELIEF -- Body part Senses

Date learned: 10-28-1970

View just this record

ELECTROCUTIONS

IT IS A COMMON BELIEF, REINFORCED BY MOVIES AND TELEVISION
SHOWS, THAT THE LIGHTS IN A PENITENTIARY DIM WHEN A CONVICT
IS ELECTROCUTED.

Data entry tech comment:

Updated by TRD

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

Keyword(s): DEATH ; Death Row ; Dim ; Electricity ; ELECTROCUTION ; JAIL ; Lethal ; Lights ; Penitentiary ; PRISON

Subject headings: BELIEF -- Outlaw Criminal Bandit Pirate

Date learned: NOT GIVEN

View just this record

LEGEND OF THE MAD MAN.

IN MY CHILDHOOD, I SPENT TWO WEEKS AT THE BOYS' CLUB CAMP
FOR FOUR CONSECUTIVE YEARS. EVERY STAY WAS OCCASIONED BY THE
RUMOR THAT IT WAS NOT SAFE TO WALK IN CAMP ALONE AT NIGHT
BECAUSE A MAN HAD ESCAPED FROM A NEARBY MENTAL
INSTITUTION OR JAIL (IT VARIED) AND
THE CONVICT DID NOT LIKE LITTLE BOYS.

Data entry tech comment:

Updated by TRD

Where learned: OHIO ; TOLEDO

Keyword(s): Escaped ; Institution ; JAIL ; Legend ; Mad Man ; Mental Institution ; Urban Legend

Subject headings: BELIEF -- Outlaw Criminal Bandit Pirate
BELIEF -- Physically handicapped Deformed

Date learned: NOT GIVEN

View just this record

TO CAUSE ILLNESS IN WITCHES

TO MAKE A WITCH SICK YOU NEED TO DO THESE THINGS.
GET THREE NAILS FROM A COFFIN AND STICK THEM INTO A SAUCE
OF BUTTER AND WINTERGREEN.
SAY THE WITCH'S NAME WHEN YOU PLACE
THE SAUCE IN A HIDDEN SPOT WHERE NEITHER SUNLIGHT NOR MOONLIGHT
WILL PENETRATE. YOUR WITCH WILL BE SICK FOR SIX MONTHS.

Data entry tech comment:

Updated by TRD

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; Gwizdala, Maureen ; ANN ARBOR

Keyword(s): Coffin ; Harm ; ILLNESS ; Nails ; RECIPE ; WITCHES

Subject headings: BELIEF -- Witch Shaman

Date learned: 10-00-1969

View just this record

BELIEF

YOU PUT NAIL POLISH IN THE ICE BOX. IT KEEPS THE POLISH FROM
GETTING THICK.

Data entry tech comment:

Updated by TRD

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; 524 Rivera Terraces ; SAINT CLAIR SHORES ; Whyte, Mrs. Wilfred

Keyword(s): BEAUTY ; BELIEF ; Cold ; CUSTOM ; Makeup ; Nail ; POLISH ; TRICK

James Callow Keyword(s): ADVICE ; FUNCTION ; Positive

Subject headings: Custom

Date learned: 01-20-1971

View just this record

SUPERSTITION

IF A GIRL IS GOING OVER A RAILROAD TRACK IN A CAR, SHE SHOULD
LIFT HER FEET UP WHILE GOING OVER, OR ELSE SHE WILL BREAK
UP WITH THE GUY SHE IS GOING WITH.

Data entry tech comment:

Updated by TRD

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; GILBERTS LOUNGE ; HARPER ; SAINT CLAIR SHORES, Militello, Joann

Keyword(s): BELIEF ; Car ; Car ; RAILROAD ; Relationship ; SUPERSTITION

Subject headings: BELIEF -- Body part Senses Feet, toes, toenails
BELIEF -- Street Trip Relations between relatives, friends, host and guest Social class Rank
BELIEF -- Marriage Dating Courtship

Date learned: 02-18-1971

View just this record

Railroad Tracks

Lift up your feet when you cross railroad tracks, or you will lose your boyfriend.

Data entry tech comment:

Input by TRD

Where learned: McIvor, Mary,

Keyword(s): BELIEF ; Boyfriend ; CUSTOM ; RAILROAD ; SUPERSTITION

Subject headings: BELIEF -- Street Trip Relations between relatives, friends, host and guest Social class Rank
BELIEF -- Fate Destiny Luck Chance

View just this record

RAILROAD TRACKS

WHILE RIDING IN A CAR, IF YOU PASS OVER ANY RAILROAD TRACKS
AND DO NOT PICK UP BOTH YOUR FEET OFF THE FLOOR, YOU WILL LOSE
YOUR BOY FRIEND.

Data entry tech comment:

Updated by TRD

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; GRAND RAPIDS

James Callow Keyword(s): BELIEF ; Boyfriend ; FEET ; Railroad Tracks ; Relationship ; SUPERSTITION

Subject headings: Prediction / Divination
BELIEF -- Street Trip Relations between relatives, friends, host and guest Social class Rank

Date learned: 11-00-1968

View just this record

RAILROAD TRACKS

TO KEEP YOUR BOY FRIEND, WHEN DRIVING OVER RAILROAD TRACKS,
A GIRL MUST LIFT HER LEFT FOOT OFF THE CAR FLOOR AND TOUCH
THE ROOF OF THE CAR WITH HER TWO INDEX FINGERS.

Data entry tech comment:

Updated by TRD

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT ; McHenry, Mary

Keyword(s): BELIEF ; Boyfriend ; Railroad Tracks ; Relationship ; SUPERSTITION

Subject headings: BELIEF -- Street Trip Relations between relatives, friends, host and guest Social class Rank

Date learned: NOT GIVEN

View just this record

PONTIAC ROAD

OFF OF PONTIAC ROAD, THERE IS SUPPOSED TO BE AN OLD HOUSE WHICH
WAS A DROP OFF STATION FOR RUNAWAY SLAVES. PONTIAC'S NAME IS
SUPPOSED TO BE DERIVED FROM THIS HOUSE.

Submitter comment:

MIKE WASN'T TOO SURE WHERE HE GOT THIS INFORMATION, BUT HE WAS
CERTAIN THAT THIS WAS TRUE.

Data entry tech comment:

Updated by TRD

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT

Keyword(s): Origin ; Pontiac ; Slaves ; Underground Railroad

Subject headings: SPEECH -- S478

Date learned: 10-07-1967

View just this record

PONTIAC ROAD

OFF OF PONTIAC ROAD, THERE IS SUPPOSED TO BE AN OLD HOUSE WHICH
WAS A DROP OFF STATION FOR RUNAWAY SLAVES. PONTIAC'S NAME IS
SUPPOSED TO BE DERIVED FROM THIS HOUSE.

Submitter comment:

MIKE WASN'T TOO SURE WHERE HE GOT THIS INFORMATION, BUT HE WAS
CERTAIN THAT THIS WAS TRUE.

Data entry tech comment:

Updated by TRD

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT

Keyword(s): ETYMOLOGY ; Origin ; Pontiac ; Slavery ; Slaves ; Underground Railroad

Subject headings: SPEECH -- S478

Date learned: 10-07-1967

View just this record

PONTIAC ROAD

OFF OF PONTIAC ROAD, THERE IS SUPPOSED TO BE AN OLD HOUSE WHICH
WAS A DROP OFF STATION FOR RUNAWAY SLAVES. PONTIAC'S NAME IS
SUPPOSED TO BE DERIVED FROM THIS HOUSE.

Submitter comment:

MIKE WASN'T TOO SURE WHERE HE GOT THIS INFORMATION, BUT HE WAS
CERTAIN THAT THIS WAS TRUE.

Data entry tech comment:

Updated by TRD

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT

Keyword(s): ETYMOLOGY ; Origin ; Pontiac ; Slavery ; Slaves ; Underground Railroad

Subject headings: SPEECH -- S478

Date learned: 10-07-1967

View just this record

HOME CURES

THE FOLLOWING CURE IS GOOD FOR BODILY ACHES AND PAINS.
SOAK BREAD IN MILK AND PLACE IT ON THE AFFLICTED AREA.

Data entry tech comment:

Updated by TRD

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; LINCOLN PARK

Keyword(s): Affliction ; AILMENT ; BREAD ; CURE ; Curing ; Homeopathy ; Milk ; PAIN ; Relief ; REMEDY

Subject headings: BELIEF -- Animal
BELIEF -- Plant
BELIEF -- Method of Curing

Date learned: 10-03-1972

View just this record

FOLK REMEDIES

TO EASE THE SWELLEN OF THE MUMPS, PUT SARDINE OIL ON THE
SWOLLEN GLANDS.

Submitter comment:

MY MOTHER USED THIS REMEDY ON ME WHEN I HAD THE MUMPS. SHE
TIED A LONG-SLEEVE WHITE SHIRT AROUND MY GLANDS TO KEEP THE
OIL ON.

Data entry tech comment:

Updated by TRD

Where learned: GEORGIA ; MILLEDGEVILLE

Keyword(s): Ailments ; CURE ; Glands ; Homeopathy ; Mumps ; Relief ; REMEDY ; Sardines

Subject headings: BELIEF -- Animal

Date learned: 00-00-1979

View just this record

TO CURE HICCUPS, BEND FORWARD AT THE WAIST AND DRINK A GLASS
OF WATER FROM THE OPPOSITE SIDE OF THE GLASS. HOLD YOUR
BREATH AND DRINK THE ENTIRE GLASS.

Submitter comment:

EXCELLENT CURE!

Data entry tech comment:

Updated by TRD

Where learned: MONTANA

Keyword(s): AILMENT ; CURE ; DRINK ; HICCUPS ; Homeopathy ; WATER

James Callow Keyword(s): DIRECTION ; POSITION

Subject headings: BELIEF -- Mineral
BELIEF -- Method of Curing

View just this record

FOR AN INGROWN HAIR PLACE A PIECE OF BREAD WRAPPED IN A BAND-AID
ON THE AFFECTED AREA FOR A DAY, THE HAIR WILL COME RIGHT OUT.

Submitter comment:

MY MOTHER GAVE ME THIS REMEDY WHILE I WAS AFFLICTED WITH IT.
IT WORKED.

Data entry tech comment:

Updated by TRD

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; WYANDOTTE

Keyword(s): AILMENT ; BREAD ; CURE ; Homeopathy ; Ingrown Hair ; REMEDY

Subject headings: BELIEF -- Method of Curing

Date learned: 00-00-1980

View just this record

EAT A LOT OF STARCH, FOR A WOMAN TO HARDEN HER WOMB.

Data entry tech comment:

Updated by TRD

Where learned: NOT RECORDED BY COLLECTOR

Keyword(s): AILMENT ; CHILDBEARING ; FOOD ; Homeopathy ; MAGIC ; REMEDY ; STARCH ; Womb

James Callow Keyword(s): IMITATIVE MAGIC

Subject headings: BELIEF -- Means of Causing or Avoiding Illness

Date learned: 09-00-1968

View just this record

BEFORE A BASKETBALL GAME ALL THE PLAYERS ON SACRED
HEART SEMINARY'S TEAM WOULD GATHER AROUND THE COACH
AND PLACE THEIR HANDS ON TOP OF HIS AND PRAY A
HAIL MARY, AND THEN "QUEEN OF VICTORY, PRAY FOR
US." THIS WAS DONE FOR LUCK IN WINNING THE GAME.

Data entry tech comment:

Updated by TRD

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

Keyword(s): Basketball ; BELIEF ; CUSTOM ; GAME ; hail Mary ; LUCK ; Pray ; PRAYER ; Sacred Heart ; SPORTS ; SUPERSTITION ; Victory

Subject headings: BELIEF -- Entertainment Diversion
BELIEF -- Prayer
BELIEF -- Good luck P881.22

Date learned: 10-00-1971

View just this record

WHY IS A BARBER POLE RED AND WHITE STRIPED? RED STANDS
FOR BLOOD AND WHITE STANDS FOR BANDAGES BECAUSE THE BARBER
ALWAYS DID THE BLEEDING FOR ALL KINDS OF AILMENTS.

Data entry tech comment:

Updated by TRD

Where learned: TENNESSEE ; ROCKWOOD

Keyword(s): Ailments ; Bandages ; Barber ; Barber Pole ; Bleeding ; COLOR ; CURE ; DISEASE ; HAIR ; ILLNESS ; Pole ; PREVENTION ; Red ; SICKNESS ; Signal ; Symbolize ; White

Subject headings: BELIEF -- Sign Color
BELIEF -- Color

Date learned: 07-28-1968

View just this record

Content filter on this entry.

Historical record from James Callow Folklore Archive.

What do you call a nigger in Thailand?
A tycoon.

Data entry tech comment:

Updated by TRD

Where learned: DETROIT ; OFFICE

Keyword(s): African American ; Black ; JOKE ; Offensive ; PUN ; RACISM ; Racist ; RIDDLE ; Tasteless ; THAILAND

Subject headings: RIDDLE -- Riddle Question
Filter - Mature Content

Date learned: 01-00-1991

View just this record

prev | items
| next

Back to Top