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UNDERTAKER (COLLECTOR'S TITLE)

ROSES ARE RED/ VIOLETS ARE BLUE
MY FATHER IS AN UNDERTAKER/ AND HE'LL GET YOU.

Where learned: SCRAPBOOK

Keyword(s): PARODY ; PLANTS FLOWERS ; QUATRAIN DEATH ; RHYME: ABCB

Subject headings: Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Autograph Verse Roses are red and other such associations

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METHOD OF CURE

FOR A FRIGHT OR A NIGHTMARE THAT FRIGHTENED SOMEONE - I WAS ABOUT 3
OR 4 YEARS OLD WHEN I FIRST SAW MY GRANDPARENTS DO THIS. THEY DUG A
SMALL HOLE IN THE GROUND (ABOUT 6 INCHES DEEP) TO BE FILLED WITH
FRESH WATER. THEY PUT A CROSS OF PALM LEAVES, GOTTEN ON PALM SUNDAY,
AT ONE SIDE OF THE HOLE. THE FRIGHTENED PERSON STOOD NEAR THE SIDE
OF THE HOLE (1) THEN CROSSED THE HOLE TO THE OTHER SIDE (2) AND THE
MEDICINE MAN (OR WOMAN) WHISPERS IN HIS EAR, "DO YOU BELIEVE IN ME?
WILL YOU COME?(APPROXIMATELY)". THEN THE FRIGHTENED PERSON WOULD STEP
A QUARTER OF THE WAY AROUND THE HOLE (3) AND THE MEDICINE MAN OR
WOMAN WOULD AGAIN WHISPER THAT IN HIS EAR. THE PERSON WOULD CROSS
THE HOLE TO THE OPPOSITE SIDE AGAIN (4) AND THAT WOULD BE 3 MOVES.
THE MEDICINE MAN/WOMAN WOULD REPEAT THE WHISPER. (THIRD TIME) THE
MEDICINE MAN/WOMAN WOULD CLEAR THE TOP OF THE WATER OF SCUM AND
WOULD TAKE A CUP OF CLEAR WATER FROM THE HOLE. THE FRIGHTENED PERSON
WOULD TAKE 3 SIPS OF THE WATER. THEY WOULD TAKE THE PERSON AND LAY
THEM IN BED. THEN THEY WOULD TAKE LONG BAY LEAVES (AS MANY AS THEY
COULD HOLD IN THEIR HAND-4 OR 6) AND SWEEP THEM IN A CROSS OVER THE
FRIGHTENED PERSON 3 TIMES. THE MEDICINE MAN/WOMAN WOULD PUT THE
LEAVES UNDER THE BED FOR THE NIGHT. THEN THEY'D TAKE THE LEAVES AND
SWEEP THE DIRT BACK INTO THE HOLE THEN THEY'D THROW THE LEAVES AS IF
GETTING RID OF THE EVIL OR FRIGHT THE PERSON HAD EXPERIENCED. THEY
DID THIS TO ME WHEN I WAS LITTLE, SO I KNOW IT WORKS.

Submitter comment: THIS ITEM WAS ORIGINALLY LEARNED BY THE INFORMANT FROM HER
GRANDPARENTS WHEN SHE WAS A LITTLE GIRL IN TEXAS. SHE BELIEVES THIS
METHOD WORKS, BECAUSE IT WAS USED ON HER. SHE GAVE IT TO ME IN MUCH
THE SAME MANNER AS A RECIPE. SHE KEPT SAYING THAT SHE KNOWS IT MIGHT
BE ALL PSYCHOLOGICAL, BUT SHE IS VERY SURE IT WORKS. SINCE THIS WAS
A RATHER LONG ITEM, SHE KEPT GOING OVER THE DETAILS TO MAKE SURE I
WAS GETTING THEM ALL. THE ITEM WAS INTERESTING IN ITSELF, BUT IT WAS
MADE EVEN MORE SO BY HER ATTITUDE OF COMPLETE TRUST IN ITS WORKING
POWERS.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; LINCOLN PARK

James Callow Keyword(s): PLANTS

Subject headings: 686 Thirds / Thrice / Three / Triple
Food Drink -- Flavoring
BELIEF -- Plant
BELIEF -- Mineral

Date learned: 01-10-1973

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REMEDY

FOR CHANGE OF LIFE (THROUGH THE YEARS)- TOMARINDO, CINNAMON STICKS,
FRESH NUTMEG-CHIPPED, ANISE, CLOVES, PEPPERMINT LEAVES, AND ROSEMARY
LEAVES, THEN THEY BOIL IT. AND FOR EVERY QUART, THEY ADD THE JUICE
OF 3 LEMONS, PUT IN THE SKINS AND FERMENT IT IN A JAR FOR 3 DAYS .
THEN STRAIN IT WITH A CHEESECLOTH. THEN THEY ADD 3 JIGGERS OF
ANNISETTE LIQUEUR. THEN THEY ADD 7 OUNCES OF HONEY. THEY DON'T
BELIEVE IN HORMONE SHOTS FOR CHANGE OF LIFE.

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): ANIMAL BEE ; PLANTS

Subject headings: Food Drink -- Plant food Fruit
Food Drink -- Brew of leaf, bark, root
Food Drink -- Alcoholic beverage
BELIEF -- Plant

Date learned: 01-10-1973

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REMEDY

FOR YOUNG GIRL'S FIRST MENSTRUAL PERIODS- BOIL ROSEMARY LEAVES, AND
ANISE SEED, CINNAMON STICKS, PEPPERMINT LEAVES, DRIED OR FRESH. IN
TEXAS THEY WOULD ADD A JIGGER OF ANNISETTE ( MEXICAN LIQUEUR )FOR
MEDICINAL PURPOSES.

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): PLANTS SPICE FLAVORING

Subject headings: Food Drink -- Flavoring
BELIEF -- Plant

Date learned: 01-10-1973

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REMEDY

FOR FEVER-USE PEPPERMINT LEAVES FRESH OR IF NOT IN SEASON, USE
DRIED, WITH BORAJA AND TOMARINDO (THEY TASTE AND SMELL LIKE LEMON,
IN THE FORM OF STICKS.). ADD CINNAMON. BOIL TOGETHER ABOUT 15 MINUTES
THEN STRAIN AND DRINK HOT. MAYBE YOU MIGHT ADD 1 OR 2 JIGGERS OF
WHISKEY, IF IN PAIN OR IN HAVING LABOR PAINS.

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): PLANTS

Subject headings: BELIEF -- P248
BELIEF -- Plant
BELIEF -- Plant

Date learned: 01-10-1973

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BIRTH

IN SWITZERLAND WHEN A BOY IS BORN IT IS THE PRACTICE TO PLANT AN
APPLE TREE. WHEN A GIRL IS BORN A NUT TREE IS PLANTED.

Submitter comment: CAN BE FOUND IN MC CARTNEY "FOLKLORE HEIRLOOMS"

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; BLOOMFIELD

James Callow Keyword(s): PLANTS

Subject headings: CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Birth

Date learned: 00-00-1974

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RIDDLE

Q: WHAT EATS ANTS? A: UNCLES.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

James Callow Keyword(s): PUN AUNTS ANTS

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

Date learned: 11-00-1973

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MEDICINE FOR FEVER

WHEN I WAS A LITTLE GIRL ABOUT FIVE OR SIX YEARS OLD, I
USE TO HAVE CHILLS AND FEVER QUITE A BIT. AND THINGS (BEING)
LIKE THEY WERE THEY DIDN'T HAVE DRUGS LIKE THEY DO NOW. THEY
USUALLY HAD TO USE OLD REMENTS AND THINGS LIKE THAT. AND MY MOTHER
WOULD ALWAYS USE COPABUDS FOR FEVER. TAKE THE ROOTS AND PEEL IT.
AND WE'D CHEW THAT... WELL THIS IS SOMETHING THAT GROWS OUT IN THE
COTTON FIELD. IT HAVE A BUD ON IT. / YOU KNOW LITTLE STICKLE BUD.
AND THIS THING GROW UP TO REAL TALL AND THIS WHEN IT BUDS. BUT
BEFORE THEN IT'S A LITTLE BITTY GREEN THING AND THAT'S WHEN YOU USE
THE MEDICINE PART OF IT.

James Callow comment: COLLECTOR'S SPELLING HAS BEEN CORRECTED

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

James Callow Keyword(s): REMNANTS?

Subject headings: BELIEF -- Plant

Date learned: 10-00-1974

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SONG

TAKE ME BACK TO TEXAS,
I'M TOO YOUNG TO MARRY.
WHITE MAN MAKE GET TO TAKE THE MONEY,
NEGRO MAKE THE COTTIN.
TAKE ME BACK TO TEXAS,
I'M TOO YOUNG TO MARRY.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

James Callow Keyword(s): ENVELOPE PARALLELISM ; NEGRO WANTS TO RETURN SOUTH?

Subject headings: Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Marriage

Date learned: 10-00-1974

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HIGH GOALS

AIM AT THE SKY AND YOU WILL HIT THE TOP OF THE TREE.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

Keyword(s): COSMOS ; PLANTS

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

Subject headings: PROVERB -- Proverbial Metaphor

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CHINESE PROVERB

ALL THE FLOWERS OF ALL THE TOMORROWS ARE IN THE SEEDS OF TODAY.

Where learned: NEW YORK ; WEST SENECA

Keyword(s): PLANTS

James Callow Keyword(s): CONTRAST ; DESTINY ; HEREDITY? ; ITERATION ; POTENTIAL

Subject headings: PROVERB -- Proverbial Metaphor

Date learned: 10-00-1969

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PROVERB

AS YOU SOW, SO SHALL YOU REAP.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

Keyword(s): PLANTS

James Callow Keyword(s): FUNCTION ; HOMEOPHONE: SOW SO ; OBSERVATION

Subject headings: PROVERB -- Proverbial Metaphor
PROVERB -- Proverbial Comparison

Date learned: NOT GIVEN

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PROVERB

CAN'T SEE THE FOREST THROUGH THE TREES.

Where learned: NOT GIVEN

Keyword(s): IRONY ; PLANTS ; SEMANTICS

James Callow Keyword(s): MINUTE DETAILS OBSCURE GOAL ; SHORTSIGHTEDNESS

Subject headings: PROVERB -- Proverbial Phrase

Date learned: 11-00-1968

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RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN YOUR LOVER AND YOU.

IF YOUR SWEETHEART SENDS YOU YELLOW ROSES, IT IS A SIGN THAT LOVE
IS FADING. IF YOUR SWEETHEART SENDS YOU RED ROSES, IT IS A SIGN
OF HIS STEADY LOVE FOR YOU.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

James Callow Keyword(s): COLORS PLANTS

Subject headings: BELIEF -- Plant
BELIEF -- Color
SPEECH -- To Be Seen

Date learned: UNKNOWN

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THE CHRISTMAS TREE

ALL THE CHRISTMAS TREES IN POLAND ARE DECORATED WITH ORNAMENTS
MADE BY THE PEOPLE OF THE HOUSE. THESE ARE USED FROM
YEAR TO YEAR. SOMETIMES NUTS AND CRANBERRIES ARE
STRUNG TOGETHER AND THE GARLAND HUNG ON THE BRANCHES OF THE TREE.
THE LIGHTS ARE USUALLY SMALL CANDLES LIT CAREFULLY BY THE LADY
OF THE HOUSE. THE TREE IS ALWAYS DECORATED ON CHRISTMAS EVE,
LONG AFTER THE LITTLE ONES HAVE GONE TO BED.

Submitter comment: RECEIVED BY LETTER FROM POLAND SEVERAL YEARS AGO

Where learned: POLAND ; KRAKOW

James Callow Keyword(s): PLANTS

Subject headings: CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 24 Christmas Eve
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20
Food Drink -- Plant food Fruit
Food Drink -- Plant food Nut

Date learned: 12-01-1975

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UNDERTAKER (COLLECTOR'S TITLE) ; ROSES ARE RED, AND OTHER SUCH ASSOCIATIONS (CLASSIFIER'S TITLE)

ROSES ARE RED/ VIOLETS ARE BLUE
MY FATHER IS AN UNDERTAKER/ AND HE'LL GET YOU.

Where learned: SCRAPBOOK

Keyword(s): PARODY ; PLANTS FLOWERS ; QUATRAIN DEATH ; RHYME: ABCB

Subject headings: Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Autograph Verse Roses are red and other such associations

Date learned: 06-00-1965

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POLISH JOKE

Historical record from James Callow Folklore Archive.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN WHEN YOU SEE AN ORANGE SEWER PLATE ON THE
STREET? A POLISH HOWARD JOHNSON'S.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; SOUTHFIELD

James Callow Keyword(s): HOWARD JOHNSON'S RESTAURANTS HAVE ORANGE COLORED TILE ROOFS

Subject headings: BELIEF -- Poli

Date learned: 02-00-1980

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LUCK

AN ELEPHANT WITH ITS TRUNK TURNED UP IS GOOD LUCK, WITH HIS TRUNK
DOWN IS BAD LUCK.

Submitter comment: THIS ELEPHANT MAY BE A FIGURINE, A TOY ETC.

Where learned: 8160 LANTZ ; ; COLLECTORS HOME

Keyword(s): ANIMALS: ELEPHANTS

James Callow Keyword(s): POSITION DIRECTION

Subject headings: BELIEF -- Mammal
BELIEF -- Good luck P881.31
BELIEF -- Bad luck P882.31

Date learned: 03-10-1970

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ELEPHANT JOKE

QUESTION: WHAT DID THE GRAPE SAY WHEN THE ELEPHANT STEPPED ON IT?
ANSWER: NOTHING, IT JUST LET OUT A LITTLE WHINE.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; HARPER WOODS

Keyword(s): CONUNDRUM ; RIDDLE JOKE: ELEPHANTS

James Callow Keyword(s): PUN ON WINE

Subject headings: RIDDLE -- Riddle Question

Date learned: 11-10-1968

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showing 42 items

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