Notice: Trying to access array offset on value of type null in /var/www/libs/inc/cfa/cfa-item.inc.php on line 328

Notice: Trying to access array offset on value of type null in /var/www/libs/inc/cfa/cfa-item.inc.php on line 328
The James T. Callow Computerized Folkore Archive | University of Detroit Mercy Libraries 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 MI returned 23829 results.

prev | items
| next

BLACK-AMERICAN BELIEF

IF OVERDUE DURING PREGNANCY, DEFROST REFRIGERATOR
AND LABOR WILL BEGIN.

Submitter comment: HEARD FROM GRANDMOTHER

Where learned: MISSISSIPPI

James Callow Keyword(s): HUMOR

Subject headings: BELIEF -- Birth

Date learned: 09-00-1985

View just this record

BLACK-AMERICAN JUMP-ROPE PHYME

MY MAMA, YO MAMA, SITTING IN A DITCH.
MY MAMA CALLED YO MAMA A BIG FAT SON-
OF-A-PITCH ME OUTTA THE WINDOW, THROW
ME ON A ROCK, LONG CAME A BUMBLE BEE
AND STUNG ME ON MY COCK-TAIL, VIRGINIA
ALE, 15 CENTS A GLASS, IF YOU DON'T
BELIEVE ME JUST KISS MY BIG FAT ASK ME
NO QUESTIONS, I'LL TELL YOU NO LIE, JUST
FOLLOW ME TO MY HOTEL AND I'LL PROVE IT
TILL I DIE.

Submitter comment: CHILDHOOD JUMP ROPE JINGLE

Where learned: MISSISSIPPI

James Callow Keyword(s): EUPHEMISM

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

Date learned: 09-00-1985

View just this record

BLACK-AMERICAN BELIEF

WHAT YOU DREAM THE FIRST NIGHT UNDER A
NEW ROOF WILL COME TRUE.

Submitter comment: HEARD BEFORE MOVING INTO A NEW HOME.

Where learned: MISSISSIPPI

James Callow Keyword(s): METONYMY

Subject headings: 686 Properties attributed to specific numbers or numerals individually.
Spirit / Mind / Body
Favorites

Date learned: 00-00-1957

View just this record

BLACK-AMERICAN TALE

ONCE ON A SOUTHERN PLANTATION, THE BUTLER, MOSES,
A HOUSE SLAVE WOULD TATTLE TO THE MASTER ABOUT
EVERYTHING THE HOUSE AND FIELD SLAVES DID. ON
ONE OCCASSION, MOSES TOLD THE MASTER THAT A
FIELD SLAVE HAD STOLEN SOME FOOD. THE MASTER
TOOK THE THIEF TO THE RIVER AND THREW HIM IN.
LATER, DURING A PARTY AT THE BIG HOUSE, MOSES
TOOK A STROLL DOWN NEAR THE RIVER. HE SAW
A SKELETON. UPON CLOSER INSPECTION, THE
SKELETON SPOKE, SAYING, "TEETH AND TONGUE
BROUGHT ME HERE". MOSES INQUIRED, "WHAT?"
THE SKELETON REPLIED, "TEETH AND TONGUE
BROUGHT ME HERE". MOSES, BIG EYED AND
VERY FRIGHTENED, SCURRIED BACK TO THE
BIG HOUSE CRYING FOR HIS MASTER.
THE MASTER, PERTURBED AT BEING DISTURBED DURING
HIS PARTY, ASKED MOSES WHAT WAS THE PROBLEM.
MOSES TOLD HIM THAT HE HAD SEEN A TALKING
SKELETON AT THE RIVER. THE MASTER WARNED
MOSES ABOUT DISTURBING HIS PARTY WITH SUCH
FOOLISHNESS. MOSES PERSISTED WITH HIS ACCOUNT
OF THE TALKING SKELETON DOWN NEAR THE RIVER.
THE MASTER, TIRED OF MOSES' SILLY BABBLING, DE-
CIDED TO CHECK THE RIVER. HOWEVER, HE WARNED
MOSES THAT IF HE WAS LYING, HE WOULD KILL HIM.
THEY RUSHED TO THE RIVER AND COULD NOT FIND
THE TALKING SKELETON. THE MASTER SHOT MOSES
AND LEFT HIM BY THE RIVER TO DIE BEFORE RE-
TURNING TO HIS PARTY. WHILE MOSES LAY DYING,
BY THE RIVER, THE SKELETON REAPPEARED SAYING
"TEETH AND TONGUE BROUGHT ME HERE."

Submitter comment: LEGEND TOLD BY GRANDFATHER WHEN WE TATTLED.

Where learned: MISSISSIPPI

Subject headings: Favorites
PROSE NARRATIVE -- Tale

Date learned: 00001950S

View just this record

BLACK-AMERICAN BELIEF

IF IT RAINS WHILE THE SUN IS SHINING,
STICK A NEEDLE IN THE GROUND AND YOU
YOU CAN HEAR THE DEVIL BEATING HIS
WIFE.

Submitter comment: AS A CHILD, I TRIED THIS NUMEROUS
TIMES TO NO EFFECT.

Where learned: MISSISSIPPI

Subject headings: Charm / Enchantment / Conjuration
BELIEF -- Devil Demon
BELIEF -- Sun
BELIEF -- Cloud Fog Mist Rain Hail Ice Snow Frost Dew

Date learned: 00-00-1958

View just this record

BLACK-AMERICAN PROVERB

"ROOT YOUNG PIG OR DIE PO HAWG"

Submitter comment: HEARD A COUSIN TELL THIS PROVERB
TO HIS SON WHO WAS DOING BADLY
IN HIS SCHOOL WORK.

Where learned: MISSISSIPPI

Subject headings: PROVERB -- Proverbial Metaphor

View just this record

BLACK-AMERICAN BELIEF

WHEN A SPIDER SWINGS DOWN FROM A WEB
IN FRONT OF YOU, YOU WILL SEE A GOOD
FRIEND WHOM YOU ARE NOT EXPECTING.

Where learned: MISSISSIPPI

Keyword(s): SPIDER

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

Date learned: 00-00-1950

View just this record

COLD OVEN POUND CAKE (BLACK AMERICAN RECIPE)

1/2 POUND BUTTER
1/2 CUP SOLID VEGETABLE SHORTENING
3 CUPS SUGAR
5 LARGE (6 SMALL) EGGS, BEATEN
3 CUPS SIFTED FLOUR
1/2 TEASPOON SALT
1/2 TEASPOON BAKING POWDER
1 CUP MILK
1/2 TEASPOON VANILLA FLAVORING
1 CUP MILK
1/2 TEASPOON VANILLA FLAVORING
1/4 TEASPOON LEMON (OR COCONUT FLAVORING)
CREAM BUTTER, SHORTENING AND SUGAR; ADD
BEATEN EGGS. SIFT FLOUR, SALT AND BAKING
POWDER. ADD DRY INGREDIENTS TO EGG MIX-
TURE ALTERNATELY WITH MILK. ADD FLAVO-
RINGS. POUR INTO GREASED AND FLOURED
TUBE PAN. PLACE IN COLD OVEN. BAKE AT
350 DEGREES FOR ONE HOUR AND 15 MINUTES--
WITHOUT OPENING DOOR. AFTER TIME IS UP,
CHECK TO SEE IF DONE. (BAKE ANOTHER 15
MINUTES, IF NECESSARY.) INVERT ON RACK
TO COOL.

Submitter comment: PASSED TO MY MOTHER FROM HER GRANDMOTHER

Where learned: MISSISSIPPI

Subject headings: Food Drink -- Pastry Sweet Dessert

Date learned: 00-00-1958

View just this record

BLACK-AMERICAN BELIEF

IF YOU MARRY AS THE HAND OF THE CLOCK
GOES UP, YOU WILL RISE IN THE WORLD.
IF YOU MARRY AS THE HAND OF THE CLOCK
GOES DOWN, YOU WILL NOT SUCCEED IN THE
WORLD.

Where learned: MISSISSIPPI

James Callow Keyword(s): TIME

Subject headings: Observation
BELIEF -- Marriage
BELIEF -- Measure of time WeekDayHour

Date learned: 00-00-1960

View just this record

BLACK-AMERICAN BELIEF

COWS COMING HOME IN THE MIDDLE OF THE DAY
ARE A SIGN OF A BAD STORM.

Submitter comment: HEARD AS A CHILD ON GRANDMOTHER'S FARM.

Where learned: MISSISSIPPI

Keyword(s): WEATHER

Subject headings: BELIEF -- Mammal
BELIEF -- Cloud Fog Mist Rain Hail Ice Snow Frost Dew

Date learned: 09-15-1985

View just this record

BLACK-AMERICAN BELIEF

PLACE CORNBREAD CRUMBS ABOUT YOUR CUCUMBER
PLANTS. THEY WILL ATTRACT ANTS, WHICH WILL
DESTROY THE CUCUMBER INSECTS.

Submitter comment: HEARD AS A CHILD ON GRANDMOTHER'S FARM

Where learned: MISSISSIPPI

Keyword(s): CROPS

Subject headings: BELIEF -- Insect
BELIEF -- Animal Husbandry Farming Ranching

Date learned: 00-00-1958

View just this record

BLACK-AMERICAN BELIEF

MOLE ON THE EAR, MONEY BY THE YEAR.
MOLE ON THE NECK, MONEY BY THE PECK.
MOLE ON YOUR BACK, MONEY BY THE PACK.
MOLE ON YOUR ARM, YOU ARE A GENTLEMAN'S CHARM.
MOLE ON YOUR ARM, YOU'LL LIVE ON A FARM.

Submitter comment: HEARD WHEN A CHILD FROM GRANDMOTHER.

Where learned: MISSISSIPPI

Subject headings: Favorites
Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Belief C860.438
BELIEF -- Body part Senses Specific distinguishing characteristic Dimple, wart, mole, scar, freckle, birthmark, strawberry mark, bruise, spot (on any part of body)

Date learned: 00-00-1957

View just this record

BLACK AMERICAN

FOR DEEP CUTS, FIRST CLEAN CUT THOROUGHLY,
THEN WRAP RAW SALT PORK AROUND THE CUT AND
BANDAGE. THE SALT PORK WILL DRAW OUT IN-
FECTION AND PREVENT SWELLING.

Submitter comment: GRANDMOTHER USED THIS METHOD ON HER GRAND-
CHILDREN AND IT REALLY WORKS.

Where learned: MISSISSIPPI

Keyword(s): MEDICATIONS

Subject headings: BELIEF -- Animal

Date learned: 00-00-1955

View just this record

BLACK AMERICAN

FOR FLAT-CHESTED WOMEN. RUB
BAKING POWDER OVER THE BREASTS.
LEAVE ON OVERNIGHT AND THE BREASTS
WILL HAVE RISEN BY MORNING.

Submitter comment: PASSED TO A CLASSMATE BY HER GRAND-
MOTHER.

Where learned: MISSISSIPPI

Subject headings: Favorites
BELIEF -- Remedy

Date learned: 00-00-1967

View just this record

BLACK AMERICAN

MARRIED IN WHITE, YOU HAVE CHOSEN RIGHT;
MARRIED IN RED, YOU'RE BETTER OFF DEAD;
MARRIED IN YELLOW, ASHAMED OF THE FELLOW;
MARRIED IN BLUE, YOUR LOVER IS TRUE;
MARRIED IN GREEN, ASHAMED TO BE SEEN;
MARRIED IN BLACK, YOU'LL RIDE IN A HACK;
MARRIED IN PINK, YOUR SPIRITS WILL SINK;
MARRIED IN BROWN, YOU'LL LIVE OUT OF TOWN;
MARRIED IN GREY, YOU'LL BE SAD EVERY DAY.

Where learned: MISSISSIPPI

James Callow Keyword(s): COLORS

Subject headings: 860 Belief
Observation
Favorites
BELIEF -- Marriage
BELIEF -- Color

Date learned: 09-15-1985

View just this record

BLACK AMERICAN

PLAIT YOUR HORSE:S MANE WITH CORN-
SHUCKS TO PREVENT WITCHES FROM
RIDING HIM. INFORMANT HEARD FROM
GRANDFATHER.

Where learned: MISSISSIPPI

Keyword(s): WITCHES

Subject headings: BELIEF -- Witch Shaman
BELIEF -- Plant

View just this record

BLACK AMERICAN

IF BUTTER WILL NOT COME, DROP
A RED HOT HORSE SHOE IN THE
MILK TO KILL THE WITCHES; THEN
THE BUTTER WILL COME. INFOR-
MANT HEARD ON GRANDMOTHER'S FARM
WHEN A CHILD.

Where learned: MISSISSIPPI

James Callow Keyword(s): HORSESHOE ; IRON

Subject headings: Food Drink -- Animal product Butter
BELIEF -- Witch Shaman
BELIEF -- Mineral

Date learned: 09-15-1985

View just this record

BLACK-AMERICAN BELIEF

A NEGRO WITH A RABBIT FOOT, MOUNTED ON A
WHITE HORSE, IN THE DARK OF THE MOON
IN A CEMETARY, WILL BREAK A WITCH SPELL.
INFORMANT HEARD FROM GRANDFATHER, WHEN
A SMALL CHILD.

Where learned: MISSISSIPPI

Keyword(s): WITCHES

Subject headings: Charm / Enchantment / Conjuration
BELIEF -- Witch Shaman
BELIEF -- Mammal
BELIEF -- Prayer
BELIEF -- Color

Date learned: 09-15-1985

View just this record

BLACK-AMERICAN BELIEF

IF IT THUNDERS ON A CERTAIN DAY IN
FEBRUARY, THERE WILL BE FROST ON
THAT SAME DAY IN MAY.

Where learned: MISSISSIPPI

Keyword(s): WEATHER

Subject headings: CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- May
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- FO20
BELIEF -- Lightning Thunder
BELIEF -- Cloud Fog Mist Rain Hail Ice Snow Frost Dew

Date learned: 00-00-1958

View just this record

BLACK AMERICAN

IF THERE IS ENOUGH RAIN ON EASTER SUNDAY
TO WET A POCKET HANKERCHIEF, THERE WILL
BE A GOOD CROP YEAR.
I USED TO HEAR MY GRANDMOTHER SAY THIS.

Where learned: MISSISSIPPI

Subject headings: CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Spring Planting
BELIEF -- Cloud Fog Mist Rain Hail Ice Snow Frost Dew
BELIEF -- Plant
BELIEF -- Measure of time Year

Date learned: 00-00-1958

View just this record

prev | items
| next

Back to Top