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Historical record from James Callow Folklore Archive.
HE IS HOTTER THAN A TWO-PECKER BILLYGOAT.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; SAGINAW
James Callow Keyword(s): HOT = SEXUALLY AROUSED
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Mammal PROVERB -- Proverbial Comparison Filter - Mature Content |
Date learned: 00001970S
MYSTERIOUS LIGHT
JUST OUTSIDE OF THE CITY OF SAGINAW, MICHIGAN, IN A
SMALL VILLAGE CALLED SHIELDS, THERE IS A LEGEND OF THE
DISAPPEARING LIGHT. THE STORY GOES THAT OUTSIDE OF
SHIELDS CITY LIMITS, IN THE FORESTS THERE IS A LIGHT
WHICH APPEARS FROM A SMALL HILL IRREGULARLY. NO ONE TO
THIS DAY HAS BEEN ABLE TO ISOLATE WHERE THE LIGHT IS
COMING FROM OR WHO CAUSES IT. PEOPLE, ESPECIALLY HIGH
SCHOOL AGE CHILDREN, HAVE TRIED TO FIND THE SOURCE, AND
COME SO FAR AS TO CAPTURE IT BETWEEN TWO CARS. WHEN
THE CARS CREPT TOGETHER, HOWEVER, THE LIGHT DISAPPEARED
AND BOTH CARS HAD ELECTRICAL SHORTAGES. EVEN PROFESSIONAL
ELECTRICIANS HAVE COMBED THE COUNTRYSIDE BUT TO NO GOOD
SO FAR. PEOPLE IN AND AROUND THE CITY OF SAGINAW STILL
TRAVEL OUT ON THE HOPE OF SEEING THE MYSTERIOUS LIGHT.
Submitter comment:
THIS LEGEND WAS TOLD TO ME AT ST. STEPHEN HIGH SCHOOL,
SAGINAW, MICHIGAN, BY SEVERAL DIFFERENT INFORMANTS
IN 1969.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; SAGINAW ; SAINT STEPHEN HIGH SCHOOL
Keyword(s): PHANTOM LIGHT
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Legend |
Date learned: 00-00-1969
PROVERB IN VERSE
PALE MOON DOTH RAIN
RED MOON DOTH BLOW
WHITE MOON DOTH NEITHER RAIN NOR SNOW
Where learned: MICHIGAN, ASSUMED ; SAGINAW
Keyword(s): WEATHER PROVERB
James Callow Keyword(s): COLOR SYMBOL
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Proverb Proverb BELIEF -- Weather sign or control |
Date learned: 09-07-1969
CHRISTMAS CUSTOM
ON EVERY CHRISTMAS EVE, MY FAMILY HAS A SMALL SERVICE BEFORE ALL THE
CHILDREN GO UP TO BED TO WAIT FOR SANTA TO COME. WE ALL GATHER IN A
PROCESSION, WITH THE YOUNGEST AT THE FRONT CARRYING THE SMALL STATUE
OF THE BABY JESUS, WHICH HE OR SHE PLACES IN THE MANGER SCENE. THEN
WE ALL GATHER AROUND THE CRIB SERVICE AND MY FATHER READS A SHORT
PASSAGE FROM THE BIBLE WHICH HE SELECTS.
Submitter comment: THIS HAS BEEN A TRADITION WITHIN OUR FAMILY EVER SINCE I CAN REMEMBER
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; SAGINAW, ASSUMED
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 24 Christmas Eve CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20 Manger scenes CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20 Santa Claus |
Date learned: 03-27-1971
JUMP ROPE RHYME
DOWN BY THE RIVER, DOWN BY THE SEA,
JOHNNY BROKE A BOTTLE AND BLAMED IT ON ME.
I TOLD MA, MA TOLD PA,
JOHNNY GOT A LICK'N, HA HA HA
HOW MANY LICK'NS DID HE GET?
1, 2, 3, 4, 5...
Submitter comment:
THE COUNTING CONTINUES ON UNTIL THE PERSON JUMPING MISSES.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; 930 HOYT ; SAGINAW
Keyword(s): CHARACTER ; ENDURANCE JUMP
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Game Verse Game Verse |
Date learned: NOT RECORDED
SHAGGY DOG STORY (WITH A MORAL)
A COUNT IN THE DAYS OF OLD WAS ACCUSED OF STEALING FROM
THE KING AND SENTENCED TO BE BEHEADED FOR HIS CRIME. HE
IS TAKEN UP TO THE HIGHEST TOWER IN THE CASTLE OF THE KING
AND HIS HEAD IS SET ON THE CHOPPING BLOCK. THE AXMAN TURNS
TO HIM AND SAYS, "WILL YOU ADMIT THAT YOU DID THE STEALING
BEFORE I MUST BEHEAD YOU?" AND THE COUNT DENIES IT. AGAIN,
AFTER A FEW SECONDS, THE AXMAN PLEADS, "TELL THAT YOU DID
THE STEALING AND YOU WILL BE RELEASED." AGAIN, THE COUNT
REFUSES TO TELL AND THE AXMAN PREPARED TO LIFT THE BLADE.
JUST AS THE AX GOES DOWN, THE COUNT SCREAMS OUT, "I DID IT."
BUT IT IS TOO LATE TO RECALL THE AX, AND HE IS BEHEADED.
THE MORAL OF THIS STORY IS AS FOLLOWS: "DON'T HATCHET
YOUR COUNTS BEFORE THEY CHICKEN."
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; SAGINAW
Keyword(s): FEAR COWARD
| Subject headings: | 6677 Formula Tale |
Date learned: 03-27-1971
BED-TIME STORY
ONCE UPON A TIME THERE WAS A LITTLE GIRL NAMED CINDY WHO
ALWAYS WANTED TO OWN A PAIR OF MAGIC DANCING SHOES SO
THAT SHE WOULD BE ABLE TO DANCE TO HER HEART'S CONTENT.
ONE NIGHT, CINDY WAS LYING AWAKE IN HER BED AND A FAIRY
GODMOTHER APPEARED TO HER AND GAVE HER A PAIR OF SHINY RED
DANCING SHOES, WHICH WERE SUPPOSED TO MAKE YOU DANCE
FOREVER AND EVER. THE ONLY THING WAS THAT THE GODMOTHER
SAID, "YOU MUST TAKE VERY GOOD CARE OF THE SHOES, FOR IF
YOU AREN'T CAREFUL WITH THEM, THEY WILL DANCE AWAY BY
THEMSELVES AND NEVER COME BACK." CINDY PROMISED TO ALWAYS
TAKE CARE OF THE SHOES, AND NEVER LET THEM BE NEGLECTED.
EVERY DAY SHE WOULD PUT ON THE SHOES WHEN SHE CAME HOME
FROM SCHOOL AND DANCE THROUGHOUT THE NEIGHBORHOOD, ALWAYS
HAPPY AND FREE. ONE DAY THOUGH, CINDY WAS IN SUCH A HURRY
TO GET OUTSIDE AND PLAY WITH HER FRIENDS THAT SHE THREW
ASIDE THE DANCING SHOES AND LEFT THEM IN THE MUD NEAR THE
HOUSE. WHEN SHE CAME BACK, SHE FOUND THAT THEY WERE GONE
AND HAD DANCED OFF BY THEMSELVES TO THE LAND OF NEVER
RETURN. TODAY, THEY ARE STILL THERE WAITING FOR SOME
OTHER LITTLE GIRL WHO WILL LOVE THEM AND TAKE CARE OF
THEM--THE MAGIC RED DANCING SHOES.
Submitter comment:
GIRL MISTREATS DANCING SHOES. THEY NOW AWAIT A GIRL WHO WILL TAKE
CARE OF THEM.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; SAGINAW
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Magic |
Date learned: 03-27-1971
SHAGGY DOG STORY (WITH A MORAL)
A COUNT IN THE DAYS OF OLD WAS ACCUSED OF STEALING FROM
THE KING AND SENTENCED TO BE BEHEADED FOR HIS CRIME. HE
IS TAKEN UP TO THE HIGHEST TOWER IN THE CASTLE OF THE KING
AND HIS HEAD IS SET ON THE CHOPPING BLOCK. THE AXMAN TURNS
TO HIM AND SAYS, "WILL YOU ADMIT THAT YOU DID THE STEALING
BEFORE I MUST BEHEAD YOU?" AND THE COUNT DENIES IT. AGAIN,
AFTER A FEW SECONDS, THE AXMAN PLEADS, "TELL THAT YOU DID
THE STEALING AND YOU WILL BE RELEASED." AGAIN, THE COUNT
REFUSES TO TELL AND THE AXMAN PREPARED TO LIFT THE BLADE.
JUST AS THE AX GOES DOWN, THE COUNT SCREAMS OUT, "I DID IT."
BUT IT IS TOO LATE TO RECALL THE AX, AND HE IS BEHEADED.
THE MORAL OF THIS STORY IS AS FOLLOWS: "DON'T HATCHET
YOUR COUNTS BEFORE THEY CHICKEN."
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; SAGINAW
Keyword(s): FEAR
| Subject headings: | 6677 Formula Tale |
Date learned: 03-27-1971
BED-TIME STORY
ONCE UPON A TIME THERE WAS A LITTLE GIRL NAMED CINDY WHO
ALWAYS WANTED TO OWN A PAIR OF MAGIC DANCING SHOES SO
THAT SHE WOULD BE ABLE TO DANCE TO HER HEART'S CONTENT.
ONE NIGHT, CINDY WAS LYING AWAKE IN HER BED AND A FAIRY
GODMOTHER APPEARED TO HER AND GAVE HER A PAIR OF SHINY RED
DANCING SHOES, WHICH WERE SUPPOSED TO MAKE YOU DANCE
FOREVER AND EVER. THE ONLY THING WAS THAT THE GODMOTHER
SAID, "YOU MUST TAKE VERY GOOD CARE OF THE SHOES, FOR IF
YOU AREN'T CAREFUL WITH THEM, THEY WILL DANCE AWAY BY
THEMSELVES AND NEVER COME BACK." CINDY PROMISED TO ALWAYS
TAKE CARE OF THE SHOES, AND NEVER LET THEM BE NEGLECTED.
EVERY DAY SHE WOULD PUT ON THE SHOES WHEN SHE CAME HOME
FROM SCHOOL AND DANCE THROUGHOUT THE NEIGHBORHOOD, ALWAYS
HAPPY AND FREE. ONE DAY THOUGH, CINDY WAS IN SUCH A HURRY
TO GET OUTSIDE AND PLAY WITH HER FRIENDS THAT SHE THREW
ASIDE THE DANCING SHOES AND LEFT THEM IN THE MUD NEAR THE
HOUSE. WHEN SHE CAME BACK, SHE FOUND THAT THEY WERE GONE
AND HAD DANCED OFF BY THEMSELVES TO THE LAND OF NEVER
RETURN. TODAY, THEY ARE STILL THERE WAITING FOR SOME
OTHER LITTLE GIRL WHO WILL LOVE THEM AND TAKE CARE OF
THEM--THE MAGIC RED DANCING SHOES.
Submitter comment:
GIRL MISTREATS DANCING SHOES. THEY NOW AWAIT A GIRL WHO WILL TAKE
CARE OF THEM.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; SAGINAW
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Magic |
Date learned: 03-27-1971
IT IS THE CUSTOM TO TAKE A PIECE OF THE WEDDING CAKE
AND PUT IT UNDER YOUR PILLOW AT NIGHT SO THAT YOU
WILL MEET YOUR TRUE LOVE, THE ONE YOU ARE TO MARRY
NEXT.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; SAGINAW
| Subject headings: | 862 Use of object for determining future spouse |
Date learned: 00-00-1955
THE PERSON HAVING THEIR FORTUNE TOLD THINKS OF FOUR
PEOPLE THAT COULD BE INVOLVED IN THEIR FUTURE. THE
CARDS ARE EITHER FOUR KINGS OR FOUR QUEENS, DEPENDING
ON THE SEX OF THE PERSON HAVING THEIR FORTUNE TOLD.
EACH CARD REPRESENTS A PERSON, AND WHEN A QUESTION
IS ASKED AND ONE OF THE CARDS LAID DOWN MATCHES ONE
OF THE SUITS, THAT IS THE PERSON THAT WILL BE IN
THE FUTURE FOR THAT PARTICULAR QUESTION.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; SAGINAW
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Marriage Dating Courtship BELIEF -- Use of Object Numerology, related to playing cards |
Date learned: 02-28-1971
IT'S BAD LUCK TO SPILL SALT. TO RECOVER GOOD LUCK,
ONE SHOULD IMMEDIATELY THROW A PINCH OF SALT
OVER ONE'S LEFT SHOULDER.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; SAGINAW
James Callow Keyword(s): ACCIDENT ; POSITION DIRECTION
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Mineral BELIEF -- Conversions Activities |
Date learned: 00-00-1970
KICK THE CAN
THIS IS A FORM OF TAG. THE PERSON WHO IS IT STANDS
AT A TREE AND COUNTS TO TEN WHILE THE OTHERS HIDE.
THERE IS A CAN AT THE FOOT OF THE TREE. WHEN HE IS
FINISHED COUNTING, HE YELLS THAT HE IS NOW COMING TO
FIND EVERYONE. HIS OBJECT IN THE GAME IS TO FIND
EVERYONE BEFORE THEY CAN COME BACK AND KICK THE CAN
BEFORE HE SEES THEM DOING IT. THE OBJECT OF THOSE
WHO ARE HIDING IS TO RUN BACK AND KICK THE CAN BEFORE
THE ONE WHO IS IT CAN SEE THEM AND BEAT THEM BACK TO
THE CAN. IF ONE PERSON RUNS BACK AND KICKS THE CAN
BEFORE "IT" CAN DO IT, THEN THE PERSON IS STILL IT
FOR THE NEXT GAME. IF HE CAN SUCCESSFULLY FIND
EVERYONE BEFORE ANY OF THEM CAN KICK THE CAN, THEN HE
IS NOT IT FOR THE NEXT GAME. IF "IT" SEES SOMEONE
BEFORE THEY KNOW HE SEES THEM, HE CAN ALSO RUN BACK TO
THE CAN AND YELL THAT HE SPOTS SO-AND-SO, AND THEN THAT
PERSON IS IT FOR THE NEXT GAME.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; SAGINAW
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Special Object or Implement Special Object or Implement |
Date learned: 00001956 CHILDHOOD
SIR WALTER RALEIGH PRACTICAL JOKE
QUESTION: DO YOU HAVE "SIR WALTER RALEIGH" IN A
POUCH PACKET? (REFERRING TO PIPE TOBACCO).
REPLY: YES, WE DO.
QUESTIONER: THEN, FOR HEAVEN'S SAKE, YOU'D BETTER
LET HIM OUT.
James Callow comment: WHEN SAID? AS A PRACTICAL JOKE TELEPHONE CALL.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; SAGINAW
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Bodily Activity Song: Game, Pastime, Sport |
SPOON, SPOON
THIS GAME WORKS BEST WHEN TWO PEOPLE ONLY KNOW HOW
THE GAME WORKS. ONE PERSON WHO KNOWS THE GAME
LEAVES THE ROOM. THE OTHER PERSON WHO KNOWS THE
GAME HOLDS THE SPOON. NOW THE PERSON WHO HAS THE
SPOON EXPLAINS TO THE GROUP THAT SHE IS GOING TO HAVE
ONE PERSON LOOK INTO THE SPOON AND ONE PERSON ONLY.
THE PERSON WHO WENT OUT IS GOING TO HAVE TO GUESS
WHO LOOKED INTO THE SPOON. SHE THEN SHOWS THE
PERSON THE SPOON, SITS DOWN EXACTLY LIKE THE PERSON
THAT SHE HAD LOOK INTO THE SPOON (IN THE SAME EXACT
POSITION), AND THEN INVITES THE PERSON BACK INTO THE
ROOM. THE PERSON IMMEDIATELY GUESSES WHO LOOKED
IN THE SPOON BECAUSE OF THE WAY EVERYONE IS SITTING.
IT IS NOW UP TO THE GROUP TO DETERMINE HOW THAT PERSON
COULD GUESS WHO LOOKED INTO THE SPOON SO EASILY.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; SAGINAW
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Bodily Activity Song: Game, Pastime, Sport |
OVER THE BOTTLES
TWO LINES OF MILK BOTTLES, SPACED ABOUT TWO FEET
APART, ARE PLACED ON THE FLOOR SO THAT THE PERSON
STANDS WITH LEGS WIDE APART AND HIS FEET CAN TOUCH
THE MILK BOTTLES. THE PERSON IS THEN BLINDFOLDED AND
TOLD TO STRADDLE THE BOTTLES. THE PERSON BLINDFOLDED
IS A GIRL. THE BOTTLES ARE THEN QUIETLY REMOVED,
WITHOUT HER KNOWLEDGE, AND SHE PROCEEDS TO STRADDLE
THEM ANYWAY. WHEN SHE HAS COME TO THE END OF THE LINE
OF MILK BOTTLES THAT SHOULD BE THERE, A BOY LIES
DOWN ON THE FLOOR WHERE THE MILK BOTTLES WERE, IN THE
MIDDLE OF THE PATH, FACE UP, HOLDING A LIGHTED FLASHLIGHT
IN HIS HAND, SHINING UP. THE BLINDFOLD IS THEN REMOVED
AND THE GIRL TURNS AROUND TO SEE HOW SHE MANAGED TO
GO THROUGH THE LINE WITHOUT KNOCKING ANY BOTTLES
OVER, AND SHE SEES THIS BOY LYING THERE WITH THE
FLASHLIGHT.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; HIGH SCHOOL ; SAGINAW
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Bodily Activity Song: Game, Pastime, Sport |
Date learned: 00-00-1964
Homecoming Parade
Every year during football season, my high school celebrates
Homecoming with a big parade. All the grade schools, middle schools,
and other high schools are represented by floats, bands, and marching
people. Area organizations, such as the Lion's Club,
are also represented. At the end of the parade, all of the
participants and observers meet at the school for a tailgate party,
and then go to the football game.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; SAGINAW
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Entertainment Diversion CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- School CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Typical Elements of a Festive Pattern |
Date learned: 09-00-1988
The Specialty
The "specialty," is an ice cream dessert created by my younger
sister. It consists of vanilla ice cream, chocolate sauce,
marshmallows, peanut butter, whipped cream, and candy sprinkles. The
chocolate and peanut butter are melted together and poured over the
ice cream. The marshmallows are then placed around the ice cream as a
border, and the whipped cream is put on to cover the whole thing.
Candy sprinkles are then scattered over the top, and the "specialty"
is completed.
Submitter comment:
The dessert tastes good, but should never be attempted on a full
stomach.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; SAGINAW
Keyword(s): FOOD
| Subject headings: | Food Drink -- Animal product Milk product Food Drink -- Pastry Sweet Dessert |
Date learned: 00001980CA
Pom-Pom
Pom-Pom is a game played in a pool. It consists of having one
person as "it" in the pool, and the rest of the players standing on
the edge. The object is to get to the other side of the pool by
diving and swimming, and not be touched by "it." If one makes it to
the other side, he/she yells "Pom-Pom," and is safe. If one is
touched in an attempt to make it to the other side, he/she becomes
"it."
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; SAGINAW
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Water Ice Snow |
Date learned: 00001976CA
Hot Lava
Hot Lava was a game played by my younger sister and me on rainy
days. It consisted of remaining on some object while trying to reach
the other side of the house. Pillows, rugs, furniture, and each other
were used to accomplish this. If the floor was touched, the person
who touched it would be melted by the "hot lava," and die.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; SAGINAW
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Special Object or Implement |
Date learned: 00001978CA