Dr. James T. Callow publications
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The James T. Callow Folklore Archive
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FIXED FESTIVAL DATE
IN INDIA ON DECEMBER 22 THERE IS THE FEAST OF ST. RAMA.
(ST. RAMA WAS BANISHED FROM HIS HOMETOWN CITY AND
FINALLY RETURNED AFTER FOURTEEN YEARS). THE
CELEBRATION OF HIS RETURN IS CALLED PIWALI OR THE
FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS. DURING THIS FESTIVAL, SMALL
MUD LAMPS ARE LIT SYMBOLIZING THE EARTH'S PURITY;
SWEETS ARE EXCHANGED AMONG FRIENDS; FIRECRACKERS ARE
SET OFF AND THERE IS LOTS OF WINE DRUNK.
Where learned: LIBRARY ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20 |
Date learned: 10-02-1969
WATCHING FOR GROUNDHOGS ON GROUNDHOG DAY.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DEARBORN HEIGHTS
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Measure of time Spring CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20 |
Date learned: 09-29-1968
IN ITALIAN TRADITION, THE GODFATHER IS CONSIDERED TO BE THE
SECOND FATHER, AFTER THE ORIGINAL FATHER. FOR THIS REASON A
PARTY IS HELD ON THE BAPTISM DAY TO WELCOME THE GODFATHER INTO
THE FAMILY. IT IS USALLY HELD AT THE HOME OF THE ORIGINAL PARENTS.
Submitter comment: THIS WAS ORIGINALLY LEARNED IN WATERTOWN, NEW YORK
Where learned: NEW YORK ; WATERTOWN
Date learned: 00-00-1937
A BIG BABY
YOUR GRANDPA PHILIPPART WHO EVENTUALLY PLAYED FOOTBALL FOR
THE UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT WAS A BIG BABY TO SAY THE LEAST.
THEY BELIEVED THAT THE MOTHER WAS EATING FOR TWO IN THOSE
DAYS AND SO THE MOTHERS ATE A LOT. YOUR GRANDPA WAS BORN ON
CHRISTMAS DAY AND HE WEIGHED SIXTEEN POUNDS. THEY HUNG HIM
ON THE CHRISTMAS TREE BY HIS DIAPERS AND TOLD MY MOTHER THAT
HE WAS THE BIGGEST PRESENT THAT SHE WOULD EVER RECEIVE. THEY
WERE AFRAID THAT HE WOULD BREAK THE LIMB OFF. AT THREE MONTHS
HE WEIGHED TWENTY EIGHT POUNDS. HIS MIDDLE NAME WAS NOEL
BECAUSE HE WAS BORN ON CHRISTMAS.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | Person / Nickname PROSE NARRATIVE -- Abnormal in size CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20 |
In Peru summer begins in January and goes until March.
January is also the beginning of Lent, which begins
the Carnival that lasts the entire summer. During the
Carnival there is throwing of water balloons and sometimes
eggs. It is really quite dangerous to go out walking during
this time, unless you would like to get attacked by water
balloons.
Where learned: Peru
Date learned: 0001970S
We were stationed with the Army in El Paso, Texas. The time we
spent there was very enjoyable. I will always remember the
celebration of Christmas. The most beautiful view was the many
walkways lined with luminarias. A luminaria is a paper bag with
sand on the bottom and a lit candle in the bag. The meaning of the
glowing pathways was to guide the three Kings to Jesus.
Where learned: TEXAS ; EL PASO
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20 |
Date learned: 12-00-1986
THE NEARER TO THE MOON ON CHRISTMAS, THE HARDER WILL
BE THE REST OF WINTER.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; SARANAC
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20 |
Date learned: 11-18-1971
CANDLEMAS DAY CUSTOM
ON CANLEMAS DAY, WHICH IS FEBRUARY 2, POLISH CATHOLICS
HAVE BEESWAX CANDLES BLESSED AT MASS. THESE ARE LIT
DURING BAD STORMS, AND THEY ARE ALSO PLACED IN THE HANDS
OF THE DYING.
Submitter comment:
THE INFORMANT STILL PRACTICES THIS CUSTOM EXCEPT FOR
LIGHTING THE CANDLE DURING STORMS.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Death Funeral Burial CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20 BELIEF -- Weather sign or control |
Date learned: 02-07-1971
THE FIRST PERSON IN THE HOUSE AFTER MIDNIGHT ON NEW
YEAR'S EVE HAS TO BE A RED HAIRED PERSON TO INSURE
GOOD LUCK FOR THE HOUSE FOR THE NEXT YEAR.
A BLACK HAIRED PERSON WILL BRING BAD LUCK.
Submitter comment:
INFORMANT'S FAMILY ALWAYS MAKES SURE EITHER THE
RED HAIRED BROTHERS OR SISTERS ARE THE FIRST ONES
IN THE HOUSE NEW YEAR'S EVE.
Where learned: NEW YORK
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- January 1 New Year's CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20 BELIEF -- Body part Senses BELIEF -- Color BELIEF -- Good luck BELIEF -- Bad luck |
FRENCH CUSTOM
ON NEW YEAR'S EVE MANY FAMILIES OF FRENCH EXTRACTION EAT
THIRTEEN GRAPES--TWO FOR THE MONTH OF THEIR BIRTHDAY AND
ONE FOR EVERY OTHER MONTH OF THE YEAR. THIS IS TO MAKE
THEM SWEET.
Submitter comment:
MRS. GORNO IS OF FRENCH-CANADIAN BACKGROUND. THIS CUSTOM
IS TRADITIONAL IN HER FAMILY.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; WYANDOTTE
Date learned: 01-00-1960
OPWATEK (BREAKING OF UNLEAVENED BREAD AT CHRISTMAS,
AT THE MAIN MEAL ON CHRISTMAS DAY, A LARGE, SQUARE-SHAPED
PIECE OF WHITE, UNLEAVENED BREAD, BEARING AN IMPRESSION
OF THE NATIVITY SCENE, IS PLACED IN THE CENTER OF THE
TABLE. EACH PERSON BREAKS OFF A SMALL PIECE, AND GOES
AROUND TO EVERYONE ELSE AT THE MEAL, BREAKING THE BREAD
WITH THEM SO THAT EACH PERSON GETS A PART OF THE OTHER
PERSON'S BREAD. THIS BREAD-BREAKING IS USUALLY ACCOMPANIED
WITH A KISS AND A SINCERE EXPRESSION OF WELL WISHING.
THIS CUSTOM IS TO DEMONSTRATE CHRISTIAN UNITY AND FILIAL
LOVE.
Submitter comment:
THIS IS A CUSTOM WHICH HAS BEEN WELL-KNOWN AMONG THE POLISH
FOR MANY YEARS. MY GRANDMOTHER HAD LEARNED THIS FROM
HER FAMILY AS A CHILD. SHE HAS BEEN IN THIS COUNTRY
FOR OVER FIFTY YEARS, BUT SHE STILL FAITHFULLY OBSERVES
THIS CUSTOM, AND HAS INFLUENCED HER CHILDREN AND THEIR
CHILDREN TO DO THE SAME.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; FERNDALE
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 24 Christmas Eve Oplatki CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20 |
Date learned: 00-00-1915
DURING THE CHRISTMAS SEASON THE DOORS ARE LEFT
UNLATCHED AND FOOD IS LEFT OUT FOR MARY AND JOSEPH.
Submitter comment: FROM HER MOTHER.
Where learned: NONE GIVEN
Keyword(s): SYMBOL
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 25 Christmas Also see F642, below. CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20 Food Drink -- Food |
Date learned: 11-26-1967
GREEK NEW YEAR'S CUSTOM
A SPECIAL SWEETBREAD IS MADE FOR NEW YEAR'S. A $5
SILVER PIECE KEPT ALL YEAR IN THE FAMILY ICON IS BAKED IN
THE BREAD. ON NEW YEAR'S MORNING, THE BREAD IS CUT INTO
AS MANY SLICES AS THERE ARE PEOPLE AT THE TABLE. EACH
PERSON PUTS HIS FINGER ON THE SLICE OF BREAD HE WANTS
AND EVERYBODY REMOVES HIS PIECE TOGETHER. WHOEVER GETS
THE PIECE WITH THE SILVERPIECE WILL HAVE GOOD LUCK FOR
THE YEAR.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | Favorites CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- January 1 New Year's CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20 BELIEF -- Good luck |
Date learned: 01-30-1967
FIRST FOOTING
MRS. SULLIVAN AND HER NEIGHBORS FIRMLY BELIEVE IN AN OLD
GERMAN AND SCOTTISH PRACTICE CALLED "FIRST FOOTING."
ACCORDING TO SUPERSTITION, THE FIRST-FOOTER, A TALL,
DARK MALE, WHO FIRST COMES TO THE HOUSE ON THE FIRST
DAY OF THE NEW YEAR MUST BRING WITH HIM A GIFT OF FOOD
AND DRINK FOR THE INHABITANTS, TO INSURE HEALTH AND
SUFFICIENT FOOD AND DRINK FOR THE ENSUING YEAR. IF
THE FIRST-FOOTER BRINGS NO SUCH GIFTS, HE WILL BRING
DISEASE AND HIS LACK OF GIFTS WILL MEAN FAMINE AND
THIRST FOR THE HOUSE'S OCCUPANTS DURING THE NEW YEAR.
MRS. SULLIVAN AND HER NEIGHBORS KEEP THEIR DOORS LOCKED
UNTIL THE HOUSE IS PROPERLY FIRST-FOOTED.
I HAVE NOTED THE EXISTENCE OF THIS PRACTICE AMONG SCOTCH
FAMILIES IN OTHER AREAS OF EAST DETROIT.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; FRASER
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- January 1 New Year's CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20 |
Date learned: 12-31-1966
ST. AGNES' EVE--JANUARY 20
MR. CYLKOWSKI, A PROFESSOR AT MERCY (COLLEGE), TOLD HIS
CLASSES TODAY OF THE TRADITION OF ST. AGNES' EVE. I BELIEVE
HE MENTIONED THAT KEAT'S POETRY HAS IMMORTALIZED THIS TALE.
EVERY ST. AGNES' EVE (JANUARY 20, AS HER FEAST DAY IN THE
CATHOLIC CHURCH IS JANUARY 21) YOUNG LADIES WILL DREAM OF
THEIR BELOVED. WHY THIS DAY IN PARTICULAR? ST. AGNES
CHOSE MARTYRDOM TO PROCLAIM HER TRUE LOVE FOR HER LORD.
SO IT IS FITTING THAT YOUNG LADIES WILL BEHOLD THE FACE
OF THEIR BELOVED ON THE EVE OF HER FEAST.
Submitter comment:
I FOUND THIS TALE QUITE FITTING AS MR. CYLKOWSKI'S CLASS
IS COMPOSED (95%) OF YOUNG LADIES.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT ; MERCY COLLEGE OF DETROIT
| Subject headings: | Favorites CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- January 20 CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- January 21 CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Marriage Dream about future husband CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20 |
NEW YEAR'S CUSTOM
SOMETHING WE ALWAYS PLAYED ON NEW YEAR'S EVE--THE
POKER-NUT GAME. WE PLAYED POKER AND WE USED A
VARIETY OF NUTS FOR CHIPS. THE WINNERS KEEP OR
EAT THEIR WINNINGS.
Submitter comment:
SHE DID THIS WHEN SHE WAS A CHILD, AND NOW HER
HUSBAND AND CHILDREN ALSO PLAY THIS ON NEW YEAR'S
EVE, BEFORE THE CHILDREN GO OUT OR GO TO BED.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
Date learned: 04-15-1967
PIE PLATE GAME
THIS WAS PLAYED ON THANKSGIVING AND CHRISTMAS EVE.
THEY TOOK A PIE PLATE AND A PERSON WOULD SPIN
IT AND SOMEONE ELSE HAD TO GET IT BEFORE IT STOPPED
SPINNING. IT WAS WILD!
Submitter comment:
HER HUSBAND'S FAMILY PLAYED THIS.
Data entry tech comment:
Updated by TRD
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
Keyword(s): CUSTOM ; GAME ; holiday ; tradition
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Game Pastime CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20 CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Autumn Fall Harvest Thanksgiving |
Date learned: 04-15-1967
THERE IS A FLAT GREEN AT COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY WHICH HAS
TWO STATUES FACING EACH OTHER. IT IS FABLED THAT IF
A VIRGIN (MALE OR FEMALE) WALKS BETWEEN THE STATUES ON
ST. VALENTINE'S DAY EVE, AT MIDNIGHT, THE TWO STATUES
WILL WALK TOWARDS EACH OTHER AND SHAKE HANDS, THEN
WALK BACK.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20 BELIEF -- Product or activity of man or animal P477.12 |
Date learned: 03-17-1972
THE FIRST PERSON TO ENTER YOUR HOME ON NEW YEAR'S
DAY SHOULD BE A DARK HAIRED MAN. THIS WILL BRING
GOOD LUCK TO THE ENTIRE HOUSEHOLD.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DEARBORN
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20 BELIEF -- Sign Color BELIEF -- Good luck |
Date learned: 03-27-1970
DO NOT BRING A SNOWFLAKE IN THE HOUSE ON VALENTINE'S
DAY IF YOU WANT TO BE MARRIED WITHIN A YEAR.
Submitter comment: CALLED IN BY LISTENER TO STATION.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- February 14 Valentine's Day CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20 BELIEF -- Marriage |
Date learned: 03-14-1972