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The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

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WHEN YOU BECAME A SENIOR AT MY HIGH SCHOOL
YOU BECAME INVOLVED IN THE PRACTICE OF
CHOOSING A "LITTLE SISTER" FROM THE FRESHMEN
CLASS. YOU BECAME A "BIG SISTER", AND HELPED
HER OUT WHENEVER YOU COULD. MANY NEW FRIENDS
WERE MADE THIS WAY.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; HARPER WOODS

Subject headings: CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- School

Date learned: 12-00-1983

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IN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL A POPULAR GAME WAS THE
COOTIES, EACH DAY ONE CHILD WOULD PUSH ANOTHER
CHILD INTO THE UGLIEST BOY OR GIRL, THIS STARTED THE
COOTIES. WHO EVER WAS PUSHED INTO THE UGLY CHILD GOT
THE COOTIES. THE VICTIM COULD GET RID OF THE
COOTIES BY TAPPING ANOTHER CLASS MATE WITHOUT
THE TEACHER SEEING IT DONE. IF YOU WERE THE LAST ONE
WITH THE COOTIES AT THE END OF THE DAY, YOUR
BEST FRIEND COULD PICK THE COOTIES OFF OF
YOU WITH A COOTIE CATCHER, SO YOU WOULD NOT
HAVE TO TAKE THEM HOME WITH YOU AT NIGHT.
HOWEVER, THE NEXT DAY YOU HAD TO BE GIVEN THE
COOTIES BACK.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

Subject headings: Favorites
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- School

Date learned: 03-00-1984

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JESUIT NOVITIATE CUSTOMS

DURING THE NOVITIATE PRIOR TO THE SECOND VATICAN COUNCIL,
VARIOUS PENANCE PRACTICES WERE ENCOURAGED, AND ONE PRACTICE
WAS KNOWN AS THE "DISCIPLINE." THE DISCIPLINE WAS SELF-
WHIPPING WITH A SMALL FLOGGING INSTRUMENT. NOVICES WERE
ENCOURAGED TO FLOG THEMSELVES EACH EVENING FOR THE LENGTH
OF AN "OUR FATHER" AS A FORM OF PENANCE, AND THERE WAS A HIGH
DEGREE OF CONFORMITY DUE TO PEER PRESSURE.

Submitter comment: THIS PRACTICE IS NO LONGER ENCOURAGED.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

Subject headings: CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- School
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Church

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JESUIT NOVITIATE CUSTOMS

DURING THE NOVITIATE PRIOR TO THE SECOND VATICAN COUNCIL,
VARIOUS PENANCE PRACTICES WERE ENCOURAGED. ONE OF THESE
PRACTICES WAS KNOWN AS THE CHAINS, WHICH INVOLVED WEARING
A METAL CHAIN AS A BELT UNDERNEATH ONE'S CASSOCK. THE BELT
WAS DESIGNED SO THAT SMALL METAL PRONGS JABBED ONE'S STOMACH
TO MAKE THEM FEEL UNCOMFORTABLE. THE PHYSICAL DISCOMFORT WAS
VIEWED AS APPROPRIATE PENANCE FOR ONE'S SINS. THE BELT WAS
WORN THROUGHOUT THE DAY, AND MANY NOVICES FOLLOWED THIS
PRACTICE DUE TO PEER PRESSURE AND CONFORMITY.

Submitter comment: THIS PRACTICE IS NO LONGER ENCOURAGED.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

Subject headings: CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- School
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Church

Date learned: 09-20-1984

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JESUIT NOVITIATE CUSTOMS

A COMMON PENANCE PRACTICE DURING THE JESUIT NOVITIATE
PRIOR TO THE SECOND VATICAN COUNCIL WAS "PARVA MENSA"
DURING THE DINNER MEAL. THIS PRACTICE ENTAILED KNEELING
AT THE TABLE FOR THE ENTIRE MEAL HOUR AS A SIGN OF PENANCE
FOR ONE'S SINS. THIS PRACTICE WAS ENCOURAGED FOR THE
SAKE OF HUMILITY.

Submitter comment: THIS PRACTICE IS NO LONGER ENCOURAGED.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

Subject headings: CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- School
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Church
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Measure of time Eating For menu, see N222.
SPEECH -- Gesture

Date learned: 09-20-1984

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JESUIT NOVITIATE CUSTOMS

A COMMON PENANCE PRACTICE DURING THE JESUIT NOVITIATE
PRIOR TO THE SECOND VATICAN COUNCIL WAS TO KNEEL WITH
HANDS EXTENDED DURING THE EVENING MEAL GRACE. THIS
WAS CONSIDERED A PENANCE PRACTICE AND A SIGN OF HUMILITY.

Submitter comment: THIS PRACTICE IS NO LONGER ENCOURAGED.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

Subject headings: CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- School
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Church
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Measure of time Eating For menu, see N222.
SPEECH -- Gesture

Date learned: 09-20-1984

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JESUIT NOVITIATE PRACTICES

DURING THE JESUIT NOVITIATE PRIOR TO THE SECOND VATICAN
COUNCIL, "CULPAS" WERE OFTEN PERFORMED DURING THE EVENING
MEAL. CULPA IS A LATIN WORD MEANING "FAULTS". CULPAS
WERE PUBLIC CONFESSIONS MADE DURING DINNER IN FRONT OF
THE COMMUNITY. OFTEN THE CONFESSOR WOULD KISS THE FEET
OF CERTAIN COMMUNITY MEMBERS UPON FINISHING HIS CONFESSION
AS A SIGN OF PENANCE AND HUMILITY.

Submitter comment: THIS PRACTICE IS NO LONGER ENCOURAGED.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

Subject headings: CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- School
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Church
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Measure of time Eating For menu, see N222.
SPEECH -- Gesture

Date learned: 09-20-1984

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JESUIT NOVITIATE LEGENDS

DURING THE JESUIT NOVITIATE IN THE 1960'S, A NOVICE WAS
ON HIS HANDS AND KNEES KISSING COMMUNITY MEMBERS' FEET
DURING THE EVENING MEAL AS A SIGN OF PENANCE AND HUMILITY
WHEN THE SERVERS ACCIDENTLY DUMPED THE SOUP TRAY ON TOP
OF HIM. HE WAS PERFORMING A "CULPA" WHEN THIS OCCURRED.

Submitter comment: CULPAS WERE PUBLIC CONFESSIONS DURING DINNER PRACTICED IN
THE JESUIT NOVITIATE PRIOR TO THE SECOND VATICAN COUNCIL.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

Subject headings: PROSE NARRATIVE -- Religious hero
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- School
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Church
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Measure of time Eating For menu, see N222.
SPEECH -- Gesture

Date learned: 09-20-1984

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JESUIT NOVITIATE CUSTOMS

DURING THE JESUIT NOVITIATE PRIOR TO THE SECOND VATICAN
COUNCIL, NOVICES WERE DISCOURAGED FROM FORMING "PARTICULAR
FRIENDSHIPS". TO DISCOURAGE CLOSE FRIENDSHIPS, NOVICES
HAD TO GO ON WALKS WITH AT LEAST TWO OTHER NOVICES, AND
NOVICES WERE ASSIGNED PARTNERS TO WALK WITH.

Submitter comment: THIS POLICY IS NO LONGER PRACTICED.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

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

Date learned: 09-20-1984

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JESUIT NOVITIATE LEGENDS

DURING THE JESUIT NOVITIATE IN THE 1960'S, FR. ED SCHMIDT
TAUGHT LATIN CLASSES. BECAUSE THE NOVITIATE WAS SILENT
AND POPULAR MUSIC WAS BANNED, FR. SCHMIDT SECRETLY PLACED
INTERLUDES OF "BEATLES" IN THE LANGUAGE LAB TAPES. THE
TAPES BECAME POPULAR, AND AS THE SEMESTER PROGRESSED, THE
INTERLUDES OF MUSIC INCREASED AS THE LATIN DECREASED.

James Callow comment: THE BEATLES WERE A POPULAR GROUP OF MUSICIANS FROM ENGLAND.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

Subject headings: PROSE NARRATIVE -- Religious hero
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- School
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Church

Date learned: 09-20-1984

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JESUIT NOVITIATE LEGENDS

DURING THE JESUIT NOVITIATE IN THE 1960'S, THERE WAS THE
STORY OF THE JESUIT NOVICE HAVING A NERVOUS BREAKDOWN
DURING MASS. HE BEGAN TO GROAN LOUDLY, AND WAS TAKEN
MYSTERIOUSLY FROM THE NOVITIATE NEVER TO BE SEEN AGAIN.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

Subject headings: PROSE NARRATIVE -- Religious hero
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- School
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Church

Date learned: 09-20-1984

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JESUIT NOVITIATE LEGENDS

DURING THE JESUIT NOVITIATE IN THE 1960'S, THE STATUE
OF ST. JOSEPH WAS MYSTERIOUSLY BEING TURNED AROUND. ONE
DAY THE SUPERIOR FOUND ST. JOE TURNED AROUND WITH AN AXE
IN HIS BACK. THE DISTRAUGHT SUPERIOR CALLED IN A
PSYCHIATRIST WHO SUGGESTED MORE DIVERSITY IN THE LIVING
ARRANGEMENT. THE PSYCHIATRIST THOUGHT MORE DIVERSITY
WOULD LEAD TO A BETTER PSYCHOLOGICAL ATMOSPHERE. THE
SUPERIOR TOOK THE ADVICE OF THE PSYCHIATRIST, AND ADDED
NEW AND DIFFERENT COLOR INK BLOTTERS TO EACH ROOM.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

James Callow Keyword(s): HUMOR

Subject headings: Favorites
PROSE NARRATIVE -- Religious hero
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- School
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Church

Date learned: 09-20-1984

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COONING FOR APPLES

A GROUP OF 5 OR 6 PEOPLE GET INTO THE BACK OF A PICK-UP TRUCK.
THERE IS ONLY THE DRIVER IN THE TRUCK. THERE ARE AT LEAST 2 TEAMS
OF PEOPLE THAT PARTICIPATE IN THIS CONTEST.
THE OBJECT OF THIS IS TO GO OUT INTO THE APPLE ORCHARDS AT NIGHT AND
STEAL APPLES WITHOUT GETTING CAUGHT.

Submitter comment: THIS GAME IS PLAYED ON THE EVE OF HOMECOMING DANCE.
THIS IS NATIVE TO RAVENNA, MICHIGAN AND IS CELEBRATED EVERY YEAR.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

Subject headings: Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Game Pastime
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Entertainment Diversion
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- School
SPEECH -- Game Pastime Sport

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ON MULTIPLE-CHOICE TESTS, THERE IS USUALLY NO CREDIT FOR
WRONG ANSWERS. EITHER YOU GET IT RIGHT OR YOU GET IT WRONG
WITH NO PARTIAL CREDIT.
THIS TYPE OF TESTING IS TERMED BY STUDENTS AS "PICKING
THE LOTTERY." IF YOU GET THE ANSWER RIGHT, YOU GET FULL
CREDIT. GET IT WRONG, YOU'RE UP THE CREEK. YOU TAKE A CHANCE
WITH EVERY ANSWER YOU PICK.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

Subject headings: CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- School

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THERE IS A TRADITION IN THE KINDERGARTEN CLASSES OF ALMONT
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL. EACH NEW STUDENT MAKES AN IMPRINT OF
HIS OR HER HAND IN AN ALUMINUM PAN FILLED WITH PLASTER.
ONCE THE IMPRESSIONS HAVE DRIED, THEY ARE COLORED IN WITH
A GOLD COLORED PAINT. WHEN THE LITTLE MASTERPIECES ARE
COMPLETED, THE STUDENT TAKES IT HOME TO BE HUNG ON THE WALL
IN THE KITCHEN.

Submitter comment: THE INFORMANT'S MOTHER STILL HAS ALL FIVE OF HER CHILDREN'S
HANDPRINTS HANGING UP ON THE WALL IN THE KITCHEN EVEN
THOUGH HER CHILDREN ARE ALL GROWN.

Subject headings: CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- School

Date learned: 00-00-1972 ; 10-00-1987

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IF YOU SLEEP WITH A BOOK UNDER YOUR HEAD THE NIGHT
BEFORE YOU HAVE A TEST THE BOOK KNOWLEDGE WILL SINK
IN AND WILL BE REMEMBERED FOR THE NEXT DAY.

Submitter comment: MY MOTHER LEARNED THESE FROM HER MOTHER IN THE 1930S

Where learned: DETROIT

Subject headings: CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- School
BELIEF -- School

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IT IS A TRADITION AT CHEBOYGAN HIGH SCHOOL FOR THE SENIOR CLASS
TO NAME THE INCOMING FRESHMAN CLASS AFTER SOME LIVING THING OR
CHARACTERISTIC OF A LIVING THING. THE FRESHMAN CLASS THEN ASSUMES
THIS APPOINTMENT AND CARRIES THE NICKNAME THROUGH THEIR FOUR
YEARS OF HIGH SCHOOL. WHEN OFFICIAL REFERENCE IS MADE TO THIS
CLASS, THE NICKNAME IS USED.

Submitter comment: THE TRADITION WAS STARTED WHEN THE NEW HIGH SCHOOL (NOW THE
JUNIOR HIGH) WAS BUILT IN 1958.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; CHEBOYGAN

Subject headings: CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- School
SPEECH -- Proper Name

Date learned: 09-00-1978

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WHEN I WAS IN GRADE SCHOOL, IF WE WERE
ON THE PLAYGROUND DURING RECESS THE BOYS
WOULD COME UP BEHIND THE GIRLS AND YELL
"DRESS UP DAY" AND PULL UP THEIR DRESSES
AND RUN AWAY LAUGHING.

Submitter comment: WHEN I WAS IN SCHOOL, THE GIRLS COULD
NOT WEAR JEANS OR SLACKS LIKE THEY DO TODAY.
DRESSES AND SKIRTS WERE ABSOLUTELY REQUIRED.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

Subject headings: CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Entertainment Diversion
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- School
ART CRAFT ARCHITECTURE -- Dress

Date learned: 00-00-1950

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Each year it is a known tradition that all freshmen must
be "laked" on their birthday. Laking includes a group of
around twenty guys that first smear shaving cream on the
birthday boy. He is then led down to St. Mary's Lake
where he receives his birthday swim. The tradition ends
with a goodnight song to the girls in Lewis Hall, and a
mass mooning from all the guys involved in the laking
event.

Where learned: INDIANA ; University of Notre Dame ; South Bend

Subject headings: CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- School
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Private birthday or anniversary

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At the University of Notre Dame, the Wednesday before the
first home football game, there is a panty raid at the all
girl college, St. Mary's, which is across from Notre Dame's
campus.

Where learned: INDIANA ; University of Notre Dame ; South Bend

Subject headings: CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- School

Date learned: 08-00-1986

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