Dr. James T. Callow publications
Browse by
Questions or comments on this site? Please email davidsor@udmercy.edu.
The James T. Callow Folklore Archive
Your search for S600 returned 515 results.
CURSE
PUT YOUR THUMBS UP WHEN YOU COME ACROSS A CURSE,(BLACK CAT,
LADDER, ETC.)
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | Charm / Enchantment / Conjuration SPEECH -- Gesture |
Date learned: 02-07-1970
IF YOU HAVE AN ITCHY NOSE YOU'RE
GOING TO KISS A FOOL.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT ; UNION
| Subject headings: | Spirit / Mind / Body BELIEF -- Physically handicapped Deformed BELIEF -- Body part Senses SPEECH -- Gesture |
Date learned: 10181967 ASSUMED
LONG HANDS
HE CAME IN WITH ONE HAND AS LONG AS THE OTHER.
Submitter comment: THIS MEANS THAT SOMEONE CAME WITHOUT A PRESENT.
Where learned: LOCATION NOT RECORDED BY COLLECTOR
Keyword(s): METAPHOR GIVING FRIENDSHIP
| Subject headings: | SPEECH -- Gesture PROVERB -- Proverbial Metaphor |
Date learned: DATE NOT RECORDED BY THE COLLECTOR
FOLK CURE- HEADACHE
IF YOU HAVE A HEADACHE, TAKE THREE MATCHES AND LIGHT THEM.
TAKE A GLASS HALF FILLED WITH WATER AND LET THE MATCHES BURN
ALMOST TO THE END. THEN LET THE MATCHES DROP INTO THE WATER,
AND IF THE HEADS OF THE MATCHES DROP STRAIGHT TO THE BOTTOM OF
THE GLASS, SOMEONE GAVE YOU THE EVIL EYE.
THEN YOU TAKE YOUR THUMB, FOREFINGER, AND INDEX FINGER, AND YOU
DIP THEM IN THE GLASS OF WATER. NEXT, MAKE THE SIGN OF THE CROSS
ON YOUR FOREHEAD AND TAKE SOME MORE WATER AND PUT IT ON THE BACKS
OF BOTH HANDS. THEN YOU TAKE THE INSIDE HEM OF YOUR DRESS AND
YOU WIPE THE BACKS OF YOUR HANDS AND YOUR FOREHEAD ON THE HEM.
PUT A LITTLE BIT OF WATER ON THE HINGE IN THE CORNER OF A DOOR
SO THE HEADACHE WILL GO OUT THE DOOR AND POUR THE REMAINDER
OF THE WATER DOWN THE SINK AND TURN THE GLASS BOTTOMS-UP.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | Observation Favorites BELIEF -- Sign Geometric figure Cross and its various modifications BELIEF -- Remedy SPEECH -- Gesture |
THAIS ARE TAUGHT TO CONSIDER CERTAIN PARTS OF THE BODY AS MORE SACRED
THAN OTHERS. THE FEET ARE THE LEAST SACRED AND IT IS NOT COURTEOUS
TO SPRAWLOR SIT WITH LEGS ELEVATED AND POINTED AT A THAI.
Submitter comment:
PERHAPS THE GREATEST INSULT THAT A PERSON CAN DIRECT TO A THAI
IS TO POINT HIS FOOT AT A THAI'S HEAD.
Where learned: THAILAND
| Subject headings: | Favorites BELIEF -- Body part Senses SPEECH -- Gesture |
Date learned: 03-00-1971
CUSTOMS
THE THAI BELIEVE THAT THE HUMAN HEAD IS A SACRED PART OF THE BODY.
IT IS THE DWELLING PLACE OF THE "KHWAN" OR SOUL.
IT IS IMPORTANT THAT YOU DO NOT
TOUCH THE HEAD OR SHOULDERS OF A THAI.
Where learned: THAILAND
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Body part Senses Head, physiognomy, face SPEECH -- Gesture |
Date learned: 03-00-1971
CRUCIAL MOMENT OF LIFE CUSTOM
"WHEN A FRATERNITY BROTHER OF MY FRATERNITY GETS MARRIED,
GRADUATES, OR GETS PINNED, WE TOAST HIM BY INTERLOCKING OUR ARMS
WITH THE DRINKS IN OUR HANDS, WE CLINK THE GLASSES BACKWARDS AND
CHUG THE DRINK."
Submitter comment: HE COMMENTS THAT THIS PROBABLY SOUNDS STUPID BUT THEY ALWAYS DO IT.
Where learned: UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DORM ROOM
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Marriage After engagement: fun with friends, etc. SPEECH -- Gesture |
Date learned: 11-02-1970
GOOD LUCK GESTURE
WHEN YOU SEE YOUR FIRST ROBIN OF THE SEASON LICK YOUR THUMB,
TOUCH IT TO YOUR PALM OF YOUR HAND, AND THEN POUND THAT PALM
WITH YOUR FIST FOR GOOD LUCK.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | 686 Properties attributed to specific numbers or numerals individually. CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Measure of time Season BELIEF -- Bird BELIEF -- Good luck SPEECH -- Gesture |
Date learned: DATE NOT RECORDED BY COLLECTOR.
CURE FOR THE EVIL EYE
FILL A BOWLWITH WATER, DIP YOUR
FINGER IN OIL AND MAKE THE SIGN
OF THE CROSS OVER THE BOWL3 TIMES.
THEN MAKE THE SIGN OF THE CROSS
ON YOUR FOREHEAD 3 TIMES, AFTER,
PUT SOME OIL IN THE WATER. IF IT
DISAPPEARS YOU DO NOT HAVE THE
EVIL EYE. IF THE OIL SPREADS, OR
GOES INTO SNAKE FORM, THEN YOU HAVE THE EVIL EYE.
TO GET RID OF IT, BREAK THE OIL INTO DOTS OR POUR IT WWAY.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | 686 Thirds / Thrice / Three / Triple BELIEF -- Body part Senses BELIEF -- Sign Geometric figure Cross and its various modifications BELIEF -- Method of Curing SPEECH -- Gesture |
Date learned: 03-22-1972
CHILDREN'S SONG
MY FATHER IS A GARBAGE MAN ( HOLD NOSE AND SAY P-U ).
MY MOTHER IS A COOK ( RUB STOMACH AND SAY MMM-M
).
MY SISTER IS A HAIR-CURLER ( MAKE CORKSCREW MOTION ON HEAD AND SAY
WHIRR-WHIRR).
MY BROTHER IS A CROOK %POINT FINGER LIKE A GUN AND SAY BANG-BANG<.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
Keyword(s): SONG WITH GESTURES
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Children SPEECH -- Gesture |
Date learned: 12-01-1967
" DAS WHAT I LEARNED IN ME SCHOOL "
I POINT TO MYSELF AND SAYS " VAT IS DAS HERE? "
DAS IS MY HEAD ACHER, YA MAMA DEAR,
HEAD ACHER, HEAD ACHER YA MAMA DEAR,
DAS WHAT I LEARNED IN MY SCHOOL.
I POINT TO MYSELF AND SAYS " VAT IS DAS HERE? "
DAS IS MY SWEATS BROWER, YA MAMA DEAR,
SWEATS BROWER, HEAD ACHER YA MAMA DEAR,
DAS WHAT I LEARNED IN MY SCHOOL
I POINTS TO MYSELF AND SAY " VAT IS DAS HERE? "
DAS IS MY EYE BLINKER, YA MAMA DEAR,
EYE BLINKER, SWEATS BROWER, HEAD ACHER YA MAMA DEAR,
DAS WHAT I LEARNED IN MY SCHOOL.
I POINT TO MYSELF AND SAYS " VAT IS DAS HERE? "
DAS IS MY CHEESE SMELLER, YA MAMA DEAR,
CHEESE SMELLER, EYE BLINKER, SWEATS BROWER, HEAD ACHER YA MAMA DEAR,
DAS WHAT I LEARNED IN MY SCHOOL.
I POINT TO MYSELF AND SAYS " VAT IS DAS HERE? "
DAS IS MY COOKIE DUSTER, YA MAMA DEAR,
COOKIE DUSTER, CHEESE SMELLER, EYE BLINKER, SWEATS BROWER,
HEAD ACHER, YA MAMA DEAR,
DAS WHAT I LEARNED IN MY SCHOOL.
I POINTS TO MYSELF AND SAYS " VAT IS DAS HERE? "
DAS IS MY BULL-SHOOTER, YA MAMA DEAR,
BULL SHOOTER, COOKIE DUSTER, CHEESE SMELLER, EYE BLINKER,
SWEATS BROWER, HEAD ACHER, YA MAMA DEAR,
DAS WHAT I LEARNED IN MY SCHOOL.
I POINTS TO MYSELF AND SAYS " VAT IS DAS HERE? "
DAS IS MY JAW BREAKER, YA MAMA DEAR,
JAW BREAKER, BULL SHOOTER, COOKIE DUSTER, CHEESE SMELLER,
EYE BLINKER, SWEATS BROWER, HEAD ACHER, YA MAMA DEAR,
DAS WHAT I LEARNED IN MY SCHOOL.
I POINTS TO MYSELF AND SAYS " VAT IS DAS HERE? "
DAS IS MY RUBBER NECKER, YA MAMA DEAR,
RUBBER NECKER, JAW BREAKER, BULL SHOOTER, COOKIE DUSTER, CHEESE
SMELLER, EYE BLINKER, SWEATS BROWER, HEAD ACHER, YA MAMA DEAR,
DAS WHAT I LEARNED IN MY SCHOOL.
I POINTS TO MYSELF AND SAYS "VAT IS DAS HERE? "
DAS IS MY CHEST PROTECTOR, YA MAMA DEAR,
CHEST PROTECTOR, RUBBER NECKER, JAW BREAKER, BULL SHOOTER,
COOKIE DUSTER, CHEESE SMELLER, EYE BLINKER, SWEATS BROWER
HEAD ACHER, YA MAMA DEAR,
DAS WHAT I LEARNED IN MY SCHOOL.
I POINTS TO MYSELF AND SAYS " VAT IS DAS HERE? "
DAS IS MY TUMMY ACHER, YA MAMA DEAR,
TUMMY ACHER, CHEST PROTECTOR, RUBBER NECKER, JAW BREAKER,
BULL SHOOTER, COOKIE DUSTER, CHEESE SMELLER, EYE BLINKER,
SWEATS BROWER, HEAD ACHER, YA MAMA DEAR,
DAS WHAT I LEARNED IN MY SCHOOL.
I POINTS TO MYSELF AND SAYS " VAT IS DAS HERE? "
DAS IS MY TROUBLE MAKER, YA MAMA DEAR,
TROUBLE MAKER, TUMMY ACHER, CHEST PROTECTOR, RUBBER NECKER,
JAW BREAKER, BULL SHOOTER, COOKIE DUSTER, CHEESE SMELLER,
EYE BLINKER, SWEATS BROWER, HEAD ACHER, YA MAMA DEAR,
DAS WHAT I LEARNED IN MY SCHOOL
Submitter comment:
THIS IS AN ACTION SONG I LEARNED WHEN I WAS IN KINDERGARTEN. AS YOU
SING THE SONG YOU ACTUALLY POINT TO THE VARIOUS PARTS MENTIONED. CO
1. HEAD ACHER-FORE HEAD
2. SWEATS BROWER-ABOVE EYES
3. EYE BLINKER-EYE LIDS
4. CHEESE SMELLER-NOSE
5. COOKIE DUSTER-UPPER LIP
6. BULL SHOOTER-MOUTH
7. JAW BREAKER-JAW
8. RUBBER NECKER-NECK
9. CHEST PROTECKER-CHEST
10. TUMMY ACHER-STOMACH
11. TROUBLE MAKER-FANNY
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
Keyword(s): CUMULATIVE SONG ; GERMAN DIALECT NAMES ; SONG WITH GESTURES
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Good humor Jest Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Children SPEECH -- Gesture |
Date learned: 04-04-1972
GESTURE
A GESTURE OF PUSHING THE FRONT TEETH WITH THE THUMB WHEN YOUR TONGUE
GETS TIED.
Where learned: CHILDHOOD
| Subject headings: | SPEECH -- Gesture |
Date learned: 11-00-1968
GESTURE
IN PARTING, WHEN A JAPANESE WAVES GOODBYE, HE USUALLY HOLDS THE ARM
ALOFT, WAVING THE HAND UP AND DOWN WITH THE PALM DOWNWARD. THIS SAME
MOTION OF THE HAND AND FINGERS WITH THE ARM OUTSTRETCHED HORIZONTALLY
USUALLY SIGNIFIES, "COME HERE". (IN THE WEST ONE BECKONS WITH ONE
FINGER, THE INDEX FINGER, WITH THE PALMS UPWARD).
Submitter comment: INFORMANT LIVES IN TOKYO, JAPAN.
| Subject headings: | SPEECH -- Gesture |
Date learned: 07-20-1964
LUCK ( COLLECTOR'S TITLE ) ; GESTURES ( CLASSIFIER'S TITLE )
KNOCK ON WOOD FOR GOOD LUCK.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; SAINT CLAIR SHORES
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Good luck P881.22 SPEECH -- Gesture |
Date learned: 02-17-1970
GOOD LUCK ( COLLECTOR'S TITLE ) ; GOOD LUCK: GESTURES ( CLASSIFIER'S TITLE )
BEFORE SURGERY, A PATIENT PICKED ALL THE PETALS OFF A ROSE FOR
GOOD LUCK.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Good luck P881.22 SPEECH -- Gesture |
Date learned: 10-23-1970
BAD LUCK BY POINTING TO THE SKY (COLLECTOR,S TITLE) ; CONVERSION: BITING (CLASSIFIER,S TITLE) ; GESTURE OR SIGN LANGUE BY USE OF HANDS (CLASSIFIER,S TITLE)
THEY SAY THAT IT IS BAD LUCK TO POINT TO THE SKY, IF YOU DO,
YOU SHOULD BITE YOUR FINGER UNTIL IT HURTS.
Submitter comment:
INFORMANT SAID THAT HER MOTHER ALWAYS DID THIS, AND SAID THAT HER
MOTHER ALWAYS SAID THAT GOD DOES NOT LIKE TO BE POINTED AT.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; OAK PARK
| Subject headings: | Favorites BELIEF -- Conversions P883.22 SPEECH -- Gesture |
Date learned: 02-02-1972
NEW YEAR'S CUSTOM
IT IS THE CUSTOM TO TURN AND KISS THE PERSON (OF THE OPPOSITE
SEX) NEXT TO YOU AT MIDNIGHT.
Data entry tech comment:
Informant and collector share the same surname.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
Date learned: 11-02-1969
GIVE ME FIVE
GIVE ME FIVE,
YOU HOLD YOUR HAND OUT.
ON THE BLACK HAND SIDE,
YOU TURN HAND OVER.
IN THE HOLE,
YOU MAKE A CIRCLE WITH YOUR THUMB AND RIGHT INDEX FINGER.
YOU GOT SOUL.
Submitter comment:
THIS IS A GESTURE AMONG THE YOUNG BLACK CHILDREN OF THIS DAY AND
TIME.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Speech Speech SPEECH -- Gesture |
Date learned: 11-04-1977
BELIEF
IF YOU DREAM OR HAVE A NIGHTMARE ABOUT THE DEVIL, BLESS YOURSELF
WHEN YOU AWAKE TO CALM YOUR FEARS AND HELP KEEP THE DEVIL AWAY.
Submitter comment: THIS WAS TOLD TO MY MOTHER BY HER MOTHER ABOUT 50 YEARS AGO.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; TAYLOR
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Devil Demon BELIEF -- Sign Geometric figure Cross and its various modifications BELIEF -- Dreams Dreams about the supernatural SPEECH -- Gesture |
Date learned: 11-00-1977 ; 00-00-1930
SUPERSTITION
WHEN YOU'RE RIDING IN A CAR HOLD YOUR FEET UP WHEN YOU GO OVER
RAILROAD TRACKS OR YOU WILL LOSE YOUR BOYFRIEND.
Submitter comment:
THIS REFERS TO GIRLS OF COURSE. JULIE LEARNED THIS FROM HER FRIENDS
IN MIDLAND, MICHIGAN. IT WAS PRACTICED NOT SERIOUSLY BUT IN FUN.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT ; CAMPUS
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Street Trip Relations between relatives, friends, host and guest Social class Rank BELIEF -- Marriage BELIEF -- Bad luck SPEECH -- Gesture |
Date learned: CA00001970