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The James T. Callow Folklore Archive
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FIXED DATE
ON JANUARY SIXTH, THREE MEN DRESSED LIKE KINGS WOULD GO TO EACH HOUS
AND WRITE K.M.B. ABOVE THE DOORS IN CHALK. THESE LETTERS ARE THE
INITIALS OF THE THREE KINGS THAT VISITED THE NEW BORN SAVIOR.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; SAINT CLAIR SHORES
| Subject headings: | 686 Thirds / Thrice / Three / Triple CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- January 6 Twelfth Day Epiphany BELIEF -- Religious hero BELIEF -- Emblem |
Date learned: 00001920S ; 02-16-1980
FUNERAL LORE
IF SOMEONE DIE IN YOUR FAMILY, IT'S ALWAY'S A PATTERN OF THREE DEATH
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | 686 Thirds / Thrice / Three / Triple |
Date learned: CA00001966
SUPERSTITION
IF YOU SEE A SHOOTING STAR YOU SHOULD SAY MONEY THREE TIME FOR
GOOD LUCK.
Where learned: CALIFORNIA ; MONROVIA
| Subject headings: | 686 Thirds / Thrice / Three / Triple BELIEF -- Good luck SPEECH -- Formula |
Date learned: CA00001935
HICCUP CURE
HOLD YOUR NOSE AND SWALLOW 3 TIMES.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; BIRMINGHAM
| Subject headings: | 686 Thirds / Thrice / Three / Triple BELIEF -- Method of Curing |
Date learned: 00-00-1966
A CURE FOR CATARACTS.
WASH THE EYES THREE TIMES A DAY WITH LEMON JUICE FOR AS LONG AS
EYESIGHT KEEPS IMPROVING.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; ROSEVILLE
| Subject headings: | 686 Thirds / Thrice / Three / Triple BELIEF -- Plant |
Date learned: 04-00-1980
BELIEF IN A PRAYER CUSTOM
WHENEVER YOU WALK INTO A NEW CHURCH (ONE YOU HAVE NEVER BEEN IN
BEFORE), YOU SHOULD SAY 3 OUR FATHERS, 3 HAIL MARYS, 3 GLORY BES AND
MAKE A WISH.
Submitter comment:
INFORMANT PRACTICES THIS AND CLAIMS THAT ALL HIS WISHES HAVE COME
TRUE.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | 686 Properties attributed to specific numbers or numerals individually. 686 Thirds / Thrice / Three / Triple BELIEF -- Church BELIEF -- Prayer |
Date learned: 01-31-1980
THREE ON A LIGHT
YOU SHOULD NEVER LIGHT 3 CIGARS OR CIGARETTES ON ONE MATCH BECAUSE
YOU CAN GET KILLED. WITH THE FIRST LIGHT, THE ENEMY WILL SEE YOU,
WITH THE SECOND, HE WILL SIGHT YOU, AND WITH THE THIRD, HE WILL FIRE
AT YOU.
Submitter comment:
INFORMANT LEARNED THIS IN THE ARMY AS PART OF HIS
ADVANCED INDIVIDUAL
TRAINING AT FORT LEONARD WOOD, MISSOURI.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | 686 Thirds / Thrice / Three / Triple BELIEF -- P535 |
Date learned: 01-31-1980 ; 00-00-1968
BAPTISM
WHEN CHILDREN ARE BAPTIZED IN THE GREEK CHURCH,
THEY ARE SUBMERGED IN THE BAPTISMAL FONT THREE TIMES.
Submitter comment:
THIS ACTION REPRESENTS THE HOLY TRINITY: FATHER,
SON, AND HOLY SPIRIT. THE BABY, A YEAR OLD MAXIMUM,
IS NOW CONSIDERED PART OF THE GREEK CHURCH.
THIS IS A GREEK-AMERICAN CUSTOM.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | 686 Thirds / Thrice / Three / Triple CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Baptism Naming rite |
Date learned: CA00001965
WISHES
IF YOU WISH SOMETHING GOOD ON THE THIRD SNEEZE,
THE WISH WILL COME TRUE.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | 686 Thirds / Thrice / Three / Triple Favorites BELIEF -- Product or activity of man or animal BELIEF -- Prayer |
Date learned: 00-00-1925
IRISH SUPERSTITION
IF A BIRD GETS INTO YOUR HOME AND CIRCLES AROUND YOUR HEAD THREE
TIMES, YOU ARE GOING TO DIE.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; Sterling Heights
| Subject headings: | 686 Thirds / Thrice / Three / Triple Observation BELIEF -- Bird BELIEF -- Death Funeral Burial |
Date learned: 00-00-1920
FLORIDA SUPERSTITION
"YOU SHOULD NEVER LIGHT THREE CANDLES OR THREE CIGARETTES
ON ONE MATCH, BECAUSE IT BRINGS BAD LUCK"
Where learned: OHIO ; FLORIDA ; ALLIANCE ; EUSTIS
| Subject headings: | 686 Thirds / Thrice / Three / Triple BELIEF -- Bad luck |
Date learned: 11-13-1980 ; 00001920S
GREEK WEDDING CUSTOMS
THE GREEK CUSTOMS DO NOT FAVOR ANY PARTICULAR MONTH FOR WEDDINGS. THE
CHURCH DOESN'T PERMIT MARRIAGES DURING THE LENTEN PERIODS. DURING A
GREEK WEDDING CEREMONY THERE ARE TWO WREATHS OF ORANGE BLOSSOMS
CONNECTED WITH A SATIN RIBBON. THE PRIEST CROSSES THE RIBBON THREE
TIMES WHICH SIGNIFIES THAT THE MARRIAGE CAN'T BE BROKEN UNTIL DEATH.
THE BRIDE HAS A DOWRY WHICH THE BRIDE'S FAMILY GIVES MONEY TO THE
GROOM.
THE TRADITIONAL GREEK WEDDING MEAL CONSISTS OF CORDIAL, MELON BALLS,
GREEN BEANS, GREEK SUMMER SALAD, ROLLS AND COFFEE.
Submitter comment: THE GREEK WEDDINGS ARE JOYOUS ONES FILLED WITH A LOT OF CELEBRATING.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
Date learned: 00-00-1980
GOOD FRIDAY SERVICE
THE LAMENTATIONS SERVICE IS A SERVICE IN WHICH THE BODY OF CHRIST IS
REPRESENTED ON A COSTLY EMBROIDERED MATERIAL. IT IS CARRIED
IN A PROCESSION AROUND THE CHURCH THREE TIMES. EACH PARISHONER TAKES
HOME ONE FLOWER AND PUTS IT WHERE YOU KEEP HOLY PICTURES AND VIGIL
LIGHTS WHICH YOU DISPOSE OF ONLY BY BURNING. THEY CAN'T BE THROWN
AWAY.
Submitter comment:
THE GREEKS' GOOD FRIDAY SERVICE IS INTERESTING. I ATTENDED IT ONCE
AND I ENJOYED SEEING HOW THE GREEKS CELEBRATE GOOD FRIDAY.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | 663 Good Friday 686 Thirds / Thrice / Three / Triple CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Church |
Date learned: 00-00-1980
NEW YEAR'S DREAMS
IN POLAND, IT IS A BELIEF THAT IF YOU DREAM ABOUT MARRYING A
PERSON THREE DAYS IN A ROW; ON NEW YEAR'S EVE, NEW YEAR'S DAY,
AND THE DAY AFTER, YOU WILL MARRY THAT PERSON BEFORE THE NEXT
YEAR COMES.
Submitter comment:
THERE IS ONE POINT TO BE MENTIONED IN REGARDS TO NEW YEAR'S EVE.
IT IS BELIEVED THAT SPIRITS ARE RESTLESS ON NEW YEAR'S EVE AND
THEY WANDER IN AND OUT OF HOUSES. THEREFORE, ON THAT DAY,
POLES ARE CAREFUL NOT TO WAVE SHARP OBJECTS IN THE AIR SUCH AS;
KNIVES, SCISSORS, AND PENCILS, SO AS NOT TO INJURE A SPIRIT AND
GIVE HIM CAUSE TO BE ANGRY WITH THEIR HOUSEHOLD. ALSO, THE POLES
WOULD LEAVE PLATES OF FOOD NEXT TO EMPTY CHAIRS IN CERTAIN PARTS OF
THE HOUSE. IF THEY WOULD DO THESE THINGS, THEY THOUGHT THE SPIRITS
WOULD THEN FEEL FREE TO BLESS THEIR HOUSEHOLD.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DEARBORN
Date learned: 00-00-1978
MACEDONIAN GREEK ORTHODOX FUNERAL
THE FUNERAL CEREMONY OF THE GREEK ORTHODOX IS MUCH LIKE ANY
OTHER RELIGION ITSELF, BUT MANY SYMBOLS ARE USED. THE PALLBEARERS
MUST WEAR WHITE GLOVES SO THEY DO NOT
STAIN THE SOUL OF THE DEAD PERSON
WHEN THE PROCESSION GETS TO THE CEMETERY EVERYONE IS GIVEN A CANDLE,
THE SYMBOL OF ETERNAL LIFE. THE PALLBEARERS ARE GIVEN THREE
REMEMBRANCES OF THE DECEASED LIKE A PAIR
OF SOCKS, A PITCHER, AND A TOWEL
ALSO AT THE CEMETERY THEY EAT BREAD AND
DRINK WINE. THE BROTHERS OF THE
DECEASED CAN NOT SHAVE FOR SIX WEEKS AFTER
THE DEATH BECAUSE THE SHAVINGS
WILL FALL IN THE EYES OF THE DEAD PERSON
AND WILL NOT BE ABLE TO SEE
THE GATES OF HEAVEN.
THE PALLBEARERS AND FAMILY MUST MEET AT THE
CEMETARY THREE, SIX, NINE, AND
TWELVE MONTHS AFTER THE DEATH OF THE PERSON.
AND THEN EACH YEAR AFTER
AS LONG AS THE MOTHER WANTS. AT EACH
MEETING THE PALLBEARERS ARE AGAIN GIVEN
SOME ARTICLES IN REMEMBRANCE AND BREAD AND WINE IS HAD. ALSO
EACH PERSON IS GIVEN A CANDLE.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; MADISON HEIGHTS
Date learned: 00-00-1979
MACEDONIAN GREEK ORTHODOX WEDDING
BEFORE THE WEDDING, THERE IS A GIFT GIVING
CEREMONY AT THE BRIDE'S HOUSE.
THE FATHER OF THE BRIDE SHARES BREAD AND
WINE WITH THE BRIDE BEFORE THE
GIFTS. THE BRIDE PUTS ON HER WEDDING
DRESS AND IS THEN PRESENTED WITH
GIFTS. THE FATHER IS FIRST TO GIVE A
GIFT, FOLLOWED BY HER FEMALE
RELATIVES. THE GIFTS ARE EITHER GIFTS OF
MONEY OR LINGERIE, EXCEPT FOR
THE FATHER'S GIFT.
WHILE THIS IS TAKING PLACE THE GROOM WAITS IN THE CHURCH. HE IS NOT
ALLOWED TO SEE THE BRIDE UNTIL THE CEREMONY. THE GROOM AT THIS TIME
SIGNS A CONTRACT WITNESSED BY TWO MEMBERS OF THE WEDDING PARTY, THE
"NUNCA" OR GODFATHER AND THE BEST MAN.
WHEN THE CEREMONY BEGINS, EACH MALE MEMBER OF THE WEDDING PARTY WAITS
AS HIS PARTNER WALKS DOWN THE AISLE FROM THE REAR OF THE CHURCH. HE
GREETS HER IN THE CENTER OF THE AISLE.
THEY WALK TO THE ALTAR, BOW THEIR
HEADS. THEY THEN DIVIDE AND STAND ON
OPPOSITE SIDES OF THE ALTAR, THE
MEN ON THE RIGHT AND THE WOMEN ON THE LEFT AS BEING LOOKED AT BY THE
CONGREGATION. SECOND TO LAST ARE THE NUNCAS
OR GODPARENTS OF THE BRIDE
AND GROOM. THE NUNCAS MUST BE A MARRIED COUPLE.
LASTLY THE BRIDE WALKS
DOWN THE AISLE WITH HER FATHER, THEY ARE GREETED
BY THE GROOM ABOUT A
QUARTER OF THE WAY UP THE AISLE WHERE THE FATHER GIVES AWAY THE
DAUGHTER. THE FATHER LIFTS THE VEIL
FROM THE FACE OF THE BRIDE , GIVES
HER A KISS, AND THEN SHAKES THE GROOMS HAND AND SITS DOWN. THE BRIDE
AND GROOM THEN WALK UP TO THE ALTAR WHERE THE NUNCAS AND PRIEST WAIT.
NEXT COMES THE ACTUAL CEREMONY. THE NUNCAS
STAND BEHIND THE BRIDE AND
GROOM, CARRYING CANDLES. ONE OF THE COUPLES IN THE WEDDING PARTY
STAND BESIDE THE BRIDE AND GROOM. THE RING CEREMONY IS FIRST. THE
GROOM PUTS ON THE BRIDE'S RING AND THE
BRIDE PUTS ON THE GROOM'S. THE
PRIEST EXCHANGES THE RINGS THREE TIMES,
A SYMBOL OF THE BLESSED TRINITY,
EACH TIME KISSING THE RING. THE GROOM
THEN SLIPS THE BRIDE'S RING ON HER
FINGER AS HE SAYS HIS VOWS. THEN THE
BRIDE DOES THE SAME. NEXT COMES
THE CEREMONY OF THE CROWNS. THE PRIEST
BRINGS OUT THE CROWNS AND MAKES
THE SIGN OF THE CROSS WITH THEM. NEXT THE BRIDE KISSES THE GROOM'S
CROWN AND THE GROOM DOES THE SAME TO THE BRIDE'S. THIS IS DONE THREE
TIMES. THE PRIEST THEN TOUCHES THE CROWNS
TO THEIR HEADS. HE THEN SWITCHES
THE CROWNS BACK AND FORTH THREE TIMES.
HE PLACES THE CROWNS ON TOP OF THEIR
HEADS. THE CROWNS ARE SYMBOLS OF BEING KING
AND QUEEN OF THE HOUSEHOLD.
THE CROWNS ARE HELD IN PLACE BY THE COUPLE
WHO STAND BESIDE THE BRIDE AND
GROOM. NOW THE NUNCAS GIVE THE BRIDE AND
GROOM THE CANDLES. THE PRIEST,
NUNCAS, BRIDE AND GROOM, AND COUPLE FROM
THE WEDDING PARTY WALK AROUND
THE ALTAR THREE TIMES. THEY ARE NOW MAN
AND WIFE. THEY LEAVE THE CHURCH
HOLDING THE CANDLES, WITH THE WEDDING PARTY
AND FORM A RECEPTION LINE IN
THE VESTIBULE. THE MALE MEMBERS OF
THE BRIDE'S RELATIVES NOW GIVE HER
GIFTS OF MONEY. NEXT IS THE RECEPTION.
AT THE RECEPTION THERE IS EATING
AND DRINKING FOLLOWED BY A TRADITIONAL DANCE.
THE DANCE IS AS FOLLOWS:
A LINE IS FORMED BY EACH PERSON PUTTING HIS
OR HER HAND ON THE OTHER
PERSON'S SHOULDER, ARMS OUTSTRETCHED.
THE FIRST PERSON IS CARRYING ALOAF
OF BREAD. IT LOOKS LIKE A CAKE. THE DANCE
IS DONE BY STEPPING RIGHT WITH THE RIGHT FOOT. NEXT CROSS THE LEFT
FOOT BEHIND THE RIGHT. NOW STEP
TO THE RIGHT AGAIN WITH THE RIGHT FOOT.
NEXT KICK YOUR LEFT LEG OUT IN
FRONT OF YOUR RIGHT THEN RETURN IT TO THE
POSITION IT WAS AT. NOW CROSS
YOUR RIGHT FOOT OVER YOUR LEFT THEN STEP
TO YOUR LEFT WITH YOUR LEFT FOOT.
NOW KICK YOUR RIGHT LEG OVER YOUR LEFT
AND RETURN IT TO ITS POSITION.
REPEAT THESE STEPS. TO GET THE FIRST POSITION
IN LINE YOU MUST WALK UP
AND PUT MONEY ON THE BREAD THEN TAKE IT
FROM THE PERSON. BE SURE NOT
TO DROP IT OR YOU WILL BRING BAD LUCK TO THE COUPLE.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; MADISON HEIGHTS
| Subject headings: | 686 Thirds / Thrice / Three / Triple Favorites Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Group CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Marriage BELIEF -- Bad luck SPEECH -- Gesture |
HOOTING OWLS
WHEN A HOOTING OWL STAYS IN ONE PLACE FOR THREE DAYS,
AND HOOTS AROUND THE HOMES, THERE WILL BE A DEATH
IN ONE OF THE HOMES SOON.
Submitter comment:
MY MOTHER SAYS THAT THIS IDEA WAS BELIEVED IN VERY
STRONGLY IN HER HOMETOWN OF DONORA, PENNSYLVANIA.
AND I TEND TO THINK THAT IF OWLS WERE PRESENT IN
HER NEIGHBORHOOD TODAY, SHE'D BELIEVE THE SAME
THING.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | 686 Thirds / Thrice / Three / Triple Observation BELIEF -- Death Funeral Burial |
Date learned: 05-11-1965
FLYING SAUCER BELIEF
"DRIVE DOWN ROUTE 20 NORTHWEST OF FREMONT, OHIO FOR ABOUT EIGHT
MILES UNTIL YOU COME TO COUNTY ROAD 19. PROCEED FIVE MILES ON
THIS ROAD UNTIL YOU CROSS A TWO LANE BRIDGE. GO A QUARTER MILE
BEYOND THE BRIDGE AND TURN RIGHT INTO A
FARMER'S FIELD.
IN THE FIELD FACING EAST, DRIVE IN A 360 DEGREE CIRCLE,
THERE IS A CREEK WITH A BRIDGE OVER IT. CROSS THE CREEK AND END UP
PARK, TURN OFF THE MOTOR AND TURN OFF EVERYTHING. BLINK THE LIGHTS
ON AND OFF THREE TIMES. A LIGHT APPEARS FROM THE EAST AND FLIES
DIRECTLY AT YOU AND THEN OVER YOU AND HEADS TOWARDS THE WEST. THIS
LIGHT IS IN THE FORM OF A BALL AND NEVER FAILS TO APPEAR AS LONG AS
THE LIGHTS ARE BLINKED ON AND OFF THREE TIMES."
THIS HAS BEEN VERIFIED BY MANY OF THE CONTRIBUTOR'S FRIENDS BUT THE
CONTRIBUTOR HAS NEVER SEEN IT AND ADMITS HE HASN'T
"... THE GUTS TO GO OUT
AND SEE IT." HE DOES, HOWEVER, SERIOUSLY BELIEVE IN IT.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT
Keyword(s): MYSTERIOUS SUPERNATURAL LIGHT
| Subject headings: | 686 Thirds / Thrice / Three / Triple PROSE NARRATIVE -- Ghost Spirit Phantom Specter PROSE NARRATIVE -- Product or activity of man or animal BELIEF -- Fire |
Date learned: 10-12-1967
KNOCK ON WOOD
YOU SAY SOMETHING THEN KNOCK 3 TIMES SO THAT NO BAD LUCK
WILL HAPPEN TO YOU.
Where learned: UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT
Keyword(s): CONVERSION ; SOCIAL RELATIONS ; SUPERNATURAL: KNOCKING ON WOOD
| Subject headings: | 686 Thirds / Thrice / Three / Triple BELIEF -- Conversions P883.2 SPEECH -- Gesture |
Date learned: 03-31-1968
BELIEF
IN UKRAINE, IT IS BELIEVED THAT IF A PERSON SPEAKS OF HIS OWN GOOD
FORTUNE, HE SHOULD AFTERWARDS KNOCK THREE TIMES ON SOME RAW,
UNFINISHED WOOD SO HIS LUCK WON'T CHANGE.
Submitter comment: INFORMANT COLLECTED INFORMATION PASSED ON BY GRANDPARENTS IN UKRAINE
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
Keyword(s): CONVERSION ; SUPERNATURAL: KNOCKING ON WOOD ; UKRAINIAN BELIEF
| Subject headings: | 686 Thirds / Thrice / Three / Triple BELIEF -- Conversions P883.22 SPEECH -- Gesture |
Date learned: 10-01-1967