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 686.1.3 returned 428 results.
SUPERSTITION
THERE ARE ALWAYS THREE DEATHS TOGETHER.
Submitter comment: VERY SERIOUSLY BELIEVED.
Where learned: DETROIT
| Subject headings: | 686 Thirds / Thrice / Three / Triple BELIEF -- Death Funeral Burial |
Date learned: 00-00-1981
REMEDY
TO RELEIVE THE PAIN FROM A CORN, SOAK A SMALL PIECE OF STALE BREAD
IN A STRONG APPLE VINEGAR AND BIND IT ON FOR THREE NIGHTS OR MORE,
UNTIL THE CORN DISAPPEARS.
Where learned: FLORIDA ; OAKLAND PARK
| Subject headings: | 686 Thirds / Thrice / Three / Triple BELIEF -- Remedy |
Date learned: 00001920S
REMEDY
TO REMOVE WARTS, SIMPLY APPLY CASTOR OIL, LEMON JUICE, OR KEROSENE
TWO OR THREE TIMES DAILY. APPLICATIONS OF OIL OF CINNAMON THREE
TIMES DAILY WILL REMOVE THEM WITHOUT SORENESS.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | 686 Thirds / Thrice / Three / Triple BELIEF -- Remedy |
Date learned: 10-00-1981
BAD LUCK
THREE ON A MATCH
SOLDIERS IN VIETNAM BELIEVED THAT THE TIME IT TOOK TO LIGHT THREE
CIGARETTES WITH ONE MATCH WAS LONG ENOUGH FOR THE ENEMY TO SPOT
THEIR POSITION. VETERANS STILL PRACTICE THIS BELIEF TODAY.
Where learned: NORTH CAROLINA ; CAMP LEJEUNE
| Subject headings: | 686 Thirds / Thrice / Three / Triple BELIEF -- Bad luck |
Date learned: 10-00-1977
DRINKING THE DOLPHINS
CEREMONY WHERE A SUBMARINER RECEIVES HIS DOLPHIN PIN FOR COMPLETING
THREE CRUISES. THE PIN IS PLACED IN A PITCHER OF BEER AND THE
SUBMARINER MUST GUZZLE THE BEER DOWN, CATCHING THE DOLPHIN PIN IN
HIS TEETH.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT ; CAMPUS
| Subject headings: | 686 Thirds / Thrice / Three / Triple CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- F535 CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Irregular |
Date learned: 10-00-1981
WEDDING
A TAIWANESE WEDDING CUSTOM INCLUDES THE HUSBAND BREAKING THE JAW
OF HIS WIFE, AND THE WIFE PULLING OUT THE THREE FRONT TEETH OF
HER HUSBAND. THIS IS DONE SO THAT EACH SPOUSE WILL APPEAR
UNDESIRABLE TO THE OPPOSITE SEX AFTER MARRIAGE.
Submitter comment: TRANSMITTED TO INFORMANT BY TAIWANESE VISITOR
Where learned: DETROIT
| Subject headings: | 686 Thirds / Thrice / Three / Triple CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Marriage |
Date learned: 10-10-1981
DREAM
ANY DREAM THAT IS REPEATED THREE TIMES WILL COME TRUE
ACCORDING TO MANY IRISH BELIEFS. ANOTHER INTERPRETATION IS THAT
THE DREAM IS OMEN OF DEATH IF REPEATED THREE TIMES.
Where learned: DETROIT
| Subject headings: | 686 Thirds / Thrice / Three / Triple Observation BELIEF -- Death Funeral Burial BELIEF -- Dreams |
Date learned: 00001940S
AN IRISH BELIEF IS THAT DEATH COMES IN THREES, USUALLY WITHIN THE
SPAN OF TWO WEEKS.
Where learned: DETROIT
| Subject headings: | 686 Seconds / Twice / Two 686 Thirds / Thrice / Three / Triple BELIEF -- Death Funeral Burial |
Date learned: 00001930S
LEPRECHAUN SONG
THERE LIVED IN OLD IRELAND A WEE LITTLE MAN,
WHO WAS KNOWN BY THE NAME OF A LEPRECHAUN,
A FAIRY SHOEMAKER NONE OTHER WAS HE
AND THE GIFT OF THREE WISHES HAD HE.
IF I WERE TO MEET HIM ON A BRIGHT SUNNY DAY,
TIS I WOULD STEP UP AND BOLDY SAY
BLESS THE FRIENDS THAT I LOVE AND
THE FRIENDS THAT LOVE ME AND
THE FRIENDS OF ME FRIENDS THAT WISHES
ME THREE.
Submitter comment: THIS CAN BE PLAYED ON THE GUITAR WITH CHORDS G-C-D.
Where learned: DETROIT
| Subject headings: | 686 Thirds / Thrice / Three / Triple BELIEF -- Fairy Elf Goblin Gnome |
Date learned: 00-00-1975
EVIL EYE
REMEDY FOR A SEVERE MIGRAINE HEADACHE. TAKE A BOWL OF WATER, MAKE
THE SIGN OF THE CROSS OVER THE BOWL THREE TIMES. THEN, TAKE A TINY
BIT OF OIL ON A TEASPOON AND DIP FINGER TIP IN OIL. HOLD OVER BOWL
UNTIL THREE DROPLETS OF OIL DROP INTO THE WATER. IF THE DROPLETS OF
OIL SPREAD SOMEONE HAS GIVEN YOU THE "EVIL EYE". CHANGE WATER AND
REPEAT PROCESS UNTIL DROPLETS DO NOT OPEN UP OR SPREAD, AT THIS
POINT HEADACHE WILL GO AWAY. IF IT DOES NOT SPREAD OPEN NO ONE HAS
GIVEN YOU THE "EVIL EYE".
CUSTOM WITHIN SICILIAN NATIONALITY MAY BE CONSIDERED A SUPERSTITION.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | 686 Thirds / Thrice / Three / Triple BELIEF -- Curse BELIEF -- Sign Geometric figure Cross and its various modifications BELIEF -- Method of Curing |
Date learned: 10-00-1982
ENGAGEMENTS IN INDIA
AFTER PRIEST BLESSES RINGS AND THE FAMILY AND FRIENDS GATHER IT IS
THOUGHT TO BE MADE OFFICIAL. FOR THREE CONSECUTIVE SUNDAYS FOLLOWING
THE PRIEST ANNOUNCES THE ENGAGEMENT DURING MASS. PURPOSE: ANYONE
WHO KNOWS ANYTHING CONTRARY TO THE ENGAGEMENT IS TO TELL THE PRIEST.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | 686 Thirds / Thrice / Three / Triple CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Marriage Engagement |
Date learned: 12-00-1982
RURAL BLACK BAD LUCK OMEN
IF YOU STUB YOUR TOE, YOU MUST IMMEDIATELY SPIN AROUND
THREE TIMES IN SUCCESSION. IF YOU DO NOT, YOU WILL HAVE
BAD LUCK. WE ACTUALLY DID BELIEVE THIS AS CHILDREN AND WE
SELDOM FAILED TO SPIN AROUND WHEN THE SITUATION CALLED FOR
IT. OF COURSE, ONCE WE BECAME A BIT OLDER, IN HIGH
SCHOOL, WE NO LONGER BOTHERED WITH THIS SORT OF THING. IT
WAS STRICTLY FOR KIDS.
Submitter comment:
THE INFORMANT SPENT HIS CHILDHOOD IN A RURAL BLACK PORTION
OF LOUISVILLE, MISSISSIPPI DURING THE 1930'S. THE FAMILY
MOVED TO DETROIT DURING WORLD WAR II AND HAS LIVED IN
DETROIT SINCE THAT TIME.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
Date learned: 09-00-1982
RURAL BLACK BAD LUCK OMEN
BLACK CHILDREN IN LOUISVILLE, MISSISSIPPI THOUGHT THAT
STEPPING ON SOMEONE'S HEEL WOULD BRING THAT PERSON BAD LUCK.
THE BAD LUCK COULD ONLY BE REMOVED BY STRIKING THE VICTIM
ON THE BACK THREE TIMES. NOW IT HAD TO BE THE SAME PERSON
WHO HAD STEPPED ON HIS HEEL TO BEGIN WITH. SOMETIMES WE
WOULD MAKE A GAME OF IT BY REFUSING TO STRIKE THE VICTIM'S
BACK. NATURALLY, A CHASE WOULD DEVELOP, USUALLY ENDING
ONLY AFTER THE VICTIM HAD THE CURSE REMOVED. WE DIDN'T
REALLY BELIEVE IN BAD LUCK, EVEN AS KIDS, BUT WE LIKED TO
MAKE A GAME OF IT. FREQUENTLY, WE WOULD STEP ON A BUDDY'S
HEEL AND REFUSE TO REMOVE THE CURSE JUST FOR THE FUN OF THE
CHASE, OR THE WRESTLING MATCH, OR THE MOCK-FIGHT.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | 686 Thirds / Thrice / Three / Triple Observation Favorites Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Racing Chasing Fighting BELIEF -- Body part Senses BELIEF -- Bad luck Gestures |
Date learned: 09-00-1982
FEAST OF THE EXALTATION OF THE HOLY CROSS-SEPTEMBER 14
UKRAINIANS OF THE BYZANTINE RITE VENERATE THE CROSS IN A
SPECIAL MANNER ON THIS DAY. FLOWERS, USUALLY RED ROSES OR
CARNATIONS ARE ARRANGED ON A WIRE BACKING. THE CROSS IS THEN
PLACED ON TOP OF THE FLORAL ARRANGEMENT WITH A CHALICE PATEN
UNDER IT. A RED MATERIAL, SOMETIMES A PART OF THE PRIEST'S
VESTMENT, IS TIED AROUND THE BOTTOM OF THE CROSS AND THE STEMS
OF THE FLOWERS. IT IS CARRIED AROUND THE ALTAR BY THE PRIEST
BEFORE THE FIRST MASS OF THE DAY. THEN IT IS PLACED ON A
PILLOW ON THE TETRAPOD, A SMALL TABLE IN THE FRONT CENTER OF
THE CHURCH. THE CROSS AND THE FLORAL ARRANGEMENT UNDER IT
REMAIN THERE FOR A WEEK FOR VENERATION BY THE FAITHFUL. THE
CROSS IS KISSED UPON ENTERING AND EXITING THE CHURCH. AFTER
EACH SERVICE THE CONGREGATION SINGS THREE TIMES THE PHRASE
O LORD, WE ADORE THY CROSS AND GLORIFY THY HOLY RESURRECTION.
AFTER EACH SINGING, A PROFOUND BOW IS MADE BY THE PEOPLE.
MANY OF OUR OLDER WOMEN CONSIDER THE DEAD FLOWERS TO BE A
SACRAMENTAL AND ASK TO TAKE THEM HOME WHEN THE ARRANGEMENT
IS TAKEN APART. SOME KEEP THEM ON DRESSERS, IN PRAYER BOOKS,
AND IN THEIR BIBLES.
Submitter comment:
THE UKRAINIANS ALSO VENERATE THE CROSS IN A SIMILAR MANNER
ON THE THIRD SUNDAY OF LENT.
Where learned: NEW YORK ; ROCHESTER
Keyword(s): FLOWERS
| Subject headings: | 663 Lent 686 Thirds / Thrice / Three / Triple Favorites CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- September 14 CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Church CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Measure of time Week Day Hour BELIEF -- Plant SPEECH -- Religious |
Date learned: 00001950S
EPIPHANY-JANUARY 6
FOR UKRAINIANS VARIOUS EVENTS ARE COMMEMORATED ON THIS
DAY WHICH IS ALSO CALLED "THEOPHANY" OR MANIFESTATION. IT
CELEBRATES THE BAPTISM OF CHRIST AND THEREFORE WATER IS
BLESSED IN THE CHURCHES. THE BLESSING FOLLOWS THE MASS
WHEN THE PRIEST SUBMERGES THREE SETS OF THREE LIGHTED
CANDLES. A CRUCIFIX IS ALSO MOVED THROUGH THE WATER IN
THE FORM OF A CROSS. THE PEOPLE FILL THEIR JARS WITH HOLY
WATER TO BRING HOME. EACH PERSON DRINKS SOME HOLY WATER
AND SOME IS POURED INTO THE HOLY WATER FONTS. IN THE WEEKS
FOLLOWING EPIPHANY, THE PASTOR VISITS THE HOMES OF HIS
PARISHONERS TO BLESS THEM. THE HOLY WATER IS ALSO USED FOR
BLESSING FARMS, CATTLE, AND CROPS. ON SPECIAL FEAST DAYS,
THE CHURCH ALSO BLESSES FRUIT, FLOWERS, AND FOOD. IT IS ALSO
USED IN THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE SACRAMENTS.
Submitter comment:
TO UKRAINIANS ALL BODIES OF WATER SUCH AS LAKES, RIVERS,AND
PONDS WERE CONSIDERED HOLY. THE BLESSING OF WATER IN THE
UKRAINE TOOK PLACE AT THE EDGE OF THE RIVER NOT IN THE
PARISH CHURCH.
Where learned: NEW YORK ; ROCHESTER
Keyword(s): THREE
Date learned: 00001950S
DEATHS IN THREE'S
UKRAINIANS BELIEVE WHEN A DEATH OCCURS, TWO MORE WILL
FOLLOW SHORTLY AFTER. DEATH SEEMS TO OCCUR IN A CYCLE
OF THREE.
Where learned: CANADA ; ALBERTA ; EDMONTON
| Subject headings: | 686 Thirds / Thrice / Three / Triple BELIEF -- Death Funeral Burial |
Date learned: 00001940S
WEDDING BELIEF
IT IS BAD LUCK FOR A GIRL TO CATCH 3 BOUQUETS AT WEDDINGS. THIS
MEANS SHE WILL NEVER GET MARRIED.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; EAST DETROIT
| Subject headings: | 686 Thirds / Thrice / Three / Triple Observation CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Marriage Bouquet CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Marriage Bouquet toss BELIEF -- Bad luck P882.545 BELIEF -- Bad luck Plants BELIEF -- Bad luck Numbers |
Date learned: 11-00-1982
WREATHES CALLED STEPHANA WORN BY THE BRIDE AND GROOM DURING
THE GREEK WEDDING CEREMONY ARE EXCHANGED ON THEIR HEADS
THREE TIMES, THEN TIED TOGETHER WITH A SATIN RIBBON TO
SIGNIFY UNITY. WHEN A SPOUSE DIES, THE SATIN RIBBON IS
CUT AND ONE WREATHE IS BURIED WITH THE DECEASED.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
James Callow Keyword(s): SYMBOL
| Subject headings: | 686 Thirds / Thrice / Three / Triple CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Marriage Headdress CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Death Funeral Burial |
Date learned: 00-00-1950
TO WARD OFF THE EVIL EYE, WE SPIT THREE TIMES AND SAY
SKARTHO WHICH MEANS GARLIC IN GREEK.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | 686 Thirds / Thrice / Three / Triple BELIEF -- Plant BELIEF -- Product or activity of man or animal BELIEF -- Curse SPEECH -- Formula |
Date learned: 00-00-1950
DURING THE GREEK BAPTISMAL RITES, EXORCISM IS PERFORMED
BY SPITTING ON THE DEVIL THREE TIMES AND ASKING THE CHILD
THROUGH THE GODPARENTS: DO YOU RECEIVE THE LORD? THIS
IS ASKED THREE TIMES.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | 686 Thirds / Thrice / Three / Triple CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Baptism Naming rite BELIEF -- Product or activity of man or animal |
Date learned: 00-00-1950