Dr. James T. Callow publications
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The James T. Callow Folklore Archive
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ST. PATRICKS DAY CUSTOM
IN CERTAIN AREAS, ST. PATRICKS DAY IS "CELEBRATED" AMONG
SCHOOLCHILDREN IN THE FOLLOWING WAY: ANY CHILD WHO ARRIVES
AT SCHOOL NOT WEARING A GREEN ARTICLE OF CLOTHING IS
MERCILESSLY PINCHED BY CLASSMATES UNTIL THE UNFORTUNATE CHILD
EITHER ESCAPES SHRIEKING OR SUMMONS AID.
Where learned: MISSOURI ; SAINT JOSEPH
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- March 17 Feast of St. Patrick CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- School CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20 |
VALENTINE'S DAY
IN THE GIRLS' BOARDING SCHOOL I WENT TO, EVERY VALENTINES DAY IS
CELEBRATED BY A PARTY WHERE A SKIT, WRITTEN AND PRODUCED BY THE
JUNIOR CLASS IS GIVEN.
Where learned: WISCONSIN ; SUN PRAIRIE
| Subject headings: | DRAMA -- Secular CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- February 14 Valentine's Day CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- School |
Date learned: NO DATE INDICATED.
CINDERELLA NIGHT
CINDERELLA NIGHT IS A YEARLY EVENT AT CENTRAL MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY.
A YOUNG MAN MAY KEEP HIS DATE OUT ONE HALF HOUR PAST THE CURFEW
PROVIDING HE PAYS A PENNY FOR EACH MINUTE SHE IS LATE. THE MONEY
THEN GOES TO CHARITY.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- School CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Festival |
Date learned: 07-00-1964
TWIRP WEEK
TWIRP WEEK IS AN ANNUAL EVENT AT CENTRAL MICHIGAN UNIV. THE GIRLS
REVERSE ROLES WITH THE BOYS AND ARE ALLOWED TO ASK ANY BOY FOR A
DATE PROVIDING SHE PICKS HIM UP, PAYS ALL EXPENSES AND ESCORTS HIM
HOME. A SPECIAL WEEK OF EVENT IS SCHEDULED CLIMAXED BY A SADIE
HAWKINS DANCE.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
Keyword(s): SATURNALIA
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- School CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Marriage CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Festival |
Date learned: 07-00-1964
A MEMBER OF THE SOPHOMORE CLASS ALWAYS DROPS HIS LUNCH TRAY ON THE
FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL. IN THIS CUSTOM, ONE SOPHOMORE ALWAYS DROPS HIS
LUNCH TRAY ON THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL. HE RECEIVES A STANDING
OVATION. IF NO MEMBER OF THE SOPHOMORE CLASS DROPS HIS TRAY
ACCIDENTALLY, AN UPPERCLASSMEN (SIC) HELPS HIM. THIS HAS HAPPENED
EVERY YEAR SINCE 1962.
Submitter comment: THE INFORMANT SAW A FELLOW STUDENT DO IT.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; LIVONIA
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- School CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Fixed DateFor specific dates, use the following system: |
Date learned: FALL 1967
FRATERNITY LEGENDS
THE NEW MEMBERS OF EACH PLEDGE CLASS ARE BY TRADITION REQUIRED TO
BUILD A WORTHWHILE PROJECT THAT WILL BE OF SOME BENEFIT TO THE HOUSE
THIS TRADITION IS CARRIED ON BY THE MEMBERS AT PHI SIGMA DELTA
FRATERNITY AT MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY.
Submitter comment: FROM FRATERNITY BROTHERS
Data entry tech comment: THERE IS ONE MORE SIMILAR STORY IN 5X8 CARD FILE.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- School |
Date learned: 11-28-1967
HIGH SCHOOL TRADITION
EVERY SPRING AT MY HIGH SCHOOL (LUMEN CORDIUM IN BEDFORD, OHIO) WE
HELD STUDENT COUNCIL OFFICER ELECTIONS. AFTER THE VOTES WERE
TALLIED THE GIRLS CONCERNED WERE CALLED TO THE CHAPEL. THE GIRLS SAT
IN THE PEWS SEPARATED INTO CLASSES AND THE OFFICES THEY WERE RUNNING
FOR, LEAVING THE FIRST PEW EMPTY. THE PRESENT STUDENT COUNCIL
OFFICERS READ APPROPRIATE POETRY OR PROSE SELECTIONS AND THE GIRLS
PRAYED TOGETHER. INSTEAD OF ANNOUNCING WHO WON THE ELECTION THE
TEACHER-MODERATOR AND THE STUDENT COUNCIL PRESIDENT PLACED THEIR
HANDS ON THE SHOULDERS OF THE GIRLS WHO WON. THESE GIRLS THEN SAT
TOGETHER IN THE FIRST PEW. LATER THE RESULTS OF THE VOTE WERE
ANNOUNCED TO THE STUDENT BODY AS A WHOLE.
Submitter comment:
I LEARNED OF THIS TRADITION AS A JUNIOR OR SENIOR FROM OTHER GIRLS
WHO HAD RUN FOR OFFICES ON STUDENT COUNCIL. ALSO I WITNESSED PART
OF ONE SUCH CEREMONY FROM THE SECOND FLOOR BALCONIES WHICH OPENED
ONTO THE CHAPEL. THIS TRADITION WAS FOLLOWED FOR THE EXECUTIVE BOARD
NOT FOR HOMEROOM REPRESENTATIVES. I'M NOT SURE WHEN THIS BEGAN BUT
THINK IT EXISTED AT LEAST SEVERAL YEARS BEFORE I WENT THERE. LUMEN
CORDIUM IS A PRIVATE, CATHOLIC GIRLS' SCHOOL RUN BY THE VINCENTIAN
SISTERS OF CHARITY
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- School |
Date learned: 00-00-1975
KNOCKING THE STICK OFF SOMEONE'S SHOULDER, THIS WAS A START OF A
FIGHT AT SCHOOL. THIS TYPE OF GESTURE TESTED YOUR BRAVERY.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- School |
PRANK
WHEN I WAS IN GRADESCHOOL, THE KIDS WOULD PUT CHALK INSIDE THE
ERASER. WHEN THE TEACHER WOULD USE THE ERASER, CHALK MARKS
WOULD BE MADE ON THE BOARD.
Submitter comment:
THIS WAS PRACTICED AT ST. AUGUSTINE GRADE SCHOOL IN
DETROIT, MICHIGAN IN THE 1960'S
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Entertainment Diversion CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- School |
Date learned: CA00001965
CUSTOM OF A SCHOOL
AT OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY, TO GET INTO THE J. M. B. FRATERNITY, THE
PLEDGE MUST GO INTO A LOCAL SHOPPING MALL AND FIND A GIRL WITH A
LEATHER WRANGLER PATCH ON HER JEANS AND TAKE IT OFF ANY WAY HE CAN.
Submitter comment: I THINK THAT THIS IS REALLY FUNNY, BUT I FEEL SORRY FOR THE GIRL.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; SOUTHGATE
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- School CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Initiation rite Hazing |
Date learned: 03-00-1979
PRANK
THE SENIORS IN MY JUNIOR HIGHSCHOOL WOULD TELL THE
FRESHMEN ON THEIR FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL THAT THEY MUST
GET ELEVATOR PASSES TO GET TO THE SECOND FLOOR, BECAUSE
THE STAIRS WERE RESERVED FOR UPPER CLASSMEN.
Submitter comment:
OF COURSE THERE WERE NO ELEVATORS IN THE BUILDING AND MANY FRESHMEN
WOULD SPEND ALL DAY LOOKING FOR THEM
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; OAK PARK
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Entertainment Diversion CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- School |
Date learned: 00-00-1972
SCHOOL
WHEN A GROWNUP ENTERS A SCHOOLROOM, ALL THE CHILDREN MUST STAND AND
REMAIN STANDING UNTIL THE GROWNUP HAS LEFT.
Submitter comment: THIS CUSTOM IS DONE IN POLAND.
Where learned: DETROIT
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Street Trip Relations between relatives, friends, host and guest Social class Rank CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- School SPEECH -- Gesture |
Date learned: 04-11-1979
GOOD, BETTER, BEST,
I WILL NEVER REST,
UNTIL THE GOOD IS BETTER,
AND THE BETTER, BEST.
Submitter comment:
THIS WAS LEARNED BY THE INFORMANT WHEN SHE WAS IN FIFTH GRADE AT ST.
MICHAEL'S SCHOOL IN SOUTHFIELD, MICHIGAN. SHE RECITED IT, ALONG WIT
OTHER SAYINGS, EVERY DAY BEFORE HER MATH CLASS. THE TEACHER'S NAME
WAS SISTER CONRADIA.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; SOUTHFIELD
James Callow Keyword(s): AMBITION ; ASSONANCE ; FINAL ITERATION ; RHYME:AABA
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Lyrical Verse Lyrical Verse CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- School |
Date learned: 00-00-1970
DID YOU KNOW THAT AMERICAN ENDS IN "I CAN"?
Submitter comment:
THIS WAS LEARNED BY THE INFORMANT WHEN SHE WAS IN FIFTH GRADE AT ST
MICHAEL'S SCHOOL IN SOUTHFIELD, MICHIGAN. SHE RECITED IT, ALONG WIT
OTHER SAYINGS, EVERY DAY BEFORE HER MATH CLASS. THE TEACHER'S NAME
WAS SISTER CONRADIA.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; SOUTHFIELD
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- School PROVERB -- Proverbial Apothegm Maxim |
Date learned: 00-00-1970
SHAM BATTLE
A SHAM BATTLE INVOLVES TWO PEOPLE WHO ARE FACING EACH OTHER AND ARE
STANDING ABOUT TWO FEET APART. WHEN THE CUE IS GIVEN THEY BEGIN TO
PRETEND THEY ARE BOXING WITH ONE ANOTHER. THE OBJECT OF THE GAME IS
TO NEVER TOUCH THE OTHER PLAYER WHILE THE PRETEND BOXING IS TAKING
PLACE. IF A PLAYER DOES TOUCH HIS PARTNER HE LOSES THE BATTLE.
Submitter comment:
THIS GAME WAS LEARNED BY THE INFORMANT WHEN SHE WAS IN FIFTH GRADE
AT ST. MICHAEL'S SCHOOL IN SOUTHFIELD, MICHIGAN. HER TEACHER, SISTE
CONRADIA, HAD HER STUDENTS STAND UP AND PLAY IT FOR A FEW MINUTES
DURING THEIR MATH CLASS IN ORDER TO RID THEM OF SOME OF THEIR EXCESS
ENERGY. FOR EXAMPLE, IF THE CLASS WAS QUITE NOISY ON A GIVEN DAY
SISTER CONRADIA WOULD SAY THAT IT WAS TIME FOR A SHAM BATTLE AND
EVERYONE WOULD STAND UP, FACE THEIR PARTNER AND BEGIN TO PLAY UNTIL
THEY WERE TOLD TO SIT DOWN AGAIN.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; SOUTHFIELD
| Subject headings: | Favorites Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Racing Chasing Fighting CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- School |
Date learned: 00-00-1970
DORMITORY PRANK
OUR FAVORITE PRANK AT THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN DORMITORIES IF WE
DIDN'T LIKE SOMEONE WAS TO PENNY HIM INTO HIS ROOM. THIS WAS
ACCOMPLISHED BY TAKING THREE OR FOUR OR FIVE PENNIES, DEPENDING ON
YOUR STRENGTH AND THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE APPLYING PRESSURE ON THE DOOR
AND JAM THEM INTO THE DOOR. NOW THE DOOR WILL NOT OPEN UNTIL THE
PERSON INSIDE SHAKES THE PENNIES LOOSE OR SOMEONE ELSE IN THE DORM
IS CALLED TO KNOCK THEM OUT FROM THE OUTSIDE. THE PENNYING IS DONE
LATE AT NIGHT WHILE EVERYBODY IS ASLEEP BECAUSE IT IS DANGEROUS TO
YOUR HEALTH IF THE PERSON OPENS HIS DOOR WHILE YOU ARE TRYING TO
PENNY HIM IN. SILENCE IS VERY IMPORTANT SO YOU WON'T WAKE ANYONE UP
PENNYING SOMEONE IN IS EVEN BETTER WHEN THE PERSON YOU TRY TO GET OR
HIS ROOM-MATE HAS A CLASS AT EIGHT THE NEXT MORNING. FOR ME AND
MY FRIENDS PENNYING PEOPLE IN BECAME A SCIENCE. WE WOULD USE
THREE SETS OF FIVE PENNIES EACH. STEVE WOULD WRAP ELECTRICAL TAPE
AROUND THE PENNIES SO THEY WOULD NOT FALL APART WHILE BEING PUT IN.
WE WOULD STOP THE ELEVATOR ON THE FLOOR OF THE ROOM WE WERE PENNYING
IN SO WE COULD MAKE A QUICK ESCAPE SHOULD WE HEAR THE SOUND OF
SOMEONE WAKING UP IN THE ROOM. STEVE WOULD PLACE A PIECE OF
ELECTRICAL TAPE ON THE DOOR EYEHOLE SO THE PERSON INSIDE OF THE ROOM
COULD NOT SNEAK UP AND IDENTIFY US THROUGH IT. WHILE ME, FRANK, AND
ROB APPLIED PRESSURE ON THE DOOR INWARD STEVE WOULD PLACE THE
PENNIES. ONE SET WOULD GO SIX INCHES ABOVE THE DOORKNOB, ANOTHER SI
INCHES BELOW THE DOORKNOB AND THE LAST SET WOULD GO UP HIGH. THIS I
ALL DONE IN COMPLETE SILENCE, ANY TALKING IS DONE IN THE ELEVATOR
LOBBY BEFOREHAND.
Submitter comment:
THIS IS FROM WHEN I LIVED IN BURSLEY HALL ON THE UNIVERSITY OF
MICHIGAN DURING THE 1976 SCHOOL YEAR.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; BLOOMFIELD HILLS
| Subject headings: | Favorites CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Entertainment Diversion CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- School |
Date learned: 00-00-1976 ; 11-23-1979
DORMITORY PRANK
ON MY HALLWAY WHENEVER IT WAS SOMEBODY'S BIRTHDAY SIX OF US WOULD
GRAB HIM AND THROW HIM INTO THE SHOWER. ACTUALLY WE WOULD USE ANY
EXCUSE TO THROW SOMEONE IN THE SHOWER. IF A BUNCH OF US WERE SITTIN
IN THE HALLWAY AND THINGS GOT BORING WE WOULD SILENTLY AGREE ON WHOM
WAS MOST DESERVING AND BEFORE HE KNEW WHAT WAS HAPPENING HE WOULD BE
HELPLESS. OUR FAVORITE TARGET WAS THE RESIDENT ADVISER ERNIE. I
WOULD NEVER GET THROWN IN BECAUSE I WAS TOO QUICK AND BIG AND THE
BLACK KID WASN'T THROWN IN BECAUSE NO ONE WANTED TO START A RIOT.
EVERYONE ELSE WAS THROWN IN THE SHOWER AT LEAST ONCE. SOME GUYS
WOULD LEAVE THEIR ROOM IN THE MORNING AND NOT COME BACK ALL DAY ON
THEIR BIRTHDAY TO AVOID THIS.
Submitter comment:
THIS IS FROM MY FRESHMAN YEAR AT THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN DURING
THE 1976 SCHOOL YEAR WHEN I LIVED ON FOURTH LEWIS FLOOR OF BURSLEY
HALL.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; BLOOMFIELD HILLS
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Entertainment Diversion CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- School CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Private birthday or anniversary CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Initiation rite Hazing |
Date learned: 00-00-1976 ; 11-23-1979
DORMITORY PRANK OR SPORT
ONE OF THE FAVORITE PASTIMES AT BURSLEY HALL OF THE UNIVERSITY OF
MICHIGAN WAS TO TRY TO FIGURE WAYS TO BORROW (STEAL) TRAYS FROM THE
CAFETERIA. YOU WERE NOT ALLOWED TO TAKE THINGS OUT OF THE CAFETERIA
PEOPLE SPENT MUCH TIME DEVISING MANY SNEAKY WAYS TO BORROW THE TRAYS
THE LEAST IMAGINATIVE AND MY FAVORITE WAS TO SIMPLY WALK OUT THE
EMERGENCY EXIT WITH A TRAY WHEN NOBODY WAS WATCHING. ONCE YOU HAD A
TRAY YOU USED IT TO SLED DOWN THE STEEP, SNOW-COVERED HILL BEHIND OU
DORMITORY.
Submitter comment:
THIS IS FROM MY FRESHMAN YEAR AT THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN IN ANN
ARBOR DURING THE 1976 SCHOOL YEAR WHEN I LIVED IN BURSLEY HALL.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; BLOOMFIELD HILLS
Date learned: 00-00-1976 ; 11-23-1979
PRACTICAL JOKE
ONE NASTY JOKE IS EMPTYING AN UNSUSPECTING PARTY'S TOOTHPASTE
TUBE AND REFILLING IT WITH URINE.
Submitter comment:
THIS ITEM WAS COLLECTED BY THE INFORMANT IN THE
FRESHMEN DORMS OF AMHERST COLLEGE IN AMHERST,
MASSACHUSETTS; IT WAS COLLECTED BY ME IN DETROIT, MICHIGAN.
Where learned: Massachusetts ; AMHERST
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Entertainment Diversion CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- School CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Initiation rite Hazing |
Date learned: 03-00-1980
PRACTICAL JOKE
THE DORMS AT AMHERST COLLEGE HAVE INDIVIDUAL POWER BOXES; A
FAVORITE PRANK IS TO SHUT OFF A PERSON'S POWER AT NIGHT, THEREBY
STOPPING HIS ALARM CLOCK AND MAKING HIM LATE FOR CLASS.
Submitter comment:
THIS ITEM WAS COLLECTED BY THE INFORMANT IN THE
FRESHMEN DORMS OF AMHERST COLLEGE IN AMHERST,
MASSACHUSETTS; IT WAS COLLECTED BY ME IN DETROIT, MICHIGAN.
Where learned: Massachusetts ; AMHERST
Date learned: 00001979-80 ; 03-00-1980