Dr. James T. Callow publications
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The James T. Callow Folklore Archive
Your search for F545.07 returned 48 results.
HAPPY IS THE BRIDE THE SUN SHINES ON.
HAPPY IS THE CORPSE THE RAIN RAINS ON.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Marriage Ceremony BELIEF -- Death Funeral Burial |
Date learned: 02-28-1970
ANYBODY WHO IS GOING TO A WEDDING MAY THROW COINS OUT
OF THE CAR WINDOW FOR CHILDREN TO SCRAMBLE OVER.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Marriage Ceremony |
Date learned: 02-28-1970
THE NUMBER COMBINATION 3-3-9 HAS IMPORTANCE TO
HAPANESE BRIDE AND BRIDEGROOM. EACH HAS THREE SMALL
SAKE GLASSES WHICH THEY EXCHANGE NINE TIMES, THREE
FOR EACH GLASS.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
Keyword(s): SAKE=RICE WINE
Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Marriage Ceremony |
Date learned: 11-00-1968
BETTER THAN AN ENGRAVED INVITATION
THE INVITING OF WEDDING GUESTS AMONG THE RURAL POLISH
PEOPLE OF RIGGSVILLE (CHEBOYGAN), MICHIGAN HAS
FINALLY SUCCUMBED TO THE MODERN MEANS OF PRINTED
INVITATIONS. HOWEVER, UP TO TWENTY YEARS AGO,
WITH ONE KNOWN RECENT EXCEPTION, THE MANNER OF
INVITATION WAS PERFORMED IN A VERY PERSONAL AND
RICHLY TRADITIONAL WAY.
FORMERLY, THE PROSPECTIVE GROOM WOULD SELECT TWO MEN
TO ACT AS THE OFFICIAL INVITERS AND USHERS KNOWN AS
THE "DROZBY." THESE MEN WOULD WEAR BLUE AND WHITE
RIBBONS; THE ONE WEARING THE LONGER RIBBON WOULD BE
THE HEAD, WHILE THE OTHER WOULD BE THE AIDE WHOSE MAIN
FUNCTION WAS TO DRIVE THE HORSES, MAKING SURE THEY
STOPPED AT EACH TO-BE-INVITED GUESTS' FARM.
UPON REACHING SUCH A FARM, THE HEAD WOULD FIRE A SHOT
BEFORE ENTERING THE FARM GATE TO ANNOUNCE THEIR ARRIVAL.
AFTER ENTERING THE YARD BOTH WOULD RAP ON THE DOOR, AND
WHEN ANSWERED, THE HEAD WOULD INVITE THE ENTIRE HOUSE-
HOLD TO THE WEDDING USING A TRADITIONAL INVITATION
WHICH UNFORTUNATELY, I COULD NOT FIND VERBATIM. THIS
INVITING WOULD LAST FROM TWO DAYS TO A WEEK, DEPENDING
UPON THE LENGTH OF THE GUEST LIST.
AT THE WEDDING RECEPTION ITSELF, THESE SAME TWO MEN
TOOK CHARGE OF SEEING TO THE COMFORTS OF THE GUESTS
AND THE BRIDAL PARTY. THE IDEA OF A LONG POLISH
CELEBRATION IS NOT UNFOUNDED FOR THESE RECEPTIONS
WOULD LAST ANYWHERE FROM THREE TO SEVEN DAYS WITH
INTERRUPTIONS FOR ONLY THE MOST NECESSARY FARM CHORES.
THE WEDDING DAY'S CELEBRATION WAS ALSO FILLED WITH
MANY CUSTOMS SURROUNDING THE WISHING OF A HAPPY AND
FRUITFUL MARRIAGE. THESE ARE CARRIED OUT IN VARYING
DEGREES DURING POLISH WEDDINGS OF MODERN DAY. THE
FOLLOWING ARE SOME OF THE CUSTOMS WHICH MAY STILL BE
DONE IN PART OR FULL.
UPON ENTERING THE PLACE OF RECEPTION, THE BRIDE'S
MOTHER PRESENTS THE COUPLE WITH A GOBLET OF WINE AND A
PIECE OF BREAD. THE COUPLE SHARES THE BREAD AND WINE
AS A SYMBOL OF FUTURE WEDDED HOLINESS (WINE) AND
PROSPERITY (BREAD).
TOWARDS THE EVENING, THE BRIDE'S UNVEILING IS VERY
RITUALISTIC. BEFORE HER VEIL IS REMOVED HER MOTHER
AND PERHAPS SOME OLDER WOMEN WOULD SING THE "TWELVE
ANGELS," A SONG IN WHICH THE COUPLE IS WISHED THE
BLESSINGS OF TWELVE ANGELS EACH BEARING A SPECIAL
MATRIMONIAL GIFT TO MAKE THEIR MARRIAGE A HAPPY AND
SUCCESSFUL ONE. THE BRIDE'S GRANDFATHER WOULD THEN
MAKE A PERSONAL BLESSING OF THE COUPLE IN HIS OWN
WORDS. THE VEIL IS THEN REPLACED WITH A DUSTCAP TO
REMIND THE BRIDE THAT HER MAIN DUTIES ARE NOW THOSE OF
A HOUSEWIFE. SINCE THE BRIDESMAIDS (DRUHNY) WERE
USUALLY SINGLE, THE BRIDES' VEIL WOULD BE GIVEN TO
EACH BEGINNING WITH THE MAID OF HONOR AS A HOPEFUL
SIGN THAT THEY WOULD BE THE NEXT BRIDE. AFTER EACH
WORE IT FOR A DANCE IT WOULD BE RETURNED TO THE BRIDE
BUT SHE WOULD NO LONGER WEAR IT FOR SHE WAS NOW
OFFICIALLY A HOUSEWIFE.
THE BRIDE'S DANCE WOULD BE HELD EITHER BEFORE OR AFTER
THE UNVEILING BUT, IN MY EXPERIENCE, I FOUND THIS
WHIRLING FESTIVITY WOULD USUALLY BE HELD BEFORE THE
UNVEILING. THE DANCE CONSISTED OF THE FASTEST
POLKAS THE BAND COULD PLAY. ON A TABLE NEAR THE DANCE
FLOOR A TABLE WITH A DISHPAN FULL OF OLD BUT INTACT
PLATES WOULD BE PLACED. THE PAN WAS COVERED WITH A THICK
DISHTOWEL. THE BRIDE WOULD BE ALONE ON THE DANCEFLOOR
AND MEN, WOMEN, AND CHILDREN WOULD TAKE TURNS DANCING
WITH HER FOR A SHORT BUT EXHAUSTING POLKA. WHEN THE
BAND WOULD STOP, THE BRIDE'S PARTNER WOULD THEN VIGOR-
OUSLY PITCH A SILVER DOLLAR INTO THE DISHPAN ATTEMPTING
TO BREAK ONE OF THE PLATES. IF SUCCESSFUL, THE HURLER
WOULD BE TREATED TO A CIGAR OR SHOT OF THE BEST
LIQUOR, SAVED FOR THIS OCCASION. THE SILVER DOLLARS
WOULD BE GIVEN TO THE NEWLYWEDS AS PART OF THEIR
WEDDING PRESENTS.
THESE MAIN CUSTOMS PERFORMED, THE GUESTS WOULD THEN
PROCEED TO PARTICIPATE IN THE DUTY OF "PUPLI-VINI"
(GETTING RID OF THE WINE) WHICH VARIED AS THE PROVISIONS
AND BAND HELD OUT.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT ; CHEBOYGAN
Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Marriage Ceremony |
Date learned: 00-00-1944
ITALIAN WEDDING CUSTOM
IN ITALY THE WEDDING PARTY KIDNAPS THE BRIDE RIGHT
AFTER THE MARRIAGE CEREMONY AND THE GROOM HAS TO
FIND HER.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT
Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Marriage Ceremony |
Date learned: 11-00-1968
COUNTRY WEDDING--MALTA
JEWELRY IS PREFERRED AS A DOWRY RATHER THAN MONEY IN
MALTA. ALL THE WOMEN WEAR ALL OF THEIR JEWELRY TO
THE WEDDING AND BEFORE THEY ENTER THE CHURCH, THEY
PUT THEIR SHOES ON.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT ; MALTA
Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Marriage Ceremony |
Date learned: 03-08-1970
IN MALAWI, AFTER A WEDDING, THE GROOM MAY NOT SPEAK
TO THE BRIDE'S MOTHER UNTIL SHE HAS ASKED HIM TO;
AFTER SHE DOES SO, HE WILL NOT SPEAK UNTIL SHE
OFFERS HIM A SUM OF MONEY WHICH HE FEELS IS SUITABLE.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT ; MALAWI
Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Marriage Ceremony |
Date learned: 03-10-1971
AFTER A GIRL HAS JUST BEEN MARRIED SHE MUST KISS
THE HANDS OF HER PARENTS AND NEW MOTHER AND FATHER
IN-LAW FOR GOOD LUCK.
Submitter comment:
INFORMANT SAID THAT THIS WAS DONE IN THE OLD
COUNTRY (YOZGAT, TURKEY).
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; TURKEY ; OAK PARK
Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Marriage Ceremony |
Date learned: 02-27-1972
MANY JEWISH WEDDINGS CANNOT BE ON A FRIDAY EVENING
OR SATURDAY AFTERNOON. THE CEREMONY IS UNDER A
CANOPY. THE COUPLE DRINK WINE OUT OF THE SAME GLASS.
AFTER THIS THE GROOM BREAKS THE GLASS WHEN THEY ARE
PRONOUNCED MAN AND WIFE.
Submitter comment:
INFORMANT GIVES THIS CUSTOM AS TRADITIONAL FOR JEWISH
PEOPLE.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Marriage Ceremony |
Date learned: 11-11-1971
THE ORANGE BLOSSOM IS THE TRADITIONAL WEDDING FLOWER.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Marriage Ceremony |
Date learned: 09-20-1969
SIBLINGS BORN IN THE SAME MONTH MUST NOT ATTEND EACH
OTHER'S WEDDINGS.
GODCHILDREN OF THE SAME GODFATHER MUST NOT WED.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Marriage Ceremony |
Date learned: 11-19-1971
IN THE CHURCH, WHEN THE INFORMANT WAS MARRIED IN 1919,
SHE WAS MARRIED IN THE RECTORY. LATER ON, THE
COUPLE COULD BE MARRIED AT THE SIDE ALTAR, NOW THE
COUPLE COULD BE MARRIED AT THE MAIN ALTAR. THESE
RULES WERE FOR MIXED MARRIAGES IN THE CATHOLIC
CHURCH.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Marriage Ceremony |
Date learned: 10-12-1970
THE GREEN TWIG AND LUCK
IF YOU TAKE A TWIG FROM A GREEN PLANT AND THEN PIN IT
ON THE LEFT SIDE OF YOUR SHOULDER ONLY, THIS WILL
BRING GOOD LUCK FOR THE BRIDE AND GROOM, AND YOU MAY
POSSIBLY BE THE NEXT ONE IN LINE FOR MARRIAGE.
THE BRIDE AND GROOM ARE NOT SUPPOSED TO WEAR ONE,
JUST THE PEOPLE IN THE WEDDING PARTY AND THOSE WHO
ARE WATCHING THE CEREMONY.
Submitter comment:
GRANDMA PUBLAS PINNED ONE OF THESE LITTLE TWIGS ON ME
AFTER SHE TOOK IT OFF BECAUSE I HAD IT ON THE WRONG
SIDE. THEN SHE TOLD ME NEVER TO WEAR IT ON THE RIGHT
SIDE BECAUSE IT WOULDN'T BE EFFECTIVE. SHE THEN
TOLD ME MAYBE I WOULD MARRY HER GRANDSON WHO I WAS
DATING AT THE TIME.
Where learned: DETROIT ; MICHIGAN, ASSUMED
Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Marriage Ceremony |
Date learned: 10-21-1969
TRADITIONAL CZECHOSLOVAKIAN WEDDING
ON THE MORNING BEFORE THE DAY OF THE WEDDING, THE WEDDING
ATTENDANTS WALK TO ALL THE VILLAGE HOUSES INVITING THE
PEOPLE TO THE GROOM'S HOUSE. MUSIC IS PLAYED THERE ALL
DAY AND IN THE EVENING, AROUND 6:00 P.M. EVERYONE EATS.
THE CELEBRATION CONTINUES THROUGH THE NIGHT. THE NEXT
MORNING THE GROOM AND THE PEOPLE LEAVE AT 5:00 A.M. FOR
THE BRIDE'S HOUSE. THE GROOM DRIVES HIS OWN WAGON
THERE. MUSIC IS PLAYED AT THE BRIDE'S HOUSE AND THE GUESTS
DANCE TILL 7:00 A.M. THE BRIDE'S PARENTS ARE SEATED ON A
BENCH. THE BRIDE GETS DOWN ON HER KNEES AND KISSES THEM,
ASKING THEIR FORGIVENESS FOR ANY TROUBLE SHE HAS EVER
CAUSED. AT THE CHURCH, THEY ARE MARRIED AND THEY WEAR
SPECIAL HAND-MADE WREATHS FOR THE CEREMONY. THEY COME
BACK TO THE BRIDE'S HOUSE FOR BREAKFAST AND ARE GREETED
AT THE DOOR WITH SALT AND BREAD, WHICH THEY EAT FOR
GOOD LUCK. AT THE EVENING RECEPTION, THE PEOPLE GET
IN A LINE TO DANCE WITH THE BRIDE BEFORE SHE LEAVES TO
START HER MARRIED LIFE. BEFORE THEY CAN DANCE WITH HER,
THEY MUST GIVE SOME MONEY. THE MAID-OF-HONOR SITS
ASIDE THE DANCE FLOOR WITH THE BRIDE'S VEIL TURNED OVER
IN HER LAP. THERE THE PEOPLE DROP THEIR MONEY AND TAKE
TURNS DANCING WITH THE BRIDE. THE GROOM IS AT THE END
OF THE LINE. THE MOOD IS AS IF THE PEOPLE ARE TRYING
TO STEAL THE BRIDE'S ATTENTION AWAY FROM HER HUSBAND.
WHEN HIS TURN COMES, HE THROWS HIS WALLET INTO THE VEIL
AND SCOOPS UP HIS BRIDE AND LEAVES THE RECEPTION
CARRYING HER. AFTER THE BRIDE HAS CHANGED HER CLOTHES,
SHE BOARDS HER HUSBAND'S WAGON, TAKING HER DRESSER
(PIECE OF FURNITURE) AND THE MAID-OF-HONOR AND BEST
MAN. THEY GO BACK TO THE GROOM'S HOUSE AND THE
WEDDING GUESTS FOLLOW IN SEVERAL WAGONS. THE PEOPLE
SING ON THE WAY THERE. THE GROOM'S HORSES LEAD ALL
AND THEY ARE DECORATED WITH RIBBONS AND BELLS.
EVERYONE HAS SUPPER AND THERE IS MORE DANCING. THE
NEXT DAY IS "POPRAWINI" OR "LEFTOVER DAY." THE
CLOSE FAMILY AND CLOSE FRIENDS OF THE COUPLE GET
TOGETHER TO EAT THE LEFTOVER FOOD.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Marriage Ceremony |
Date learned: 02-25-1970
IN GLEN LYON, PENNSYLVANIA, THE SLOVAK CATHOLIC CHURCH
STAGES A MOCK WEDDING. FORTY TO SIXTY PEOPLE ARE
CHOSEN TO TAKE PART. THEY ARE ON STAGE WEARING
COSTUMES. TICKETS ARE SOLD AND THE PROFIT GOES TO
THE CHURCH. FOOD AND DRINKS ARE SERVED LIKE AT A
REAL WEDDING CELEBRATION. THIS IS DONE ONCE EVERY
TEN YEARS.
Where learned: PENNSYLVANIA ; MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
Subject headings: | DRAMA -- Secular CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Marriage Ceremony |
Date learned: 02-25-1970
HUNGARIAN WEDDING
WEDDINGS ARE ALWAYS HELD AT THE BRIDE'S HOME (NOT
IN A HALL) WITH ONLY THE FAMILY ATTENDING. THE
BRIDE ALWAYS WEARS A LONG, WHITE GOWN AND THE GROOM
WEARS A SIMPLE BLACK SUIT.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Marriage Ceremony |
Date learned: 03-25-1968
RUSSIAN ORTHODOX MARRIAGE
THE RINGS ARE FIRST TAKEN TO THE ALTAR TO BE BLESSED.
THEN THE RINGS ARE EXCHANGED THREE TIMES, IN THE
BACK OF THE CHURCH. THEN THE PROCESSION TO THE
ALTAR. PRAYERS ARE SAID AND SPECIAL CANDLES GIVEN
TO THE MAID OF HONOR AND BEST MAN. MARRIAGE CROWNS
ARE THEN PLACED ON THE HEADS OF THE BRIDE AND GROOM.
THEY THEN ALTERNATELY TAKE THREE SIPS OF WINE FROM THE
SAME CHALICE. THEN THE BRIDE, GROOM, MAID OF HONOR AND
BEST MAN FOLLOW THE PRIEST CIRCLING THE ALTAR THREE
TIMES. THE PRIEST TIES THE HANDS OF THE BRIDE AND
GROOM WITH A HANDKERCHIEF. FINAL VOWS ARE THEN SAID.
JUST BEFORE THE RECESSIONAL, THE MAID OF HONOR KISSES
THE BRIDE AND GROOM. THE BEST MAN KISSES THE BRIDE AND
SHAKES HANDS WITH THE GROOM.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Marriage Ceremony |
Date learned: 00-00-1966
IN BENGAL, THE MARRIAGE CEREMONY BEGINS WITH THE BRIDE
BEING SEATED ON A TABLE-LIKE STRUCTURE WHICH IS THEN
LIFTED AND CIRCLED SEVEN TIMES AROUND THE GROOM.
THE BRIDE'S SARI (DRESS) IS THEN TIED TO THE GROOM
AND THE TWO OF THEM WALK SEVEN STEPS TOGETHER, WHICH
COMPLETES THE MARRIAGE CEREMONY.
IT IS BELIEVED TRADITIONALLY THAT A MAN MUST MARRY A
WOMAN WITH WHOM HE WALKS SEVEN OR MORE STEPS.
Submitter comment: SOURCE: CALCUTTA, INDIA
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT ; INDIA ; BENGAL ; CALCUTTA
Subject headings: | 686 Seven / Sevenths / Several CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Marriage Ceremony |
Date learned: NOT GIVEN
KOREAN WEDDING CEREMONY
MARRIAGES ARE ARRANGED BY PARENTS AND CHRISTIAN
FAMILIES HAVE TWO CEREMONIES, ONE IN A HALL PRESIDED
OVER BY A PRIEST OR MINISTER, AND THE OTHER AT HOME,
THE KOREAN TRADITIONAL CEREMONY.
THE BRIDE'S DRESS IS USUALLY IN RED AND YELLOW, LOREAN
COLORS OF HAPPINESS. THE GROOM WEARS THE TRADITIONAL
HOOD.
THE BRIDE HAS FOUR WOMEN ATTENDANTS. THE PRESIDER CAN
BE ANY DISTINGUISHED PERSON IN THE TOWN. THERE ARE
SPEECHES FROM THE GUESTS AND THE COUPLE EXCHANGE RINGS.
Data entry tech comment:
SKETCHES OF THE BRIDAL DRESS AND GROOM'S HOOD ARE
KC[ ON BACK OF 5 X 8 CARD.
KC[ "CHOCKDORI" OR CROWN IS ALSO SHOWN IN SKETCH OF BRIDE.
CN[ TYNAN, ANDREA
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT ; KOREA ; SEOUL
Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Marriage Ceremony |
Date learned: NOT GIVEN
JEWISH WEDDING CUSTOM
IT IS A CUSTOM FOR THE JEWISH TO HOLD THEIR WEDDINGS
UNDER A CANOPY OR TENT.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DEARBORN
Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Marriage Ceremony |
Date learned: 10-00-1968