Dr. James T. Callow publications
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The James T. Callow Folklore Archive
Your search for P500 returned 243 results.
A SHOWING SLIP
IF A GIRL'S SLIP SHOWS, THEN SHE IS SUPPOSED TO HAVE A BOYFRIEND.
(MY BELIEF WOULD BE IF A GIRL LEFT HER SLIP SHOW, THEN SHE WAS
LOOKING FOR A BOYFRIEND.)
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; WARREN
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Custom |
CROUP STRAP
IT IS A COMMON CUSTOM AROUND FARMS AND STABLES THAT WHEN A CITY
BRED PERSON ASKS WHAT A CERTAIN LEATHER LOOP, A CROUP STRAP, IS
USED FOR, THE PERSON RECEIVES THE ANSWER OF "THAT, WHY ANY
HORSE'S ASS KNOWS WHAT THAT'S FOR!" THE CROUP STRAP GOES AROUND
THE HORSE'S TAIL TO HELP KEEP THE HARNESS, AND SOMETIMES THE
SADDLE, IN PLACE.
Where learned: TENNESSEE ; ERIN ; ROUTE 2
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Custom |
PIMPLE ON A PERSON'S TONGUE
IF A PERSON HAS A PIMPLE ON HIS TONGUE, THEY THEY HAVE JUST TOLD
A LIE. IF THE PERSON STARTS TO COMPLAIN ABOUT THE PIMPLE, THEN
HE REALLY WANTS TO SET HIS LIE STRAIGHT.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; WARREN
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Custom |
Date learned: 01-24-1967
HOLES IN SKULLS
MR. LEHR READ SOMEWHERE THAT EXPLORERS FOUND SOME SKULLS WHICH
WERE BELIEVED TO BE ABOUT 1000 YEARS OLD. THESE SKULLS WERE
FOUND IN SOUTH AMERICA. EACH SKULL HAD A PERFECTLY ROUND HOLE
IN IT.
THIS RELATES TO A PIECE IN "THE WORLD BOOK" ABOUT A TREPHINING.
THIS IS A INSTRUMENT WHICH CUTS A PERFECTLY ROUND HOLE IN A
SKULL. IT HAS EXISTED FOR THOUSANDS OF YEARS AND IS BELIEVED
TO HAVE BEEN USED TO LET OUT THE EVIL SPIRITS IN A PERSON.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; WARREN
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Custom |
COINS AT THE STEP OF THE MAST
THE CUSTOM OF PLACING A COIN OR COINS AT THE HEEL OF THE MASTS
SEEMS TO HAVE A DOUBLE PURPOSE. IN ANTIQUITY IT WAS TO PAY THE
FARES OF THE CREW ACROSS THE RIVER STYX IF THE SHIP SHOULD BE LOST
AT SEA; MORE LATTERLY IT WAS DONE TO ASSURE GOOD FORTUNE. THE
COINS MUST BE PLACED FACE UP, FOR TO HAVE THEM FACE DOWN WOULD BE
TO INVITE DISASTER. EVEN TO THIS DAY THE OWNER OF A SMALL CRAFT
WILL SECRETE A COIN ABOARD, THE LOCATION, VALUE, AND DATE OF WHICH
ARE KNOWN TO HIM ALONE--THE KNOWLEDGE ENABLING HIM TO PROVE HIS
OWNERSHIP SHOULD IT EVER BE QUESTIONED.
Submitter comment:
CAPTAIN LUMAS SAID THAT HE LEARNED OF THIS TRICK THE FIRST TIME
HE EVER OWNED A BOAT, WHICH WAS ABOUT FORTY YEARS AGO.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; MACKINAW ISLAND
James Callow Keyword(s): POSITION DIRECTION
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Product or activity of man or animal BELIEF -- Custom BELIEF -- Means of Causing or Avoiding Illness |
Date learned: 09-00-1963
IF SOMEONE SWEEPS YOUR FEET SPIT ON THE BROOM AND SAY YOUR NAME.
IT WILL KEEP YOU FROM GOING TO JAIL.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
James Callow Keyword(s): MAGICAL PROPERTIES OF SPIT ; NAME MAGIC ; PREVENTIVE MAGIC
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Custom |
Date learned: 10-00-1974
CLOTHES
NEVER HANG CLOTHES BACKWARDS OR SOMETHING WILL HAPPEN TO THEM.
Where learned: HOME ; MICHIGAN ; DEARBORN
James Callow Keyword(s): POSITION DIRECTION
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Custom |
Date learned: CA1963-1975
SPIRIT TABLE
AN INDIAN BELIEF- WE HAVE A TABLE THAT ATTRACTS DEAD SOULS, THERE ARE
MARKINGS ON IT WHICH SPIRITS USE TO COMMUNICATE WITH A MEDIUM.
HANDS ARE PLACED ON THE TABLE. A MEDIUM ISN'T NECESSARY, BUT
INFORMANT WAS AFRAID HIMSELF. SPIRITS ARE LIKE THE 5 ELEMENTS, FIRE
EARTH WATER WIND AND LIGHT-- LIKE VARIOUS GASES ALL WANDERING
AROUND ETERNALLY, LIKE THE ELEMENTS, IT IS POSSIBLE TO BRING
SOULS TO CAPTURE SOULS.
Submitter comment: SKETCH ON CARD IN ARCHIVE.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; ANN ARBOR
James Callow Keyword(s): NUMBEES
| Subject headings: | 686 Fifths BELIEF -- Ghost Spirit Phantom Specter BELIEF -- Custom BELIEF -- Word Letter BELIEF -- Sign Geometric figure BELIEF -- Use of Object SPEECH -- Extra Corporal Means of Communication |
Date learned: 02-04-1968
MAGIC
IN MEXICO IT IS POSSIBLE TO TALK WITH THE DEAD IF YOU USE A
OUIJA TABLE. IT IS EASIER FOR SOME PEOPLE TO DO THIS THAN OTHERS.
YOU PLACE YOUR HANDS ON THE TABLE AND THE SPIRITS OF THE DEAD WILL
COMMUNICATE WITH YOU, AND VERY OFTEN ANSWER YOUR QUESTIONS.
THEY ALSO MAY TELL OF FUTURE EVENTS. THEY DO THIS BY MOVING
YOUR HANDS ON THE TABLE IN SUCH A WAY THAT THE ANSWER OR INFORMATION
IS SPELLED OUT FOR YOU. PEOPLE WHO ARE LONELY USE THESE TABLES.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; ANN ARBOR
James Callow Keyword(s): NUMBER
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Ghost Spirit Phantom Specter BELIEF -- Custom BELIEF -- Word Letter SPEECH -- Extra Corporal Means of Communication |
Date learned: 02-04-1968
FOOD BELIEF
WHILE LIVING IN JAPAN, MY MOTHER OBSERVED THE JAPANESE
CUSTOM OF PUTTING FRUIT AROUND TOMBSTONES IN THE CEMETERIES.
THE JAPANESE DO THIS BECAUSE THEY BELIEVE THAT THE SPIRIT OF THE
DECEASED COMES OUT AT NIGHT AND EATS THE FRUIT.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | Food Drink -- Plant food Fruit BELIEF -- Ghost Spirit Phantom Specter BELIEF -- Custom |
Date learned: 03-30-1968
CUSTOM
SATAN AND HIS FOLLOWERS CELEBRATE THEIR SABBATH IN THE FOUR
DIFFERENT SECTIONS OR COVENS OF THE WORLD AROUND THE SAME TIME
AS THE CATHOLIC CHURCH CELEBRATES THE SEASONAL CHANGES. WE ALSO
HAVE A CEREMONY AT THE TIME OF THE BLOODY SABBATH OF SATAN.
ON THIS DAY ALL FOUR COVENS GET TOGETHER FOR A GOOD TIME OF
SACRIFICE, (A YOUNG PERSON)
ALL WHO HAVE BEEN DISOBEDIENT TO SATAN AND THE INSTALLMENT OF
NEW WITCHES.
James Callow comment: INCOMPLETE ITEM
Where learned: GRAND RAPIDS
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Sacrificial rite for special occasion BELIEF -- Witch Shaman BELIEF -- Custom |
Date learned: NOT GIVEN
BELIEF FOOD AND DRINK
TAKE THE DRESSING OUT OF THE TURKEY IMMEDIATELY AFTER SERVING OR
ELSE THE TURKEY DRESSING COULD BECOME UNFIT TO EAT.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; SAINT CLAIR SHORES
Keyword(s): FOOD SPOILAGE
| Subject headings: | Food Drink -- N256 N256.6 BELIEF -- Custom |
Date learned: 01-20-1971
IT WAS ABOUT A MAN WHO WON A GOOSE AND HE WAS VERY SELFISH, BUT
SINCE IT WAS THANKSGIVING HE HAD ALL HIS FRIENDS OVER FOR
A GREAT BIG FEAST. HE HAD THEM ALL SITTING AROUND THE TABLE - AND HE
TOLD THEM (SHOWING THE GOOSE) WHOEVER ATE THE MOST POTATOES WOULD
EAT THE MOST GOOSE. SO EVERYBODY WAS HELPING THEMSELVES TO POTATOES
AND THEY ATE MORE AND MORE. FINALLY, WHEN THE GOOSE WAS BROUGHT OUT,
HE SAID "OK, WHO WANTS SOME GOOSE NOW?", AND THEY WERE ALL TOO FULL
FROM EATING THE POTATOES- SO HE GOT TO EAT THE GOOSE HIMSELF.
Submitter comment:
ELAINE SAID HER GRANDMA ALWAYS TOLD THIS STORY EVERY THANKSGIVING
AND IT WAS A TRADITIONAL CUSTOM AT HER HOUSE. SHE SAID ONCE SHE
HAS HER OWN FAMILY, SHE WILL CARRY IT ON.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; SOUTHFIELD
James Callow Keyword(s): TRICKSTER
| Subject headings: | Favorites PROSE NARRATIVE -- Religious hero PROSE NARRATIVE -- Jest Anecdote BELIEF -- Custom |
Date learned: 00-00-1969
PREDICTION ON HOW A PERFORMANCE WILL GO.
IF YOU HAVE A BAD REHEARSAL (PLAYS, CONCERTS, OR WEDDINGS) YOU'LL
A GOOD PERFORMANCE.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; ROSEVILLE
James Callow Keyword(s): CONTRAST
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Custom BELIEF -- Entertainment Diversion BELIEF -- Marriage BELIEF -- Fate Destiny Luck Chance |
Date learned: 04-00-1980
ILLNESS PREVENTING DRINK
GERMANS DRINK MAGENBITTER, FIGURING THAT ANYTHING
TASTING SO BAD MUST BE GOOD FOR YOU. THEY DO THIS
ESPECIALLY AFTER A NIGHT OF DRINKING, BEFORE THEY
GO TO BED.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; BIRMINGHAM
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Home Food Drink -- Drink BELIEF -- Custom |
Date learned: 01-22-1968
WHEN SPRING CLEANING THE RUGS AND PAINTINGS MUST BE METICULOUSLY
CLEANED FOR GOOD LUCK IN THE SPRING.
Where learned: CANADA ; COLLECTED BY MAIL ; MONTREAL
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Measure of time Spring BELIEF -- Custom BELIEF -- Good luck Activities BELIEF -- Good luck Time (year, season, week, hour, etc.) Occasion Event |
Date learned: 00-00-1970
RURAL BLACK NEW YEAR'S CUSTOM
DURING THE DEPRESSION, IN LOUISVILLE, MISSISSIPPI IT WAS
CUSTOMARY AMONG BLACKS TO PREPARE HOG JOWLS AND BLACK-EYED
PEAS AS THE FIRST MEAL OF THE NEW YEAR. IT WAS THOUGHT
THAT THIS WOULD BRING GOOD LUCK FOR THE REST OF THE YEAR.
I DON'T THINK THAT ANYONE ACTUALLY BELIEVED THAT GOOD LUCK
COULD RESULT FROM EATING A PARTICULAR MEAL. IT WAS JUST
A CUSTOMARY THING TO DO. SOMETIMES, AFTER WE CAME NORTH,
WE WOULD STILL FIX THE MEAL FOR NEW YEAR'S. AFTER I GOT
MARRIED, IN 1950, I DON'T RECALL PREPARING ANY PARTICULAR
MEAL ON NEW YEAR'S.
Submitter comment:
THE INFORMANT LIVED IN LOUISVILLE, MISSISSIPPI UNTIL BEING
SENT OVERSEAS IN WORLD WAR II. BY HIS RETURN, IN 1946,
THE FAMILY HAD MOVED TO DETROIT. THE INFORMANT HAS LIVED
IN DETROIT SINCE THAT TIME.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
Date learned: 09-00-1982
NEW HOME GOOD LUCK BELIEF
A LOAF OF BREAD AND A BROOM SHOULD BE THE FIRST ITEMS
BROUGHT INTO A NEW HOME FOR GOOD LUCK. THE BROOM MEANS
THAT THE HOUSE WILL ALWAYS BE CLEAN. THE BREAD MEANS THAT
THERE WILL ALWAYS BE FOOD IN THE HOUSE. I HEARD THIS FROM
FRANCES MILLER IN 1977.
Submitter comment:
FRANCES MILLER WAS BORN IN LOUISVILLE, MISSISSIPPI IN
1925. SHE CAME, WITH HER FAMILY, TO DETROIT DURING WORLD
WAR II AND HAS LIVED HERE SINCE. IT SEEMS THAT THIS WAS A
COMMON CUSTOM IN RURAL MISSISSIPPI IN THE 1930'S.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
James Callow Keyword(s): SYMBOL
| Subject headings: | 686 Properties attributed to specific numbers or numerals individually. Food Drink -- Food BELIEF -- Custom BELIEF -- Good luck Broom Sweeping BELIEF -- Good luck Food and drink |
Date learned: 09-00-1982
JEHOVAH WITNESSES BELIEF
JEHOVAH WITNESSES DO NOT EXCHANGE GIFTS ON XMAS OR ANY OTHER
OCCASION. THE WOMAN MUST COVER THEIR HEADS WHEN THE MEN ARE
CONDUCTING BIBLE STUDY.
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Custom |
Date learned: 02-20-1984