Dr. James T. Callow publications
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The James T. Callow Folklore Archive
Your search for P860 returned 331 results.
CUSTOM CANDLE
EVERY YEAR AT CAMP AKIBA IN THE POCONO MOUNTAINS OF PENNSYLVANIA EACH
BUNK WRITES ALL THEIR NAMES ON A PLAQUE. A CANDLE IS PUT ON THE
PLAQUE AND FLOATED DOWN THE LAKE. IF IT REACHES THE OTHER SIDE
GIRLS IN THAT BUNK WILL RETURN.
Submitter comment: THIS WAS DONE ON THE LAST NIGHT OF CAMP
Where learned: PENNSYLVANIA ; SCRANTON
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Entertainment Diversion BELIEF -- Use of Object |
Date learned: 00-00-1950
BELIEF
ON NEW YEAR'S EVE MOLTEN LEAD IS POURED INTO COLD WATER. THE LEAD
FORMS DIFFERENT SHAPES AND THEN THE FUTURE FOR THE NEW YEAR IS
READ FROM THESE SHAPES.
Submitter comment:
INFORMANT'S HUSBAND DID THIS IN FINLAND, ALSO DID THIS IN MONROE
WITH MAXINE.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; MONROE
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 31 New Year's Eve CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Measure of time Year BELIEF -- Use of Object |
Date learned: 10-07-1972
DETERMINATION OF SEX
IT WAS BELIEVED THAT THE SEX OF A CHILD COULD BE DETERMINED BEFORE
BIRTH BY SWINGING ONE'S WEDDING RING, WHICH WAS TIED TO A STRING OVER
THE PREGNANT WOMAN'S STOMACH. IF IT SWUNG FROM SIDE TO SIDE THE
CHILD WOULD BE A GIRL, FROM FRONT TO BACK, A BOY.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Birth BELIEF -- Use of Object |
Date learned: 10-14-1972
WISH BONE
AFTER YOU HAVE TURKEY OR CHICKEN, TAKE OUT THE WISH BONE. LET IT
DRY. THEN HAVE TWO PEOPLE TAKE HOLD OF EACH END. THE PERSON WHO
GETS THE SIDE WITH THE HUMO, GETS HIS WISH.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Bird BELIEF -- Prayer BELIEF -- Use of Object |
Date learned: 03-16-1971
TEA BELIEF
IF YOU PICK UP THE BUBBLES IN A CUP OF TEA BEFORE YOU
DRINK IT, YOU WILL GET RICH.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; BIRMINGHAM
| Subject headings: | Food Drink -- Brew of leaf, bark, root BELIEF -- Home BELIEF -- Measure of time Eating For menu, see N222. BELIEF -- Use of Object |
Date learned: 01-30-1968
Ethnic:Hawaiian
WHEN TRAVELERS LEAVE HAWAII, THEY THROW THEIR LEIS
OVER THE SIDE OF THE SHIP. IF IT FLOATS TO SHORE THEY WILL
RETURN, IF IT FLOATS TO SEA, THEY WILL NEVER
RETURN.
Data entry tech comment:
Motifs added by TRD
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
Keyword(s): CUSTOM ; ETHNIC ; Float ; FLOWERS ; Garland ; Hawaii ; Hawaiian ; Lei ; Lore ; Ocean ; SEA ; Ship
James Callow Keyword(s): FLOWERS ; Garland ; Lei ; NECK
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Street Trip Relations between relatives, friends, host and guest Social class Rank BELIEF -- Use of Object |
Date learned: 03-19-1968
BIRTH BELIEF
TAKE A PENCIL WITH AN ERASER ON IT AND STICK THE POINT ON A
THREADED NEEDLE. NOW HOLD THE THREAD, SUSPENDING THE PENCIL OVER THE
PULSE POINT OF A GIRL. THE PENCIL SHOULD START MOVING IN A CIRCULAR
OR LINEAR MOTION. IF CIRCULAR, HER FIRST CHILD WILL BE A GIRL.
IN A LINEAR PATH, A BOY.
CONTINUE PERFORMING UNTIL MOTION STOPS, THIS WILL TELL YOU HOW
Submitter comment:
ANOTHER ONE ALIKE IN THE ARCHIVE.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
James Callow Keyword(s): SYMBOL
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Body part Senses BELIEF -- Birth BELIEF -- Use of Object |
Date learned: 04-00-1968
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
CEMETERY STATUE
THERE IS A CEMETERY IN WILMENDING, PENNSYLVANIA WITH A SIX
FOOT STATUE OF A GIRL DRESSED IN A LONG FLOWING ROBE.
SHE IS CARRYING AN ARMFUL OF BOOKS FOR SCHOOL. THE HISTORY OF
THIS FIGURE IS A STORY THAT GOES LIKE THIS: THE GIRL WAS
COMING HOME FROM SCHOOL WHEN SHE WAS ATTACKED AND RAPED
AND KILLED BY TWO HOODLUMS, ON THE DAY OF HER BIRTHDAY.
HER PARENTS HAD A STATUE MADE OF HER AT THE TIME SHE WAS
KILLED AND PLACED ON HER GRAVE. BECAUSE SHE WAS A VIRGIN AT
THE TIME OF DEATH, IT IS BELIEVED THAT ANYONE GOING TO THE
CEMETERY IN THE DEAD OF NIGHT, WHO DARES TO WALK THE LONELY
WALK UP TO THE STATUE, AND TOUCH IT, WILL DISCOVER IF THEY ARE
A VIRGIN. A VIRGIN WILL RECEIVE NO HARM FROM THE STATUE, BUT
A NON-VIRGIN WILL RECEIVE A CUT AND CONSEQUENTLY BLEED FROM
TOUCHING THE GARMENT OF
THE STATUE. IN ADDITION ON THE EVE OF HER BIRTHDAY, THE
STATUE IS BELIEVED TO COME ALIVE AND WALK THE CEMETERY LOOKING
FOR HER MURDERERS.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; MELVINDALE
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Ghost Spirit Phantom Specter BELIEF -- Birth BELIEF -- Use of Object SPEECH -- Extra Corporal Means of Communication |
Date learned: 10-15-1965
SUPERSTITION
WHEN ONE HEARS NOISES THREE DAYS AFTER BURYING A LOVED ONE
IT MEANS HIS SPIRIT CAME BACK TO THANK THE FAMILY FOR ALL
THAT IT HAD DONE.
Where learned: OHIO ; CLEVELAND
James Callow Keyword(s): NUMBER
| Subject headings: | 686 Thirds / Thrice / Three / Triple BELIEF -- Ghost Spirit Phantom Specter BELIEF -- Use of Object SPEECH -- Extra Corporal Means of Communication |
Date learned: 10-22-1968
FIRE PREVENTION- ALLGAU, BAVARIA, GERMANY
IN ORDER TO PREVENT HOUSE FIRES, ALWAYS KEEP A PICTURE
OF ST. FLORIAN IN THE HOME.
Where learned: WARREN ; MICHIGAN, ASSUMED ; PENNSYLVANIA, ASSUMED
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Religious hero BELIEF -- Use of Object SPEECH -- Proper Name |
Date learned: 11-17-1968
MOTHER AND CHILD
THE CHURCH OF ST. LUKE IN BOLOGNA, ITALY, HOUSES THE FAMOUS
JEWEL STUDDED PICTURE OF THE MADONNA AND CHILD WHICH IS
BELIEVED TO HAVE BEEN PAINTED BY ST. LUKE. A GREAT MANY MIRACLES
ARE ATTRIBUTED TO IT.
Where learned: TRENTON ; NEW JERSEY, ASSUMED
| Subject headings: | ART CRAFT ARCHITECTURE -- Holy placeChurchTemple BELIEF -- Religious hero BELIEF -- Use of Object SPEECH -- Proper Name |
Date learned: 10-00-1968
MAGIC BELIEF
IF COWS WOULD NOT GIVE MILK IT WAS BECAUSE A WITCH HAD CAST A
SPELL. THE ONLY WAY TO RELEASE THE SPELL OR BREAK IT WOULD
BE TO PUT PINS IN THE MILK STRAINER, AND THIS WOULD HURT THE
WITCH. THUS SHE WOULD HAVE TO RETURN AND RELEASE THE SPELL.
Submitter comment: INFORMANT SAID USUALLY TOLD BY FORTUNE TELLERS IN POLAND.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | Food Drink -- Drink from animal product BELIEF -- Witch Shaman BELIEF -- Use of Object |
Date learned: 02-07-1971
MAGIC BELIEF
IF A COW DOES NOT PRODUCE LOTS OF MILK, IT IS BECAUSE THE WITCH
HAS CAST A SPELL. THEREFORE DURING ALL HOLY DAYS, POLISH
VILLAGERS WOULD BURN BLESSED HERBS IN AN INCENSE BURNER IN THE
BARN, BELIEVING THE SMOKE WOULD CHASE AWAY THE WITCH.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | Food Drink -- Drink from animal product BELIEF -- Witch Shaman BELIEF -- Use of Object |
Date learned: 02-07-1971
WITCH BELIEF
TO BECOME A WITCH, TAKE ONE GOLD RING, ONE CANDLE STICK HOLDER
AND ONE SCARF; BURY THESE IN THE EARTH TILL THE NEXT FULL MOON;
AT THE NEXT FULL MOON, AT MIDNIGHT, DIG UP THE RING, CANDLE-STICK
HOLDER AND SCARF AND BOIL THEM TOGETHER IN A LARGE POT THE
CANDIDATE WITCH THEN RECITES CERTAIN MAGICAL PHRASES AND
BECOMES A FULL-FLEDGED WITCH.
Where learned: UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT
MARIE LAVEAU
AMONG SOME OF THE MORE SUPERSTITIOUS NEGROES OF SOUTHERN LOUISIANA
AND NEW ORLEANS IN PARTICULAR, THERE IS A PERSISTENT BELIEF
IN MARIE LAVEAU, THE VOODOO QUEEN OF NEW ORLEANS. BELIEVERS
MARK WITH CHALK ON HER TOMB WALL AND ASK FOR SUPERNATURAL
ASSISTANCE. ALSO, IT'S BELIEVED THAT SOIL FROM HER GRAVE HAS
MAGICAL PROPERTIES SO IT IS USED IN DIFFERENT VOODOO RITES.
MARIE LAVEAU'S GRAVE IN NEW ORLEANS DATES BACK TO THE LATE 18TH
CENTURY AND IS A WELL KNOWN PLACE FOR VOODOO FOLLOWERS. NEW
ORLEANS ABOUNDS WITH LEGENDS AND STORIES OF HER FANTASTIC LIFE.
Data entry tech comment:
Informant and collector are the same person.
Where learned: LOUISIANA ; New Orleans
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Witch Shaman BELIEF -- Explanation of a name BELIEF -- Emblem BELIEF -- Use of Object |
BUILDING A FIRE
WITCHES BUILD A FIRE IN THE OPEN AND DRAW A MAGIC
CIRCLE ABOUT IT WITH A SWORD. MEN AND WOMEN ALTERNATELY JOIN
HANDS AND QUICKEN THEIR PACE, FROM A WALK
TO A RUN, CHANTING ANCIENT RITES.
Submitter comment:
Taken from 1967 "Life" magazine.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; MOUNT PLEASANT
| Subject headings: | 646 BELIEF -- Witch Shaman BELIEF -- Curse BELIEF -- Use of Object |
Date learned: 10-28-1971
SPELL
IF SOMEONE CASTS A SPELL ON YOU THAT YOU WISH TO BREAK
URINATE IN A GUN BARREL AND CORK IT SAYING,
"I'VE GOT YOU."
THE PERSON WHO CAST THE SPELL WILL COME TO YOU BECAUSE HE
CANNOT URINATE.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
Keyword(s): LOCKING THE KIDNEYS
James Callow Keyword(s): CONTAGION
| Subject headings: | 646 BELIEF -- Witch Shaman BELIEF -- Use of Object |
Date learned: 09-00-1971
BELIEF (LEGEND)
TO KILL A WITCH- CLOSE THE BOOK, RING THE BELL, AND BLOW
OUT THE CANDLE.
Where learned: DETROIT ; collector's home
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Witch Shaman BELIEF -- Use of Object |
Date learned: 10-23-1968
HOW TO DETERMINE SEX OF UNBORN CHILD
IF AN EXPECTING MOTHER WANTS TO KNOW WHAT SEX HER CHILD WELL BE SHE
SHOULD HAVE HER FUTURE MID-WIFE AID HER IN THE FOLLOWING TEST. IF
THE WOMAN IS FIVE TO NINE MONTHS EXPECTANT SHE SHOULD REST ON THE
FLOOR ON HER BACK WITH BOTH ARMS STRAIGHT AT THEIR SIDES, HER LEGS
AND FEET TOGETHER AND RELAX ALL THOUGHTS OF DOUBT ABOUT THE TEST
WORKING OR NOT. THE MID-WIFE IS TO WASH HER HANDS IN A MIXTURE OF
VINEGAR AND SALT AND HOLD A LONG CHAIN BELONGING TO THE EXPECTANT
WOMAN'S MOTHER; THE CHAIN SHOULD HAVE A HEAVY OBJECT ON ITS END, SUCH
AS A CAMEO OR THE LIKING. THE MID-WIFE IS TO HOLD THE CHAIN AND
OBJECT OVER THE WOMAN'S STOMACH AND ASK, "WHAT'S IT GONNA BE LORD,
THE LIKINGS OF ME OR THEE, LORD?" AT THAT POINT THE HANGING OBJECT
SHOULD REST ON THE WOMAN'S STOMACH AND IT SHOULD BE SLOWLY RAISED AND
AGAIN RESTED, RAISED, RESTED AND SO ON. IF THE OBJECT ON THE CHAIN
SWINGS CLOCKWISE AS IT'S RAISED AND LOWERED ONTO THE UNBORN CHILD, IT
WILL BE A MALE. BUT IN THE EVENT THAT THE OBJECT SWINGS
COUNTER-CLOCKWISE, THE UNBORN CHILD WILL BE A FEMALE. THE OBJECT'S
MOVEMENT WILL BE ONLY SLIGHT. THIS TEST SHOULD BE DONE AT LEAST FIVE
TIMES AND IF THE TEST "PROVES" THE CHILD TO BE A MALE AT LEAST THREE
OUT OF THE FIVE TRYS, THE MOTHER SHOULD EXPECT A SON AND LIKEWISE, IF
THE OBJECT SWINGS TO THE LEFT OR COUNTER-CLOCKWISE AT LEAST THREE OF
THE FIVE TRIES, THE MOTHER
WILL HAVE A DAUGHTER.
Where learned: MICHIGAN
James Callow Keyword(s): NUMBERS ; SYMBOL
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Birth BELIEF -- Use of Object |
Date learned: 00-00-1935