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The James T. Callow Folklore Archive
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NEW YEARS DAY CUSTOM
THE FIRST CHILD TO WISH YOU A HAPPY NEW YEARS WOULD GET A SPECIAL
TOKEN. MY FATHER WOULD SET HIS ALARM FOR 5 A.M. AND GO VISIT THE
NEIGHBORS. FOR BEING THE FIRST ONE HE WOULD GET 5 OR 10 CENTS.
HE WOULD SOMETIMES MAKE 7 DOLLARS.
Submitter comment:
INFORMANT SEEMED TO HAVE VERY VIVID RECOLLECTIONS OF HER FATHER
TELLING HER ABOUT HIS EXPLOITS. THIS IS AN OLD GERMAN CUSTOM.
Where learned: OHIO ; CLEVELAND
| Subject headings: | Favorites CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- January 1 New Year's CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20 BELIEF -- Number SPEECH -- Formula |
Date learned: 10-00-1976
BELIEF ABOUT EATING BURNT TOAST
IF YOU EAT BURNT TOAST, YOUR CHEEKS WILL BE VERY ROSY.
Submitter comment:
INFORMANT HAS FIVE CHILDREN AND SHE USED THIS TO MAKE SURE THAT THEY
DID NOT WASTE BREAD.
Where learned: OHIO ; CLEVELAND
| Subject headings: | Favorites Food Drink -- Plant food Cereal BELIEF -- Body part Senses |
Date learned: 10-00-1976
BELIEF
A CAT IN THE SAME ROOM AS A BABY CAN TAKE ALL THE OXYGEN FROM THE
BABY (YOU CAN KILL THE BABY THIS WAY).
Submitter comment:
INFORMANT IS A NURSE AND SHE HEARD THIS AT A HOSPITAL. SHE IS UNSURE
IF SHE KNOWS OF ANYONE PRACTICING THIS BELIEF.
Where learned: OHIO ; CLEVELAND
| Subject headings: | Favorites BELIEF -- Mammal BELIEF -- Death Funeral Burial |
Date learned: 10-00-1976
TRADITION
THE FRESHMEN AT THE CITADEL ARE REQUIRED TO HAVE THEIR HAIR CUT
(ALMOST COMPLETELY SHAVED OFF) IN ORDER THAT THE UPPERCLASSMEN WILL
KNOW WHO TO TEACH AND DISIPLINE (PICK ON).
Submitter comment: INFORMANT IS A FRESHMAN AT THIS MILITARY INSTITUTION.
Where learned: SOUTH CAROLINA ; CHARLESTON
| Subject headings: | Favorites CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- School CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Initiation rite Hazing |
Date learned: 10-00-1976
TRADITION
ONE OF THE BIGGEST TRADITIONS IS WHEN THE SENIORS RECOGNIZE THE
FRESHMEN AT THE END OF THEIR FRESHMEN YEAR. AFTER GOING THROUGH A
YEAR OF HELL WITH THE SENIORS (AND JUNIORS AND SOPHOMORES TOO) THEY
ARE READY TO BE RECOGNIZED. THE CEREMONY INVOLVES GOING TO THE
BEACH, WHERE THE FRESHMEN LINE UP ACROSS FROM THE SENIORS. ONE BY
ONE THE FRESHMEN STEP FORWARD AND CALL OUT TO A SENIOR (USUALLY THE
ONE THAT HAS BEEN THEIR BIG BROTHER THE PAST YEAR). AFTER EVERYONE
IS PAIRED OFF, A HUGE BRAWL TAKES PLACE. NOW THE PLEBES ARE TRUE
MEMBERS OF THE CITIDEL TRADITION.
Submitter comment:
INFORMANT IS A FRESHMAN AT THIS COLLEGE AND IS LOOKING FORWARD TO
THIS CEREMONY.
Where learned: SOUTH CAROLINA ; CHARLESTON
| Subject headings: | Favorites CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- School CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Maturity CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Measure of time Summer CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Initiation rite Hazing |
Date learned: 10-00-1976
GOOD FRIDAY (CATHOLIC)
WE KEPT A COMPLETELY MEATLESS DAY. WE WERE NOT ALLOWED TO EAT ANY
PRODUCT THAT WAS DERIVED FROM AN ANIMAL OR FOWL. THIS ELIMINATED THE
USE OF EGGS, MILK AND LARD. WE ATE COOKED WHEAT FOR BREAKFAST. THE
REST OF THE DAY WAS REGULATED BY LENTEN OBSERVANCES; 1/4 OF YOUR
REGULAR LUNCH AND A FULL MEAL AT EVENING. THESE CONSISTED OF BOILED
POTATOES, NO BUTTER, AND IN THOSE DAYS THERE WAS NO SUCH THING AS
MARGARINE OR EGG OR MILK SUSTITUTES, TOMATOES, FRUIT, AND BOILED
SOUP BEANS. WE WERE ALSO NOT ALLOWED TO TALK FROM 12 NOON UNTIL
3 P.M..
Submitter comment: INFORMANTS FAMILY PRACTICED THIS CUSTOM IN MAGADORE, OHIO; AND SHE
Where learned: OHIO ; MOGADORE
| Subject headings: | Favorites CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Spring Planting Food Drink -- Animal product BELIEF -- Prayer |
Date learned: 10-00-1976
HUSKING BEE
WHEN THE CORN THAT HAD BEEN SHOCKED WAS READY FOR HUSKING, THE WHOLE
NEIGHBORHOOD WOULD HAVE A HUSKING BEE. YOUNG MEN AND WOMEN WOULD
GATHER ON A MOONLIT NIGHT AND BEGIN TO HUSK IN PAIRS (GUY AND GIRL).
EVERYTIME THAT A RED EAR OF CORN IS FOUND BY THE PAIR, THE GIRL GETS
A KISS.
Submitter comment: THIS IS A VERY OLD GERMAN CUSTOM THAT IS STILL PRACTICED TODAY.
Where learned: OHIO ; MOGADORE
| Subject headings: | Favorites CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Marriage Dating, courtship mechanics CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Autumn Fall Harvest Thanksgiving SPEECH -- Gesture |
Date learned: 10-00-1976
BELIEF
AFTER STARTING OUT ON A TRIP, NEVER GO BACK TO WHERE YOU STARTED
FROM FOR SOMETHING FORGOTTEN, OR SOMETHING BAD WILL HAPPEN ON THE
TRIP. IF YOU MUST GO BACK, SIT IN EVERY CHAIR IN THE PLACE SO IT WILL
LOOK LIKE YOU NEVER LEFT. IT WILL LOOK LIKE THAT TO THE SPIRITS.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | Observation Favorites |
Date learned: 03-00-1971
LUCK
WHENEVER SOMEONE IS LEAVING THIS INFORMANT'S HOUSE FOR A TRIP OF
ANY DISTANCE SHE SPRINKLES THE CAR AND OCCUPANTS WITH HOLY WATER
TO KEEP THEM SAFE ON THE TRIP.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
Keyword(s): TRIP
| Subject headings: | Favorites CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Street Trip Relations between relatives, friends, host and guest Social class Rank |
HOSPITALITY CUSTOM
AMONG THE UKRANIANS, IT IS A CUSTOM, WHEN INVITED TO EAT AT
SOMEONE'S HOUSE, TO TURN DOWN THE INVITATION THREE TIMES. IF ASKED
A FOURTH TIME, IT WOULD BE POLITE TO ACCEPT.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
Keyword(s): HOST GUEST NUMBER ; HOST GUEST THREE
| Subject headings: | Favorites CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Street Trip Relations between relatives, friends, host and guest Social class Rank BELIEF -- Number |
Date learned: 10-02-1971
CUSTOM
WHENEVER SOMEONE GIVES A SHARP OBJECT AS A GIFT IN HER FAMILY,
THE PERSON WHO RECEIVES THE SHARP OBJECT AS A GIFT GIVES THE GIVER
A PENNY TO SYMBOLIZE THAT THEIR FRIENDSHIP WILL NOT BREAK UP AS A
RESULT OF THE GIFT. THE SUPERSTITION, THAT GIVING A SHARP OBJECT
AS A GIFT WILL RESULT IN THE LOSS OF FRIENDSHIP, IS COUNTERACTED
BY THE PENNY.
Where learned: TOLD AT INFORMANTS HOME ; SAINT CLAIR
Keyword(s): GIFT FRIENDSHIP PENNY
| Subject headings: | Favorites CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Street Trip Relations between relatives, friends, host and guest Social class Rank |
Date learned: 02-27-1971
GOOD LUCK
IF YOU LIFT UP YOUR FEET FROM THE FLOOR AND TOUCH YOUR HANDS TO
THE CEILING WHILE GOING OVER A RAILROAD TRACK IN YOUR CAR, YOU
WILL HAVE GOOD LUCK.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
Keyword(s): RAILROAD TRACK, LUCK
| Subject headings: | Favorites CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Street Trip Relations between relatives, friends, host and guest Social class Rank BELIEF -- Fate Destiny Luck Chance |
Date learned: 03-00-1970
CUSTOM
IT IS A JAPANESE CUSTOM, WHEN VISITING FRIENDS, TO ALWAYS BRING A
GIFT, NO MATTER HOW SMALL OR HUMBLE. IT IS USUALLY WRAPPED IN
SPECIAL TRADITIONAL "GIFT" PAPER OF RED AND WHITE, TIED WITH AN
"ONOSHI". THIS IN TURN IS WRAPPED IN THE FAMILY "FUROSHIKI" WHICH
IS A SQUARE SILK PIECE (COTTON OR SILK).
Submitter comment: INFORMANT LEARNED THE ABOVE WHILE GROWING UP IN JAPAN.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; WARREN
| Subject headings: | Favorites CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Street Trip Relations between relatives, friends, host and guest Social class Rank |
Date learned: 09-01-1964
BLACK CAT
NEVER CROSS A STREET IF A BLACK CAT CROSSES BEFORE YOU.
Where learned: PENNSYLVANIA ; ERIE
Keyword(s): STREET BLACK CAT
| Subject headings: | Favorites CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Street Trip Relations between relatives, friends, host and guest Social class Rank BELIEF -- Mammal |
Date learned: 00001920S
CUSTOM
AT SOCIAL AFFAIRS OR ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS, JAPANESE WOMEN WEAR
TRADITIONAL CEREMONIAL DRESS, ARE USUALLY SEATED, HAVE A QUIETLY NICE
TIME (AS IT IS IMPOLITE TO LAUGH ALOUD OR TO MOVE TOO MUCH AT FORMAL
GATHERINGS). THEY EXPRESS THEMSELVES IN A SUPPRESSED FORM, BY SMILES
BOWS, A FEW GESTURES.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; WARREN
Keyword(s): JAPANESE WOMEN SOCIAL
| Subject headings: | Favorites CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Street Trip Relations between relatives, friends, host and guest Social class Rank |
Date learned: 08-01-1964
IF YOU STEP OVER A PERSON YOU SHOULD STEP BACK OVER THEM.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; LIBRARY ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; WARREN ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | Favorites CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Street Trip Relations between relatives, friends, host and guest Social class Rank |
Date learned: 10-08-1965
BROOM
IF YOU WANT TO GET RID OF AN UNWELCOME GUEST, PLACE A BROOM IN
HIS PRESENCE.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; ALLEN PARK
| Subject headings: | Favorites CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Street Trip Relations between relatives, friends, host and guest Social class Rank |
Date learned: 10-30-1971
BURPING
IN INDIA THE PLEASING MANNER OF EXPRESSING A GOOD MEAL IS TO BURP
IN YOUR HOSTESS'S PRESENCE.
THIS IS REMEMBERED AS A COMMENT AFTER A VERY GOOD MEAL AT A FINE
RESTAURANT IN ATHENS, GREECE.
Where learned: GREECE ; ATHENS
Keyword(s): POLITENESS BURPING
| Subject headings: | Favorites CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Street Trip Relations between relatives, friends, host and guest Social class Rank CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Measure of time Eating For menu, see N222. |
Date learned: 08-00-1969
REVERENCE FOR ELDERS: MANO PO
IN THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS, THERE IS THE CUSTOM OF KISSING THE
HANDS OF ALL THE ELDER PEOPLE IN A FAMILY TO HONOR THEM AS
REPRESENTATIVES OF GOD'S AUTHORITY, AND TO ASK THEIR BLESSINGS
AFTER THE ENTIRE FAMILY HAS GATHERED TO PRAY DURING THE 6 O'CLOCK
ANGELUS. THE ANGELUS AND THE CUSTOM OF MANO PO ARE WIDELY PRACTICED
IN THE PROVINCES BUT NOT SO MUCH IN THE LARGER CITIES.
Where learned: PHILIPPINES ; QUEZON CITY
| Subject headings: | Favorites CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Street Trip Relations between relatives, friends, host and guest Social class Rank BELIEF -- Prayer SPEECH -- Gesture |
Date learned: NOT ENTERED BY COLLECTOR
BELIEF
HER GRANDMOTHER WOULD PLANT A RELIGIOUS STATUE IN THE GROUND OF (SIC)
WHICH SHE WAS PLANNING TO PURCHASE SO THAT THE ARRANGEMENTS WOULD
GO THROUGH.
Where learned: UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT
Keyword(s): MAGICAL USE OF STATUE
| Subject headings: | Favorites CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Work Commerce Business BELIEF -- Sign Color |
Date learned: 09-00-1967