Dr. James T. Callow publications
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The James T. Callow Folklore Archive
Your search for S600 returned 515 results.
A POLISH MAN ALWAYS TIPS HIS HAT WHEN PASSING A CATHOLIC CHURCH AND
SAYS THE WORDS "PRAISE THE LORD JESUS CHRIST".
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; BERKELEY
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Street Trip Relations between relatives, friends, host and guest Social class Rank CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Church BELIEF -- BELIEF BELIEF -- Prayer SPEECH -- Formula SPEECH -- Gesture |
Date learned: 00-00-1950
"THE BLARNEY STONE" - KISSING THE BLARNEY STONE IS A GOOD LUCK CHARM
FOR THE IRISH.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; BERKELEY
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Good luck SPEECH -- Gesture |
MOMMY, MOMMY, MY PIGTAILS ARE TOO TIGHT}
Submitter comment:
AS INFORMANT SAID THIS HE TOOK HIS INDEX FINGERS AND PULLED THE
OUTER CORNERS OF HIS EYES UNTIL THEY WERE NEARLY CLOSED.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; SAINT CLAIR SHORES
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Jest Anecdote SPEECH -- Gesture |
MOMMY, MOMMY, I SWALLOWED MY TOOTH BRUSH}
Submitter comment:
AS INFORMANT SAID THIS, HE GRABBED THE SKIN ON EITHER SIDE OF HIS
NECK AND PULLED IT IN OPPOSITE DIRECTIONS TO SIMULATE THE PRESENCE
OF A TOOTHBRUSH LODGED LENGTHWISE IN HIS THROAT.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; SAINT CLAIR SHORES
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Jest Anecdote SPEECH -- Gesture |
Date learned: 02-06-1980
GIRLS THAT WHISTLE LIKE TO BE KISSED AND WHEN THEY ARE WHISTLING
THEY ARE REALLY ASKING TO BE KISSED.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; FARMINGTON
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Product or activity of man or animal BELIEF -- Marriage SPEECH -- Gesture |
Date learned: CA00001915
A BOY MUST BE THE FIRST TO KISS A GIRL ON NEW YEAR'S DAY OR ELSE
SHE WILL BE WITHOUT A BEAU THROUGH THE YEAR.
Data entry tech comment:
Updated by TRD
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; FARMINGTON
Keyword(s): KISS ; New Years ; Relationship ; tradition
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- January 1 New Year's SPEECH -- Gesture |
Date learned: CA00001920
IF YOU STRUM YOUR FINGERS ON A TABLE THEN YOU ARE
ANXIOUS TO LEAVE THE PLACE YOU ARE AT.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; FARMINGTON
| Subject headings: | SPEECH -- Gesture |
Date learned: CA00001915
MNEMONIC DEVICE
AN EASY WAY TO REMEMBER HOW MANY DAYS ARE IN EACH MONTH IS TO
COUNT ON ONE'S KNUCKLES. MONTHS WITH THIRTY ONE DAYS LIE ON THE
TOP OF THE KNUCKLE. MONTHS WITH THIRTY DAYS (29 FOR FEB.) WILL FALL
BETWEEN KNUCKLES. FOR EXAMPLE, JAN. IS ON TOP (HAS 31 DAYS) AND
FEB. IS IN BETWEEN (HAS 29 DAYS) ETC.
Submitter comment:
ALTHOUGH THIS TECHNICALLY IS NOT A MNEMONIC DEVICE SINCE NO
SPEAKING IS INVOLVED, IT IS A SIMPLE TASK USED TO HELP ONE REMEMBER.
WHEN THE COLLECTOR TRIED IT, IT WORKED WITHOUT FLAW IF YOU START
AT THE FIRST KNUCKLE WHEN PROCEEDING FROM JULY TO AUGUST.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; ALLEN PARK
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Measure of time Month BELIEF -- Number BELIEF -- Number Counting beliefs SPEECH -- Gesture |
Date learned: 10-00-1980
BELIEF
SAYING "KNOCK ON WOOD", KNOCKING ON WOOD, OR DOING BOTH AT THE
SAME TIME IS A TYPICAL ACTION OF MANY PEOPLE. THIS OCCURS AFTER
A PERSON MAKES A STATEMENT IN FEAR OF THE OPPOSITE MEANING OF HIS
STATEMENT OCCURRING.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; Sterling Heights
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Expression of Fixed Form SPEECH -- Formula SPEECH -- Gesture |
Date learned: 00-00-1975
EXPRESSION
TICKLED PINK.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; Sterling Heights
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Color BELIEF -- Sensations and involuntary actions SPEECH -- Gesture PROVERB -- Proverbial Phrase |
Date learned: 00-00-1975
AT A SPANISH CATHOLIC WEDDING, THE BRIDE AND GROOM SEAL THEIR VOWS
WITH A CAPE WHICH IS BLESSED BY THE PRIEST. AT THE RECEPTION THE
AUDIENCE CAN COMMAND THEM TO KISS BY BEATING ON A GLASS WITH A FORK
UNTIL THEY DO SO.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Marriage ART CRAFT ARCHITECTURE -- Dress Overall body coverUpper body and arms SPEECH -- Gesture SPEECH -- To Be Heard |
Date learned: 11-14-1980
GREEK PASTIME
WHILE GREEK MEN SIT IN TAVERNS AND DRINK, THEY PLAY WITH WORRY BEADS
WHICH RELIEVES THEIR TENSION.
Submitter comment:
I THOUGHT THAT THIS WAS A VERY INTERESTING PASTIME. I THINK IT IS
UNIQUE.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Game Pastime Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Athletic sport and exercise Gymnastics SPEECH -- Gesture |
Date learned: 00-00-1980
GREEK DANCES
THERE ARE THREE TYPES OF GREEK DANCES: A SLOW DANCE IN WHICH THE
LEADER HAS THE ATTENTION WHILE HOLDING A HANDKERCHIEF. IT IS CALLED
SAMIKO.
THEN THERE IS A MODERATE TEMPO WHICH IS MOSTLY PLAYED AT WEDDINGS.
IT IS CALLED SYRTO.
THE THIRD TYPE IS A LIVELY DANCE CALLED HASAPIKO.
Submitter comment: THE GREEK DANCES ARE VERY LIVELY. THEY USE A LOT OF GESTURES.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Dance SPEECH -- Gesture |
Date learned: 00-00-1980
IF YOU ARE TELLING SOMEONE WHERE YOU ARE GOING IN THE UPPER
PENINSULA, YOU WILL SAY "UP DER-PLACE-WAY"
LIKE "UP DER MARQUEETE WAY".
Submitter comment:
WHILE SAYING THIS, MARK POINTED NORTH.
WHEN I ASKED HIM WHY HE POINTED, HE SAID HE DID NOT EVEN
REALIZE HE DID IT. HE THEN THOUGHT ABOUT IT AND
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; MARQUETTE
| Subject headings: | SPEECH -- Formula SPEECH -- Gesture |
Date learned: 11-00-1980
TROLLS
THE PEOPLE FROM THE UPPER PENINSULA,
WHERE I COME FROM CALL THE PEOPLE
IN THE LOWER PENINSULA TROLLS BECAUSE YOU ARE BELOW THE BRIDGE.
Submitter comment:
AS MARK SAID THAT, HE MADE A HAND GESTURE ON THE "BELOW" BY PUTTING HIS HAND BY HIS KNEE, PALM UP AND
SHAKING HIS HAND HORIZONTALLY TO
SHOW THAT BY BELOW HE DOESN'T MEAN UNDER. HE WAS ALSO LAUGHING
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; MARQUETTE
| Subject headings: | Person / Nickname Favorites SPEECH -- Gesture PROVERB -- Blason Populaire |
Date learned: 11-00-1980
MACEDONIAN GREEK ORTHODOX WEDDING
BEFORE THE WEDDING, THERE IS A GIFT GIVING
CEREMONY AT THE BRIDE'S HOUSE.
THE FATHER OF THE BRIDE SHARES BREAD AND
WINE WITH THE BRIDE BEFORE THE
GIFTS. THE BRIDE PUTS ON HER WEDDING
DRESS AND IS THEN PRESENTED WITH
GIFTS. THE FATHER IS FIRST TO GIVE A
GIFT, FOLLOWED BY HER FEMALE
RELATIVES. THE GIFTS ARE EITHER GIFTS OF
MONEY OR LINGERIE, EXCEPT FOR
THE FATHER'S GIFT.
WHILE THIS IS TAKING PLACE THE GROOM WAITS IN THE CHURCH. HE IS NOT
ALLOWED TO SEE THE BRIDE UNTIL THE CEREMONY. THE GROOM AT THIS TIME
SIGNS A CONTRACT WITNESSED BY TWO MEMBERS OF THE WEDDING PARTY, THE
"NUNCA" OR GODFATHER AND THE BEST MAN.
WHEN THE CEREMONY BEGINS, EACH MALE MEMBER OF THE WEDDING PARTY WAITS
AS HIS PARTNER WALKS DOWN THE AISLE FROM THE REAR OF THE CHURCH. HE
GREETS HER IN THE CENTER OF THE AISLE.
THEY WALK TO THE ALTAR, BOW THEIR
HEADS. THEY THEN DIVIDE AND STAND ON
OPPOSITE SIDES OF THE ALTAR, THE
MEN ON THE RIGHT AND THE WOMEN ON THE LEFT AS BEING LOOKED AT BY THE
CONGREGATION. SECOND TO LAST ARE THE NUNCAS
OR GODPARENTS OF THE BRIDE
AND GROOM. THE NUNCAS MUST BE A MARRIED COUPLE.
LASTLY THE BRIDE WALKS
DOWN THE AISLE WITH HER FATHER, THEY ARE GREETED
BY THE GROOM ABOUT A
QUARTER OF THE WAY UP THE AISLE WHERE THE FATHER GIVES AWAY THE
DAUGHTER. THE FATHER LIFTS THE VEIL
FROM THE FACE OF THE BRIDE , GIVES
HER A KISS, AND THEN SHAKES THE GROOMS HAND AND SITS DOWN. THE BRIDE
AND GROOM THEN WALK UP TO THE ALTAR WHERE THE NUNCAS AND PRIEST WAIT.
NEXT COMES THE ACTUAL CEREMONY. THE NUNCAS
STAND BEHIND THE BRIDE AND
GROOM, CARRYING CANDLES. ONE OF THE COUPLES IN THE WEDDING PARTY
STAND BESIDE THE BRIDE AND GROOM. THE RING CEREMONY IS FIRST. THE
GROOM PUTS ON THE BRIDE'S RING AND THE
BRIDE PUTS ON THE GROOM'S. THE
PRIEST EXCHANGES THE RINGS THREE TIMES,
A SYMBOL OF THE BLESSED TRINITY,
EACH TIME KISSING THE RING. THE GROOM
THEN SLIPS THE BRIDE'S RING ON HER
FINGER AS HE SAYS HIS VOWS. THEN THE
BRIDE DOES THE SAME. NEXT COMES
THE CEREMONY OF THE CROWNS. THE PRIEST
BRINGS OUT THE CROWNS AND MAKES
THE SIGN OF THE CROSS WITH THEM. NEXT THE BRIDE KISSES THE GROOM'S
CROWN AND THE GROOM DOES THE SAME TO THE BRIDE'S. THIS IS DONE THREE
TIMES. THE PRIEST THEN TOUCHES THE CROWNS
TO THEIR HEADS. HE THEN SWITCHES
THE CROWNS BACK AND FORTH THREE TIMES.
HE PLACES THE CROWNS ON TOP OF THEIR
HEADS. THE CROWNS ARE SYMBOLS OF BEING KING
AND QUEEN OF THE HOUSEHOLD.
THE CROWNS ARE HELD IN PLACE BY THE COUPLE
WHO STAND BESIDE THE BRIDE AND
GROOM. NOW THE NUNCAS GIVE THE BRIDE AND
GROOM THE CANDLES. THE PRIEST,
NUNCAS, BRIDE AND GROOM, AND COUPLE FROM
THE WEDDING PARTY WALK AROUND
THE ALTAR THREE TIMES. THEY ARE NOW MAN
AND WIFE. THEY LEAVE THE CHURCH
HOLDING THE CANDLES, WITH THE WEDDING PARTY
AND FORM A RECEPTION LINE IN
THE VESTIBULE. THE MALE MEMBERS OF
THE BRIDE'S RELATIVES NOW GIVE HER
GIFTS OF MONEY. NEXT IS THE RECEPTION.
AT THE RECEPTION THERE IS EATING
AND DRINKING FOLLOWED BY A TRADITIONAL DANCE.
THE DANCE IS AS FOLLOWS:
A LINE IS FORMED BY EACH PERSON PUTTING HIS
OR HER HAND ON THE OTHER
PERSON'S SHOULDER, ARMS OUTSTRETCHED.
THE FIRST PERSON IS CARRYING ALOAF
OF BREAD. IT LOOKS LIKE A CAKE. THE DANCE
IS DONE BY STEPPING RIGHT WITH THE RIGHT FOOT. NEXT CROSS THE LEFT
FOOT BEHIND THE RIGHT. NOW STEP
TO THE RIGHT AGAIN WITH THE RIGHT FOOT.
NEXT KICK YOUR LEFT LEG OUT IN
FRONT OF YOUR RIGHT THEN RETURN IT TO THE
POSITION IT WAS AT. NOW CROSS
YOUR RIGHT FOOT OVER YOUR LEFT THEN STEP
TO YOUR LEFT WITH YOUR LEFT FOOT.
NOW KICK YOUR RIGHT LEG OVER YOUR LEFT
AND RETURN IT TO ITS POSITION.
REPEAT THESE STEPS. TO GET THE FIRST POSITION
IN LINE YOU MUST WALK UP
AND PUT MONEY ON THE BREAD THEN TAKE IT
FROM THE PERSON. BE SURE NOT
TO DROP IT OR YOU WILL BRING BAD LUCK TO THE COUPLE.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; MADISON HEIGHTS
| Subject headings: | 686 Thirds / Thrice / Three / Triple Favorites Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Group CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Marriage BELIEF -- Bad luck SPEECH -- Gesture |
WHEN INTRODUCED TO MY GIRLFRIEND'S FATHER, I POLITELY
SHOOK HANDS WITH HIM. HE PERSISTENTLY CONTINUED
TO SHAKE MY HAND WHILE AT THE SAME TIME ASKED ME IF
I BELIEVED IN GHOSTS. I ANSWERED NO, AND HE THEN
ASKED ME, "THEN WHY ARE YOU STILL SHAKING?"
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; GROSSE POINTE WOODS
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Entertainment Diversion SPEECH -- Gesture |
Date learned: 10-22-1971
WHEN YOU GENUFLECT TO THE LORD, YOU DO SO ON
YOUR RIGHT KNEE. WHEN YOU GENUFLECT TO THE PEOPLE
YOU DO SO ON YOUR LEFT KNEE.
WHEN SAYING THE CONFITEOR, YOU BEAT YOUR BREAST THREE (3)
TIMES ON THE WORDS, "THROUGH MY FAULT, THROUGH MY
FAULT, THROUGH MY MOST GREVIOUS FAULT." THIS IS DONE
TO IMPOSE PUNISHMENT FOR YOUR SINS.
Where learned: NEW YORK ; WILSON
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Church SPEECH -- Gesture |
Date learned: NOT GIVEN
WHEN YOU FOLD YOUR HANDS WHEN GOING TO COMMUNION, YOU
CROSS YOUR THUMBS TO FORM A CROSS. THIS IS TO
REMIND YOU OF JESUS DYING ON THE CROSS.
Where learned: NEW YORK ; WILSON
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Church SPEECH -- Gesture |
Date learned: NOT GIVEN
TRADITION ON CAMPUS
IN ORDER TO BECOME A CO-ED AT THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN,
YOU MUST FIRST BE KISSED UNDER THE ARCHWAY GOING INTO
THE LAW QUAD. NO GIRL CAN WALK UNDER THIS ARCHWAY
BY HERSELF UNLESS SHE HAS ALREADY BEEN KISSED.
Submitter comment: A TRADITIONAL SAYING.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; ANN ARBOR
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- School BELIEF -- P527 SPEECH -- Gesture |
Date learned: 09-20-1967