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The James T. Callow Folklore Archive
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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
FOLKLORE OF NEW YEAR'S DAY
IN CANADA, ON NEW YEAR'S DAY THE HEAD OF THE HOUSEHOLD GIVES HIS
PATERNAL BLESSING TO EACH OF HIS SONS AND DAUGHTERS. THIS
CONTINUES EVEN AFTER THE CHILDREN MOVE OUT TO START THEIR
OWN FAMILIES.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DEARBORN
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- January 1 New Year's CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Street Trip Relations between relatives, friends, host and guest Social class Rank BELIEF -- Prayer |
Date learned: CA00001915
IF A PERSON LEAVES HIS FAMILY ON A JOURNEY OF ANY LENGTH, HE IS
GIVEN A FROG SO IT WILL INSURE HIS RETURN TO HIS HOME.
Submitter comment: THIS IS DONE IN JAPAN.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DEARBORN
Date learned: CA00001935
AS A CAR OF PASSENGERS LEAVES THE HOUSE ON A TRIP, A BUCKET OF WATER
IS SPILLED AFTER THEM. THIS MEANS THEY WILL HAVE A SAFE TRIP.
Submitter comment: THIS IS DONE IN IRAQ.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; SOUTHFIELD
Date learned: CA00001965
KWANZA
KWANZA IS AN AFRICAN HOLIDAY. IT IS CELEBRATED
DECEMBER 26 THROUGH JANUARY 1. IT IS AN EVENT WHICH
IS CELEBRATED ANNUALLY AND IS BASED ON AFRICAN
HARVEST CELEBRATIONS. KWANZA MEANS THE FIRST FRUIT.
THE PURPOSE OF KWANZA IS THE THANKING OF OUR ANCESTORS
IN ORDER TO INSURE A GOOD HARVEST FOR THE ENSUING YEAR.
DURING THE HARVEST CELEBRATIONS, THERE ARE
FEASTING, DRUMMING AND DANCING. STORY_TELLING
IS HEARD. FAMILY TIES ARE STRENGTHENED
AND ENCOURAGED.
MOST HOLIDAYS HAVE SYMBOLS WHICH ARE IDENTIFIABLE
WITH A PARTICULAR CELEBRATION. KWANZA DOES ALSO.
THE SYMBOLS OF KWANZA ARE: MEKA (STRAW) THE MHUMA (CANDLE),
ZAWADI (GIFTS) AND MAHINDI (CORN). THE CORN
REPRESESENTS ALL THE CHILDREN IN THE HOUSEHOLD.
LAST BUT NOT LEAST, THERE IS THE KIKOMBE (UNITY CUP).
COMMUNITIES AND HOMES ARE DECORATED, HOWEVER, EMPHASIS
IS ON THE USE OF NATURAL THINGS.
THE COLORS OF RED, GREEN AND BLACK ARE USED.
THEY ALSO SYMBOLIZES THE BLOOD SHED BY AFRICANS
IN THE STRUGGLE FOR FREEDOM AND PEACE.
THESE COLORS REPRESENTS BLOOD, LAND AND COLOR.
BLACK IS FOR THE AFRICAN SKIN COLOR. GREEN IS FOR FERTILITY.
EMPHASIS IS PLACED UPON THE CHILDREN WHO RECEIVE
MOST OF THE GIFTS AND ARE ASKED TO MAKE A COMMITMENT.
A CHILD MIGHT ASK FOR BETTER GRADES IN SCHOOL.
IF THE CHILD GRADES HAS IMPROVED CONSIDERABLY, HE IS REWARDED.
THE REWARDS ARE CLOTHING, EXTRA FOOD OR A VISIT OUT OF TOWN.
TRADITIONALLY, THE STRENTH OF THE AFRICAN FAMILY
HAS ALWAYS BEEN THE FAMILY. BECAUSE OF THIS, THE FAMILY
IS THE FOCAL POINT OF THE CELEBRATION.
Submitter comment:
THE MEANING OF THE WORD FAMILY HERE CONSIST OF
THE FATHER, MOTHER, CHILDREN, AUNTS AND UNCLES.
FAMILY MEANS THE EXTENDED FAMILY.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
HARVEST CELEBRATION IN LIBERIA
MANY PEOPLE IN LIBERIA DEPEND ON AGRICULTURE.
AGRICULTURE DEPENDS ALSO ON FAVORABLE WEATHER
CONDITIONS. THERE ARE TWO SEASONS. THE RAINY AND THE
DRY SEASON. IF THERE ISN'T SUFFICIENT RAIN THERE
WOULDN'T BE SUFFICIENT HARVEST AND THE SITUATION TENDS TO
CREATE UNHAPPINESS IN OUR COMMUNITY. WE HAVE DEVELOPED
RITES AND CEREMONIES THAT RELATES TO RURAL LIFE.
HARVEST CELEBRATION IS AN ACTIVITY WHICH
STRENGTHENED COMMUNITY CONSCIOUSNESS AND SOLIDARITY.
THE HARVEST CELEBRATION IS USUALLY CELEBRATED AT THE
BEGINNING OF THE YEAR. IT IS ALSO A FAMILY AFFAIR.
IT IS A TIME WHEN RELATIVES COME TOGETHER TO CELEBRATE THE
NEW YEAR AND TO REFLECT ON THE PAST YEAR. IT IS A TIME
OF HAPPINESS. BEFORE COLONIZATION, FAMILIES WOULD MEET AT THE
HOME OF THE OLDEST MALE RELATIVE.
AN EXAMPLE WOULD BE THE FATHER, GRANDFATHER, A NEPHEW OR
AN UNCLE OR A DISTANT MALE RELATIVE.
FAMILY MEMBERS ARE PRESENT. INDIVIDUALS CAN ONLY BE EXCUSE
IN THE CASE OF DEATH OR SERIOUS ILLNESS.
RELATIVES WHO LIVE FAR AWAY USUALLY ARRIVE AHEAD OF
SCHEDULE; THEY ARRIVE A DAY AHEAD.
ON THE LAST DAY OF THE YEAR, A SMALL CELEBRATION IS HELD.
RELATIVES ARE OFFICIALLY WELCOME, THE OLDEST MALE IS
PRESENTED WITH GIFTS. THE GIFTS CONSISTS OF CORN,
CATTLE, WHEAT OR RICE. THE YOUNG MEN AND WOMEN USUALLY
ARE GATHERED OUTSIDE AND ARE CIRCLED BY
A FIRE. THEY CARRY ON A CONVERSATION. THE GRANDMOTHERS
SIT WITH THE CHILDREN NEAR A FIRE AND TELL FOLKTALES.
ON NEW YEAR'S MORNING, GOATS ARE SLAUGHTERED. THE YOUNG
MEN PREPARE THE GOAT FOR COOKING AND ROASTING. THE
WOMEN TRAVELS INTO THE FOREST TO GATHER WOOD. THE WOMEN
RETURN AND PREPARE THE MEAL FOR THE BIG CELEBRATION.
WHILE THE WOMEN ARE COOKING, THE MEN ARE GATHERED
IN A SPECIAL GROUP TO CONVERSE AND TO DRINK PINEWINE. A PINE IS
SHARED AMONG THE MALES. MATTERS OF VITAL IMPORTANCE
ARE DISCUSSED. VILLAGE IMPROVEMENT IS ALSO DISCUSSED.
THE HARVEST CELEBRATION IS USUALLY READY BY MID_AFTERNOON.
EVERYONE EATS AT THIS TIME. AFTER EVERYONE HAS EATEN,
THE WOMEN ARE LEFT ALONE TO PERFORM THE CLEANING.
THE MEN RETIRE TO ANOTHER LOCATION TO DISCUSS THE NEW YEAR.
AFTER CLEANING THE COOKING UTENSILS AND YARD,
THE WOMEN RETURN AND THE VILLAGE ELDERS
USUALLY PRAISE THE WOMEN FOR THE DELICIOUS MEAL
AND ENCOURAGES EVERYONE TO MAKE A WISH FOR THE NEW YEAR.
AFTER THE PRAISES AND SPEECH BY THE ELDERS,
WOMEN, MEN AND CHILDREN ALIKE ARE JOINED TOGETHER
FOR A FESTIVAL WHICH INCLUDES MUSIC AND DANCE.
AT THE END OF THE MUSIC WHICH USUALLY BRING THE HARVEST
TO AN END, A GRANDPARENT LEADS ALL IN PRAYERS FOR A SAFE
JOURNEY HOME.
THIS BRING A HAPPY AND MEMORABLE CELEBRATION TO AN END.
Submitter comment:
THE CELEBRATION IS HELD DURING THE MONTH OF JANUARY.
WE PARTICIPATE IN THIS FESTIVAL ANNUALLY.
Where learned: LIBERIA ; BONG COUNTY
James Callow Keyword(s): IT IS ALSO SEXES ; SEPARATION OF THE SEXES ; SEXISM
Date learned: 00-00-1968
EASTER MONDAY IN LIBERIA
EASTER MONDAY IS CELEBRATED AS A HOLIDAY IN MONROVIA. SCHOOLS
ARE CLOSED AND MANY GOVERNMENT AND PRIVATE BUILDINGS ARE ALSO CLOSED
EASTER MONDAY USUALLY FALLS ON THE SAME MONDAY AS THAT OF THE
UNITED STATES AND OTHER CHRISTIAN NATIONS AROUND
THE WORLD. THE ONLY BIG DIFFERENCE IS THE TIME. THERE IS A FIVE
HOUR TIME DIFFERENCE BETWEEN NEW YORK AND MONROVIA. THEREFORE,
WHEN EASTER CELEBRATION IS BEING HELD IN MONROVIA, PEOPLE ARE
ASLEEP HERE. AFTER FIVE HOURS OF CELEBRATIONS IN MONROVIA
PEOPLE ARE GETTING OUT OF BED HERE IN THE UNITED STATES. THE
CHRISTIANS IN MONROVIA CELEBRATE EASTER MONDAY BECAUSE THEY
BELIEVE THAT IT WAS AFTER THE SUNDAY THAT JESUS CHRIST THE LORD
ROSE FROM THE DEAD. THE SCHOOLS ARE THE MOST ATTRACTIVE PLACE
OF CELEBRATION. ON EASTER MONDAY, STUDENTS ARE ENCOURAGED TO WITNESS
A GAME BETWEEN RIVAL SCHOOLMATES. THE RIVAL SCHOOLMATES CONSISTS
OF MALES AND FEMALES. THE GAME TO BE WITNESSED IS CALLED THE
TUG-OF-WAR. THERE ARE THREE PLAYERS ON THE FEMALE TEAM AND
THE NUMBER IS UNEVEN BECAUSE MEN ARE SUPPOSED TO BE PHYSICALLY
STRONGER THAN WOMEN. THIS DOES NOT ALWAYS HOLD TRUE FOR THE MEN AS
THE WOMEN USUALLY WIN THE GAME. THE WOMEN USUALLY GO THROUGH
DIFFERENT FORMS OF EXERCISES SUCH AS KARATE, WRESTLING, JOGGING
AND MUSCLE PULLING FOR ABOUT SIX MONTHS DAILY PRIOR TO THE GAME.
THESE EXERCISES AID THE FEMALES IN THEIR STRUGGLE TO PROVE TO
THE MEN THAT IT MAY OR MAY NOT BE TRUE THAT MEN ARE SUPERIOR
TO THE WOMEN; WHAT IS DEFINITELY CERTAIN IS THAT TRADITIONALLY,
IN THE SIGHT OF GOD ALL IS EQUAL. THIS IS TRUE BECAUSE THE FEMALES
USUALLY WORK HARD TO PROVE THIS POINT. THE FEMALE CONTESTANTS
ARE VERY LARGE WOMEN ALSO. ABOUT SIX FEET TALL. A WOMAN OF PETITE
BUILD WILL NOT BE ELIGIBLE TO PARTICIPATE. THE SIZE AND HEIGHT
ARE PRESENTED TO THE SPECTATORS TO SHOW THAT WOMEN SHOULD
NOT BE TAKEN FOR GRANTED. WHENEVER THE MALES LOSE THE GAME IT
IS AND CAUSES LOT OF HUMILIATIONS FOR THEM UNTIL THE FOLLOWING
YEAR. ON THE FOLLOWING YEAR, ABOUT TWO DAYS BEFORE GOOD FRIDAY,
A REMATCH IS SCHEDULED. AT THIS TIME INSTEAD OF THE GAME
THEY THEN GET INVOLVED INTO A SPELLING CONTEST. THE WINNER OF
THE CONTEST IS THEN AWARDED WITH A CHECK OF 50 DOLLARS FROM
HIS SCHOOL AND THE FEMALE'S SCHOOL. THE MALES ARE ALSO
INTRODUCED TO A CRASH COURSE CALLED LEARNING AWARENESS.
THE CRASH COURSE IS SIMPLY AN EDUCATIONAL COURSE TO PROVE TO
THE MALE STUDENTS THAT MEN ARE NOT SUPERIOR TO FEMALES
INTELLECTUALLY. THE SUBJECT OF EASTER MONDAY FITS WELL INTO
THE REALM OF FOLKLORE, ESPECIALLY FROM THE STANDPOINT OF
CUSTOM. IT ALSO FITS WELL BECAUSE IT IS STILL PRACTICED TODAY
AND MANY MEN STILL FEEL THAT THEY ARE SUPERIOR TO WOMEN BY
PHYSICAL ATTRIBUTES AND INTELLIGENCE.
Submitter comment: THE SPELLING CONTEST IS USUALLY HELD TWO DAYS PRIOR TO GOOD FRIDAY.
Where learned: LIBERIA ; MONROVIA
James Callow Keyword(s): SEPARATION OF THE SEXES ; SEXISM
Date learned: 00-00-1968
Entry filtered.
GOOD FRIDAY CUSTOM
ON GOOD FRIDAY, AS PART OF THE CHURCH SERVICES, A TOMB
OF CHRIST IS PLACED IN FRONT OF THE ALTER, CALLED
THE "EPITAPHIO."
Submitter comment:
THE TOMB IS ELEVATED ON A STAND. AT THE END OF
THE CHURCH SERVICES, CHILDREN PROCEED TO CRAWL UNDER
THE TOMB. THIS WILL BRING THOSE CHILDREN GOOD LUCK
FOR THE REST OF THE YEAR.
THIS IS A GREEK-AMERICAN CUSTOM.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | 663 Good Friday CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Street Trip Relations between relatives, friends, host and guest Social class Rank BELIEF -- Measure of time Year BELIEF -- Good luck |
Date learned: 04-00-1970
I KNOW HOW MUCH I PAID FOR MY GRANDMOTHER BEFORE SHE WAS SOLD.
Submitter comment:
TOLD BY MY MOTHER THIS SUMMER INTERPRETATION, (I CAN GIVE YOU MORE
ADVICE BECAUSE I'VE LIVED LONGER.)
Where learned: UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; HOLDEN HALL
Keyword(s): ADVISING
James Callow Keyword(s): WISDOM ASSUMED TO RESULT FROM AGE
Date learned: 09-00-1967
AFRICAN PROVERB
I KNOW HOW MUCH YOUR GRANDMOTHER WAS BOUGHT FOR.
Submitter comment: I'VE BEEN LIVING LONGER THAN YOU HAVE.
Where learned: UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT
Keyword(s): ADVISING
James Callow Keyword(s): WISDOM ASSUMED TO RESULT FROM AGE
Date learned: 00001967 (FALL)
PRACTICAL JOKE AND PRANK
INCOMING FRESHMEN AT CABRINI HIGH SCHOOL (ALLEN PARK, MI.)
ARE THE BUTT
OF MANY PRACTICAL JOKES. ON THEIR FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL, SENIORS
HAVE THEM BUY ELEVATOR PASSES FOR FIVE DOLLARS. THEY EXPLAIN THAT
ONLY A CHOICE FEW ARE ISSUED THEM. HOWEVER, CABRINI DOES NOT HAVE
AN ELEVATOR AND THE FRESHMEN SOON DISCOVER THAT THEY WERE DUPED.
ANOTHER JOKE IS TO BAPTISE THE FRESHMEN BY PLACING THEIR HEADS
UNDERNEATH A RUNNING FAUCET.
Submitter comment:
THE INFORMANT HEARD OF THESE ACADEME CUSTOMS IN 1970 AT CABRINI
HIGH SCHOOL. THEY ARE A TYPE OF INITIATION RITE OR RITE OF
PASSAGE OF FRESHMEN STUDENTS FROM GRADE SCHOOL TO HIGH SCHOOL.
ALTHOUGH HARMLESS, THEY COULD OFTEN CAUSE HARD FEELINGS. PERHAPS
THE TERM "BAPTISING" ENTERS SINCE CABRINI IS A CATHOLIC SCHOOL.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; ALLEN PARK
Date learned: 10-00-1980 ; 00-00-1970
PRACTICAL JOKE AND PRANK
WHEN MANY PEOPLE SHARE REFRIGERATORS IN A FRATERNITY, THERE IS A
PROBLEM OF STEALING FOOD. ONE SURE WAY TO STOP THIS IS TO REPLACE
URINE FOR APPLE JUICE IN A STAMPED JUICE BOTTLE. WHEN THE CULPRIT
TAKES HIS FIRST SIP, HE LEARNS HIS LESSON WELL.
Submitter comment:
THE INFORMANT FIRST HEARD OF THIS PRANK IN 1976 AT WESTERN
MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY. UNDOUBTEDLY, THE UNKNOWING PARTY FEELS SOME
PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DISCOMFORT. AFTER THE INITIAL JOKE, ALL
CONCERNED MAY BE MORE SKEPTICAL AND THE STEALING STOPS.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; ALLEN PARK
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Street Trip Relations between relatives, friends, host and guest Social class Rank CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Entertainment Diversion CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- School |
Date learned: 10-00-1980 ; 06-00-1978
WIDOW ATTIRE
AFTER THE DEATH OF A WOMAN'S HUSBAND, SHE WEARS BLACK EVERY DAY FOR A
YEAR.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
Date learned: 00-00-1980
THE GREEK WOMAN
MY FRIEND'S GRANDMA WAS THE ONLY WOMAN IN THE VILLAGE TO OWN A HORSE.
THIS WAS UNUSUAL BECAUSE IN THE SMALL VILLAGE WHERE SHE LIVED, ONLY
THE VERY RICH AND FINEST PEOPLE HAD DONKEYS. SHE WOULD TRAVEL SIDE
SADDLE SIXTY MILES TO THE CITY TO HAVE HER SHOES ORDERED, AS SHE
HATED THE HOME-MADE ONES IN THE VILLAGE. PEOPLE WOULD LOOK AT HER
STRANGELY BECAUSE THOUGH HER CLOTHES WERN'T FINE, SHE RODE A RICH
ANIMAL.
Submitter comment:
THIS STORY WAS AN INTERESTING ONE. I PICTURED IT WHEN MY NEIGHBOR
WAS TELLING IT TO ME.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Street Trip Relations between relatives, friends, host and guest Social class Rank BELIEF -- Mammal BELIEF -- Product or activity of man or animal |
Date learned: 00-00-1980
IF YOU SING AT THE TABLE YOU'LL MARRY A CRAZY MAN.
Submitter comment:
SYD'S GRANDMA TOLD HER THIS ONE WHILE AT THE DINNER TABLE. I THINK
IT ORIGINATES FROM THE VICTORIAN ERA WHEN SILENCE AT MOST OCCASIONS
WAS EXPECTED FROM CHILDREN.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
James Callow Keyword(s): FUNCTION
Date learned: 00-00-1950
WHEN YOU GIVE SOMEONE A SHARP OBJECT, THEY SHOULD GIVE YOU A PENNY
Submitter comment: THIS SAYING IS A VARIATION FROM ONE WE TALKED ABOUT IN CLASS.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
James Callow Keyword(s): GIFTGIVING
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Street Trip Relations between relatives, friends, host and guest Social class Rank |
Date learned: 00-00-1950 ; 00-00-1980
IN OUR FAMILY (AND PROBABLY IN MOST OTHERS I PRESUME) A PENNY IS
PLACED IN A NEW WALLET FOR GOOD LUCK.
Submitter comment:
I LEARNED THIS CUSTOM WHEN I WAS YOUNG. I'M SURE THIS CUSTOM STEMS
FROM THE IDEA THAT EMPTINESS IS NOT A VIRTUE IN THE U.S..
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; WYANDOTTE
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Street Trip Relations between relatives, friends, host and guest Social class Rank BELIEF -- Good luck |
Date learned: 00001960S
CUSTOM, DAILY LIFE.
THE ELDEST MAN AT A TABLE IS ASKED TO CUT THE MEAT.
Submitter comment: LEARNED FROM HOME.
Where learned: INDIANA ; Hudson Lake
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Home CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Street Trip Relations between relatives, friends, host and guest Social class Rank |
Date learned: 11-24-1967
DRINKING
IF SOMEONE OFFERS YOU A DRINK OUT OF HIS GLASS AND YOU
REFUSE IT, IT MEANS "I DON'T CARE FOR YOU."
Submitter comment: PRACTICE LEARNED IN HOME OF MUNICH, GERMANY
Where learned: NEW YORK ; BRONXVILLE
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Street Trip Relations between relatives, friends, host and guest Social class Rank |
Date learned: 08-00-1964