Dr. James T. Callow publications
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The James T. Callow Folklore Archive
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BLIEFS
TO PUT A HORSESHOE OVER YOUR DOOR, DRIVE GHOST OUT YOUR HOUSE.
Where learned: CALIFORNIA ; MONROVIA
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Ghost Spirit Phantom Specter |
Date learned: CA00001935
DAY OF THE DEAD.
ON MEMORIAL DAY, MAY 31, IN MEXICO IS THE OBSERVANCE OF "DIA DE
LOS MORETOS OR THE "DAY OF THE DEAD". THIS DAY YOU SET
LITTLE TABLE IN THE CORNER OF THE HOUSE WITH LIGHTED CANDLES
PICTURES OF JESUS AND OF THE DEAD RELATIVES. ALSO YOU SET OUT FOOD
FOR THE SPIRITS, USUALLY SOUP
Submitter comment:
THIS IS CONSIDERED A HOLIDAY FOR THE DEAD AND UNEXPECTED HAPPENINGS
ARE USUALLY ATTRIBUTED TO THE SPIRITS OF THE DEAD RELATIVES.
HAVING FUN.
TO THE BEST OF THE INFORMANT'S RECOLLECTION THERE WAS NO OBSERVANCE
OF ANY OTHER HOLIDAY SIMILAR TO THIS .
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; ROSEVILLE
Date learned: 04-00-1980
DEATH SUPERSTITION
WHEN YOU HEAR KNOCKING AT NIGHT, SOMEONE IS GOING TO DIE. THE
INFORMANT HEARD KNOCKING ON TWO NIGHTS AND THE DEATH OF TWO
RELATIVES FOLLOWED.
Submitter comment:
THE INFORMANT HEARD OF THIS DEATH PREDICTOR IN POLAND AROUND 1910.
SINCE SHE CLAIMS THIS ACTUALLY HAPPENED TO HER, SHE HELD A GREAT
CONVICTION TO ITS TRUTH. KNOCKING IS OFTEN ASSOCIATED WITH
COMMUNICATION FROM THE DEACEASED. PERHAPS, THE DEAD WILL WARN OF
AN UPCOMING DEATH.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | 686 Seconds / Twice / Two Observation BELIEF -- Ghost Spirit Phantom Specter BELIEF -- Death Funeral Burial |
Date learned: 10-00-1980 ; CA00001910
GEORGIA HALLOWEEN CUSTOM
"DADDY TOLD US THAT EVERY HALLOWEEN NIGHT,
YOU SHOULD FACE SOUTH-EAST AND SAY A LITTLE RHYME I CAN'T REMEMBER,
AND IT WOULD PREVENT BLACKBEARD'S GHOST FROM GETTING YOU."
Submitter comment:
THE COLLECTOR RESEARCHED THIS GEORGIA SUPERSTITION, AND FOUND
THAT BLACKBEARD'S ISLAND, THE SITE WHERE THE ENGLISH PIRATE
SUPPOSEDLY ESTABLISHED HIS HEADQUARTERS, LIES JUST OFF OF
GEORGIA'S SOUTH-EAST COAST.
Where learned: OHIO ; FLORIDA ; ALLIANCE ; EUSTIS
Date learned: 11-13-1980 ; 00001920S
FLORIDA HALLOWEEN CUSTOM
"WE WERE ALWAYS RUNNING AROUND ON HALLOWEEN NIGHT. WE DIDN'T GO
TRICK OR TREATING LIKE THEY DO NOW, BUT WE'D GO LOOK FOR HOT-STEAMS
ON THE COUNTRY ROADS. THEY WERE LIKE GHOSTS THAT WOULD STRETCH
ACROSS THE ROAD AND BLOCK THE WAY. IF THEY CAUGHT YOU, THEY'D
SUCK YOUR BREATH, AND TO PREVENT IT, YOU WERE SUPPOSED TO SAY MM
"ANGEL BRIGHT, LIFE IN DEATH
GET OFF THE ROAD, DON'T SUCK MY BREATH'. MM
WE BELIEVED IN HOT-STEAMS, BUT WE NEVER DID SEE ONE".
Submitter comment:
THE INFORMANT FIRST LEARNED OF "HOT-STEAMS" FROM CHILDHOOD FRIENDS
IN FLORIDA. SHE STATED THAT SHE HAD FORGOTTEN ABOUT HOT-STEAMS
UNTIL SHE READ HARPER LEE'S "TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD",
WHICH MENTIONED HOT-STEAMS WITH THE SAME RHYME.
Where learned: OHIO ; FLORIDA ; ALLIANCE ; EUSTIS
Date learned: 11-13-1980 ; 00001920S
NEW YEAR'S DREAMS
IN POLAND, IT IS A BELIEF THAT IF YOU DREAM ABOUT MARRYING A
PERSON THREE DAYS IN A ROW; ON NEW YEAR'S EVE, NEW YEAR'S DAY,
AND THE DAY AFTER, YOU WILL MARRY THAT PERSON BEFORE THE NEXT
YEAR COMES.
Submitter comment:
THERE IS ONE POINT TO BE MENTIONED IN REGARDS TO NEW YEAR'S EVE.
IT IS BELIEVED THAT SPIRITS ARE RESTLESS ON NEW YEAR'S EVE AND
THEY WANDER IN AND OUT OF HOUSES. THEREFORE, ON THAT DAY,
POLES ARE CAREFUL NOT TO WAVE SHARP OBJECTS IN THE AIR SUCH AS;
KNIVES, SCISSORS, AND PENCILS, SO AS NOT TO INJURE A SPIRIT AND
GIVE HIM CAUSE TO BE ANGRY WITH THEIR HOUSEHOLD. ALSO, THE POLES
WOULD LEAVE PLATES OF FOOD NEXT TO EMPTY CHAIRS IN CERTAIN PARTS OF
THE HOUSE. IF THEY WOULD DO THESE THINGS, THEY THOUGHT THE SPIRITS
WOULD THEN FEEL FREE TO BLESS THEIR HOUSEHOLD.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DEARBORN
Date learned: 00-00-1978
MACEDONIAN GREEK ORTHODOX FUNERAL
THE FUNERAL CEREMONY OF THE GREEK ORTHODOX IS MUCH LIKE ANY
OTHER RELIGION ITSELF, BUT MANY SYMBOLS ARE USED. THE PALLBEARERS
MUST WEAR WHITE GLOVES SO THEY DO NOT
STAIN THE SOUL OF THE DEAD PERSON
WHEN THE PROCESSION GETS TO THE CEMETERY EVERYONE IS GIVEN A CANDLE,
THE SYMBOL OF ETERNAL LIFE. THE PALLBEARERS ARE GIVEN THREE
REMEMBRANCES OF THE DECEASED LIKE A PAIR
OF SOCKS, A PITCHER, AND A TOWEL
ALSO AT THE CEMETERY THEY EAT BREAD AND
DRINK WINE. THE BROTHERS OF THE
DECEASED CAN NOT SHAVE FOR SIX WEEKS AFTER
THE DEATH BECAUSE THE SHAVINGS
WILL FALL IN THE EYES OF THE DEAD PERSON
AND WILL NOT BE ABLE TO SEE
THE GATES OF HEAVEN.
THE PALLBEARERS AND FAMILY MUST MEET AT THE
CEMETARY THREE, SIX, NINE, AND
TWELVE MONTHS AFTER THE DEATH OF THE PERSON.
AND THEN EACH YEAR AFTER
AS LONG AS THE MOTHER WANTS. AT EACH
MEETING THE PALLBEARERS ARE AGAIN GIVEN
SOME ARTICLES IN REMEMBRANCE AND BREAD AND WINE IS HAD. ALSO
EACH PERSON IS GIVEN A CANDLE.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; MADISON HEIGHTS
Date learned: 00-00-1979
IF YOU TOUCH THE DEAD, THEY WILL HAUNT YOU.
Submitter comment: MRS. COLEMAN LEARNED THIS AS A CHILD.
Where learned: MICHIGAN, ASSUMED ; GROSSE POINTE PARK
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Ghost Spirit Phantom Specter BELIEF -- Death Funeral Burial |
HAUNTED HOUSE AT MEMPHIS MICHIGAN
THE HAUNTED HOUSE AT MEMPHIS, MICHIGAN WAS DESERTED FOR 20 YEARS.
BUT YET EVERY MONDAY DIRRENCE (SIC) CLOTHES ARE REPORTED TO BE SEEN
HANGING ON A CLOTHESLINE. BONES ARE REPORTED ALSO SEEN IN THE
BASEMENT.
Submitter comment: FROM GRANDFATHER
Where learned: LIVING ROOM
James Callow Keyword(s): PHANTOM WASHING OF CLOTHES
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Ghost Spirit Phantom Specter BELIEF -- Product or activity of man or animal BELIEF -- Measure of time WeekDayHour BELIEF -- Measure of time Working |
Date learned: 10-05-1967
WE CELEBRATE A HOLIDAY IN GERMANY CALLED "FAST NACH." IT IS LIKE
HALLOWEEN ONLY IS IS CELEBRATED IN FEBRUARY. ALL THE CHILDREN
AND ADULTS DRESS UP IN COSTUMES AND HAVE A PARADE TO CHASE AWAY
THE GHOSTS. WE CAN NOT EAT MEAT ON THIS DAY, SO WE EAT DONUTS
INSTEAD. THIS IS DONE IN MOST SMALL TOWNS IN GERMANY.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
James Callow Keyword(s): ABSTINENCE ; CARNIVAL ; FASTNACHT
Date learned: 02-00-1982
AT FUNERAL BURIALS, THROW MONEY ON TOP OF THE CASKET AND THE GHOST
OF THE PERSON WILL NOT COME BACK TO HAUNT YOU BECAUSE HE WILL
BE SATISFIED WITH THE GIFT.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT ; CAMPUS
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Death Funeral Burial BELIEF -- Ghost Spirit Phantom Specter BELIEF -- Death Funeral Burial |
Date learned: 03-00-1982
WHEN A FULL MOON OCCURS IN JULY, ALL THE WINDOWS
MUST BE KEPT OPEN TO FREE THE RESTLESS SPIRITS.
IF NOT THE SPIRITS WOULD REMAIN FOR THE REMAINDER OF
THE YEAR.
Submitter comment:
INFORMANT'S GRANDMOTHER WAS TOLD THIS BY HER MOTHER
AND CONTINUED TO PRACTICE THE BELIEF, PASSING
IT ON TO HER CHILDREN AND GRANDCHILDREN.
Where learned: ENGLAND ; COOKHAM RISE ; BERKSHIRE ; RECEIVED IN MAIL
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- July ART CRAFT ARCHITECTURE -- Wall Partition Door Window BELIEF -- Ghost Spirit Phantom Specter BELIEF -- Moon BELIEF -- Conversions |
Date learned: 00-00-1970
WHEN AT A CEMETERY, IT IS NECESSARY TO AVOID
WALKING OVER OCCUPIED PLOTS. IT MAKES THE
DECEASED BECOME RESTLESS. AND ONE MUST
NEVER DISTURB THE DEAD.
Where learned: DETROIT
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Ghost Spirit Phantom Specter BELIEF -- Product or activity of man or animal BELIEF -- Death Funeral Burial |
Date learned: 00-00-1940
"BLOODY MARY" (BRAVERY GAME)
A TEST OF BRAVERY IN MY GRADE SCHOOL WOULD BE A GAME CALLED
"BLOODY MARY".
FIRST, ONE WOULD GO INTO A SCHOOL BATHROOM, TURN OUT THE LIGHTS
AND FILL THE SINK WITH WATER. AFTER STARING INTO THE WATER FOR
THIRTY SECONDS, ONE WOULD QUICKLY LOOK INTO A MIRROR IN HOPE OF
SEEING THE GHOST OF "BLOODY MARY" STABBING HERSELF.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; LIVONIA ; CASS ELEMENTARY
James Callow Keyword(s): CONJURATION ; FEAR TEST
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Game Pastime BELIEF -- Ghost Spirit Phantom Specter |
Date learned: CA00001970
STAND IN FRONT OF A MIRROR, CLOSE YOUR EYES AND TURN AROUND OVER
AND OVER REPEATING "BLOODY MARY." WHEN YOU OPEN YOUR EYES AND LOOK
IN THE MIRROR, BLOODY MARY WILL BE LOOKING BACK AT YOU.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; EAST DETROIT
| Subject headings: | Charm / Enchantment / Conjuration Favorites BELIEF -- Ghost Spirit Phantom Specter |
Date learned: 00001970S
WRITE A LETTER TO A DEAD PERSON AND PLACE IT ON TOP OF A GLASS OF
WATER. PLACE THE GLASS UNDER THE CENTER OF YOUR BED. THE DEAD
PERSON WILL COME AND TELL YOU WHICH NUMBER TO PLAY.
Submitter comment: THIS IS FOR PLAYING THE NUMBERS. THE INFORMANT NEVER TRIED IT.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Guessing BELIEF -- Ghost Spirit Phantom Specter |
Date learned: 00001950S
"IN CARROLTON, ALABAMA, THERE IS THIS FACE OF A MAN IN THE
COURTHOUSE WINDOW. HE WAS EXECUTED FOR A CRIME HE DID NOT
COMMIT AND HAS HAUNTED THE COURTHOUSE SINCE THEN. THE WINDOW HAS
SUPPOSEDLY BEEN REPLACED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, BUT THE FACE WILL NOT
NOT GO AWAY."
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; MUSKEGON
| Subject headings: | Favorites BELIEF -- Ghost Spirit Phantom Specter BELIEF -- Product or activity of man or animal |
Date learned: 09-19-1982
IN DREAMS THE SOULS OF THE DEAD COME TO VISIT.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Ghost Spirit Phantom Specter BELIEF -- Dreams |
Date learned: 04-00-1983
YOU SHOULD NEVER MENTION A DEAD PERSON'S NAME IN VAIN
BECAUSE THEY WILL COME AND PUNISH YOU FOR IT BY HAUNTING
YOUR HOUSE OR BY PLAYING MEAN TRICKS ON YOU.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
James Callow Keyword(s): NAME TABU
| Subject headings: | Person / Nickname BELIEF -- Ghost Spirit Phantom Specter BELIEF -- Product or activity of man or animal |
Date learned: 04-00-1983
AFRO-AMERICAN BELIEFS
TO TALK WITH THE DEAD WAIT UNTIL MIDNIGHT, WRITE THE NAME
OF THE PERSON YOU WISH TO CONVERSE WITH, COVER A GLASS
OF WATER WITH THE NAME WRITTEN ON A SHEET OF PAPER, AND
STAND BEFORE A MIRROR WITH LIGHTED CANDLE. THE FIGURE OF
THE PERSON WILL APPEAR IN THE MIRROR. MM
IF A PERSON SWEEPS ACROSS YOUR FEET WITH THE BROOM YOU
MUST SPIT UPON IT OR YOU WILL GO TO JAIL. MM
PICKING A MARRIAGE PARTNER:
A WOMAN WHOSE SECOND TOE IS LONGER THAN THE FIRST IS A
POOR CHOICE FOR A WIFE IN THAT SHE WILL MAKE HER
HUSBAND MISERABLE BY DOMINATION OR HER ATTEMPTS AT DOING
SO. MM
ANOTHER IS THAT A PREGNANT WOMAN SHOULD NOT BE ALLOWED
TO PREPARE FOOD BECAUSE SHE IS UNCLEAN. MM
IF A MAN'S WIFE
CLIMBS ACROSS HIM TO GET OUT OF BED HE WILL BEAR THE
LABOR PAINS.
Where learned: DETROIT
James Callow Keyword(s): CONTAGIOUS MAGIC ; TRANSFER
Date learned: 07-00-1967