Dr. James T. Callow publications
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The James T. Callow Folklore Archive
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WEST GERMAN TRADITION
IN GERMANY ON A CHILD'S VERY FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL HE/SHE
RECEIVES A SPECIAL PRESENT. THE PARENTS OF THE CHILD
GIVES HIM/HER A HUGE CONE FILLED WITH CANDY. THIS IS
DONE IN OREDR TO GIVE THE CHILD A GOOD PERSPECTIVE ABOUT
SCHOOL.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
Date learned: 02-00-1983
MILITARY HAZING PRACTICES AND RITES OF PASSAGE
NEW CREWMEMBERS ABOARD SHIP ARE GIVEN NONSENSE DUTIES TO CARRY
OUT. SOME OF THESE ARE LOOKING FOR A CAN OF BULKHEAD REMOVER
WHICH HAS THE HAPLESS CREWMEMBER LOOKING FOR A NON-EXISTANT
"WALLREMOVER." ANOTHER IS FINDING A BUCKET OF CROSSHAIRS
WHICH THE GUNNERSMATE NEEDS FOR SIGHTING THE BIG GUNS.
THE FAVORITE IS THE "SUBMARINE" WATCH. IN THIS ONE THE CREW-
MEMBER IS GIVEN A PAIR OF BINOCULARS AND STATIONED SOMEWHERE
HE CAN EASILY BE SEEN. HE IS THEN INSTRUCTED TO REMAIN ON POST
UNTIL HE IS RELIEVED. AFTER A FEW HOURS OF GUFFAWS SOMEONE WILL
USUALLY GO "RELIEVE" HIM.
"SALTINESS" IS ACHIEVED AFTER A NAVYMAN HAS REPORTED TO
HIS FIRST SHIP HE IS ENTITLED TO ROLL THE BRIM OF HIS WHITEHAT,
HAVE HIS PANTS "BELLED" OR "PEGGED," AND TURN BACK THE CUFFS OF HIS
DRESSBLUE JUMPER. ANOTHER FAVORITE IS A TATTOO OR PIERCED EAR.
"CROSSING THE EQUATOR": ON THE EAST COAST INITIATES GO THROUGH
A "SHELLBACK" INITIATION. THERE ARE SEVERAL TESTS SUCH AS A
CRAWL THROUGH SLIME, THE SHELLBACK GAUNTLET, KISSING THE ROYAL
BABY, THE HORIZON SWEEP, AND DECK RUN. ALL SUCCESSFUL INITIATES
RECEIVE A SHELLBACK ID CARD, WALL PLAQUE TO SEND HOME TO MOTHER.
THE WEST COAST VERSION IS THE SAME EXCEPT THAT YOU BECOME A
MEMBER OF THE "ORDER OF THE GOLDEN DRAGONS." YOU RECEIVE THE
ID CARD, PLAQUE, AND TWO PATCHES WITH GOLD DRAGONS ON THEM TO WEAR
ON THE INSIDE OF THE CUFF OF YOUR DRESSBLUE JUMPER. THIS IS TO
IDENTIFY YOU AS A MEMBER IN GOOD STANDING. THERE ARE DISCOUNTS
AT CERTAIN BARS ON DRINKS AND OTHER "RELAXATIVES" FOR MEMBERS.
Where learned: ILLINOIS ; GREAT LAKES
Date learned: 00-00-1969
PRANK
ON THE CENTRAL DIAG WHERE THE WALKWAYS INTERSECT, THERE IS
A LARGE BRONZE (OR SOME METAL) M (FOR U. OF M.) IMBEDDED IN
THE CEMENT. PEOPLE WHO'VE BEEN AT MICHIGAN OTHER YEARS KNOW,
BUT THEY TELL THE FRESHMEN THAT IF YOU STEP ON THE M, YOU ARE
DOOMED TO FAIL YOUR FIRST EXAM.
IT'S FUNNY TO WATCH ALL THE FROSH WALK AROUND IT.
Submitter comment:
I WAS ALSO TOLD THAT THE RESULT OF STEPPING ON IT COULD
BE THE FAILURE OF THE FIRST FINAL, OR A FIRST CLASS OR TERM.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; ANN ARBOR
| Subject headings: | 686 Properties attributed to specific numbers or numerals individually. Observation CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Entertainment Diversion |
Date learned: 10-00-1983
WHEN YOU GOT A NEW ARTICLE OF CLOTHING, YOU DIDN'T DARE WEAR IT
OUT ANYWHERE UNTIL YOU WORE IT TO CHURCH, SO THAT THEY WERE
BLESSED OR SOMEHOW INFLUENCED BY BEING IN THE CHURCH.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; SOUTHFIELD
| Subject headings: | 686 Properties attributed to specific numbers or numerals individually. Favorites ART CRAFT ARCHITECTURE -- Dress BELIEF -- Church |
Date learned: 00-00-1983
CHRISTMAS EVE DINNER
CHRISTMAS EVE WE WERE TO FAST UNTIL DINNER. MY FATHER SPREAD
SOME HAY IN THE MIDDLE OF THE TABLE BECAUSE JESUS WAS BORN
IN A STABLE AND LAID IN STRAW. WE ALWAYS SET AN EXTRA PLACE
AT THE TABLE IN CASE JESUS HAPPENED TO COME TO OUR DOOR
AS A BEGGAR. FOR DINNER THERE WERE TWELVE DIFFERENT DISHES
AND WE HAD TO SAMPLE EACH ONE, EVEN IF IT WAS JUST A SINGLE
PEA. I DON'T KNOW WHY FOR SURE, I GUESS IT WAS JUST TRADITION.
WE COULD NEVER START DINNER BEFORE THE FIRST STAR APPEARED,
SO ONE OF US WOULD BE OUTSIDE WATCHING FOR IT.
ONE MORE THING, EVERYONE HAD AN UNLEAVENED WAFER, AND BREAKING
OFF A PIECE OF ANOTHER PERSON'S WAFER, RECEIVED A WISH FOR THE
NEXT YEAR OF LUCK OR HAPPINESS. AS CHILDREN, WE KEPT OUR
PIECES UNDER OUR PLATES TO SAVE THEM UNTIL AFTER DINNER
BECAUSE WE LOVED TO HAVE A HAND FULL OF WISHES.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; SOUTHFIELD
Date learned: 00-00-1983
IF THE HEM ON YOUR DRESS IS TURNED UP (ON THE OUTSIDE),
THEN YOU ARE GOING TO GET A NEW DRESS.
Where learned: ALABAMA ; BALDWIN COUNTY ; FOLEY
James Callow Keyword(s): POSITION DIRECTION
| Subject headings: | 686 Properties attributed to specific numbers or numerals individually. BELIEF -- Product or activity of man or animal |
Date learned: 00001940-00001958
WHEN ENTERING THE HOUSE FOR THE FIRST TIME WITH A NEW
BABY, USUALLY ON RETURNING FROM THE HOSPITAL, THE MOTHER
ALWAYS TOUCHES THE INSIDE OF THE DOOR HANDLE TO SHUT OUT
THE EVIL EYE.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
Date learned: 00-00-1964
MY GRANDMOTHER BELIEVES IT IS GOOD LUCK
FOR YOU AND YOUR NEW CAR TO POUR SALT(TABLE) ON IT.
Where learned: EAST DETROIT
| Subject headings: | 686 Properties attributed to specific numbers or numerals individually. ART CRAFT ARCHITECTURE -- Means of transportation BELIEF -- Mineral BELIEF -- Good luck |
Date learned: 11-00-1983
SPINNING A CHAIR ON ONE LEG BRINGS BAD LUCK.
Where learned: GUADELOUPE
| Subject headings: | 686 Properties attributed to specific numbers or numerals individually. BELIEF -- Product or activity of man or animal BELIEF -- Bad luck Furniture (bed, table, chair, etc.) |
Date learned: 00-00-1973
ON DECEMBER 31 TAKE A BATH (NAKED) IN THE SEA AT MIDNIGHT. THIS
BRINGS GOOD LUCK. ALSO, SOME OTHER DAYS THAT ARE GOOD TO TAKE
THOSE KIND OF BATH ARE THE FIRST FRIDAY OF THE MONTH AND OF COURSE
FRIDAY THE 13. THE BEST TIMES ARE MIDNIGHT AND 3 P.M.
Where learned: GUADELOUPE
Date learned: 00001970S
ON THE WEDDING DAY IF THE WIFE IS THE FIRST
ONE IN THE BED SHE WILL DIE FIRST, IF THE
HUSBAND IS THE FIRST ONE IN THE BED HE WILL
DIE FIRST.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | 686 Properties attributed to specific numbers or numerals individually. BELIEF -- Marriage BELIEF -- Death Funeral Burial BELIEF -- Measure of time Sleeping |
Date learned: 02-00-1984
CHINESE NEW YEAR'S CUSTOM
"DURING THE CHINESE NEW YEAR CELEBRATIONS, THE CHINESE WILL (NOT?)
DO ANY TYPE OF WORK ON THAT DAY. EVERYONRE WILL COME HOME AND
THERE IS A BIG MEAL. ALSO, EVERYONE WILL HAVE NEW CLOTHES TO
WEAR ON THIS SPECIAL DAY."
Submitter comment:
A CHINESE ONCE TOLD THAT THEIR NEW YEAR COMPARES WITH WESTERN
CELEBRATIONS OF CHRISTMAS.
| Subject headings: | 686 Properties attributed to specific numbers or numerals individually. CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- January 1 New Year's CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Typical Elements of a Festive Pattern |
Date learned: 02-00-1984
IRISH RELIGIOUS CUSTOM
WHEN A PERSON WALKS INTO A NEW CHURCH HE OR SHE IS TO PUT $1 INTO
THE COLLECTION BOX AND MAKE 3 WISHES.
THIS IS A CUSTOM WHEN AN IRISHMAN WALKS INTO A NEW CHURCH
WHEN THE APPROPRIATE TIME COMES DURING THE MASS
TO PUT MONEY INTO THE COLLECTION BASKET, HE OR SHE IS TO
PUT ONE DOLLAR INTO THE BASKET AND MAKE A WISH.
THIS CUSTOM IS TO BRING LUCK AND GOOD FORTUNE IN THE COMING
YEAR. IF A PERSON FAILS TO PUT ANY MONEY INTO THE BASKET
THEN IT IS SAID THAT GOD WILL LOOK UPON HIM UNFAVORABLY IN THE
YEAR.
Submitter comment:
THIS WAS TOLD TO HIM BY HIS FATHER WHO WAS BORN AND RAISED IN
IRELAND.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
"MY WIFE'S BROTHER'S MOTHER-IN-LAW HAS THIS THING
ABOUT BRINGING GOOD LUCK TO ANYONE IN THE FAMILY
WHO BUYS A NEW CAR. SO WHAT MY WIFE'S BROTHER'S
MOTHER-IN-LAW WOULD DO WHEN SOMEONE IN THE FAMILY
WOULD BUY A NEW CAR, SHE (THE MOTHER-IN-LAW) WOULD
BREAK A COUPLE OF EGGS ON TOP OF THE CAR (THE ROOF)
IN WHICH SHE FELT IT WOULD BRING GOOD LUCK TO WHOM
EVER BUY A NEW CAR. SO NOW THAT WE'RE LIVING IN
MORE MODERN TIME (1980'S), FAMILY MEMBERS AND OTHER
RELATIVES ALLOW THE MOTHER-IN-LAW TO BREAK EGGS UNDER-
NEATH THE CAR RATHER THAN ON TOP OF THE CAR."
Submitter comment:
HE ALSO REFUSED TO RECORD THIS STORY. HE SAID HE
DON'T LIKE TO HEAR HIS VOICE ON TAPE. THIS WAS
ANOTHER STORY THAT MADE ME LAUGH.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | 686 Properties attributed to specific numbers or numerals individually. Favorites CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Sacrificial rite for special occasion |
Date learned: 00-00-1965 ; 10-00-1985
BELGIAN PEOPLE ALWAYS TREASURE THEIR FIRST
INDIAN NICKEL.
Submitter comment:
IT IS SAID THAT BELGIANS ARE REALLY TIGHT
WITH THEIR MONEY.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; TROY
| Subject headings: | 686 Properties attributed to specific numbers or numerals individually. CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Measure of quality Monetary system Money Wealth PROVERB -- Blason Populaire |
CADDIES HAVE A HIERARCHY OF RANK WHICH
WORKS BY SENIORITY. THE PERSON WITH THE
MOST SENIORITY, EVEN IF HE IS NOT OF THE
HIGHEST RANK, GETS TO GO FIRST, HAVE THE
BEST, OR WHATEVER IT MAY BE.
Submitter comment: THIS IS NOTED IN CALLOW'S FOLKLORE CLASS.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; BIRMINGHAM
James Callow Keyword(s): AGE
| Subject headings: | 686 Properties attributed to specific numbers or numerals individually. Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Special Object or Implement |
Date learned: 00-00-1975
MY GRANDMOTHER TOLD ME THAT WHOEVER IS FIRST TO FIND A BABY'S TOOTH
IN THE BABY'S MOUTH WILL GET NEW SHOES IF IT'S A MAN AND A NEW DRESS
IF IT'S A WOMAN.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | 686 Properties attributed to specific numbers or numerals individually. Observation BELIEF -- Body part Senses Mouth, teeth, lips, tongue |
Date learned: 00001950CA
CIGARETTE SUPERSTITION.
IN ORDER TO INSURE GOOD LUCK THE FIRST CIGARETTE THAT YOU
TAKE OUT OF YOUR PACK TURN IT UPSIDE DOWN AND PUT IT BACK
IN THE PACK AND SAVE IT FOR YOUR LAST SMOKE OF THE PACK.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; WARREN
| Subject headings: | 686 Properties attributed to specific numbers or numerals individually. BELIEF -- Number P686.2 BELIEF -- Good luck |
BLACK-AMERICAN BELIEF
WHAT YOU DREAM THE FIRST NIGHT UNDER A
NEW ROOF WILL COME TRUE.
Submitter comment: HEARD BEFORE MOVING INTO A NEW HOME.
Where learned: MISSISSIPPI
James Callow Keyword(s): METONYMY
| Subject headings: | 686 Properties attributed to specific numbers or numerals individually. Spirit / Mind / Body Favorites |
Date learned: 00-00-1957
A COMMON BATTLE PRACTICE OF THE MOHAWK INDIANS WAS TO CUT
OUT A PIECE OF THEIR OPPONENT'S HEART AND EAT IT AS A SYMBOL
OF VICTORY. THEY ALSO WERE REQUIRED TO DRINK THEIR ENEMY'S
BLOOD. DEER HUNTERS TODAY CARRY ON THIS TRADITION BY
DRINKING THE BLOOD OF THE FIRST DEER THAT THEY KILL
Submitter comment:
I WAS AT AN OUTDOOR FIRING RANGE WITH MY DAD WHEN HE
BEGAN TALKING WITH A MAN ABOUT DEER HUNTING. THE MAN
CLAIMED HE WAS OF MOHAWK INDIAN DESCENT, AND TOLD US THE ABOVE
STORY.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; MARYSVILLE
James Callow Keyword(s): CANNIBALISM ; HUNTING
| Subject headings: | 686 Properties attributed to specific numbers or numerals individually. |