Dr. James T. Callow publications
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The James T. Callow Folklore Archive
Your search for P642 returned 558 results.
DRINKING SONG
POLISH MEN WOULD SING "STOLAT, STOLAT", AS A WISH OF LONG LIFE TO
EACH OTHER.
Submitter comment: STOLAT MEANS ONE HUNDRED YEARS IN ENGLISH.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; SAINT CLAIR SHORES
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Social reunion BELIEF -- Prayer SPEECH -- Formula |
Date learned: 00001930S ; 02-16-1980
FOOD
"OPLATEK", IS A WAFER THE POLISH SHARE AT CHRISTMAS EVE SUPPER.
THEY EACH GET A PIECE WHICH THEY BREAK BETWEEN THEMSELVES, WHILE
WISHING EACH OTHER WELL.
Submitter comment: CHRISTMAS EVE DINNER IS CALLED "WIGILIA".
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; SAINT CLAIR SHORES
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 24 Christmas Eve Oplatki Food Drink -- Typical menus for the various meals For meal hours, see F574.84. Special or festive meals BELIEF -- Prayer |
Date learned: 00001920S ; 02-16-1980
POLISH CHRISTMAS TRADITION
PRIOR TO SETTING THE CHRISTMAS EVE DINNER TABLE, ONE STRAND OF HAY
FOR EVERY PERSON SHARING THE MEAL IS PLACED IN THE CENTER OF THE
TABLE UNDER THE TABLE CLOTH. THE STRANDS ARE OF VARYING LENGTHS.
AFTER DINNER, EVERYONE MAKES A WISH AND PULLS A STRAND OF HAY
OUT FROM UNDERNEATH THE TABLECLOTH. THE INDIVIDUAL WHO PULLS OUT
THE LONGEST STRAND OF HAY WILL OBTAIN HIS WISH BEFORE THE END OF
THE NEW YEAR.
Submitter comment:
THOUGH THE WISHES AREN'T GUARANTEED, CHILDREN AS WELL AS SOME
ADULTS EXPECT THEM TO COME TRUE.
Where learned: DETROIT
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Special Object or Implement CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 24 Christmas Eve BELIEF -- Measure of time Year BELIEF -- Prayer |
Date learned: CA00001890S ; 01-13-1980
SWIENCONKA
ON HOLY SATURDAY MORNING, SAMPLES OF THE FOOD WHICH WILL BE SERVED
AT BREAKFAST ON EASTER SUNDAY ARE TAKEN TO CHURCH TO BE BLESSED.
FOODS INCLUDED IN THE EASTER BASKET ARE COLORED EASTER EGGS, BREAD,
KIELBASA, HAM, SALT AND PEPPER, AND BARANEK (BUTTER SHAPED LIKE A
LAMB.) THE FOOD IS COOKED BEFORE IT IS BLESSED AND SERVED COLD ON
EASTER MORNING.
Submitter comment:
SOME FAMILIES ADD COFFEE CAKES AND SWEET ROLLS TO THE SWIENCONKA
BASKET. THE INFORMANY'S FAMILY PRACTICES THIS CUSTOM MINUS
THE SWEET ROLLS AND COFFEE CAKE.
Where learned: DETROIT
James Callow Keyword(s): POLISH
| Subject headings: | 663 Holy Saturday Food Drink -- Typical menus for the various meals For meal hours, see F574.84. Special or festive meals BELIEF -- Prayer |
Date learned: CA00001890S ; 01-13-1980
NECKLACE SUPERSTITION
IF THE METAL ON YOUR NECKLACE TOUCHES THE LATCH MAKE A WISH AND
TURN THE LATCH TO THE BACK. THIS WILL MAKE YOUR WISH COME TRUE.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; GARDEN CITY
James Callow Keyword(s): JEWELRY
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Prayer |
BELIEF IN A PRAYER CUSTOM
WHENEVER YOU WALK INTO A NEW CHURCH (ONE YOU HAVE NEVER BEEN IN
BEFORE), YOU SHOULD SAY 3 OUR FATHERS, 3 HAIL MARYS, 3 GLORY BES AND
MAKE A WISH.
Submitter comment:
INFORMANT PRACTICES THIS AND CLAIMS THAT ALL HIS WISHES HAVE COME
TRUE.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | 686 Properties attributed to specific numbers or numerals individually. 686 Thirds / Thrice / Three / Triple BELIEF -- Church BELIEF -- Prayer |
Date learned: 01-31-1980
WHEN A CLASP ON A NECKLACE SHOWS IN FRONT OF YOUR NECK, MAKE A WISH.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; ROCHESTER HILLS
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Prayer |
Date learned: 00-00-1974
IRISH BLESSING
MAY YOU BE IN HEAVEN AN HOUR BEFORE THE DEVIL KNOWS YOU'RE GONE.
Submitter comment: HIS FATHER USED TO TELL THIS TO HIM.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; TROY
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Belief Belief BELIEF -- Prayer |
Date learned: CA00001950
WHEN YOU SEE THE FIRST ROBIN OF SPRING, LICK YOUR THUMB, RUB IT ON
THE OPPOSITE FIST AND BANG THEM TOGETHER. THEN MAKE A WISH.
Submitter comment: 1 HE LEARNED THIS IN GERMANY
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; TROY
Date learned: 00-00-1950
IN A CATHOLIC HOME, HOLY WATER IS USED TO BLESS THE BEDS. THIS IS TO
ASSURE A GOOD NIGHTS SLEEP.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; BERKELEY
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Measure of time Sleeping BELIEF -- Magic of Speech, Sign, Color BELIEF -- Prayer |
Date learned: 00-00-1950
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
CHSEMM. STANDS FOR; COME HOLY SPIRIT, ENLIGHTEN MY MIND.
Submitter comment:
INFORMANT WAS TAUGHT THIS IN HER PAROCHIAL GRADESCHOOL AND PUTS IT
AT THE TOP OF IMPORTANT EXAMS.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; SAINT CLAIR SHORES
James Callow Keyword(s): ACRONYM
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- School BELIEF -- Prayer |
Date learned: CA00001977
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
CATCH A PIECE OF FUZZ IN THE AIR AND ONE WISH WILL COME TRUE.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; FARMINGTON
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Prayer |
Date learned: CA00001915
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
PRACTICAL JOKE AND PRANK
TWO PRACTICAL JOKES THAT ARE PLAYED AT PAJAMA PARTIES WITH THE
LIGHTS OUT INVOLVES THE UNSUSPECTING PERSON GETTING HIS FACE DIRTY.
THE FIRST INVOLVES PUTTING A GLASS OF WATER OVER A FLAME. THE
FORTUNE TELLER TELLS THE PERSON TO RUB UNDER THE GLASS WITH THEIR
FINGERS AND THEN RUB THEIR FINGERS ONTO THEIR FACE. WHEN THE
LIGHTS GO ON, HE DISCOVERS HIS FACE FULL OF SOOT. THE SECOND ONE
INVOLVES TAKING A QUARTER AND OUTLINING IT WITH A PENCIL. THIS
CAUSES SOME OF THE LEAD TO STAY ON THE OUTSIDE OF THE QUARTER ON
THE RIDGES. THE UNSUSPECTING PERSON IS TOLD TO ROLL THE QUARTER ON
HIS FACE AND HE WILL GET A WISH. OF COURSE, WHEN HE LOOKS IN THE
MIRROR, HE HAS LINES PENCILLED ALL OVER.
Submitter comment:
THE COLLECTOR FIRST HEARD THIS PRANK IN TAYLOR, MICH. IN 1970. IT
WAS ACCOMPANIED BY A DRAMATIC AND LONG SESSION OF FORTUNE TELLING.
OF COURSE, ONLY ONE PERSON COULD BE DUPED PER SESSION SINCE ALL
OTHERS WOULD BE IN ON IT AND WATCHING EAGERLY.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; USA ; SOUTHGATE
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Entertainment Diversion BELIEF -- Prayer |
Date learned: 10-00-1980 ; 00-00-1970
RELIGIOUS CUSTOM
PRAY TO SAINT ANTHONY FOR LOST THINGS.
PRAY TO SAINT JUDE FOR A HOPELESS CAUSE.
Submitter comment:
THE INFORMANT HEARD OF THESE PRAYER RITUALS IN POLAND AROUND 1910.
THE COLLECTOR HAS ALSO HEARD OF PRAYING TO PARTICULAR SAINTS FOR A
SPECIAL PURPOSE.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Religious hero BELIEF -- Church BELIEF -- Prayer |
Date learned: 10-00-1980 ; CA00001910
WISHES
IF YOU WISH SOMETHING GOOD ON THE THIRD SNEEZE,
THE WISH WILL COME TRUE.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | 686 Thirds / Thrice / Three / Triple Favorites BELIEF -- Product or activity of man or animal BELIEF -- Prayer |
Date learned: 00-00-1925
CANDLEMAS DAY
ON THIS DAY WHEN CHRISTMAS SEASON CLOSES, THE PEOPLE CARRY CANDLES
TO CHURCH. THE CANDLES ARE BLESSED FOR USE IN THEIR HOMES DURING
STORMS, SICKNESS, AND DEATH.
Submitter comment:
AFTER MY MOTHER WAS MARRIED IN 1939, THIS TRADITION ENDURED FOR ONLY
AWHILE BECAUSE PEOPLE MOVED AWAY.
Where learned: ILLINOIS ; CHICAGO
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- February 6 CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Church BELIEF -- Weather sign or control BELIEF -- Church BELIEF -- Prayer |
Date learned: 00-00-1940
OLD IRISH TOAST
MAY GOD SLEEP ON YOUR PILLOW, MAY HE HOLD YOU IN THE PALM OF HIS
HAND, AND MAY YOU BE A LONG TIME IN HEAVEN, BEFORE THE DEVIL
KNOWS YOU ARE GONE.
Submitter comment: THIS IRISH PRAYER IS ONE OF MY FAVORITE ONES.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Prayer SPEECH -- Formula |
Date learned: 00-00-1980