Dr. James T. Callow publications
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The James T. Callow Folklore Archive
Your search for P881 returned 459 results.
It has been said that on New Year's Day the first person to
step into one`s home should be a man bringing a gift. If it is a
man it is said to bring good luck in the coming year.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | 686 Properties attributed to specific numbers or numerals individually. CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- January 1 New Year's BELIEF -- Measure of time Year BELIEF -- Good luck |
Date learned: 01-00-1986
An Irish bride should carry an Irish linen handkerchief in her
wedding bouquet down the aisle. When she tosses her bouquet
(inclusive of her handkerchief) the girl who catches it will have
good luck. The young lady who caught it should then place it in her
wedding bouquet, and the next girl to catch it will have good luck.
The same tradition will be carried on from bride to bride.
Where learned: NEW JERSEY ; Woman in an Irish import store ; Stone Harbor
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Marriage Bouquet BELIEF -- Marriage BELIEF -- Good luck |
Date learned: 08-00-1990
White toed sox
A good luck charm to ward off bad gremlins, was socks with
white toes. The Irish say that these socks will keep a person from
being tripped by "little people."
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; ROSEVILLE
James Callow Keyword(s): Apotropaic clothing
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Fairy Elf Goblin Gnome BELIEF -- Color BELIEF -- Good luck |
Date learned: 00001969S
Toot Toot Chips
Anyone eating potato chips that finds a folded over potato chip
must place the potato chip to his/her lips and verbalize the sound
"toot toot." Upon doing so, you will bear good luck.
Submitter comment:
I inquired as to the reason he had just completed this
procedure and was told that this was the reason. He does this
routinely, without fail, no matter where he is, or in what company
he may be.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DEARBORN ; MOTHER
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Good luck SPEECH -- Formula |
Date learned: 00001960S
Necklace Wish
If the locket on your necklace touches the clasp on the chain,
you must hold them together with your forefinger and thumb and make
a wish. Your wish will come true.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DEARBORN ; friends
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Prayer BELIEF -- Good luck |
Date learned: 00001960S
White Spiders
If you see a white spider descending from the ceiling, it is
good luck to catch the spider in a paper bag and throw the bag
away.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Animal BELIEF -- Color BELIEF -- Good luck |
IF YOU CROSS OVER A BRIDGE, WITH WATER UNDER IT,
IT WILL BRING YOU GOOD LUCK.
Where learned: ILLINOIS ; CHICAGO
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Product or activity of man or animal BELIEF -- Water BELIEF -- Good luck |
My sister and I went to a youth rally when we were in high
school. At the rally we were taught that to grow psychologically
a person needs eight hugs a day plus many other facts that I now
cannot recall. When we came home our parents asked us at the
dinner table what we had learned; we told them about the eight hugs
needed to grow. My dad told us that he could do better than that,
so he has given us twelve hugs plus three for good luck. My
parents live up north and we often communicate by phone or by
letter; on the phone we count to twelve, then to three to give our
hugs to each other. In written communication, we write 12+3 to
give our hugs. This is a tradition that our whole family now
practices to give each other hugs and emotional support.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; HOUGHTON LAKE
Keyword(s): Family folklore
| Subject headings: | 686 Seconds / Twice / Two 686 Thirds / Thrice / Three / Triple 686 Eighths / Eight Favorites BELIEF -- Good luck SPEECH -- Gesture SPEECH -- To Be Seen |
I have always had the memory on New Year's Eve of leaving our
shoes out for Father Time to be able to give us our gifts. The
background information on how this tradition began was taught to me
by my Grandma McQuiston. It began in Europe as the traditional way
for the Dutch to celebrate Christmas. They would leave their shoes
out for St. Nicholas to leave their presents in. Then as time went
on and the immigrants came over to America the tradition evolved
into a practice of bringing good luck in for the new year. The
children were taught to put their shoes out and as Father Time
passed over on New Year's Eve he would leave a small present for
them.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; TAYLOR
Date learned: 00-00-1964
At Christmastime, whether you cut down a tree or buy one, if
you find a bird's nest in the tree, you will have good luck for the
coming year.
Submitter comment: I think this must be a Polish custom.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; Mount Clemens
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Bird BELIEF -- Measure of time Year BELIEF -- Good luck |
Date learned: 00001920'S
New Year's Day
Having black-eyed peas on New Year's Day will bring everything
good to your household in the coming year.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
Superstition-Good luck
If a white spider crawls on you or is near you, that means
you'll have good luck.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Color BELIEF -- Good luck |
Date learned: 01-01-1978
Good Luck
If cats are always hanging around your house, that is a sign
of good luck.
Where learned: ILLINOIS ; CHICAGO
IF YOU SEE A FUNERAL PROCESSION GOING BY, IT IS
CONSIDERED GOOD LUCK TO GO AND TOUCH THE CONTAINER
OF THE BODY WHETHER IT BE THE CASKET OR HEARSE.
Submitter comment:
MR. MARCHETT HEARD THIS WHILE LIVING AND
TRAVELLING IN LATIN AMERICA.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT ; LATIN AMERICA
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Death Funeral Burial BELIEF -- Good luck |
Date learned: 02-28-1970
CHRISTMAS CUSTOM
YOU SHOULD GROW WHEAT IN YOUR HOME TO INSURE GOOD
LUCK.
Submitter comment: SHE HEARD THIS FROM HER MOTHER.
Data entry tech comment:
SHE APPARENTLY MEANS DISPLAY WHEAT--NOT GROW IT AT HOME.
CN[ JACOB, THOMAS W.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; MADISON HEIGHTS
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20 Beliefs BELIEF -- Good luck |
Date learned: 12-01-1967
THE FIRST PERSON IN THE HOUSE AFTER MIDNIGHT ON NEW
YEAR'S EVE HAS TO BE A RED HAIRED PERSON TO INSURE
GOOD LUCK FOR THE HOUSE FOR THE NEXT YEAR.
A BLACK HAIRED PERSON WILL BRING BAD LUCK.
Submitter comment:
INFORMANT'S FAMILY ALWAYS MAKES SURE EITHER THE
RED HAIRED BROTHERS OR SISTERS ARE THE FIRST ONES
IN THE HOUSE NEW YEAR'S EVE.
Where learned: NEW YORK
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- January 1 New Year's CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20 BELIEF -- Body part Senses BELIEF -- Color BELIEF -- Good luck BELIEF -- Bad luck |
WHEN RECEIVING KNIVES FOR A GIFT, YOU SHOULD GIVE THE
GIVER OF THE GIFT A PENNY FOR EVERY KNIFE, SO THAT
YOU MAY HAVE GOOD LUCK, INSTEAD OF BAD. THIS IS
ESPECIALLY TRUE WHEN GIVING A GIFT TO A BRIDE.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; HAZEL PARK
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Marriage Bridal shower BELIEF -- Good luck BELIEF -- Bad luck |
Date learned: NOT GIVEN
WHEN SOMEONE GETS A NEW HOME, BRING SALT AND COAL FOR
LUCK.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
Date learned: 02-28-1970
WHEN ERECTING A NEW BUILDING IN GERMANY, THEY PLACE A SPRIG
OF PINE OR SPRUCE, OR FIR TREE AT THE TOP OF THE POLE
AND IT STAYS THERE FOR ONE YEAR AFTER COMPLETION. THIS
IS FOR GOOD LUCK.
Submitter comment: HE ACTUALLY SAW THIS IN GERMANY.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; GERMANY ; DETROIT ; DEARBORN ; TV STUDIO
| Subject headings: | 686 Properties attributed to specific numbers or numerals individually. CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Foundation rite Laying of cornerstone BELIEF -- Good luck |
Date learned: 09-28-1970
IN ENGLAND, NEW BUILDINGS ARE ADORNED WITH A WREATH, AND
A PARTY IS GIVEN BY THE BUILDER AND THE OWNER AS A GOOD
LUCK CELEBRATION.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; ENGLAND ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | 686 Properties attributed to specific numbers or numerals individually. CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Foundation rite Laying of cornerstone BELIEF -- Good luck |
Date learned: NOT GIVEN