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The James T. Callow Folklore Archive
Your search for F620 returned 90 results.
Custom: Holiday
IN THE CENTER OF THE TOWN, THE UNATTACHED MEN WALKED
AROUND THE PLAZA COUNTER-CLOCKWISE, WHILE THE UNMARRIED
GIRLS WALKED IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION. OCCASIONALLY,
THE GIRLS WILL REST ON OVERLOOKING BALCONIES, FROM
WHICH THEY WILL THROW SMALL DARTS TRAILING COLORED
STREAMERS. AFTER THE PARADE, THE MAN IS ENTITLED
TO VISIT ONLY BALCONIES DECORATED IN THE COLORS MATCHING
THE STREAMERS HE HOLDS.
Data entry tech comment:
Updated and Motifs added / 02-28-2011 / TRD
Where learned: Magazine
Keyword(s): Balcony ; COURTSHIP ; Dart ; ETHNIC ; Female ; Flirtation ; Male ; Parade ; Ribbon ; Spain ; Spanish ; Streamer ; Streamers
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Typical Elements of a Festive Pattern |
KAVA CEREMONY
IN FIJI THE KAVA CEREMONY IS PERFORMED WHEN HONOR IS TO
BE SHOWN TO SOMEONE OR FOR SOME SPECIAL REASON, LIKE A
WEDDING. IT CONSISTS IN USING THE ROOTS OF THE KAVA
TREE, DRIED AND CRUSHED WITH WATER. THE MEN ONLY
PERFORM THIS CEREMONY AND THEY SIT IN A LARGE CIRCLE
CHANTING IN FIJIAN WHILE ONE OF THEM MINES THE WATER
AND ROOTS. WHEN THE DRINK IS READY, THE PRINCIPLE
OF THE GROUP TAKES HALF A COCONUT SHELL FULL OF KAVA
AND BRINGS IT TO THE GUEST OF HONOR. THE GUEST IS
SUPPOSED TO DRINK IT ALL AND THEN SPIN THE COCONUT
SHELL BACK TO THE MIXER.
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Typical Elements of a Festive Pattern |
Date learned: 11-00-1970
THE WIDOW MAY NOT GO TO ANY FESTIVALS EXCEPT RELIGIOUS FESTIVALS
FOR A YEAR.
Submitter comment: THIS WAS ORIGINALLY LEARNED IN WATERTOWN, NEW YORK
Where learned: NEW YORK ; WATERTOWN
Date learned: 00-00-1939
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
A PREGNANT WOMAN SHOULD NOT LOOK AT ANYONE WHO IS MASQUERADING
OR HER CHILD WILL TURN OUT TO LOOK LIKE THAT PERSON.
Submitter comment:
THE INFORMANT SAID THAT "MASQUERADING" IS WHEN THE PEOPLE OF THE TOWN
GET DRESSED UP TO PARTICIPATE IN A PARADE, OR IF THEY DRESS IN
COSTUMES AT A PARTY OR ON A HOLIDAY.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT ; CAMPUS
| Subject headings: | Favorites CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Birth CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Typical Elements of a Festive Pattern BELIEF -- Means of Causing or Avoiding Illness |
Date learned: 03-00-1982
NOISEMAKING
ON DECEMBER 31, AT THE STROKE OF MIDNIGHT, YOU MUST
BANG POTS AND PANS TO BRING GOOD LUCK FOR THE COMING
NEW YEAR.
Submitter comment: A COMMON PRACTICE IN DETROIT NEIGHBORHOODS.
Where learned: DETROIT
James Callow Keyword(s): NOISE
Date learned: 00-00-1975
GAELIC FESTIVAL
IN EASTERN CANADA WE HAVE MANY GAELIC MODS. THESE ARE HIGHLAND
GATHERINGS WITH BAG PIPES, HIGHLAND DANCING AND COMPETITION THAT
GO BACK TO SCOTLAND. FAMILIES WEAR THEIR OWN TARTAN SKIRTS WHICH
IDENTIFIES THE FAMILY.
Submitter comment: ITEM WAS LEARNED IN NOVA SCOTIA ALTHOUGH COLLECTED IN DETROIT.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT ; BOTSFORD GRADE SCHOOL ; CLARENCEVILLE DISTRICT
James Callow Keyword(s): BAGPIPES
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Typical Elements of a Festive Pattern CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Irregular |
Date learned: 11-00-1982
MARRIAGE CUSTOM
AFTER A YOUNG COUPLE RETURNS HOME FROM THEIR HONEYMOON, THE PEOPLE
WOULD ALWAYS HAVE A "BANJO". THAT MEANS THEY WAIT UNTIL THEY ARE
SETTLED IN BED AND THEN EVERYONE MEETS AT THEIR HOUSE AND BLOWS
HORNS AND YELLS UNTIL THE BRIDE AND GROOM COME OUT AND INVITE
EVERYONE IN.
Submitter comment: ITEM WAS LEARNED IN NOVA SCOTIA ALTHOUGH COLLECTED IN DETROIT.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT ; BOTSFORD GRADE SCHOOL ; CLARENCEVILLE DISTRICT
James Callow Keyword(s): CHARIVARI ; SHIVAREE
Date learned: 11-00-1982
UKRAINIAN BLESSING OF FRUIT
THE FEAST OF THE TRANSFIGURATION ON AUGUST 6 IS CELEBRATED
IN THE BYZANTINE CHURCH WITH THE BLESSING OF FRUIT WHICH IS
AN ACT OF THANKSGIVING FOR THE PLENTIFUL HARVEST. FOLLOWING
THE MASS, THE PRIEST READS SPECIAL PRAYERS ASKING FOR A
BLESSING ON THOSE WHO PARTAKE OF THE FRUIT. HE THEN SPRINKLES
THE FRUIT WITH HOLY WATER. THE CUSTOM OF BRINGING THE FRUIT
VARIES WITH THE PARISHES. IN SOME PARISHES, THE PARISH BUYS
BUSHELS OF FRUIT AND FOLLOWING THE BLESSING IT IS DISTRIBUTED
TO THE PARISHONERS. IN OTHER PARISHES, EACH FAMILY BRINGS
A BASKET OR DISH OF FRUIT WHICH IS TAKEN HOME FOLLOWING THE
BLESSING.
Submitter comment:
THE BLESSED FRUIT IS THE FIRST FOOD EATEN WHEN THE FAMILY
RETURNS HOME.
Where learned: NEW YORK ; ROCHESTER
Date learned: 00001950S
FEAST OF ST. GEORGE-APRIL 23 BYZANTINE RITE
THE USUAL PICTURE OF ST. GEORGE HAS HIM PICTURED ON A
HORSE, WITH A SPEAR IN HIS HAND. HE IS KILLING A DRAGON
WHICH IS SYMBOLIC OF PAGANISM. THE DEW OF THE FEAST DAY
IS CONSIDERED MIRACULOUS AND IF GATHERED BEFORE SUNRISE,
IT SHOULD HEAL ANY DISEASE OF THE EYES. ANOTHER COMMON
EVENT FOR THE DAY IS A PROCESSION AROUND THE FIELD WITH
RELIGIOUS SERVICES. THE PRAYERS ARE PETITIONS FOR A GOOD
HARVEST. ALSO ON THIS DAY, YOUNG GIRLS TRY TO PREDICT THEIR
MARRIAGE DATE. THEY ASK THE CUCKOO HOW LONG BEFORE THEY WILL
MARRY. IF THE CUCKOO STOPS COOING AT THE END OF THE QUESTION
SHE WILL MARRY BEFORE THE END OF THE YEAR. IF IT BEGINS
COOING, THE NUMBER OF TIMES IT SINGS WILL BE THE NUMBER OF
YEARS BEFORE HER MARRIAGE.
Submitter comment:
SOME OF THESE CUSTOMS ARE BEGINNING TO DIMINISH IN THE
UNITED STATES.
Where learned: NEW YORK ; ROCHESTER
Keyword(s): ANIMALS
| Subject headings: | Observation Favorites CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- April 23 CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Typical Elements of a Festive Pattern BELIEF -- Bird BELIEF -- Marriage BELIEF -- Measure of time Year BELIEF -- Measure of time WeekDayHour BELIEF -- Prayer BELIEF -- Number Counting beliefs BELIEF -- Remedy BELIEF -- Use of Object |
Date learned: 00001950S
EPIPHANY-JANUARY 6
FOR UKRAINIANS VARIOUS EVENTS ARE COMMEMORATED ON THIS
DAY WHICH IS ALSO CALLED "THEOPHANY" OR MANIFESTATION. IT
CELEBRATES THE BAPTISM OF CHRIST AND THEREFORE WATER IS
BLESSED IN THE CHURCHES. THE BLESSING FOLLOWS THE MASS
WHEN THE PRIEST SUBMERGES THREE SETS OF THREE LIGHTED
CANDLES. A CRUCIFIX IS ALSO MOVED THROUGH THE WATER IN
THE FORM OF A CROSS. THE PEOPLE FILL THEIR JARS WITH HOLY
WATER TO BRING HOME. EACH PERSON DRINKS SOME HOLY WATER
AND SOME IS POURED INTO THE HOLY WATER FONTS. IN THE WEEKS
FOLLOWING EPIPHANY, THE PASTOR VISITS THE HOMES OF HIS
PARISHONERS TO BLESS THEM. THE HOLY WATER IS ALSO USED FOR
BLESSING FARMS, CATTLE, AND CROPS. ON SPECIAL FEAST DAYS,
THE CHURCH ALSO BLESSES FRUIT, FLOWERS, AND FOOD. IT IS ALSO
USED IN THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE SACRAMENTS.
Submitter comment:
TO UKRAINIANS ALL BODIES OF WATER SUCH AS LAKES, RIVERS,AND
PONDS WERE CONSIDERED HOLY. THE BLESSING OF WATER IN THE
UKRAINE TOOK PLACE AT THE EDGE OF THE RIVER NOT IN THE
PARISH CHURCH.
Where learned: NEW YORK ; ROCHESTER
Keyword(s): THREE
Date learned: 00001950S
HONEY-ANCIENT FOOD OF UKRAINE
ONE OF THE BASIC INGREDIENTS AND MOST BENEFICIAL FOOD FOR
UKRAINIANS IS HONEY. THE HONEY WAS CONSIDERED MEDICINAL AND
WAS GIVEN TO THE ELDERLY, THE SICK AND BABIES. MANY OF THE
UKRAINIAN RECIPES INCLUDE HONEY AS A BASIC INGREDIENT. THE
HOLIDAYS ALWAYS INCLUDE HOMEMADE BAKED GOODS. HONEY WAS
USED IN HONEYCAKE, KUTIA FOR CHRISTMAS AS SYRUPY HONEY AND
WHEAT, AND MIXED WITH THE FILLINGS OF NUT ROLLS AND POPPY
SEED ROLLS TO MAKE THEM MOIST AND SWEET. CERTAIN FANCY, RICH
CAKES CALLED TORTES ALSO INCLUDE HONEY WITH CREAM, BUTTER,
NUTS AND FLAVORINGS. EVEN TODAY, UKRAINIANS ARE LARGE
CONSUMERS OF HONEY FOR ALL OF THE ABOVE REASONS.
Where learned: CANADA ; ALBERTA ; MUNDARE
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Typical Elements of a Festive Pattern Food Drink -- Food BELIEF -- Remedy |
Date learned: 00001930S
TRADITIONAL UKRAINIAN WISH
FOR VARIOUS HAPPY OCCASIONS UKRAINIANS SING A TRADITIONAL
GREETING CALLED "MNOHAYA LEETA" OR "GOD GRANT YOU MANY
YEARS." IN THE GREETING, WISHES ARE EXTENDED FOR MANY
HAPPY YEARS, FREE OF ALL ILLS AND FOR ETERNAL SALVATION.
THEY BEG GOD TO GRANT THESE PETITIONS TO THE HONORED
INDIVIDUAL. THIS GREETING IS SUNG FOR BIRTHDAYS, FEAST
DAYS, ANNIVERSARIES, MARRIAGES, VOYAGES, PROMOTIONS,
AND ANY OTHER JOYOUS OCCASION.
Where learned: NEW YORK ; ROCHESTER
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Social reunion CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Typical Elements of a Festive Pattern BELIEF -- Prayer SPEECH -- Formula |
Date learned: 00001950S
EPIPHANY CEREMONY
EACH YEAR ON THE FEAST OF EPIPHANY, JANUARY 6, THE FATHER
USING A WHITE CHALK, MAKES A CROSS OVER EACH DOORWAY.
NEXT TO THE CROSS HE WRITES THE YEAR. IT'S SYMBOLIC OF
ASKING GOD'S BLESSING ON ANYONE WHO ENTERS THE ROOMS
FOR THE REST OF THE YEAR. THE CROSS, SYMBOLIC OF CHRIST,
REMINDED EACH PERSON THAT GOD MANIFESTED HIMSELF AT THE
BAPTISM OF JESUS IN THE JORDAN RIVER.
Where learned: PENNSYLVANIA ; SHAMOKIN
Date learned: 00001970S
BARBERSHOPS ARE SUPPOSED TO BE CLOSED ON MONDAYS BY
LAW IN LEBANON. A BARBER HAD A CUSTOMER, ILLEGALLY,
ONE MONDAY, AND WAS PREPARING TO GIVE HIM A SHAVE. WHEN
THE BARBER SAW A POLICEMAN COMING TOWARD THE SHOP,
HE HASTILY THREW A SHEET OVER THE STARTLED CUSTOMER.
WHEN APPROACHED BY THE POLICEMAN AND ASKED IF HE WAS,
INDEED, WORKING, THE BARBER REPLIED NO. WHEN ASKED WHAT
THE CUSTOMER WAS DOING IN THE CHAIR, THE BARBER REPLIED
THAT HE WAS SOAKING HIM FOR THE NEXT DAY.
Where learned: LEBANON
| Subject headings: | Favorites PROSE NARRATIVE -- Jest Anecdote CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Typical Elements of a Festive Pattern |
Date learned: 00-00-1983
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
YOU ARE SUPPOSED TO BURN THE PALMS YOU RECEIVE ON PALM
SUNDAY SOMEWHERE WITHIN YOUR HOME; THE SMOKE FROM THE
PALMS WILL SURROUND THE HOUSE AND GUARD IT.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
James Callow Keyword(s): FUMIGATION
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Typical Elements of a Festive Pattern |
Date learned: 11-08-1985
PRECIOUS BLOOD PROCESSION
PROCESSIONS ARE FAMOUS IN BELGIUM. THIS PROCESSION IS
HELD ON THE FIRST SUNDAY IN MAY. IN BRUGGE, BELGIUM,
THIS PROCESSION DATES BACK TO THE MIDDLE AGES--THE CRUSADES.
THERE IS A RELIC THAT IS SAID TO HAVE BEEN BROUGHT BACK
FROM THE CRUSADES BY THE CRUSADERS--A VIAL OF CHRIST'S
BLOOD. THIS RELIC IS PRESENT IN THE GRAND PROCESSION.
THE PROCESSION IS ORNATE AND ELABORATE. MY SOURCE SAYS
PROCESSIONS DID NOT LIVE IN AMERICA BECAUSE OF THE TRAFFIC.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- May CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Typical Elements of a Festive Pattern |
Date learned: 12-05-1985
In Peru summer begins in January and goes until March.
January is also the beginning of Lent, which begins
the Carnival that lasts the entire summer. During the
Carnival there is throwing of water balloons and sometimes
eggs. It is really quite dangerous to go out walking during
this time, unless you would like to get attacked by water
balloons.
Where learned: Peru
Date learned: 0001970S
On the feast of St. Barbara (Dec.4), artillerymen wear
red socks.
Submitter comment:
Ray was not sure how this custom came into being, but says
that St. Barbara is the patron saint of artillerymen. Perhaps
because she is the saint to be prayed to for protection from
lightening and fire, the artillerymen feel that she has an
affinity with the explosive power of their weapons.
Where learned: OHIO ; CINCINNATI
Keyword(s): Military, soldiers
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- F120 CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Typical Elements of a Festive Pattern BELIEF -- Religious hero BELIEF -- Work Commerce Business |