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The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

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GIRL WHISTLING

IN GRANDMOTHER'S TIME, GIRLS WERE NOT ALLOWED TO WHISTLE. SHE
SAID IT MADE THE BLESSED VIRGIN CRY.

Where learned: TOLEDO

James Callow Keyword(s): VANITY

Subject headings: BELIEF -- Religious hero
SPEECH -- Extra Corporal Means of Communication

Date learned: 10-00-1968

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COLLEGE BELIEF

IF A VIRGIN EVER WALKS THE PATH PAST THE BEAUMONT TOWERS AT
MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY, THE TOWER WILL CRUMBLE.

Where learned: UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT

Subject headings: ART CRAFT ARCHITECTURE -- School
BELIEF -- Religious hero

Date learned: 01-24-1972

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BLESSED MOTHER BELIEF

A WHISTLING WOMAN YOUNG OR OLD IS INSULTING THE BLESSED MOTHER.

Where learned: NEW YORK ; ROCHESTER

James Callow Keyword(s): VANITY

Subject headings: BELIEF -- Religious hero
BELIEF -- Product or activity of man or animal

Date learned: 03-11-1972

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NUNS PRAY TO ST. PATRICK

WHEN NUNS ARE DRIVING IN A CAR AND WANT TO GET SOMEWHERE IN
A HURRY, THEY PRAY TO ST. PATRICK TO MAKE THE LIGHTS FREEZE
GREEN.

Submitter comment: THIS IS PRACTICED BY THE INFORMANT'S DAUGHTER, WHO IS A NUN,
AND SAID IT IS COMMON PRACTICE AMONG NUNS.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

James Callow Keyword(s): COLOR

Subject headings: BELIEF -- Religious hero
BELIEF -- Prayer
SPEECH -- Proper Name

Date learned: NOT GIVEN

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CHRISTMAS LEGEND

ON DECEMBER, 6 ST. NICHOLAS VISITS THE HOMES OF THE PEOPLE
AND LEAVES GOODIES FOR GOOD LITTLE CHILDREN, AND SOOT IN THE
SHOES OF BAD ONES.

Submitter comment: RONNIE LEARNED THIS ITALIAN LEGEND FROM HER FATHER WHO IS
FROM ITALY.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

Subject headings: CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 6 Feast of St. Nicholas
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- September 23 equinox to December 20 Also used for Advent.
BELIEF -- Religious hero

Date learned: 12-04-1967

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CHRISTMAS BELIEF

WHEN THE MORNING SKY IS RED AROUND CHRISTMAS TIME, IT IS MRS.
SANTA CLAUS BAKING LOTS OF CHRISTMAS COOKIES.

Submitter comment: LEGEND TOLD TO ELAINE BY GERMAN GRANDMOTHER.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; ROYAL OAK

James Callow Keyword(s): COLOR SYMBOL

Subject headings: CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20
BELIEF -- Religious hero
BELIEF -- Sign or prediction through Natural atmospheric phenomenon

Date learned: 11-20-1967

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CROAGH, PATRICK

IT IS BELIEVED THAT ST. PATRICK IS BURIED AT THE TOP OF
CROAGH PATRICK MOUNTAIN. PEOPLE FOR PENANCE GO ON THEIR KNEES
UP THE MOUNTAIN AND CELEBRATE MASS.

Where learned: OHIO

Subject headings: BELIEF -- Religious hero

Date learned: 12-01-1969

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TO RECOVER A LOST OBJECT, PRAY TO ST. ANTHONY AT NIGHT JUST
BEFORE SLEEP.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

Subject headings: BELIEF -- Religious hero
BELIEF -- Prayer

Date learned: NOT GIVEN

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BELIEF

SUIETA URSZULA PERTY ROZSUWA.
ST. URSULA DISTRIBUTES PEARLS.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

James Callow Keyword(s): TRANSLATION

Subject headings: BELIEF -- Religious hero

Date learned: NOT GIVEN

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ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST

IT IS BAD LUCK TO GO SWIMMING BEFORE THE FEAST OF ST. JOHN
THE BAPTIST ON JUNE, 24.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

Subject headings: Observation
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- June 24 St. John's Day / Midsummer Day
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- June 21 solstice to September 22
BELIEF -- Religious hero

Date learned: 11-00-1972

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SLOVAK FUNERAL BELIEF

WHEN ATTENDING A FUNERAL PUT THREE PENNIES IN THE CASKET TO PAY TO
ST. PETER AS THE DECEASED GOES THROUGH THE GATES OF HEAVEN.

Submitter comment: JOHN MIHAL
LEARNED THIS ITEM FROM HIS FATHER'S PARENTS WHO WERE
SLOVAK IMMIGRANTS. THEY NOW LIVE IN ERIE, PENNSYLVANIA.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

James Callow Keyword(s): NUMBERS

Subject headings: 686 Thirds / Thrice / Three / Triple
BELIEF -- Religious hero
BELIEF -- Death Funeral Burial

Date learned: 10-15-1975

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WHEN SETTING THE TABLE FOR CHRISTMAS EVE DINNER, AN EXTRA PLATE IS
ALWAYS PUT OUT FOR THE "UNINVITED GUEST." THIS IS DONE BECAUSE OF THE
BELIEF THAT CHRIST MIGHT COME TO THE HOME IN THE FORM OF A NEEDY
INDIVIDUAL SEEKING FOOD.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

James Callow Keyword(s): CHARITY ; POLISH CUSTOM

Subject headings: CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 24 Christmas Eve
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20
Food Drink -- Service Table furnishing and decoration Food container
Food Drink -- Service Table furnishing and decoration Implement to handle food
BELIEF -- Religious hero

Date learned: 10-00-1975

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SUPERSTITION

IF SOMEONE IS SICK AND THERE IS NO WAY THEY'RE GOING TO PULL OUT,
MEXICANS PRAY TO THE VIRGIN OF GUADALOUPE, WHO IS THE PATRON SAINT
OF MEXICO. WHEN YOU PRAY, YOU SAY THAT YOU WILL WALK TO THE ALTAR
OF ONE OF TWO CHURCHES-ONE IS IN MEXICO CITY AND ONE IS IN
GUANAGUATO-FROM A CERTAIN POINT OUTSIDE THE CHURCH ON YOUR KNEES.
I DON'T KNOW IF I BELIEVE THIS. I THINK I DO. MY MOTHER TRIED THIS
WITH MY BROTHER AND SISTER A FEW TIMES AND IT WORKED.

Submitter comment: THE INFORMANT SEEMED SKEPTICAL, BUT IN THE END HE SEEMED TO BELIEVE
THE IDEA. HE WAS VERY EARNEST ABOUT THE STORY AND MADE SURE I GOT
ALL THE FACTS RIGHT.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT ; CAMPUS

James Callow Keyword(s): SUPPLICATION

Subject headings: CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Church
BELIEF -- Religious hero
BELIEF -- Prayer
SPEECH -- Gesture

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TEST CHARM

IF YOU WRITE "JMJ," FOR JESUS, MARY AND JOSEPH, IN THE UPPER RIGHT
HAND CORNER OF A SCHOOL ASSIGNMENT, YOU WILL DO WELL ON IT.

Submitter comment: I LEARNED THIS IN THIRD GRADE AT MY CATHOLIC GRADE SCHOOL. MOST OF
OUR CLASS FOLLOWED THIS CUSTOM, WE CONSIDERED IT EXTRA INSURANCE
THAT WE WOULD DO WELL.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

James Callow Keyword(s): BELIEV

Subject headings: CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- School
BELIEF -- Religious hero
BELIEF -- Word Letter

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ETHNIC BELIEF

THERE IS A CEMETERY BEHIND ASSUMPTION GROTTO CHURCH IN NORTHEAST
DETROIT AND IT HAS A GROTTO IN IT. THE GROTTO SUPPOSEDLY LOOKS LIKE
LOURDES. ON AUGUST 16, THE FEAST OF THE ASSUMPTION, ITALIANS FROM
ALL OVER THE CITY WALK TO THE GROTTO TO PRAY AND TO ASK FOR MIRACLES
I DON'T KNOW WHY IT SEEMS TO BE JUST ITALIANS. THERE ARE CRUTCHES
AND BRACES ON THE WALL OF THE GROTTO THAT WERE LEFT BEHIND BY PEOPLE
WHO WERE SUPPOSED TO HAVE BEEN CURED. NOW I GUESS THE PEOPLE USE
TRANSPORTATION TO GET THERE' BUT THEY DIDN,T USED TO.

Submitter comment: THE INFORMANT SEEMED TO BELIEVE PEOPLE HAD BEEN CURED AT THE GROTTO.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; WARREN

Subject headings: CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- August 15 Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- August 16
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- June 21 solstice to September 22
ART CRAFT ARCHITECTURE -- Shrine Memorial
BELIEF -- Religious hero
BELIEF -- Remedy

Date learned: 11-00-1975

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HOME-MADE BREAD

THE BREAD IS MADE ONLY DURING THE EASTER AND CHRISTMAS SEASONS. ONE
DAY IS SET ASIDE FOR PREPARING THE DOUGH AND BAKING; HOLY SATURDAY
IS SET ASIDE FOR EASTER AND CHRISTMAS EVE FOR THE CHRISTMAS SEASON.
USUALLY THREE TO FIVE LOAVES ARE MADE AND PUT OUT FOR THE SPECIAL
MEALS OF THAT SEASON. BUTTER IS USED ALMOST EXCLUSIVELY WITH THE
BREAD INSTEAD OF MARGARINE.

Submitter comment: FAMILY CUSTOM COLLECTED

Subject headings: BELIEF -- Religious hero

Date learned: 02-12-1972

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RELIGIOUS CUSTOM

ON ST. NICHOLAS DAY, DECEMBER 6, THE CHILDREN LEAVE THEIR SHOES OUT
FOR HIM TO FILL THEM WITH GOODIES, OR IF THEY HAD BEEN BAD, A PIECE
OF COAL.

Submitter comment: THE INFORMANTS FAMILY STILL PRACTICES THIS CUSTOM AS I CAN READILY
ATTEST TO. THIS IS A VERY OLD GERMAN CUSTOM.

Where learned: OHIO ; CLEVELAND

Subject headings: CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 6 Feast of St. Nicholas
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- September 23 equinox to December 20 Also used for Advent.
BELIEF -- Religious hero

Date learned: 10-00-1976

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CUSTOM

IN ITALY, ON AUGUST 15, THE FEASTDAY OF THE ASSUMPTION, THEY HOLD
MANY PARADES IN HONOR OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN AND THERE IS MUCH SINGING
AND DANCING.

Submitter comment: THE INFORMANT KNOWS SOME NEIGHBORS WHO HAVE LIVED IN ITALY AND THEY
RELATED THIS CUSTOM TO HER.

Where learned: OHIO ; CLEVELAND

Subject headings: Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Religious
Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Adoration
Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Festival
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- August 15 Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- June 21 solstice to September 22
BELIEF -- Religious hero

Date learned: 10-00-1976

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CUSTOM FOR THE FEAST OF SAINT ISIDORE (APRIL 22)

THE FARMERS BROUGHT THEIR SEEDS AND SOILS INTO THE CHURCH AND THEY
WERE BLESSED WITH A SPECIAL RITUAL FOR A GOOD CROP.

Submitter comment: THIS IS A SPANISH CUSTOM THAT HAS SPREAD TO OTHER COUNTRIES AND IS
PRACTICED TO SOME DEGREE IN MAGADORE, OHIO.

Where learned: OHIO ; MOGADORE

Subject headings: CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- April 22
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Church
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Spring Planting
BELIEF -- Religious hero

Date learned: 10-00-1976

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A CUSTOM IN JANOWIEC, POLAND

ON THE FEAST OF ST. BLAISE, IT WAS A CUSTOM TO BLESS APPLES IN
JANOWIEC, POLAND.
SINCE ST. BLAISE WAS THE SAINT WHO WOULD GUARD THROATS, THESE
APPLES WOULD BE EATEN WHENEVER ONE'S THROAT WAS SORE, TO CURE IT.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DEARBORN

Subject headings: CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- February 3
BELIEF -- Religious hero
BELIEF -- Plant
BELIEF -- Plant

Date learned: 11-28-1967

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