Dr. James T. Callow publications
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The James T. Callow Folklore Archive
Your search for P682.4 returned 192 results.
HOLY WATER FONT
FOR THE TWENTY YEARS THAT I RESIDED AT MY PARENT'S HOME
I CAN NOT REMEMBER EITHER MY BROTHERS OR MYSELF LEAVING
THE HOUSE BY THE FRONT DOOR WITHOUT DIPPING OUR
FINGERS INTO THE HOLY WATER FONT AND MAKING THE SIGN
OF THE CROSS. DESPITE THE FACT THAT IT WAS A HABIT,
MY MOTHER (POLISH) WOULD ALWAYS REMIND US.
AS WE OPENED THE FRONT DOOR SHE WOULD CALL, "DON'T FORGET TO
BLESS YOURSELF". THIS BECAME QUITE EMBARRASSING
AS WE BECAME YOUNG MEN AND WOULD BE LEAVING THE HOUSE WITH
FRIENDS BOTH MALE AND FEMALE. IN HER OWN HOME, WHEN MY
MOTHER WAS A YOUNG GIRL, HER MOTHER WOULD CHASE HER
BROTHERS DOWN THE STREET AND MAKE THEM RETURN TO THE HOUSE
IF SHE SAW THEM GO OUT WITHOUT BLESSING THEMSELVES.
THIS WAS NEVER MENTIONED IF WE WENT OUT THROUGH THE BACK DOOR.
AS I WRITE THIS IT SUDDENLY OCCURS TO ME THAT MY MOTHER ENCOURAGED
US TO USE THE BACK DOOR BY IMPOSING THIS FRONT DOOR
RITUAL UPON US.
Where learned: NOT GIVEN
Date learned: NOT GIVEN
COLOR SIGNIFICATION
THIS WAS COLLECTED ON MONDAY 3-6-67 FROM
MY SISTER. SHE MADE THE FOLLOWING STATEMENT ON THE
SIGNIFICANCE OF CERTAIN COLORS WORN ON CERTAIN
DAYS OF THE WEEK.
IF YOU WEAR BLUE ON MONDAY, THIS MEANS YOU'RE GOING TO
HAVE A BABY.
IF YOU WEAR GREEN AND YELLOW ON THURSDAY,
THIS MEANS YOU ARE A QUEER.
IF YOU WEAR RED ON FRIDAY, THIS MEANS YOU ARE A DEVIL.
Where learned: NOT GIVEN
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Sign Geometric figure Cross and its various modifications BELIEF -- Color |
FOLK CURE- HEADACHE
IF YOU HAVE A HEADACHE, TAKE THREE MATCHES AND LIGHT THEM.
TAKE A GLASS HALF FILLED WITH WATER AND LET THE MATCHES BURN
ALMOST TO THE END. THEN LET THE MATCHES DROP INTO THE WATER,
AND IF THE HEADS OF THE MATCHES DROP STRAIGHT TO THE BOTTOM OF
THE GLASS, SOMEONE GAVE YOU THE EVIL EYE.
THEN YOU TAKE YOUR THUMB, FOREFINGER, AND INDEX FINGER, AND YOU
DIP THEM IN THE GLASS OF WATER. NEXT, MAKE THE SIGN OF THE CROSS
ON YOUR FOREHEAD AND TAKE SOME MORE WATER AND PUT IT ON THE BACKS
OF BOTH HANDS. THEN YOU TAKE THE INSIDE HEM OF YOUR DRESS AND
YOU WIPE THE BACKS OF YOUR HANDS AND YOUR FOREHEAD ON THE HEM.
PUT A LITTLE BIT OF WATER ON THE HINGE IN THE CORNER OF A DOOR
SO THE HEADACHE WILL GO OUT THE DOOR AND POUR THE REMAINDER
OF THE WATER DOWN THE SINK AND TURN THE GLASS BOTTOMS-UP.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | Observation Favorites BELIEF -- Sign Geometric figure Cross and its various modifications BELIEF -- Remedy SPEECH -- Gesture |
CURE FOR THE EVIL EYE
FILL A BOWLWITH WATER, DIP YOUR
FINGER IN OIL AND MAKE THE SIGN
OF THE CROSS OVER THE BOWL3 TIMES.
THEN MAKE THE SIGN OF THE CROSS
ON YOUR FOREHEAD 3 TIMES, AFTER,
PUT SOME OIL IN THE WATER. IF IT
DISAPPEARS YOU DO NOT HAVE THE
EVIL EYE. IF THE OIL SPREADS, OR
GOES INTO SNAKE FORM, THEN YOU HAVE THE EVIL EYE.
TO GET RID OF IT, BREAK THE OIL INTO DOTS OR POUR IT WWAY.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | 686 Thirds / Thrice / Three / Triple BELIEF -- Body part Senses BELIEF -- Sign Geometric figure Cross and its various modifications BELIEF -- Method of Curing SPEECH -- Gesture |
Date learned: 03-22-1972
STAR BELIEF
A FALLING STAR MEANS THAT SOMEONE IS SELLING HIS SOUL TO THE DEVIL. IF YOU WISH TO SAVE THE SOUL, MAKE THE SIGN OF THE CROSS.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; WARREN
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Star BELIEF -- Sign Geometric figure Cross and its various modifications |
Date learned: 01-22-1970
FEET
MAKE THE SIGN OF THE CROSS ON THE BOTTOM OF YOUR FOOT WHEN IT
GOES TO
SLEEP AND IT WILL WAKE UP.
Where learned: HOME ; MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
Keyword(s): RELIGIOUS BELIEF
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Sign Geometric figure Cross and its various modifications BELIEF -- Remedy |
BELIEF
IF YOU DREAM OR HAVE A NIGHTMARE ABOUT THE DEVIL, BLESS YOURSELF
WHEN YOU AWAKE TO CALM YOUR FEARS AND HELP KEEP THE DEVIL AWAY.
Submitter comment: THIS WAS TOLD TO MY MOTHER BY HER MOTHER ABOUT 50 YEARS AGO.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; TAYLOR
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Devil Demon BELIEF -- Sign Geometric figure Cross and its various modifications BELIEF -- Dreams Dreams about the supernatural SPEECH -- Gesture |
Date learned: 11-00-1977 ; 00-00-1930
SIGN OF THE CROSS
WHENEVER I TAKE A TEST OR AM ABOUT TO EMBARK ON A HOMEWORK
ASSIGNMENT I WILL WRITE A LITTLE CROSS ON THE FIRST LINE.
I RECALL LEARNING THIS FROM MY SECOND GRADE TEACHER AT A PAROCHIAL
SCHOOL. THE CROSS WAS SUPPOSED TO HELP US TO DO WELL.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; SOUTHFIELD
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Sign Geometric figure Cross and its various modifications |
Date learned: 00-00-1977
CHURCH CUSTOM
ON THE FEAST OF THE EPIPHANY (JAN. 6), IT IS A CUSTOM AMONG ROMAN
CATHOLICS TO HAVE A PIECE OF CHALK BLESSED BY A PRIEST AND TO WRITE
OVER AN ENTRANCE TO THEIR HOUSE THE INITIALS OF THE THREE KINGS IN
THE FOLLOWING MANNER: FIRST, THE FIRST TWO NUMBERS OF THE YEAR ARE
WRITTEN, THEN A CROSS, THEN K (FOR KASPAR), CROSS, M (MELCHIOR),
CROSS, B (BALTAZAR), CROSS, THEN THE LAST TWO NUMBERS OF THE YEAR.
FOR EXAMPLE, FOR THE YEAR 1979: 19 + K + M + B + 79.
IF THIS IS DONE, IT WILL PROTECT YOUR HOME FROM BEING STRUCK BY
LIGHTNING IN THE COMING YEAR.
Submitter comment:
THE SPELLINGS OF THE NAMES OF THE KINGS ARE AS GIVEN TO ME BY MY
INFORMANT.
Where learned: DETROIT
Date learned: 02-17-1979
CUSTOM
MAKING THE SIGN OF THE CROSS WITH A KNIFE, OVER FOOD
ABOUT TO BE CUT, SIGNIFIES A BLESSING OF THE FOOD
BEFORE IT IS EATEN.
Where learned: DETROIT
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Measure of time Eating For menu, see N222. BELIEF -- Prayer BELIEF -- Sign Geometric figure Cross and its various modifications SPEECH -- Gesture |
Date learned: CA00001960S
CURSES
WHEN YOU ARE PLAYING DICE, MAKE AN "X" ON THE TABLE SO THAT YOUR
OPPONENT DOES NOT ROLL A PAIR, OR WHATEVER YOU ARE ROLLING.
Submitter comment:
THE "X" IS SOMETHING SIMILAR TO A CROSS, SO IT MIGHT BE A TYPE OF
BLESSING, INSTEAD OF A HEX.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; RIVERVIEW
| Subject headings: | Favorites BELIEF -- Curse BELIEF -- Sign Geometric figure Cross and its various modifications BELIEF -- Good luck BELIEF -- Conversions |
Date learned: 03-00-1979
SUPERSTITION
CROSSED FINGERS ON EACH HAND RESULTS IN BAD LUCK.
Submitter comment:
THE INFORMANT REASONS THAT SINCE CROSSING TWO FINGERS ON ONE
HAND RESULTS IN GOOD LUCK, DOING THIS WITH ANOTHER HAND MUST
RESULT IN BAD LUCK.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT ; CLASSROOM
James Callow Keyword(s): OPPOSITES CONTRAIETY
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Body part Senses BELIEF -- Sign Geometric figure Cross and its various modifications BELIEF -- Bad luck SPEECH -- Gesture |
Date learned: 02-12-1979
SUPERSTITION
A CROSS IS USED TO WARD OFF VAMPIRES.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; FERNDALE
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Werewolf Vampire BELIEF -- Sign Geometric figure Cross and its various modifications |
Date learned: 02-00-1979
SUPERSTITION
WITH EVERYONE OF MY HOCKEY STICKS AND (AT TIMES) MY
BASEBALL BATS, I DRAW A LITTLE RELIGIOUS CROSS AT
THE UPPER PART OF THE STICK AND THE LOWER PART OF THE
BAT
Submitter comment:
SUTHERLAND IS NOT AN EXTREMELY RELIGIOUS PERSON.
HE DOES NOT ATTEND CHRUCH REGULARLY, BUT HE DOES NOT
QUESTION THE PRESENCE OF GOD.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; OAK PARK
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Special Object or Implement BELIEF -- Entertainment Diversion BELIEF -- Sign Geometric figure Cross and its various modifications |
Date learned: 00-00-1978
EVIL EYE "MALOCCHIO"
A CURSE IS PLACED ON SOMEONE. TO FIND OUT IF A PERSON HAS IT
FIRST MAKE THE SIGN OF THE CROSS ON YOUR FOREHEAD THEN DROP OIL
INTO A BOWL CONTAINING WATER. IF THE OIL DISPERSES, THE PERSON
HAS THE CURSE. IF THE OIL COMES TO THE CENTER, THERE IS NONE.
CURSES ARE REMOVED BY MAKING THE SIGN OF THE CROSS ON YOUR FOREHEAD
THREE TIMES AND RECITING PRAYERS WITH INTENT FOR IT TO BE REMOVED.
Submitter comment: "MALOCCHIO" MEANS TO LOOK ASKANCE AT SOMEONE.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT ; CAMPUS
| Subject headings: | 686 Thirds / Thrice / Three / Triple BELIEF -- Prayer BELIEF -- Curse BELIEF -- Sign Geometric figure Cross and its various modifications BELIEF -- Remedy BELIEF -- Conversions |
A LITTLE CLOTH CONTAINING SALT AND TIED WITH RED RIBBON IS GIVEN TO
MOTHERS OF BABIES. THIS IS PLACED IN A BABY'S CRIB OR BUGGY.
Submitter comment:
THIS INFORMANT'S SISTER WAS GIVEN ONE OF THESE CLOTHS WHEN ONE
OF HER CHILDREN WAS BORN. SHE DID NOT USE THE CLOTH BECAUSE SHE
FELT THE CROSS SHE HAD IN THE BABY'S ROOM WAS THERE TO PROTECT
THE CHILD.
AMULET
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT ; CAMPUS
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Devil Demon BELIEF -- Mineral BELIEF -- Birth BELIEF -- Sign Geometric figure Cross and its various modifications BELIEF -- Color |
Date learned: 02-26-1979
DINNER PRAYER
FATHER, SON, HOLY SPIRIT, AMEN. BLESS US O LORD AND THESE OUR
GIFTS AS WE ARE ABOUT TO RECEIVE THEM FROM THY BOUNTY OF CHRIST OUR
LORD. AMEN. (MAKE THE SIGN OF THE CROSS AT THE BEGINNING AND THE
END.)
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; SAINT CLAIR SHORES
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Measure of time Eating For menu, see N222. BELIEF -- Prayer BELIEF -- Sign Geometric figure Cross and its various modifications SPEECH -- Gesture |
Date learned: 04-11-1979
ST. BRIDGET'S CROSS
THE HANGING OF ST BRIDGET'S CROSSOVER THE FRONT DOOR
INSURES GOOD LUCK TO ALL WHO LIVE THERE
Submitter comment:
ST BRIDGET'S CROSS IS AN IRISH CUSTOM
DESIGNED AND FASHIONED FROM FRESH GREEN REEDS AND IS BLESSED
MUCH THE SAME WAY AS PALMS
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; LIVONIA
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Sign Geometric figure Cross and its various modifications BELIEF -- Good luck |
Date learned: CA02001980
POLISH CUSTOM FOR A NEW HOUSE
THE FIRST THINGS TO ENTER A NEW HOUSE ARE A TABLE, A CROSS, AND
SOME HOLY WATER.
Submitter comment:
BRINGING THE TABLE INSURES THAT THE FAMILY WILL NEVER BE WITHOUT
FOOD. THE CROSS, REPRESENTATIVE OF RELIGION, GUARANTEES A BLESSED
LIFE. THE HOLY WATER REMOVES EVIL FROM THE HOUSE.
Where learned: DETROIT
James Callow Keyword(s): SYMBOLS
Date learned: 01-13-1980
"OJO DE DIOS"- EYE OF GOD.
THIS COLORFUL CROSS WHICH REPRESENTS THE WATCHFUL EYE OF GOD UPON
HIS PEOPLE. IT HAS A LARGE DIAMOND SHAPED CENTER WITH FOUR SMALLER
ONES ON THE FOUR CORNERS. IT HAS SMALL TASSELS HANGING FROM EACH
CORNER. MANY HOMES HAVE THISNEAR THE SMALL SHRINES FOUND IN THEIR
HOMES CALLED THE "ALARCITO"- LITTLE ALTAR. THE FOUR CORNERS REPRESE
REPRESEMT THE FOUR CORNERS OF THE HOME, OR OF THE EARTH.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Sign Geometric figure Cross and its various modifications |
Date learned: 00-00-1958