Dr. James T. Callow publications
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The James T. Callow Folklore Archive
Your search for F532 returned 96 results.
SAUNA BATH
THE FINNISH HAD THE ORIGINAL SAUNA BATH AND STILL HAVE
THEM TODAY IN A LITTLE TOWN IN THE UPPER PENINSULA,
MASS, MICHIGAN. EACH FAMILY HAS THEIR OWN. THEY LOOK
LIKE A LARGE OUTHOUSE. THE WHOLE FAMILY TOOK THEIR
BATH TOGETHER, THE LITTLE ONES SAT ON THE LOWER
BENCHES IN FRONT AND THE PARENTS ON THE ELEVATED
BENCHES IN BACK. THE LITTLE ONES WERE TAUGHT NEVER
TO LOOK BACK AT THEIR PARENTS.
THE SAUNA IS A STEAM TYPE BATH TAKEN IN THE WINTER.
THE PROCEDURE IS AS FOLLOWS: FIRST YOU USE SWITCHES TO
WHIP UP THE CIRCULATION, THEN YOU MAKE STEAM BY
SPRINKLING WATER ON THE LARGE, FLAT HEATED ROCKS
WHICH MAKE UP THE OVEN. FINALLY, AFTER STEAMING
ALL THE DIRT OUT OF THE PORES, YOU GO OUT AND ROLL
IN THE SNOW.
Submitter comment:
THIS WAS RECEIVED FROM A FRIEND OF THE INFORMANT'S
WHO ACTUALLY DID THIS WITH HER FAMILY WHEN SHE WAS
YOUNG.
Where learned: WHITEHEAD AND KALES ; MILL STREET PLANT
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Home |
Date learned: 02-23-1967
CUSTOM, DAILY LIFE.
THE ELDEST MAN AT A TABLE IS ASKED TO CUT THE MEAT.
Submitter comment: LEARNED FROM HOME.
Where learned: INDIANA ; Hudson Lake
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Home CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Street Trip Relations between relatives, friends, host and guest Social class Rank |
Date learned: 11-24-1967
POLISH CUSTOM
WHEN MY MOTHER WAS A YOUNG GIRL, THERE WAS A SMALL
HOLY WATER FONT AT HER FRONT DOOR. UPON LEAVING THE
HOUSE, ALL MEMBERS OF THE FAMILY WERE EXPECTED TO
"BLESS THEMSELVES." AFTER THIS WAS ACCOMPLISHED,
MY GRANDMOTHER OR SOMEONE NEARBY WOULD SAY-IN
POLISH-"GO WITH GOD." WHEN AN INDIVIDUAL WOULD
RETURN HOME FROM CHURCH, MY GRANDMOTHER WOULD SAY
-IN POLISH-"BLESSED BE JESUS CHRIST FOREVER AND
FOREVER."
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; ROSEVILLE
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Home CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Church BELIEF -- Home SPEECH -- Gesture |
PACZKI DAY
THE DAY BEFORE ASH WEDNESDAY IS KNOWN AS PACZKI DAY,
AND ON THIS DAY MOST POLISH COOKS BAKE PACZKI AND
DISTRIBUTE THEM TO THE CHILDREN, AND THESE PACZKI ARE
THEN EATEN AS DESERT AFTER A MEAL ON THAT DAY.
Submitter comment:
THE INFORMANT REMEMBERS THIS TRADITION FROM HER YOUTH
WHEN PACZKI, JELLY-BUNS, WERE EATEN ON THAT DAY,
ESPECIALLY TO REMIND THE PERSON OF THE LENTEN DAYS
WHICH LIE AHEAD.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Home CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Measure of time Week Day Hour CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Spring Planting CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Spring Planting Pre Lent |
Date learned: 01-09-1964
SWIECONKA
EVERY YEAR ON HOLY SATURDAY, ONE OF THE MEMBERS OF THE
FAMILY TAKES AN EASTER BASKET FULL OF FOOD, USUALLY
HAM, BREAD AND BUTTER, MIXED SALT AND PEPPER, HORSE
RADISH, AND SOME COLORED EGGS, TO CHURCH WHERE IT
IS BLESSED BY THE PRIEST. ON EASTER SUNDAY, THIS
BLESSED FOOD IS SERVED AT THE MAIN MEAL. BEFORE IT IS
SERVED, HOWEVER, THE HEAD OF THE FAMILY, USUALLY
THE GRANDFATHER, CUTS UP THE BLESSED EGGS AND SERVES
A PIECE TO EACH MEMBER OF THE FAMILY, WHILE WISHING
THAT MEMBER A HAPPY EASTER. EACH MEMBER THEN EXCHANGES
WISHES WITH THE OTHER MEMBERS BY MEANS OF A KISS OR
A HANDSHAKE.
Submitter comment:
INFORMANT AGAIN HAD MERELY TO FILL IN DETAILS AND
SUPPLY THE CORRECT SPELLING OF THE NAME SWIECONKA,
FOR THIS TRADITION IS ALSO VERY MUCH ALIVE IN OUR
FAMILY.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | 663 Holy Saturday CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Home CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Measure of time Week Day Hour CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Spring Planting |
Date learned: 01-08-1964
OPLATEK
EVERY YEAR WHEN THE WHOLE FAMILY GETS TOGETHER ON
CHRISTMAS EVE FOR THE CHRISTMAS EVE DINNER, THE HEAD
OF THE FAMILY, USUALLY THE GRANDFATHER, TAKES A
PLATE OF OPLATEK (COMMUNION-LIKE WAFER) AND GIVES
EVERYONE PRESENT A PIECE OF IT. EVERYONE PRESENT THEN
APPROACHES EVERYONE ELSE IN THE ROOM, STARTING WITH
THE ELDER MEMBERS OF THE FAMILY; AND THEY OFFER THAT
PERSON A PIECE OF THEIR OPLATEK WHILE TAKING A
SMALL PIECE FROM THAT PERSON. WHILE THIS IS BEING
DONE, CHRISTMAS WISHES AND WISHES OF GOOD LUCK FOR THE
COMING YEAR ARE ALSO EXCHANGED BY THE PEOPLE SHARING
THEIR OPLATEK. THIS IS FOLLOWED BY AKISS OR A
HANDSHAKE.
Submitter comment:
INFORMANT, MY MOTHER, HAD ONLY TO FILL IN A FEW
DETAILS AND GIVE ME THE CORRECT SPELLING FOR THE WORD
OPLATEK, WHICH IN AMERICA MEANS WAFER OR ANGEL-BREAD.
THIS TRADITION IS STILL VERY MUCH ALIVE IN OUR FAMILY.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 24 Christmas Eve CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Home CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Measure of time Week Day Hour CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20 |
Date learned: 01-08-1964
TURKISH COFFEE WAS ALWAYS SERVED AT MORE SOMBER
AFFAIRS. LIKE IF SOMEONE CAME OVER AFTER A DEATH,
THEY WOULDN'T BRING OUT DRINKS; THEY SERVED TURKISH
COFFEE.
Submitter comment: DONE IN HER FAMILY WHEN SHE WAS YOUNGER.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Home Food Drink -- Typical menus for the various meals For meal hours, see F574.84. Special or festive meals |
Date learned: 04-15-1967
DON'TS ON THE SABBATH
SABBATH BEGINS AT SUNDOWN ON FRIDAY (JUDAISM). A
PERSON CANNOT TURN ON A LIGHT OR LIGHT UP AN OVEN
UNTIL SUNDAY. ONCE COULD NOT / TELL SOMEONE ELSE TO DO
IT, BECAUSE IT WOULD BE CONSIDERED THAT HE WERE
WORKING. (THE SOMEONE ELSE WOULD BE WORKING, TOO).
ONLY BEFORE
SUNDOWN ON FRIDAY, COULD ONE EMPLOY SOMEBODY TO DO
SOMETHING FOR HIM; AND, ONLY, BEFORE OR AFTER THE
SABBATH, COULD HE OFFER PAYMENT.
Submitter comment:
SHE LEARNED THIS FROM HER FAMILY, BUT DOES NOT PRACTICE
IT TODAY. SHE RECALLED THAT HER FATHER WOULD COME
HOME FROM WORK ON FRIDAY AND THEN RUN SEVERAL BLOCKS
TO THE THEATER TO BUY TICKETS FOR THE SATURDAY
MATINEE.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Home CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Measure of time Week Day Hour BELIEF -- Home BELIEF -- Work Commerce Business |
Date learned: 04-00-1965
PENNSYLVANIA DUTCH CUSTOM
WHEN YOU HAVE COMPANY FOR DINNER, YOU MUST PUT SEVEN
SWEETS AND SEVEN SOURS ON THE TABLE. USUALLY, THE
GUESTS WILL COUNT TO SEE IF THEY'RE ALL THERE AND
IF NOT, HE CHIDES, IN A FRIENDLY WAY, THE HOSTESS FOR
FORGETTING.
Submitter comment: HEARD IN STEELTON, PENNSYLVANIA AROUND 1920.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
Date learned: 01-12-1964
CUSTOM
ALWAYS PUT THE HEAD OF YOUR BED TOWARDS THE NORTH.
Where learned: NEW YORK ; WILSON
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Home CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Measure of time Sleeping |
Date learned: NOT GIVEN
TO DRIVE AWAY FLIES, BOIL THREE OR FOUR ONIONS IN A PINT OF WATER.
APPLY IT WITH A BRUSH TO GLASS, PICTURE FRAMES, ETC.
Submitter comment: THE INFORMANT LEARNED THIS AS A CHILD IN INDIANA.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; WARREN
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Home BELIEF -- Insect |
Date learned: 03-04-1982
TO REMOVE FURNITURE BRUISES, FOLD A PIECE OF BROWN WRAPPING PAPER
FIVE OR SIX TIMES, SOAK IT IN WARM WATER, THEN LAY IT ON THE
BRUISED SPOT AND APPLY A HOT IRON UNTIL THE PAPER IS DRY. IF THE
BRUISE HAS NOT DISAPPEARED, REPEAT UNTIL IT DOES.
Submitter comment: THE INFORMANT LEARNED THIS AS A CHILD IN INDIANA.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; WARREN
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Home |
Date learned: 03-04-1982
TO CLEAR MUDDY WATER, THROW A FEW DRIED PEACH KERNELS, SLIGHTLY
CRACKED, INTO A BARREL OF WATER. IT WILL BE PERFECTLY CLEAR IN AN
HOUR OR TWO.
Submitter comment:
THE INFORMANT LEARNED THIS AS A CHILD IN INDIANA BUT DOESN'T
REMEMBER EVER USING IT.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; WARREN
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Home BELIEF -- Mineral |
Date learned: 03-04-1982
THE FIRST DOLLAR A MAN EARNS SHOULD BE HUNG PROMINENTLY ON A WALL AT
HIS PLACE OF BUSINESS TO BRING GOOD LUCK.
Submitter comment:
THE INFORMANT'S PARENTS WERE BORN IN LEBANON, AND HIS FATHER PLACED A
DOLLAR FROM THE FIRST PAYCHECK HE EARNED IN THE U.S. ABOVE THE FRONT
DOOR OF HIS HOME SINCE HE DID NOT HAVE HIS OWN PLACE OF BUSINESS.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; FRASER
Date learned: 03-00-1982
BROOM SUPERSTITION
WHEN YOU MOVE FROM ONE RESIDENCE TO ANOTHER, NEVER TAKE YOUR BROOM.
Submitter comment: ITEM WAS LEARNED IN WEST VIRGINIA ALTHOUGH COLLECTED IN DETROIT.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT ; BOTSFORD GRADE SCHOOL ; CLARENCEVILLE DISTRICT
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Home CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Street Trip Relations between relatives, friends, host and guest Social class Rank |
Date learned: 11-00-1982
POLISH-AMERICAN CUSTOM: WHENEVER IT SNOWS, A POLISH FAMILY IN
CHEBOYGAN, MICHIGAN SHOVELS A PARKING SPOT IN THE STREET AND
PLACES A CHAIR (USUALLY TAKEN FROM THE KITCHEN) IN THE PARKING
SPACE. NO ONE USUALLY TAKES THE CHAIR OR USES THE PARKING SPACE.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Home CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Street Trip Relations between relatives, friends, host and guest Social class Rank |
Date learned: 09-21-1982
JEWISH PEOPLE SHOULD ALWAYS HAVE A MEZUZAH ON THEIR MAIN DOOR
FRAME. THERE SHOULD BE ONE ON EVERY ENTRANCE, BUT THERE MUST
BE ONE ON THE MAIN DOOR. INSIDE THE MEZUZAH IS A TINY SCROLL
WITH THE TEN COMMANDMENTS WRITTEN ON IT. A GOOD JEW IS
SUPPOSED TO KISS THE MEZUZAH ON THEIR WAY INTO THE HOUSE.
THIS PRACTICE IS MENTIONED IN THE BIBLE.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; WEST BLOOMFIELD
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Home CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Street Trip Relations between relatives, friends, host and guest Social class Rank ART CRAFT ARCHITECTURE -- Wall Partition Door Window |
Stain Remover
As a high school student, I was forever getting ink on some part
of my clothing. My mother informed me that if put on a fairly new ink
stain, hair spray would remove it completely.
Submitter comment:
This form of stain removal is still used by my family and
friends.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; SAGINAW
Keyword(s): HOUSEHOLD HINT
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Home |
Date learned: 00001985ca
Ammonia will kill paint odor.
Where learned: OHIO ; CLEVELAND
James Callow Keyword(s): HOUSEHOLD HINT
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Home |
Date learned: 00-00-1957
When I was younger (approx. 5 years old) the kids in my
neighborhood would never knock on the door if they wanted you to
come out and play. Instead they would stand on the sidewalk in
front of your house and repeatedly call out your name. The
reason for doing this was because we were all afraid of our
friend's parents. This practice continued for years until I was
about 10 and we were finally all brave enough to knock on each
other's doors. We did notice, however, that the younger children
seemed to follow our tradition of calling out their friends to
play.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DEARBORN HEIGHTS
| Subject headings: | Favorites CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Home CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Street Trip Relations between relatives, friends, host and guest Social class Rank CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Common law SPEECH -- Gesture |
Date learned: 00-00-1974