Dr. James T. Callow publications
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The James T. Callow Folklore Archive
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RUSSIAN SUPERSTITION
BEFORE A MOVE OR A JOURNEY, PEOPLE SIT DOWN A FEW MOMENTS FOR LUCK.
Submitter comment:
TAKEN FROM A FOOTNOTE ON PAGE 52 IN "DOCTOR ZHIVAGO," (NEW YORK:
PANTHEON BOOKS, INC., 1958).
Where learned: NOT GIVEN
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Street Trip Relations between relatives, friends, host and guest Social class Rank BELIEF -- Custom |
Date learned: NOT GIVEN
CUSTOM
THE BRIDEGROOM IS GIVEN A WHITE CLOTH BY HIS MOTHER WHICH THE
BRIDE IS TO LAY ON WHEN THE MARRIAGE IS CONSUMMATED. THEN IT
IS TO BE GIVEN TO HIS MOTHER TO PROVE HER SON MARRIED A VIRGIN.
Submitter comment: LEARNED FROM A SYRIAN FRIEND.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
James Callow Keyword(s): HYMEN
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Street Trip Relations between relatives, friends, host and guest Social class Rank CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Marriage |
MISCELLANEOUS CUSTOMS
A SEAMAN LEAVING THE FORECASTLE TO GO AFT, EITHER FOR HIS TRICK AT
THE WHEEL OR OTHER WORK, GOES AFT ALONG THE LEESIDE OF THE VESSEL,
UNLESS HIS IMMEDIATE DUTY LIES TO THE WINDWARD.
A SEAMAN SUMMONED TO THE CAPTAIN'S CABIN REMOVED HIS CAP AND
DROPPED IT TO THE DECK JUST OUTSIDE THE DOOR.
A MARINER ENTERING A NEW SHIP, OR EVEN AN OLD SHIP, FOR THE FIRST
TIME MAKES CERTAIN THAT HIS RIGHT FOOT IS THE FIRST TO TOUCH THE
DECK.
IT WAS A BREECH OF ETIQUETTE FOR A SEAMAN TO LOCK HIS SEA CHEST
WHILE ON BOARD HIS SHIP. OFFENDERS OFTEN FOUND, WHEN THEY
RETURNED TO THE FORECASTLE FROM THEIR WATCH ON DECK, THAT THE
COVER HAD BEEN NAILED DOWN.
IN THE BRITISH AND UNITED STATES NAVIES, A SCARF OF BLACK SILK IS
WORN, ORIGINALLY AS A MARK OF WARNING (MOURNING?) FOR THE DEATH
OF LORD NELSON.
IN THE ROYAL NAVY, OFFICERS WHO HAVE BEEN ROUND EITHER THE CAPE
OF GOOD HOPE OR CAPE HORN MAY PUT ONE FOOT ON THE WARDROOM TABLE;
BOTH CAPES CARRY THE RIGHT TO PUT BOTH FEET ON THE TABLE.
BY NAVAL CUSTOM THE SENIOR OFFICER PRESENT IS ALWAYS THE LAST
INTO A BOAT AND THE FIRST OUT OF IT.
Submitter comment:
CAPTAIN LUMAS SAYS THAT HE HAS LEARNED THESE CUSTOMS THROUGH THE
YEARS THAT HE HAS BEEN SAILING, BOTH IN THE U.S. NAVY AND UP AT
MACKINAW ISLAND.
Data entry tech comment:
Updated by TRD
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; MACKINAW ISLAND
Keyword(s): British ; Captain ; Etiquette ; Language ; Lingo ; Naval ; Navy ; POSITION ; Seaman ; Ship ; Uniform ; United States
James Callow Keyword(s): DIRECTION ; LEFT ; POSITION ; RIGHT
ENGAGEMENT RING
IF A BOY GIVES YOU AN ENGAGEMENT RING ON A SPECIAL DAY LIKE YOUR
BIRTHDAY, CHRISTMAS, EASTER, ETC., IT CAN BE REGARDED AS A GIFT
AND NEED NOT BE RETURNED. YOU MUST RETURN IT IF HE GIVES IT TO
YOU ON AN ORDINARY DAY.
Submitter comment:
I LEARNED THIS INFORMATION FROM MY GIRL FRIEND, MARGIE SMITH,
ABOUT 1960.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; SOUTHFIELD
Date learned: 05-12-1965
MONOLOGUE
THERE ONCE LIVED A YOUNG INDIAN GIRL CALLED NO ONE'S MAIDEN, FOR
SHE HAD NO PARENTS AND LIVED WITH THE WITCHDOCTOR AND HIS MEAN
WIFE. NO ONE'S MAIDEN WORKED TOO HARD TO PLAY OR DANCE AND NO
MAN WISHED HER FOR SHE HAD NO DOWRY. ONE NIGHT THE WITCH DOCTOR
TOLD HER TO GO FOR A WALK, SO SHE SAT BY THE LAKE AND GAZED AT
THE MOON. SHE SANG A SONG ABOUT HOW LONELY SHE WAS AND TOLD THE
MOON SHE WAS SORRY FOR HIM BECAUSE HE WAS LONELY TOO. THE INDIANS
CALLED THE MOON NANNY. SHE TOLD NANNY SHE WOULD LIKE TO VISIT
HIM AND CHEER HIM UP. THE MOON BEGAN TO SHINE AND A SILVER PATH
CAME DOWN FOR NO ONE'S MAIDEN TO VISIT ON. THE MOON CALLED HER
NANNY MAYEY, WHICH MEANS MOON PATH. FOR TWO NIGHTS SHE VISITED
THE MOON BUT ON THE SECOND NIGHT WAS SEEN BY HER PEOPLE. SHE
RETURNED TO THEM AS NANNY MAYEY AND WAS ADORED BY ALL. EVEN NOW,
HOWEVER, NANNY THROWS DOWN THE SILVER PATH TO REMIND PEOPLE OF
NANNY MAYEY.
Where learned: ILLINOIS ; CHICAGO
Date learned: 00-00-1970
KNOCK, KNOCK STREET
I CAN REMEMBER HEARING THIS TALE ABOUT FIFTEEN YEARS AGO.
APPARENTLY A YOUNG GIRL RETURNING HOME FROM HOLY COMMUNION
WAS STRUCK DOWN BY A HIT-AND-RUN MOTORIST. THE GIRL WAS
KILLED INSTANTLY; HER HAND, HOWEVER, WAS SEVERED FROM HER
BODY AND NEVER FOUND. LEGEND HAS IT THAT THE STREET FROM
THAT MOMENT ON HAS MADE A KNOCKING SOUND (SUPPOSEDLY THE
SEVERED HAND KNOCKING ON THE STREET).
Submitter comment:
I CAN VAGUELY REMEMBER TAKING A RIDE TO THE SCENE AND ACTUALLY
HEARING SOMETHING. I BELIEVE THE NAME OF THE STREET WAS
STRASSBURG.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
Date learned: NOT GIVEN
THE TEXAS RANGERS
TEXAS IS THE PLACE THAT GROWS BIGGER AND BETTER--AND THE TEXAS
RANGERS GROW BIG, TOO. SEEMS AS THOUGH THERE WAS A RIOT IN ONE OF
THE TOWNS AND THE MAYOR WIRED FOR A COMPANY OF RANGERS. THEY WERE
SUPPOSED TO DISPERSE THE MOB. PRETTY SOON, A LONE RANGER SHOWED
UP. "HEY," SAID THE MAYOR, "IT'S A TOUGH MOB--I WIRED FOR A
COMPANY OF RANGERS, NOT JUST ONE RANGER!"
"WELL," DRAWLED THE RANGER, "YOU AIN'T GOT BUT ONE MOB, AIN'T YOU?"
Where learned: NOT GIVEN
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Abnormal in size PROSE NARRATIVE -- Lie Tall tale CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Street Trip Relations between relatives, friends, host and guest Social class Rank |
Date learned: 07-00-1964
LEONARD QUICKBEAR
WHEN I WAS COACHING THE HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL TEAM AT THE ST.
FRANCIS MISSION ON THE SIOUX INDIAN RESERVATION IN SOUTH DAKOTA,
OUR STAR PLAYER WAS AN INDIAN BY THE NAME OF LEONARD QUICKBEAR.
HE WAS ONLY ABOUT 5' 7", BUT HE COULD TOUCH THE RIM OF THE BASKET.
EVERYONE ON THE TEAM WAS EXCEPTIONALLY QUICK, SO I USED TO GIVE
THEM A REAL PASSING WORKOUT. WHEN THEY GOT THE BALL MOVING AROUND
AS FAST AS I'D EVER SEEN A HIGH SCHOOL TEAM MOVE IT, I TOLD THEM
THEY LOOKED LIKE TIRED 8TH GRADERS. I KEPT YELLING AT THEM, AND
THEY FINALLY GOT THE BALL MOVING AROUND TEN TIMES AS FAST AS
BEFORE.
LEONARD'S BEST SHOT WAS FROM RIGHT IN FRONT OF THE BENCH. HE'D
TURN WITH HIS BACK TO THE BASKET, STANDING RIGHT IN FRONT OF THE
BENCH, AND FLIP THE BALL BACKWARDS OVER HIS HEAD. IT WENT IN
ABOUT 80 PERCENT OF THE TIME.
WELL, WE WON THE STATE HIGH SCHOOL TOURNAMENT THAT YEAR, AND THEN
WE CHALLENGED THE HARLEM GLOBETROTTERS TO A GAME. YOU KNOW HOW
THEY ALWAYS FOOL AROUND AND PLAY TRICKS DURING A GAME. WELL, THEY
BEAT US BY THREE OR FIVE POINTS, AND THEY NEVER GOT FAR ENOUGH
AHEAD TO TRY ANY TRICKS.
AFTER LEONARD GOT OUT OF HIGH SCHOOL, HE FORMED A TEAM SIMILAR TO
THE GLOBETROTTERS. THEY WERE PLAYING AT OLYMPIA ONE NIGHT. BY
THIS TIME, MY WIFE AND I HAD MOVED TO DETROIT, SO WE DECIDED TO GO
DOWN AND SEE THEM PLAY. THE SIGN OUT IN FRONT OF OLYMPIA READ,
"LEONARD QUICKBEAR & HIS SIOUX INDIANS." WELL, THAT WAS IN THE
DAYS WHEN, DURING HOCKEY SEASON, THEY'D PUT THE BASKETBALL FLOOR
RIGHT OVER THE ICE. AS THE TEAMS CAME OUT, I DIDN'T SEE LEONARD.
SO FINALLY I JUMPED RIGHT UP, RAN DOWN, JUMPED OVER THE RETAINING
WALL, AND THEN I SLIPPED ON THE ICE. FINALLY I GOT UP AND RAN
OVER TO ONE OF THE INDIANS AND ASKED HIM WHERE LEONARD WAS.
"OH," HE SAID, "WE LEFT HIM IN CHICAGO."
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT HIGH SCHOOL ; HISTORY CLASS
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Game Pastime CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Street Trip Relations between relatives, friends, host and guest Social class Rank CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- School |
SHE'S--MARKED:
BURNING "S" ON THE FACE OF A FEMALE WAS TO SHOW THAT SHE WAS AN
AN ADULTERER. THE MARK COULD BE ALSO CUT ON HER FACE.
Submitter comment:
THIS ITEM WAS LEARNED DURING HIS LATE ADOLESCENT STAGE IN HIS HOME TOWN.
THIS ITEM WAS TOLD TO HIM BY HIS ACQUAINTANCES WHEN HE VISITED IRELAND. THIS
TALE CAME ABOUT IN THE EARLY YEARS OF IRELAND'S BIRTH. THE SIGN WAS PUT ON THE
WOMAN'S FACE SO TO TELL "THE WORLD" OF HER SIN. I DIDN'T GET AN EXPLANATION WHY
THEY USED THE LETTER S.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT ; IRELAND
James Callow Keyword(s): BRANDING ; PUNISHMENT
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Street Trip Relations between relatives, friends, host and guest Social class Rank |
Date learned: 00001930S
IRISH GIFT GIVING CUSTOM
ALWAYS PUT MONEY (SILVER) IN A WALLET OR PURSE THAT YOU ARE
GIVING AS A GIFT. THIS SHOWS YOU WISH THE PERSON TO BE
PROSPEROUS.
Submitter comment: INFORMANT LEARNED THIS CUSTOM FROM HIS GRANDMOTHER.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
James Callow Keyword(s): GIFT-GIVING
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Street Trip Relations between relatives, friends, host and guest Social class Rank |
Date learned: 11-22-1974
CLEAN UNDERWEAR
MY MOTHER ALWAYS TOLD ME THAT WHENEVER I GO OUT, THAT I SHOULD ALWAYS
REMEMBER TO WEAR CLEAN UNDER CLOTHING BECAUSE IN THE CASE OF AN
ACCIDENT, AND I WOULD HAVE TO GO TO THE HOSPITAL, THEN THE DOCTORS
AND NURSES WOULDN'T THINK I WAS FROM A POOR FAMILY, AND THEY ALSO
WOULDN'T TALK ABOUT ME AFTER I WAS RELEASED FROM THE HOSPITAL.
Where learned: NEW YORK ; CHEEKTOWAGA
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Street Trip Relations between relatives, friends, host and guest Social class Rank |
Date learned: 12-00-1973
CUSTOM & SUPERSTITION
MOVING INTO A NEW HOUSE YOU SHOULD FIRST BRING BREAD & SUGAR
INTO IT, SO THERE WILL ALWAYS BE FOOD TO EAT & THE HOUSE
WILL NEVER KNOW FROM BITTERS.
Submitter comment:
THE SAYING "NEVER KNOW FROM BITTERS" MEANS THAT THE HOUSE
SHOULD ALWAYS HAVE HAPPINESS IN IT!
HEARD THIS AS A KID. THESE SAYINGS JUST WENT AROUND IN A JEWISH
HOME. I COULD FIND NO ORIGIN FOR THIS SAYING
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
Date learned: 00-00-1974
"RELEASE"
TO PLAY RELEASE, TWO TEAMS OF AT LEAST THREE APIECE (BUT MORE
IF POSSIBLE) ARE FORMED. A SMALL AREA--SUCH AS A PORCH OR A STRIP
OF LAWN IS USED AS A JAIL. ONE MEMBER FROM TEAM II ACTS AS JAILGUARD,
WHILE THE REST GO HUNTING FOR MEMBERS OF TEAM I. WHEN A HIDER IS
CAUGHT, HE IS BROUGHT TO THE JAIL. IF ONE OF HIS TEAM-MEMBERS IS
ABLE TO TAP HIM WHILE HE IS IN JAIL, THEN HE IS "RELEASED;" BUT IF
THE GUARD TAGS THE PERSON ATTEMPTING TO FREE HIS TEAM-MATE, THEN THAT
PERSON MUST GO IN JAIL, ALSO. WHEN ALL THE MEMBERS OF THE TEAM ARE
CAUGHT, SIDES ARE TRADED, AND TEAM II DOES THE HIDING. (IN MY WORDS)
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DEARBORN HEIGHTS
Date learned: 11-00-1973
IF ONE NOTICES A RAMBLER TRAVELLING AHEAD OF YOU IN TRAFFIC, THE
BEST COURSE OF ACTION IS TO FIND ANOTHER ROUTE QUICKLY,
FOR RAMBLERS
(ABOUT 99 %) ARE KNOWN TO TRAVEL ON THE AVERAGE ABOUT 15 MPH UNDER
THE SPEED LIMIT AND TEND TO CONFUSE TRAFFIC TO AN ABSURD DEGREE.
IT IS THOUGHT THAT ALMOST 85% OF RAMBLERS, ANCIENT THOUGH THEY BE,
ARE STILL TRYING TO MAKE IT HOME FROM THE SHOWROOM.
Submitter comment: THIS BELIEF WAS DERIVED THROUGH YEARS OF OBSERVATION.
James Callow comment:
RAMBLER=SMALL AMERICAN MOTORS CAR
CK[ AUTOMOBILE
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
James Callow Keyword(s): AUTOMOBILE
Date learned: 09-22-1972
A TRADITION ON VISITING A NEW HOME IS TO BRING A LOAF OF BREAD SO
THEY WON'T GO HUNGRY, A BOTTLE OF WINE SO THEY WON'T GO THIRSTY, AND
SOME SALT FOR GOOD LUCK.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
Date learned: 11-00-1972
BAD LUCK
WHEN A PERSON LEAVES THE HOUSE AND THEN NOTICES HE FORGOT SOMETHING,
HE GOES BACK INTO THE HOUSE AND AFTER LOCATING IT HE
SITS DOWN MOMENTARILY
BEFORE LEAVING THE HOUSE AGAIN. IF THE PERSON FAILS TO DO
THIS HE WILL HAVE BAD LUCK.
Submitter comment:
INFORMANT'S GRANDMOTHER TOLD HER THIS AND INFORMANT HOLDS IT TO BE
TRUE.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; HANCOCK
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Street Trip Relations between relatives, friends, host and guest Social class Rank BELIEF -- Product or activity of man or animal BELIEF -- Bad luck P882.2 |
Date learned: 09-25-1972
NAMES
IN SICILY, THE FIRSTBORN SON MUST BE NAMED AFTER THE PATERNAL
GRANDFATHER AND THE FIRSTBORN DAUGHTER MUST BE NAMED AFTER THE
PATERNAL GRANDMOTHER.
NOT TO COMPLY WITH THIS MEANT DISGRACE AND EVEN EXILE BY
THE FAMILY FOR THE PARENTS OF THE CHILD. IT IS CONSIDERED
AN INSULT TO
THE PATERNAL GRANDPARENTS NOT TO.
Submitter comment:
THE INFORMANT, MY FATHER, HAD TO NAME ME MARY AFTER HIS MOTHER AND MY
OLDER BROTHER BENEDICT AFTER HIS FATHER. I ALSO HAVE FIVE COUSINS
NAMED MARY AND EIGHT COUSINS NAMED BENEDICT.
Where learned: DETROIT ; TOLD IN
| Subject headings: | Person / Nickname Favorites CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Street Trip Relations between relatives, friends, host and guest Social class Rank |
Date learned: 09-14-1972
WHEN A CHILD ASKS, "WHERE DID I COME FROM?" THIS IS THE ANSWER
GIVEN. "YOU SEE, WHEN YOU WERE A BABY, YOU FELL OFF THE BACK OF A
WAGON OF GYPSIES WHEN THE WAGON HIT A BUMP IN FRONT OF OUR HOUSE.
WE FOUND YOU IN THE STREET, FELT SORRY FOR YOU, AND DECIDED TO
RAISE YOU AS OUR OWN. THAT IS WHERE YOU CAME FROM."
Submitter comment:
INFORMANT SAYS THIS WAS THE STORY GIVEN HER AS A CHILD.
Data entry tech comment:
Updated by TRD
Where learned: OHIO ; CLEVELAND
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- B439 CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Street Trip Relations between relatives, friends, host and guest Social class Rank |
Date learned: 09-10-1972
IF A CHILD CONTINUALLY MISBEHAVES, THREATEN TO SELL HIM TO THE
GYPSIES WHO LIKE TO BUY CHILDREN AND MISTREAT THEM.
Where learned: OHIO ; CLEVELAND
James Callow Keyword(s): FUNCTION
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- B439 CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Street Trip Relations between relatives, friends, host and guest Social class Rank |
Date learned: 09-10-1972
WHEN YOU WANT COMPANY TO LEAVE, WHO HAVE OVERSTAYED
THEIR WELCOME
YOU PUT A PINEAPPLE ON THE BEDPOST.
Submitter comment: APPARENTLY A WHOLE PINEAPPLE
Where learned: DETROIT
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Street Trip Relations between relatives, friends, host and guest Social class Rank |
Date learned: 11-01-1972