Dr. James T. Callow publications
Browse by
Questions or comments on this site? Please email davidsor@udmercy.edu.
The James T. Callow Folklore Archive
Your search for F663.12.4 returned 211 results.
ON EASTER, IF THE FIRST WORD YOU SAY IS RABBIT, THE REST OF THE
YEAR WILL BE GOOD.
Where learned: HOME ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT, ASSUMED ; STUDENT UNION
Keyword(s): LUCK ; RITUAL SPEECH
Date learned: 03-30-1971
EASTER
IF THE FIRST PERSON WHO WALKS IN THE DOOR ON EASTER IS A MAN, IT'S
BAD LUCK; IF IT'S A WOMAN, IT'S GOOD LUCK.
Where learned: TELEPHONE ; TOLD BY
Keyword(s): FIRST FOOTING ; LUCK
| Subject headings: | 686 Properties attributed to specific numbers or numerals individually. Favorites CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Spring Planting Easter Sunday BELIEF -- Fate Destiny Luck Chance |
Date learned: 03-07-1970
POLISH EASTER
ON EASTER MORNING, THE FAMILY WOULD ALWAYS HOPE FOR ITS FIRST VISITOR
TO BE A VERY YOUNG PERSON OR A CHILD AS THAT WOULD DENOTE THAT GOOD
FORTUNE WOULD FOLLOW ALL YEAR.
Submitter comment: LEARNED IN POLAND
Where learned: STORE
Keyword(s): FIRST FOOTING ; LUCK
| Subject headings: | 686 Properties attributed to specific numbers or numerals individually. CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Spring Planting Easter Sunday BELIEF -- Fate Destiny Luck Chance |
Date learned: 09-27-1967
"WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING AT ME FOR? I DIDN'T COME TO STAY. I ONLY CAME
TO TELL YOU THIS IS EASTER DAY."
Submitter comment:
THIS IS A GREETING BY THE CHURCH DEACON TO THE CONGREGATION AT
EASTER MASS.
Keyword(s): RITUAL SPEECH
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Custom Festival C840.663 Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Speech Speech CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Spring Planting Easter Sunday |
Date learned: 10-30-1971
FORMULA SPEECH;
ON EASTER SUNDAY, ONE ROMANIAN, INSTEAD OF SAYING "HELLO," SAYS
"CHRIST HAS RISEN." THE OTHER PERSON RESPONDS, "HE HAS RISEN
INDEED."
Submitter comment:
INFORMANT SAID THAT THIS HAS BEEN THE CUSTOM FOR GENERATIONS. SHE
DOES NOT KNOW WHY IT IS DONE EXCEPT POSSIBLY TO STRESS THE THEME
OF THE SEASON.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
Keyword(s): GREETING ; RITUAL SPEECH
| Subject headings: | Favorites CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Spring Planting Easter Sunday SPEECH -- Formula |
Date learned: 11-16-1971
SALUTATION
THE UKRAINIAN TRADITIONAL GREETING FOR THE EASTER SEASON IS
"KHRYSTOS VOSKRES" (CHRIST IS RISEN) TO WHICH THE REPLY IS, "VOISTYNO
VOSKRES" (HE IS RISEN INDEED). THIS SALUTATION SUPERCEDES (SIC) ALL
FROM EASTER MORNING TO ASCENSION DAY.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; WARREN
Keyword(s): RITUAL SPEECH
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Spring Planting Easter Sunday CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Spring Planting Ascension Day |
Date learned: 10-00-1970
EASTER CUSTOM
IT IS A LONG, TRADITIONAL CEREMONY IN MY FAMILY, WHICH IS ITALIAN,
TO ASK THE BLESSING OF ALL OLDER MEMBERS OF THE FAMILY ON EASTER
SUNDAY. THE FAMILY LINES UP ACCORDING TO AGE, AND THEN EACH
INDIVIDUAL, AS HIS TURN APPROACHES, KISSES THE HAND AND ASKS THE
BLESSING OF THE PEOPLE OLDER THAN HIM. HE THEN TAKES HIS PLACE IN
LINE, WITH THOSE YOUNGER THEN ( THAN ) HIMSELF DOING THE SAME, AND
ON DOWN THE LINE UNTIL THE END.
Submitter comment:
THIS HAS BEEN PRACTICED BY MY FAMILY EVERY EASTER SUNDAY FOR AS LONG
AS I CAN REMEMBER. IT IS CONSIDERED THE TIME FOR FORGIVING ALL SINS.
AND FORGETTING ALL DISAGREEMENTS.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | Favorites CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Spring Planting Easter Sunday BELIEF -- Prayer |
TOAST
( POLISH WORD OMITTED BECAUSE ALPHABET COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED ) --
(ENGLISH TRANSLATION "WAFER"). THIS IS BOTH A CHRISTMAS EVE AND
EASTER CUSTOM, BUT IS PRIMARILY RESERVED FOR THE POLISH LENTEN MEAL
AT EASTERTIME. THE CUSTOM IS THAT AT THIS MEAL THE OLDEST MEMBER OF
THE IMMEDIATE FAMILY (IN INFORMANT'S CASE, HIS GRANDFATHER) CRACKS
OFF A BIT OF THIS SPECIAL WAFER AND GIVES IT TO THE PERSON NEXT TO
HIM WISHING THEM ( HIM ) "GOOD HEALTH", "HAPPINESS", ETC.
Where learned: TELEPHONE ; TOLD BY
Keyword(s): FAMILY UNITY ; FOOD CUSTOM
Date learned: 11-02-1971
AT EASTER BREAKFAST OR DINNER A THIN WAFER IS DIVIDED AMONG ALL THOSE
PRESENT AT THE TABLE. EACH PERSON BREAKS OFF A PIECE OF WAFER
FROM EACH OTHER. THE WAFER REPRESENTS THE COMMUNION WAFER AND EACH
PERSON RESOLVES TO LIVE A BETTER LIFE WITH THE BEGINNING OF EACH NEW
CHURCH YEAR.
Submitter comment:
INFORMANT SAID THAT SHE PRACTICES THIS EACH TIME SHE HAS RELATIVES
OVER FOR EASTER DINNER. INFORMANT DOES NOT KNOW WHEN IT ORIGINATED
BUT CONSIDERS IT MEANINGFUL AND BEAUTIFUL.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
Keyword(s): FAMILY UNITY ; FOOD CUSTOM ; SYMBOL
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Spring Planting Easter Sunday Food Drink -- Typical menus for the various meals For meal hours, see F574.84. Morning mealsBreakfast |
Date learned: 10-20-1971
POLISH EASTER CUSTOM
FOR EASTER BREAKFAST, THE FATHER TAKES A THIN WAFER WITH A FANCY
DESIGN ON IT. HE BREAKS IT IN HALF, THEN HE TAKES A PIECE. HE
PASSES IT ON TO THE OTHERS AND THEY ALL TAKE A PIECE.
Submitter comment: SHE LEARNED IT FROM HER GRANDMOTHER WHO IS POLISH.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT ; CARPOOL ; EAST SIDE
Keyword(s): FAMILY UNITY ; FOOD CUSTOM
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Spring Planting Easter Sunday |
"BREAKING THE OPIATKEJ"
DURING THE HOLIDAYS OF CHRISTMAS AND EASTER, AN EMBOSSED PIECE OF
UNLEAVENED BREAD IS PASSED AROUND THE DINNER TABLE. EACH MEMBER,
STARTING WITH THE HEAD OF THE FAMILY, BREAKS OFF A PARTICLE AND
PARTAKES OF IT. THE OPIATKEJ IS SUPPOSED TO BRING GOOD LUCK AND
WELL-BEING TO THE FAMILY.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT
Keyword(s): FAMILY UNITY ; FOOD CUSTOM ; HEALTH ; LUCK
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20 CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Spring Planting Easter Sunday |
POLISH EASTER CELEBRATIONS
ON EASTER DAY, IT IS A CUSTOM IN POLISH FAMILIES TO BREAK A BREAD
WAFER (LIKE A COMMUNION WAFER) AND PASS THIS WAFER THROUGH THE WHOLE
FAMILY SO THAT EACH MEMBER TRULY COMMEMORATES THE CELEBRATION OF MASS
ON THAT DAY.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT ; RATHSKELLER
Keyword(s): FAMILY UNITY ; FOOD CUSTOM ; SYMBOL
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Spring Planting Easter Sunday |
Date learned: 02-27-1968
BREAKING OF BREAD
DURING EASTER, BEFORE DINNER, THE FAMILIES GATHER TOGETHER AND EACH
MEMBER HAS A PIECE OF "ANGEL BREAD" (UNLEAVENED BREAD). THEN EACH
MEMBER BREAKS A PIECE OFF OF EACH OF THE OTHER MEMBERS' PIECE(S)
OF "ANGEL BREAD" WHILE WISHING THEM THE BEST OF EVERYTHING FOR THAT
SEASON, FOLLOWED BY A KISS OR A HANDSHAKE. AFTER EVERYONE HAS
EXCHANGED, THE PIECES ARE EATEN.
IF A MEMBER IS OUT OF TOWN, THE OUT OF TOWNER SENDS A PIECE OF "ANGEL
BREAD" IN A GREETING CARD TO THE FAMILY FOR EXCHANGE.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; WARREN
Keyword(s): FAMILY UNITY ; FOOD CUSTOM
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Spring Planting Easter Sunday Food Drink -- Typical menus for the various meals For meal hours, see F574.84. Special or festive meals SPEECH -- Gesture |
Date learned: DATE NOT RECORDED BY COLLECTOR
CUSTOM (FESTIVAL)
ON EASTER, ALWAYS MAKE THE SIGN OF THE CROSS ON A BLESSED EGG BEFORE
EATING.
Data entry tech comment:
THE EGG IS PERHAPS THE STRONGEST SYMBOL OF THE EASTER SEASON. THE
CUSTOM HAS ITS ORIGINS IN ANCIENT FERTILITY LORE. IN PRE-CHRISTIAN
TIMES THE EGG WAS GIVEN AS A GIFT TO CELEBRATE THE "DEAD" OF WINTER
AWAKENING INTO SPRING (AS THE SEEMINGLY DEAD EGG BECAME A CHICK).
IT IS NOW GIVEN AND EATEN WITH THE SAME THOUGHT IN MIND--THE
AWAKENING OF A NEW CHRISTIAN/SPIRITUAL LIFE.
Where learned: HOME
Keyword(s): FOOD CUSTOM
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Spring Planting Easter eggs CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Spring Planting Easter Sunday BELIEF -- Sign Geometric figure Cross and its various modifications SPEECH -- Gesture |
Date learned: 10-00-1968
POLISH EASTER CUSTOM
A HARD-BOILED EGG OR EGGS IS PASSED FROM PERSON TO PERSON AND EACH
ONE TAKES A PIECE. THIS IS A POLISH EASTER CUSTOM.
Submitter comment: THIS IS A POLISH CUSTOM AND A FAMILY TRADITION.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT
Keyword(s): FAMILY UNITY ; FOOD CUSTOM
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Spring Planting Easter eggs CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Spring Planting Easter Sunday |
AN OLD POLISH EASTER CUSTOM
ONE EASTER EGG IS CUT SO THAT EACH FAMILY MEMBER WILL HAVE ONE PIECE.
THE IMPORTANCE OF EVERYBODY'S EATING PART OF THE ONE EGG IS THE
LESSON OF ONENESS AND FAMILY UNITY. THIS CUSTOM IS USUALLY OBSERVED
JUST BEFORE THE BREAKFAST MEAL ON EASTER SUNDAY.
Submitter comment:
MY GRANDMOTHER LEARNED THIS CUSTOM AS A LITTLE GIRL SINCE HER FAMILY
HAD ALWAYS OBSERVED IT.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; FERNDALE
Keyword(s): FAMILY UNITY ; FOOD CUSTOM
EASTER CUSTOM
ON EASTER MORNING THE MEMBERS OF THE FAMILY ASSEMBLE AT THE BREAKFAST
AND ONE HARD-BOILED EASTER EGG IS DIVIDED AMONG THE MEMBERS OF THE
FAMILY.
Submitter comment:
THIS CUSTOM IS PERFORMED EVERY YEAR AND IT IS SUPPOSED TO SIGNIFY
THE UNITY OF THE FAMILY.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DEARBORN HEIGHTS
Keyword(s): FAMILY UNITY
Date learned: 10-20-1970
AMONG UKRAINIANS IT IS CUSTOMARY TO EAT A CEREMONIAL EASTER BREAKFAST
AFTER RESURRECTION SERVICES. BEFORE BREAKFAST BEGINS, THE FATHER
CUTS THE SPECIALLY BLESSED EASTER EGG AND GIVES A PIECE TO EACH
MEMBER OF HIS FAMILY, FROM OLDEST TO YOUNGEST. WHILE DOING THIS HE
SAYS TO EACH ONE--"LET THE MERCIFUL GOD GRANT THAT WE STILL BE
TOGETHER ALIVE AND WELL FOR MANY MORE EASTERS TO COME."
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; WARREN
Keyword(s): FAMILY UNITY ; FOOD CUSTOM
Date learned: 10-00-1970
BELIEF IN A CUSTOM ( EASTER )
ON EASTER SUNDAY THE HARD-BOILED DYED EGGS THAT EACH PERSON HAS ARE
CUT INTO PIECES WHICH ARE THEN EXCHANGED AMONG THE PEOPLE AT THE
TABLE--EACH PERSON HAS 1 PIECE OF EVERYONE ELSE'S EGG. THE
SUPERSTITION HAS IT THAT ALL THE PEOPLE AT THE TABLE WILL BE THERE
AGAIN NEXT YEAR.
Submitter comment:
INFORMANT LEARNED ABOUT IT IN HER CHILDHOOD (1922-29) FROM HER
MOTHER.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; GROSSE ILE
Keyword(s): FAMILY UNITY ; FOOD CUSTOM
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Spring Planting Easter eggs CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Spring Planting Easter Sunday BELIEF -- Death Funeral Burial |
Date learned: 10-04-1970
SPRING CUSTOM EASTER
SOME UKRANIAN ( UKRAINIAN ) PEOPLE ON EASTER HAVE THE HEAD OF THE
HOUSEHOLD SELECT ONE COLORED EGG AND DIVIDE IT INTO AS MANY PARTS
AS ARE PEOPLE AT THE TABLE. EACH PERSON EATS A PART OF THE EGG. THE
HEAD OF THE HOUSEHOLD DECLARES, "CHRIST HAS RISEN" AND THE OTHERS
REPLY, "INDEED CHRIST HAS RISEN".
Submitter comment:
THE INFORMANT'S FRIEND SMENA RAKOVSKEY AT THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN
WAS UKRANIAN ( UKRAINIAN ) AND HIS FAMILY DID THIS.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
Keyword(s): FAMILY UNITY ; FOOD CUSTOM
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Spring Planting Easter eggs CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Spring Planting Easter Sunday SPEECH -- Formula |
Date learned: 10-25-1971