Dr. James T. Callow publications
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The James T. Callow Folklore Archive
Your search for P432 returned 183 results.
INVOCATION FOR ST. VALENTINE DAY
GOOD VALENTINE, BE KIND TO ME,
IN A DREAM LET ME MY TRUE LOVE SEE.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; GRAND RAPIDS
| Subject headings: | Spirit / Mind / Body Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Custom Festival C840.0214 CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- February 14 Valentine's Day BELIEF -- Religious hero BELIEF -- Prayer |
Date learned: 10-00-1971
POLISH HOLIDAY, "MATKA BOSKA CZECKTOHOWA"
"OUR LADY, QUEEN OF POLAND", MAY 3RD. PAINTING OF THE LADY IS
REVERED AT THIS TIME. IT IS CALLED THE "BLACK MADONNA" AND KEPT IN
CZECKTOHOWA. IT OFTEN APPEARED IN POLISH HISTORY, BEING INVOKED IN
TIMES OF NEED, SUCH AS WAR. IT IS BLACK WITH AGE AND HAS 3 SCARS
ON THE FACE__THE RESULT OF AN INVADER'S SWORD. ON THIS OCCASION
IT BLED AND DURING GREAT SORROW WEEPS.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT ; CAMPUS
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- May 3 BELIEF -- Religious hero BELIEF -- Product or activity of man or animal |
Date learned: 01-29-1968
CUSTOM--MARRIAGE
ON JUNE 13TH, ST. ANTHONY'S DAY IN MEXICO, GIRLS COLLECT 13
QUINTOS (ABOUT 5 CENTS) FROM 13 BOYS. THEN THEY BUY CANDLES FOR
ST. ANTHONY AND EXPECT TO MARRY BEFORE THE NEXT JUNE 13TH.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; ANN ARBOR
Keyword(s): BEGGING
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- June 13 BELIEF -- Religious hero BELIEF -- Marriage BELIEF -- Number |
Date learned: 02-04-1968
ST. JOHN AND SWIMMING
THERE IS AN OLD POLISH SUPERSTITION THAT NO ONE IS SUPPOSED TO GO
SWIMMING BEFORE THE FEAST OF ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST BECAUSE THE WATER
IS NOT BLESSED, AND THEREFORE THE PERSON WILL DROWN.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; ALLEN PARK
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- June 24 St. John's Day / Midsummer Day BELIEF -- Religious hero BELIEF -- Means of Causing or Avoiding Illness |
Date learned: 07-00-1964
MIDSOMMAR DAGEN
AMONG THE FOLK OF SWEDISH DESCENT IN MINNESOTA, MIDSUMMER DAY
ON JUNE 24TH IS OF SPECIAL SIGNIFICANCE. THIS IS THE BIRTHDAY OF
JOHN THE BAPTIST, EXACTLY SIX MONTHS BEFORE THE BIRTHDATE OF
CHRIST. "JOHANNES DOPARENS DAG" IS CELEBRATED WITH LARGE
FESTIVE PICNICS.
THE INFORMANT SAYS THAT JOHN THE BAPTIST DAY PICNICS ARE STILL
CELEBRATED AMONG MANY SWEDISH COMMUNITIES.
Where learned: MINNESOTA ; STURGEON LAKE
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- June 24 St. John's Day / Midsummer Day BELIEF -- Religious hero |
Date learned: 03-28-1970
ON ASSUMPTION DAY, AUGUST 15, WE WENT TO CHURCH IN THE MORNING
THEN WE HAD A PROCESSION. WE MARCHED ALL AROUND THE CITY IN
HONOR OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN. WE THEN HAD A BIG DINNER. IN THE
AFTERNOON, WE PLAYED BINGO AND EVERY WINNER GOT A FREE TICKET TO
USE LATER AT THE HORSERACES. WE HAD HORSERACING WITHOUT
BETTING. WHOEVER HAD THE SAME TICKET NUMBER AS THAT OF THE WINNING
HORSE WON A FREE PRIZE. AT NIGHT WE DANCED AND HAD FIREWORKS ALL
IN HONOR OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; ALLEN PARK
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Racing Chasing Fighting CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- August 15 Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary BELIEF -- Religious hero |
LADY'S DAY
AUGUST 15 IS A BIG DAY IN IRELAND. ALL THE PEOPLE GATHER AT A
HOLY WELL (OUR LADY'S WELL) AND ALL THE TINKERS AND GYPSIES
GATHERED HERE TOO. THE PEOPLE WOULD TRY TO PRAY TO THE
BLESSED MOTHER AND THE TINKERS WOULD GO AROUND BEGGING. THEIR
CHANTS WERE "FOR JASUS (JESUS) SAKE HELP TO POOR" AND "MAY JESUS TAKE
YOU HOME SAFE."
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DEARBORN HEIGHTS
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- August 15 Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary BELIEF -- Religious hero |
Date learned: 11-18-1970
ST. LUKE'S DAY, OCT. 18
ON ST. LUKE'S DAY IN BALOGNA, ITALY, THE PORTRAIT OF THE MADONNA
AND CHILD, WHICH IS BELIEVED TO HAVE BEEN PAINTED BY ST. LUKE, IS
CARRIED IN PROCESSION TO THE CHURCH OF ST. MARK WHERE THE PICTURE IS
KEPT FOR VENERATION DURING THE NEXT WEEK.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; MARYGROVE COLLEGE ; DETROIT ; CAMPUS
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- F101 BELIEF -- Religious hero BELIEF -- Product or activity of man or animal |
ON THE EVE OF ALL SAINTS DAY THE CHILDREN WOULD PUT THEIR SHOES
OUT TO BE FILLED WITH CANDY BY THE SAINTS.
Data entry tech comment: ALL SAINTS DAY: NOVEMBER 1.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; GROSSE POINTE PARK
Keyword(s): GIFTS
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- October 31 Halloween BELIEF -- Religious hero |
Date learned: 11-13-1971
FESTIVAL OF THE ITALIANS OF JESSUP, PENN.
ONCE EACH YEAR THE CITIZENS OF JESSUP, PENNSYLVANIA DRESS AS
THEIR PATRON SAINTS AND HAVE A PROCESSION THROUGH THE TOWN.
Submitter comment:
THE INFORMANT'S BROTHER-IN-LAW IS AN ITALIAN-AMERICAN LIVING IN
JESSUP, PENNSYLVANIA AND PERSONALLY TOOK PART IN THE CEREMONY.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Fixed DateFor specific dates, use the following system: BELIEF -- Religious hero |
Date learned: 10-04-1967
THE TOWNS IN THE PHILIPPINES ARE NAMED AFTER SAINTS. WHEN THE FEAST
DAY OF THE TOWN PATRON OCCURS THEY HAVE A BIG FIESTA. A NINE DAY
NOVENA WHERE PEOPLE GO TO CHURCH AND PRAY AND HAVE DIFFERENT KINDS
OF PROGRAMS ARE PERFORMED BEFORE THE FEAST. THE PEOPLE GO TO
CHURCH IN PROCESSION. ALL HOUSES ARE OPENED DURING THE FESTIVAL SO
ONE CAN STOP IN AT ANY HOUSE AND BE WELCOMED AND HAVE WHATEVER THEY
WOULD LIKE TO EAT. EVEN THE VERY POOR FAMILIES SEND ( SPEND ? ) WHAT
LITTLE THEY HAVE FOR THE FEAST TO HAVE THEIR HOUSE OPEN TO ALL THOSE
WHO MIGHT WANT SOMETHING TO EAT.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Church CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Fixed DateFor specific dates, use the following system: BELIEF -- Religious hero |
Date learned: 11-00-1970
ITALIAN HOLIDAY CUSTOM
THE FOLLOWING IS TYPICAL OF SMALL TOWNS AND CITIES IN SICILY:
EACH TOWN HAS A FAVORITE SAINT AND A SHRINE OF ADORATION IN CHURCH
WITH A STATUE OF THE SAINT. ON THE PARTICULAR DAY SET ASIDE FOR
THE SAINT, EVERYONE IN THE TOWN CELEBRATES, NOBODY WORKS ON THIS DAY.
THEY HAVE A PARADE WITH THE STATUE BORNE ON A BIER AND A RELIC OF
THE SAINT, CARRIED BY THE CLERGY, WITH A SPECIAL BLESSING FROM THE
POPE ADMINISTERED TO ALL PRESENT. AS THE STATUE AND RELIC PASSES
THE PEOPLE WILL KNEEL AND SAY THE SAINT'S SPECIAL PRAYER.
RIGHT AFTER THE RELIGIOUS CEREMONIES THE FESTIVITIES BEGIN--SUCH AS
GROUPS SINGING, GROUPS DANCING, FIREWORKS, HORSE RACING WITHOUT
RIDERS, AND GYMNASTICS AND FEATS OF STRENGTH FOR PRIZES. ALL
PRIZES ARE DONATED BY TOWNSPEOPLE.
THE THEME OF THIS DAY, IN REALITY, IS LOVE OF GOD AND MAN AS
EXEMPLIFIED BY THE SAINT. ALL ANIMOSITIES SHOULD END ON THIS DAY.
ANYONE KNOWING OF ILL-FEELING AMONGST INDIVIDUALS, WILL ON THIS DAY,
BRING THE PARTIES TOGETHER AND IF ONE OR BOTH OF THE PARTIES
INVOLVED REFUSES TO MAKE UP, IT IS CONSIDERED AN INSULT TO THE
TOWN AND THE INDIVIDUAL THAT BROUGHT THE PARTIES TOGETHER.
THE CONCILIATORS ARE USUALLY THE CLERGY OR TOWN DIGNITARIES.
THESE FEAST DAYS BEGIN EARLY IN THE MORNING AND LAST TILL MIDNIGHT.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DEARBORN
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Typical Elements of a Festive Pattern CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Fixed DateFor specific dates, use the following system: BELIEF -- Religious hero |
Date learned: 11-30-1971
AUGUST FESTIVAL
A TRUNK WAS FOUND IN THE SEA BETWEEN TWO CITIES IN ITALY,
TRAPANI AND MARSALA. THE TWO CITIES DISAGREED TO WHOM THE TRUNK
WHICH CONTAINED A BEAUTIFUL STATUE OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN, BELONGED.
FINALLY THEY MEASURED THE DISTANCE AND TRAPANI WON. NOW THEY HAVE A
THREE DAY FESTIVAL IN AUGUST WHERE THEY DRESS THE STATUE ALL IN
GOLD. NO ONE SLEEPS FOR THESE THREE DAYS IF POSSIBLE. MIRACULOUS
FAVORS HAVE BEEN SAID TO OCCUR THROUGH THE INTERCESSION OF THE
BLESSED MOTHER IN THIS FORM. DEVOTED PEOPLE LEAVE JEWELRY WITH THE
STATUE AS OFFERINGS FOR FAVORS OR PROTECTION. THE THREE DAY
FESTIVAL COULD BE COMPARED TO A MARDI GRAS, FIRE WORKS, ETC. THE
STATUE IS CALLED "MADRE DE TRAPANI."
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; WARREN
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Autumn Fall Harvest Thanksgiving BELIEF -- Religious hero BELIEF -- Number |
Date learned: 12-00-1969
A MAGICAL PRAYER
ST. JOSEPH CUPERTINO, WHO WHILE ON EARTH
WAS GRANTED TO BE ASKED AT YOUR EXAMINATION
ONLY THE QUESTIONS THAT YOU KNEW, OBTAIN
A LIKE FAVOR FOR THE EXAMINATION IN WHICH I AM
NOW PREPARING. IN RETURN I PROMISE TO TELL OTHERS
ABOUT YOU AND YOUR WORKS.
Submitter comment:
A SINCERE PRAYER TO THIS SAINT AND A "LITTLE" BIT
OF STUDYING IS GUARANTEED TO HELP ONE OUT
ON AN EXAM. LEGEND HAS IT THAT ST. JOSEPH WAS
PREPARING TO TAKE A TEST IN ORDER TO ENTER INTO PRIESTHOOD.
BEING A SLOW LEARNER HE PRAYED THAT THE
LORD WOULD HELP HIM ON THIS EXAM. THE LORD DID.
THE QUESTIONS WERE THOSE THAT HE KNEW.
HE PASSED THE TEST.
Where learned: NOT GIVEN
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Religious hero BELIEF -- Prayer |
Date learned: NOT GIVEN
PRAYER OF WEST GERMAN CHILDREN
DURING THE WAR I WAS WORKING FOR A CATHOLIC FAMILY
TAKING CARE OF THE CHILDREN WHILE THE MOTHER WORKED.
I HAD EVEN TO HELP THEM WITH THEIR PRAYERS. EVERY NIGHT
THEY WOULD SAY, "MARY, SPREAD YOUR COAT AND SHIELD
US UNTIL THE STORM WILL GO BY."
Submitter comment:
I ASKED WHAT THIS MEANT AND LEARNED THAT WHEN NAPOLEAN
WAS IN WEST GERMANY, THE SOLDIERS WOULD GO ON THE HORSES
LIKE CRAZY MEN KILLING WOMEN AND CHILDREN WITH SWORDS. ONE DAY
A LADY WITH FOUR CHILDREN SAW THEM COMING. SHE RAN TO
THE BUSHES AND SPREAD HER COAT OVER ALL OF THEM. SHE TOLD THEM
TO PRAY TO THE VIRGIN MOTHER THIS PRAYER. SHE HIDE THEM SO
GOOD THAT THE SOLDIERS NOT SEE THEM . SO, ALL THE LITTLE
CHILDREN FROM THAT TIME ON ALWAYS SAY THIS PRAYER.
TOLD TO ME IN MY HOME BY MY NEIGHBOR
WHO WAS BORN AND RAISED IN
RURAL GERMANY.
Where learned: MICHIGAN
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Religious hero BELIEF -- Prayer |
SONG OF GOOD HUMOR
FIVE FOOT NINE, FROM PALESTINE,
CHANGES WATER INTO WINE,
HAS ANYBODY SEEN MY LORD?
HE'S SO NEAT, HE'S SO COOL,
WALKS ACROSS MY SWIMMING POOL,
HAS ANYBODY SEEN MY LORD?
NOW IF YOU RUN INTO A BEARDED JEW,
ALL HOLY AND WISE,
STEP RIGHT UP, CANE AND CUP,
HE'LL PUT SIGHT BACK IN YOUR EYES;
HE LIKES JAZZ, HE LIKES JIVE,
HAS HAS ANYBODY SEEN MY LORD?
Submitter comment:
SUNG TO THE TUNE, "HAS ANYBODY SEEN MY GAL."
SUNG AT UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT SAILING CLUB PARTY.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT ; SAILING CLUB
Keyword(s): JESUS
| Subject headings: | Favorites Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Good humor Jest BELIEF -- Religious hero |
MOVING INTO A NEW HOME (ITALIAN)
TO HAVE GOOD LUCK IN A NEW HOUSE
THE FIRST THING YOU MUST COOK IS
FISH. ALSO YOUR FIRST MEAL MUST
INCLUDE FISH, A LOAF OF BREAD AND
THE PRESENCE OF A HOLY PICTURE.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; WARREN
Date learned: 01-00-1970
NUMBERS
THIRTEEN IS AN UNLUCKY NUMBER BECAUSE
AT THE LAST SUPPER THERE WAS THIRTEEN
AND ONE OF THEM WAS BETRAYED.
Where learned: UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT
| Subject headings: | 686 Specific number by specific number being described BELIEF -- Religious hero |
Date learned: 11-00-1967
WHISTLING
GIRLS ARE NOT ALLOWED TO WHISTLE BECAUSE THE BLESSED MOTHER
WOULD TURN HER HEAD AND CRY.
Submitter comment:
INFORMANT WAS TOLD THIS BY HER MOTHER WHEN SHE WAS YOUNG.
SHE PRACTICED THIS WHEN YOUNG, BUT DOES NOT BELIEVE IN THE
TRUTH OF IT NOW. (1920s).
Where learned: PENNSYLVANIA ; PITTSBURGH ; informant's home
Keyword(s): Blessed Mother ; BLESSED VIRGIN ; Cry ; Female ; Feminine ; Girls ; Holy Mother ; Ladylike ; Whistle
James Callow Keyword(s): VANITY
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Religious hero BELIEF -- Entertainment Diversion SPEECH -- Extra Corporal Means of Communication |
Date learned: 10-02-1971