Dr. James T. Callow publications
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The James T. Callow Folklore Archive
Your search for P860 returned 331 results.
CONJURATION
IF A BABY HAS BEEN FRIGHTENED BY SOMEONE OR
SOMETHING AND IT CRIES OUT DURING IT'S SLEEP,
YOU TAKE TWO STRAWS FROM A BROOM AND FORM THEM INTO
A CROSS. THEN YOU TAKE AND MELT WAX FROM A BLESSED CANDLE,
NEXT YOU MAKE SURE THE BABY IS COVERED, HOLD A PAN
OR CONTAINER OVER THE BABY'S HEAD WITH THE
CROSS OVER IT AND THEN POUR THE HOT WAX OVER THE CROSS.
A FIGURE OF WHATEVER FRIGHTENED THE BABY WILL FORM
ON THE CROSS FROM THE WAX. AFTER THIS IS DONE THE BABY
WILL NO LONGER BE FRIGHTENED. THE ABOVE IS REFERRED
TO AS OKADZICH.
Where learned: PENNSYLVANIA ; SCRANTON
Keyword(s): HOMEOPATHIC MAGIC
| Subject headings: | Charm / Enchantment / Conjuration BELIEF -- Sign Geometric figure Cross and its various modifications BELIEF -- Use of Object |
Date learned: 04-00-1972
FIRST BIRTHDAY
ON A BABY'S FIRST BIRTHDAY, PLACE A ROSARY, WHISKY
GLASS AND SOME MONEY BEFORE HIM. WHICHEVER HE PICKS
WILL BE WHAT HE BECOMES: A PRIEST, A DRUNK, OR
A WEALTHY PERSON.
Submitter comment: INFORMANT SAYS THIS WAS A PRACTICED CUSTOM AMONG HER FAMILY.
Where learned: TOLD IN ; MCKENDRICK ; ANCIENT DRAMA CLASS
Keyword(s): LIQUOR
| Subject headings: | 686 Properties attributed to specific numbers or numerals individually. CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Private birthday or anniversary BELIEF -- Use of Object |
Date learned: 02-12-1971
MARIE LAVEAU
AMONG SOME OF THE MORE SUPERSTITIOUS NEGROES OF SOUTHERN LOUISIANA
AND NEW ORLEANS IN PARTICULAR, THERE IS A PERSISTENT BELIEF
IN MARIE LAVEAU, THE VOODOO QUEEN OF NEW ORLEANS. BELIEVERS
MARK WITH CHALK ON HER TOMB WALL AND ASK FOR SUPERNATURAL
ASSISTANCE. ALSO, IT'S BELIEVED THAT SOIL FROM HER GRAVE HAS
MAGICAL PROPERTIES SO IT IS USED IN DIFFERENT VOODOO RITES.
MARIE LAVEAU'S GRAVE IN NEW ORLEANS DATES BACK TO THE LATE 18TH
CENTURY AND IS A WELL KNOWN PLACE FOR VOODOO FOLLOWERS. NEW
ORLEANS ABOUNDS WITH STORIES AND LEGENDS OF HER FANTASTIC LIFE.
Where learned: LOUISIANA ; New Orleans
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Witch Shaman BELIEF -- Explanation of a name BELIEF -- Emblem BELIEF -- Use of Object |
IN AN IRISH CHRISTMAS CAKE THERE IS ALWAYS PLACED A GOLD RING SO THAT
WHOEVER EATS THE PIECE OF CAKE AND FINDS THE GOLD RING WILL BE
MARRIED WITHIN THE NEXT YEAR.
Submitter comment:
I HEARD THIS FROM MY IRISH LANDLADY AT CHRISTMAS TIME OF 1970. I
DON'T THINK SHE REALLY BELIEVED IT WOULD HAPPEN.
Where learned: NOT RECORDED BY COLLECTOR
Keyword(s): FOOD CUSTOM ; MARRIAGE PREDICTION
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20 Predictions CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20 Single dishes BELIEF -- Use of Object |
Date learned: 12-00-1970
CUSTOM--FESTIVAL
IN UKRAINE, DURING SUPPER ON CHRISTMAS EVE, THE HEAD OF THE HOUSEHOLD
FILLS A SPOON WITH "KUTYA" (BOILED WHEAT WITH HONEY AND POPPY SEEDS),
AND FLINGS IT AT THE CEILING. THE NUMBER OF GRAINS WHICH STICK TO
THE CEILING WILL EQUAL THAT OF BAILS (BALES) OF WHEAT COLLECTED
DURING THE NEXT HARVEST.
Submitter comment: INFORMANT RECIEVED INFORMATION FROM RELATIONS.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
Keyword(s): FOOD CUSTOM ; PREDICTION
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 24 Christmas Eve Predictions CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 24 Christmas Eve Single dishes BELIEF -- Use of Object |
Date learned: 10-07-1967
CUSTOM FESTIVAL
IN UKRAINE, AFTER SUPPER ON CHRISTMAS EVE, THE YOUNG GIRL IN THE
FAMILY GOES OUTSIDE AND HITS TWO SPOONS TOGETHER. FROM WHICHEVER
DIRECTION A DOG BARKS FIRST THE HUSBAND TO BE OF THE GIRL WILL COME.
Submitter comment: INFORMANT RECIEVED INFORMATION FROM RELATIVES IN UKRAINE.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
Keyword(s): MARRIAGE PREDICTION
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 24 Christmas Eve Predictions BELIEF -- Use of Object |
Date learned: 10-07-1967
UKRAINIAN TRADITION
ON CHRISTMAS EVE AFTER DINNER THE SINGLE GIRLS OF THE HOUSEHOLD AND
SINGLE GIRL GUESTS WOULD TAKE THEIR EATING UTENSILS, KNIFES (KNIVES)
AND FORKS, ONE AT A TIME AND GO OUT THE BACK ENTRANCE, RATTLE THE
UNTENSILS TOGETHER AND THE THEN WAIT FOR THE FIRST SOUND; SUCH AS A
DOG BARKING, CAR, OR HORSE. THE DIRECTION FROM WHICH THE FIRST SOUND
CAME WAS THE DIRECTION FROM WHICH THE GIRL'S FUTURE HUSBAND RESIDED.
FAMILY CUSTOM.
Where learned: DETROIT, ASSUMED
Keyword(s): MARRIAGE PREDICTION
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 24 Christmas Eve Predictions BELIEF -- Use of Object |
Date learned: DATE NOT RECORDED BY COLLECTOR
AFTER THE CHRISTMAS EVE SUPPER, UKRAINIAN UNMARRIED GIRLS TAKE SPOONS
AND HIT THEM TOGETHER OUTDOORS. FROM WHICHEVER SIDE A DOG BARKS
FIRST, FROM THENCE HER FUTURE HUSBAND WILL COME.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; WARREN
Keyword(s): MARRIAGE PREDICTION
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 24 Christmas Eve Predictions BELIEF -- Use of Object |
Date learned: 10-00-1970
TRADITION
AFTER CHRISTMAS EVE SUPPER A YOUNG LADY WOULD GO OUTSIDE AND
"YODEL-YOO-HOO." WHERE THE DOG ANSWERED WITH A BARK SHE WOULD BE A
DAUGHTER-IN-LAW AT THAT HOME.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
Keyword(s): MARRIAGE PREDICTION
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 24 Christmas Eve Predictions BELIEF -- Use of Object |
Date learned: 11-22-1968
CHRISTMAS CUSTOM
AT THE END OF THE MEAL ON CHRISTMAS EVE, EACH PERSON LIGHTS A CANDLE
STARTING FROM THE OLDEST ONE PRESENT TO THE YOUNGEST AND IF THE
SMOKE(AFTER BLOWING THE CANDLE OUT) GOES UP STRAIGHT THE PERSON IS
SUPPOSED TO HAVE GOOD LUCK THE COMING YEAR. THIS IS A SLOVAKIAN
CUSTOM.
Where learned: PENNSYLVANIA ; SCRANTON
Keyword(s): PREDICTION
Date learned: 04-00-1972
INITIAL TASK
ON CHRISTMAS DAY IN ENGLAND, THE YOUNG GIRLS PEEL AN APPLE AND TOSS
THE PEEL OVER THEIR SHOULDER, THEN EXAMINE IT. THE PEEL WILL FORM
THE INITIAL OF A YOUNG MAN THE GIRL WILL MEET IN THE COMING YEAR.
Submitter comment:
INFORMANT HEARD FROM A NEIGHBORLADY WHO SPENT HER GIRLHOOD IN
ENGLAND.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 24 Christmas Eve Predictions BELIEF -- Use of Object |
Date learned: 00001964 SUMMER
SUPERSTITION
WHEN UNWRAPPING GIFTS AT A WEDDING SHOWER THE AMOUNT OF RIBBONS YOU
BREAK IS THE AMOUNT OF CHILDREN YOU WILL HAVE.
Submitter comment:
I LEARNED THIS IN MAPLE HEIGHTS, OHIO, A SUBURB OF CLEVELAND, AT THE
WEDDING SHOWER OF A FRIEND. SHE ALREADY KNEW THE SUPERSTITION AND
APPARENTLY BELIEVED IT SOMEWHAT. SHE CAREFULLY UNWRAPPED HER GIFTS
AND BROKE TWO RIBBONS SAYING THAT'S HOW MANY CHILDREN SHE WANTED TO
HAVE.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT ; CAMPUS
| Subject headings: | Observation BELIEF -- Birth BELIEF -- Marriage Breaking of BELIEF -- Use of Object |
COURTSHIP CUSTOM
BEFORE EATING A PIECE OF FRUIT, HOLD IT BY THE STEM AND TURN THE
FRUIT WHILE RECITING THE ALPHABET. THE LETTER THAT YOU'RE SAYING
WHEN THE STEM COMES OFF IS THE INITIAL OF THE FIRST NAME OF THE MAN
YOU WILL MARRY.
Submitter comment:
THIS WAS PRACTICED BY MYSELF AND LEARNED FROM MY FRIENDS IN HIGH
SCHOOL. IT WAS DONE MOSTLY OUT OF FUN AND WE USUALLY TRIED TO END
WITH THE INITIAL OF OUR CURRENT BOYFRIEND.
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Marriage BELIEF -- Use of Object |
Date learned: 00-00-1975
DANGLE A THREADED NEEDLE OVER A PREGNANT WOMAN'S ABDOMEN TO
PREDICT THE SEX OF THE CHILD.
Submitter comment: INFORMANT LEARNED THIS WHEN SHE WAS YOUNG.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; GROSSE POINTE
James Callow Keyword(s): ANAPEL
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Body part Senses BELIEF -- Birth BELIEF -- Use of Object |
Date learned: 02-00-1972
RICH MAN, POOR MAN, BEGGAR MAN, THIEF.
DOCTOR, LAWYER, INDIAN CHIEF.
Submitter comment: INFORMANT LEARNED THIS FROM HIS MOTHER.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; GROSSE POINTE
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Use of Object |
PREDICTION CUSTOM
ON A CHILD'S FIRST BIRTHDAY, THE FOLLOWING ITEMS ARE SET OUT ON A
TABLE: A PRAYER BOOK AND ROSARY, A KEY, A HALF-DOLLAR, AND A SHOT
GLASS. THE CHILD IS HELD UP TO THE TABLE AND ALLOWED TO PICK ONE OF
THE ITEMS; THE ITEM CHOSEN INDICATES THE FUTURE PROFESSION OF THE
CHILD. IF THE PRAYER BOOK AND ROSARY ARE CHOSEN, THE CHILD WILL
CHOOSE A RELIGIOUS VOCATION. IF THE KEY IS PICKED, IT MEANS THE CHILD
WILL BE A GOOD MANAGER OF HIS OR HER HOUSEHOLD. IF THE HALF-DOLLAR IS
PICKED, THE CHILD WILL BECOME WEALTHY. IF THE SHOT GLASS IS THE
CHOSEN ITEM, THE CHILD WILL GROW UP TO BE A DRUNKARD.
Submitter comment:
IN 1920 A FRIEND OF MY INFORMANT FOLLOWED THIS PROCEDURE WITH HER SON
AND RECEIVED A SURPRISE WHEN THE BOY PICKED UP THE HALF-DOLLAR AND
IMMEDIATELY DROPPED IT IN THE SHOT GLASS. THIS SEEMED TO INDICATE
THAT THE BOY WOULD BE WEALTHY BUT ALL OF HIS MONEY WOULD BE SPENT ON
DRINK.
APPARENTLY THE PEOPLE WHO OBSERVED THIS CUSTOM DID NOT REALLY BELIEVE
IN ITS ACCURACY, THEY SIMPLY ENJOYED THE CUSTOM FOR ITS OWN SAKE.
Where learned: DETROIT
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Private birthday or anniversary BELIEF -- Use of Object |
Date learned: 02-17-1979
BELIEF
IF YOU SLEEP WITH A PIECE OF WEDDING CAKE UNDER YOUR PILLOW,
YOU WILL DREAM OF THE PERSON YOU ARE GOING TO MARRY.
Where learned: DETROIT
| Subject headings: | Food Drink -- Pastry Sweet Dessert BELIEF -- Marriage BELIEF -- Dreams Dreams about weddings, funerals, and other crucial moments of life BELIEF -- Use of Object |
BEFORE A GIRL EATS AN APPLE SHE WOULD TWIST THE STEM, AND
FOR EACH TWIST OF THE STEM SHE WOULD SAY A LETTER OF THE ALPHABET
BEGINNING WITH "A" AND CONTINUING UNTIL THE STEM BROKE OFF.
WHATEVER LETTER OF THE ALPHABET THE STEM BROKE OFF ON WAS THE
FIRST INITIAL OF A BOY WHO LIKED YOU
Submitter comment: I HAVE SEEN FULL GROWN WOMEN DOING THIS JUST FOR THE FUN OF IT
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Marriage BELIEF -- Use of Object |
Date learned: 00001960S
BUTTER TEST
TO FIND OUT IF YOU LIKE BUTTER YOU RUB A DANDILION UNDER
YOUR CHIN, IF YOUR SKIN TURNS YELLOW THEN YOU LIKE BUTTER.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; HUNTINGTON WOODS
| Subject headings: | Food Drink -- Animal product Butter BELIEF -- Body part Senses BELIEF -- Plant BELIEF -- Use of Object |
Date learned: 00001960S
SUPERSTITION
RICH MAN, POOR MAN, BEGGAR MAN, THIEF, DOCTOR, LAWYER, INDIAN CHIEF
Submitter comment:
THIS VERSE IS REPEATED WHILE COUNTING THE BUTTONS ON YOUR CLOTHING
TO PREDICT THE KIND OF PERSON YOU WILL MARRY
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; FERNDALE
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Marriage BELIEF -- Use of Object |
Date learned: 02-00-1979