Dr. James T. Callow publications
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The James T. Callow Folklore Archive
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FINDING A FOUR-LEAF CLOVER IN YOUR YARD BRINGS YOU GOOD LUCK
(MORE SO THAN FINDING IT IN SOMEONE ELSE'S YARD)
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; ROYAL OAK
| Subject headings: | 686 Fourths / Quarters Favorites BELIEF -- Plant BELIEF -- Good luck Plants |
Date learned: 00001960S
BODY PART BELIEFS
IF A PART OF YOUR BODY GOES TO "SLEEP", LICKING YOUR FINGER
AND DRAWING AN "X" ON THE PART WILL MAKE IT GO AWAY.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; ROYAL OAK
| Subject headings: | Favorites BELIEF -- Body part Senses BELIEF -- Sign Geometric figure Cross and its various modifications BELIEF -- Remedy BELIEF -- Method of Curing SPEECH -- Gesture |
Date learned: 00001970S
WHEN THE OPPOSITE SEX COMES NEAR YOU, CROSS THE FIRST TWO FINGERS
OF YOUR RIGHT HAND AND PLACE THEM ON THE BACK OF YOUR LEFT HAND.
THIS PROTECTS YOU FROM "COOTIES".
Submitter comment:
THIS IS FOR GRADE SCHOOL CHILDREN, WHO ARE CONVINCED THAT THE
OPPOSITE SEX CARRIES SOME SORT OF INFECTIOUS GERM (COOTIES).
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; ROYAL OAK
Date learned: 00001960S
EACH APRIL THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE SAINT FRANCIS CLUB MEETS ONE
LAST TIME BEFORE THE NEWLY-ELECTED BOARD TAKES OFFICE. THE SAINT
FRANCIS CLUB IS A UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT SOCIAL COOPERATIVE AND
STUDENT ORGANIZATION. FOR THE LAST MEETING OF THE OLD BOARD, ALL
FORMALITY IS DROPPED BECAUSE IT IS NOT REALLY MEANT TO BE A SERIOUS
MEETING. THE OFFICIAL REPORTS THAT ARE NORMALLY GIVEN ARE
DISCOURAGED, AND IT IS REALLY AN OCCASION FOR JOKING AND DRINKING AND
JUST HAVING A GOOD TIME IN THE TRADITONAL CLUB SPIRIT, WHILE THE
SECRETARY RECORDS THE MINUTES BACKWARDS (SO THAT THEY MUST BE READ
IN A MIRROR). THIS HAS BEEN AN ANNUAL TRADITION FOR SOME TIME NOW,
AND THE ENTIRE BOARD USUALLY SHOWS UP FOR THIS MEETING, AN OTHERWISE
RARE OCCURENCE.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT ; CAMPUS
James Callow Keyword(s): POSITION DIRECTION
| Subject headings: | Favorites CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- April CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- School |
Date learned: 03-00-1979
SELLING SALT AT NIGHT BRINGS ILL LUCK TO THE SHOPKEEPER. THIS BELIEF
IS SO DEEP-ROOTED THAT ONE WILL NEVER SUCCEED IN PERSUADING A SHOP-
KEEPER TO GIVE SALT AT ANY TIME DURING THE NIGHT.
Where learned: TANZANIA ; EAST AFRICA
| Subject headings: | Favorites BELIEF -- Mineral BELIEF -- Work Commerce Business BELIEF -- Measure of time WeekDayHour BELIEF -- Bad luck Food and drink |
Date learned: 03-00-1982
TO SWEEP AT NIGHT IS TO CHASE AWAY BLESSINGS.
Submitter comment:
THIS AFRICAN BELIEF CAUTIONS ONE AGAINST SWEEPING UP SOMETHING OF
VALUE AND THROWING IT AWAY IN THE DARK.
Where learned: TANZANIA ; EAST AFRICA
| Subject headings: | Favorites BELIEF -- Measure of time WeekDayHour BELIEF -- Bad luck Broom Sweeping |
Date learned: 03-00-1982
THE JEWISH PEOPLE CONSIDER IT VERY GOOD LUCK IF YOU HAVE 17 CENTS
IN YOUR POCKET.
Submitter comment: LEARNED IN BROOKLYN, NEW YORK
Where learned: NEW YORK ; BROOKLYN
| Subject headings: | Favorites BELIEF -- Measure of quality Monetary systemMoneyWealth BELIEF -- Number P686.1.17 BELIEF -- Good luck Money |
Date learned: 00-00-1975
THE JEWISH LUCKY NUMBER IS 17. THIS IS BECAUSE 17 IS THE JEWISH
SYMBOL FOR LIFE
Submitter comment: LEARNED IN BROOKLYN, NEW YORK
Where learned: NEW YORK ; BROOKLYN
| Subject headings: | Favorites BELIEF -- Number P686.1.17 |
Date learned: 00-00-1975
NEVER START PLANTING ON A FRIDAY BECAUSE IT IS BAD LUCK.
Submitter comment: THIS WAS ORIGINALLY LEARNED IN WATERTOWN, NEW YORK
Where learned: NEW YORK ; WATERTOWN
| Subject headings: | Favorites BELIEF -- Plant husbandry Farming BELIEF -- Measure of time WeekDayHour BELIEF -- Bad luck Time (year, season, week, hour, etc.) Occasion Event |
Date learned: 00-00-1940
ON GOOD FRIDAY, THE HOUSE IS OPEN TO THE ENTIRE COMMUNITY.
ONLY BREAD AND WATER IS SERVED BECAUSE THE ENTIRE COMMUNITY EATS
ONLY ONE MEAL FROM THURSDAY TO SUNDAY.
Submitter comment:
THE CITY OF WATERTOWN, IS ONE OF THE LARGER UPPER NEW YORK STATE
CITIES. THERE IS A VERY DIVERSIFIED GROUPS OF PEOPLE. MY FATHER
LIVED IN A MOSTLY. ITALIAN SECTION OF THE CITY
THE ITALIANS DO NOT EAT FROM DINNER WEDNESDAY TO EASTER DINNER ON
SUNDAY AFTERNOON.
THIS WAS ORIGINALLY LEARNED IN WATERTOWN, NEW YORK
Where learned: NEW YORK ; WATERTOWN
| Subject headings: | Favorites CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- F633 F633.12 Food Drink -- Typical menus for the various meals For meal hours, see F574.84. Special or festive meals |
Date learned: 00-00-1942
AT AN ITALIAN WEDDING IT IS TRADITIONAL FOR THE BRIDE AND GROOM TO
PASS OUT CANDY AND COOKIES TO THE MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY. OFTEN
THE ENTIRE COMMUNITY WILL SHOW UP FOR THE WEDDING. THE IDEA IS
THE IDEA IS THAT THE NEW HUSBAND AND WIFE ARE GIVING THIER FIRST
PARTY FOR THE COMMUNITY
Submitter comment: THIS WAS ORIGINALLY LEARNED IN WATERTOWN, NEW YORK
Where learned: NEW YORK ; WATERTOWN
| Subject headings: | Favorites CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Marriage |
Date learned: 00-00-1942
IN ITALIAN TRADITION, THE GODFATHER IS CONSIDERED TO BE THE
SECOND FATHER, AFTER THE ORIGINAL FATHER. FOR THIS REASON A
PARTY IS HELD ON THE BAPTISM DAY TO WELCOME THE GODFATHER INTO
THE FAMILY. IT IS USALLY HELD AT THE HOME OF THE ORIGINAL PARENTS.
Submitter comment: THIS WAS ORIGINALLY LEARNED IN WATERTOWN, NEW YORK
Where learned: NEW YORK ; WATERTOWN
Date learned: 00-00-1937
PUT A CONTRIBUTION ON THE STATUE OF A SAINT DURING A PROCESSION
AND THAT SAINT WILL PRAY FOR YOU.
Submitter comment:
THE STATUES ARE DRESSED IN CLOAKS AND VEILS. THE MONEY IS PINNED ON
THE CLOAKS AND VEILS.
THIS WAS ORIGINALLY LEARNED IN WATERTOWN, NEW YORK
Where learned: NEW YORK ; WATERTOWN
| Subject headings: | Favorites CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Church BELIEF -- Religious hero BELIEF -- Prayer |
Date learned: 00-00-1937
ON MAY DAY, MAY FIRST, WE DECORATE OUR HOMES WITH BIRCH BRANCHES.
EACH TOWN IN GERMANY IS REPRESENTED BY A CERTAIN COLOR. WE MAKE
BOUQUETS WITH THESE BRANCHES, AND COLORED RIBBONS ARE TIED AROUND
EACH BRANCH TO REPRESENT THE TOWN. THE YOUNG BOYS TRY TO
CLIMB UP A GREASED MAYPOLE AND TRY TO GET A SAUSAGE WHICH IS WAITING
AT THE TOP OF THE POLE.
Submitter comment:
INFORMANT TOLD ME SHE USED TO LOOK FORWARD TO THIS HOLIDAY WHEN
SHE WAS A CHILD IN GERMANY.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | Favorites Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Athletic sport and exercise Gymnastics CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- May 1 May Day |
Date learned: 02-00-1982
IF YOU WHISTLE AT NIGHT, YOU ARE INVITING SNAKES INTO YOUR HOME.
Submitter comment:
THE INFORMANT TOLD ME THAT IT IS DANGEROUS TO HAVE SNAKES IN YOUR
HOME IN AFRICA BECAUSE MANY ARE POISONOUS.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT ; CAMPUS
| Subject headings: | Favorites BELIEF -- Animal BELIEF -- Product or activity of man or animal BELIEF -- Measure of time WeekDayHour |
Date learned: 03-00-1982
A PREGNANT WOMAN SHOULD NOT LOOK AT ANYONE WHO IS MASQUERADING
OR HER CHILD WILL TURN OUT TO LOOK LIKE THAT PERSON.
Submitter comment:
THE INFORMANT SAID THAT "MASQUERADING" IS WHEN THE PEOPLE OF THE TOWN
GET DRESSED UP TO PARTICIPATE IN A PARADE, OR IF THEY DRESS IN
COSTUMES AT A PARTY OR ON A HOLIDAY.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT ; CAMPUS
| Subject headings: | Favorites CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Birth CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Typical Elements of a Festive Pattern BELIEF -- Means of Causing or Avoiding Illness |
Date learned: 03-00-1982
CHILDREN SONG
O JESSIE MACK, MACK, MACK, ALL DRESSED IN BLACK, BLACK, BLACK,
WITH SILVER BUTTONS, BUTTONS, BUTTONS, ALL DOWN HIS BACK, BACK, BACK,
ASKED HIS MOTHER, MOTHER, MOTHER, FOR 15 CENTS, CENTS, CENTS
TO SEE THE ELEPHANT, ELEPHANT, ELEPHANT GO JUMP THE FENCE, FENCE,
FENCE, HE JUMPED SO HIGH, HIGH, HIGH, UP IN THE SKY, SKY, SKY,
THAT HE DIDN'T COME BACK, BACK, BACK TO THE 4TH OF JULY.
Submitter comment: WE SUNG THIS SONG WHILE PLAYING JUMP ROPE AND HAND PATTING GAMES.
Where learned: DETROIT
| Subject headings: | Favorites Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Children Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Game Verse Game Verse Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Game Verse Game Verse |
HAND SLAPPING GAME
HAVE YOU EVER, EVER, EVER, IN YOUR LONG LEGGED LIFE SEEN A LONG
LEGGED SAILOR AND HIS LONG LEGGED WIFE? NO I NEVER, NEVER, NEVER,
IN MY LONG LEGGED LIFE SEEN A LONG LEGGED SAILOR AND HIS LONG
LEGGED WIFE. HAVE YOU EVER, EVER, EVER, IN YOUR SHORT LEGGED LIFE
SEEN A SHORT LEGGED SAILOR AND HIS SHORT LEGGED WIFE? NO
I NEVER, NEVER, NEVER, IN MY SHORT LEGGED LIFE SEEN A SHORT LEGGED
SAILOR AND HIS SHORT LEGGED WIFE.
Submitter comment:
AFTER SAYING LONG LEGGED AND SHORT LEGGED YOU STOP, SLAPPING
HANDS AND SPREAD YOUR ARMS ACCORDINGLY TO EACH LENGTH.
Where learned: DETROIT
| Subject headings: | Favorites Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Game Verse Game Verse |
Date learned: 00-00-1971
CREOLE BELIEF
DO NOT PUT A BABY'S SHOE HIGHER THAN THE BABY'S HEAD OR IT WILL NOT
GROW ANY TALLER.
Where learned: CALIFORNIA ; BREAUX BRIDGE ; LOS ANGELES
James Callow Keyword(s): HOMEOPATHIC MAGIC ; POSITION DIRECTION
| Subject headings: | Favorites BELIEF -- Means of Causing or Avoiding Illness |
Date learned: 00-00-1935
STORY OF ROB BACKUS
I HEARD THIS STORY FROM A GUY NAMED ROB BACKUS IN 1969. HE LIVED
IN A HOUSE WHERE I SPENT A LOT OF TIME. ROB TOLD A STORY ONE TIME
ABOUT HOW HE GOT OUT OF THE U.S. NAVY. ROB WAS A SEAMAN ON A
NAVY SHIP AND HE WAS GROWING MORE DISCONTENTED WITH LIFE IN THE
NAVY. ONE DAY HE WENT TO A MUSIC STORE AND BOUGHT A SAXOPHONE.
THE NEXT DAY IN THE EARLY MORNING BEFORE REVILLE HE CLIMBED TO
THE TOP OF THE MAST OF THE SHIP. WHEN THE SAILORS WERE ASSEMBLED
FOR REVILLE HE STARTED BLOWING ON THE SAXOPHONE. THEY FINALLY
GOT HIM TO COME DOWN, AND SHORTLY AFTERWARDS, HE WAS DISCHARGED
FROM THE NAVY. HE HAD NEVER PLAYED A SAXOPHONE BEFORE THAT DAY.
Submitter comment:
THIS STORY HAPPENED DURING THE VITENAM WAR ERA, AND IT WAS
GRATIFYING TO ME TO KNOW THAT ONE PERSON THAT I KNEW HAD BEEN ABLE
TO SAVE HIS LIFE FROM THE PERILS OF VIETNAM.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; KALAMAZOO
James Callow Keyword(s): FEIGNED INSANITY TO GET OUT OF MILITARY SERVICE.
| Subject headings: | Favorites PROSE NARRATIVE -- Secular hero PROSE NARRATIVE -- Physically handicapped Deformed |
Date learned: 00-00-1969