Dr. James T. Callow publications
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The James T. Callow Folklore Archive
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AT WEDDINGS, THE BRIDE GETS TO KEEP ALL THE BILLS (MONEY) THAT
IS PINNED ON HER DRESS BY THE MEN THAT DANCE WITH HER.
Submitter comment: HE LEARNED THIS WHILE IN GERMANY
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; TROY
James Callow Keyword(s): GIFT-GIVING
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Marriage |
Date learned: 00-00-1950
AT WEDDINGS, THE BRIDE OFFERS A GIFT OF FLOWERS TO THE BLESSED
MOTHER.
Submitter comment:
THEY BEGAN DOING THIS AT THEIR FIRST DAUGHTER'S WEDDING.
THEY DID THIS WHILE IN THE CHURCH.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; TROY
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Church CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Marriage BELIEF -- Religious hero |
Date learned: 00-00-1977
AT A WEDDING SHOWER, THE NUMBER OF RIBBONS THE BRIDE-TO-BE BREAKS
WHILE OPENING HER GIFTS SHOWS THE NUMBER OF CHILDREN SHE WILL HAVE.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; SAINT CLAIR SHORES
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Marriage BELIEF -- Birth BELIEF -- Number Counting beliefs |
GERMAN-AMERICAN MARRIAGE CUSTOM
BEFORE GERMAN MEN GET MARRIED, THEY MUST EAT TWO RAW EGGS THE
NIGHT BEFORE THE WEDDING TO PRODUCE A LARGE FAMILY.
Submitter comment: THE EGG IS A FERTILITY SYMBOL.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | 686 Seconds / Twice / Two CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Marriage Food Drink -- Animal product Egg BELIEF -- Birth BELIEF -- Marriage |
Date learned: CA00001930
MARRIAGE CUSTOM
ON THE WEDDING NIGHT, THE BRIDE MUST TAKE A PIECE OF LACE FROM
HER WEDDING GOWN AND PUT IT UNDER THE FEATHERBED AND LOVE WILL
ALWAYS PREVAIL.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Marriage |
COURTSHIP CUSTOM
IN WALES YEARS AGO, PRESENTING A LADY WITH A HAND-CARVED WOODEN
LOVE SPOON WAS A SUITOR'S WAY OF SHOWING HIS AFFECTION.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; Mount Clemens
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Marriage |
Date learned: CA00001975
MARRIAGE CUSTOM
IN IRAQ, A LAMB IS KILLED AFTER A PERSON HAS JUST BEEN MARRIED.
Submitter comment: THIS IS FOR GOOD LUCK.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; SOUTHFIELD
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Marriage BELIEF -- Good luck |
Date learned: CA00001965
Entry filtered.
WEDDING TOAST
AT A WEDDING RECEPTION, IT IS CUSTOMARY IN GREEK WEDDINGS
TO DRINK A TOAST TO THE BRIDE AND GROOM. IT IS GIVEN
BY THE BEST MAN, WHO WISHES THE NEWLYWEDS A LONG
HAPPY, AND HEALTHY LIFE TOGETHER.
Submitter comment:
THE TOAST IS ALWAYS WITH CHAMPAIGN. ALL PRESENT AT THE
RECEPTION TOAST THE NEWLYWEDS WITH THE BEST MAN LEADING
THE TOAST.
THIS IS A GREEK-AMERICAN CUSTOM.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; Mount Clemens
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Marriage SPEECH -- Formula |
COURTSHIP CUSTOM
THE OLDEST DAUGHTER PUTS THE DOG OUTSIDE. HER FUTURE BOYFRIEND
WILL COME FROM THE DIRECTION THE DOG RUNS.
Submitter comment:
THE INFORMANT FIRST HEARD THIS IN POLAND AROUND 1910. THIS IS A
COURTSHIP CUSTOM AND SUPERSTITION WITH ELEMENTS OF PREDICTION
INVOLVED. IT SEEMS TO IMPLY THAT THE DOG HAS SOME TYPE OF POWER
SINCE HE IS THE INSTRUMENT USED TO FORETELL THE FUTURE.
THIS IS A POSITION DIRECTION INDICATOR OF THE FUTURE.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
James Callow Keyword(s): POSITION DIRECTION
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Marriage BELIEF -- Mammal BELIEF -- Street Trip Relations between relatives, friends, host and guest Social class Rank BELIEF -- Marriage BELIEF -- Use of Object |
Date learned: 10-00-1980 ; CA00001910
BRIDAL DANCE
A TABLE WAS PUT IN THE CENTER OF THE HALL AND THE BRIDE SAT ALONG-
SIDE IT. ONE AT A TIME FAMILY AND FRIENDS WOULD COME UP TO HER AND
SHE WOULD DANCE WITH EACH GUEST ABOUT ONE CIRCULAR TURN. THEY WERE
OFFERED A DRINK OR A CIGAR BY THE BRIDE'S FATHER AND WOULD DROP SOME
MONEY ON THE TABLE FOR THE NEWLYWEDS.
Submitter comment:
IN POLISH WEDDINGS TODAY, RELATIVES AND FRIENDS ARE MANY FOR THE
BRIDE TO DANCE WITH EVERYONE. BUT THE COUPLE IS CONGRATULATED AT
THE HALL AND RECEIVE SOME GIFT.
Where learned: ILLINOIS ; CHICAGO
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Dance CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Marriage |
Date learned: 00-00-1940
WEDDING BELIEF
IF A PIECE OF WEDDING CAKE IS PLACED UNDER A GIRL'S PILLOW, SHE WILL
DREAM OF HER FUTURE SPOUSE.
Submitter comment:
REGARDLESS OF WHAT MY GRANDMOTHER HEARD ABOUT PUTTING CAKE UNDER
A PILLOW IN CHICAGO, SHE THOUGHT IT BETTER FOR THE CAKE TO BE IN
THE FRIDGE THAN CRUMBS TO BE IN THE BED.
Where learned: ILLINOIS ; CHICAGO
James Callow Keyword(s): REFRIGERATOR
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Marriage BELIEF -- Dreams |
Date learned: 00-00-1940
AT A SPANISH CATHOLIC WEDDING, THE BRIDE AND GROOM SEAL THEIR VOWS
WITH A CAPE WHICH IS BLESSED BY THE PRIEST. AT THE RECEPTION THE
AUDIENCE CAN COMMAND THEM TO KISS BY BEATING ON A GLASS WITH A FORK
UNTIL THEY DO SO.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Marriage ART CRAFT ARCHITECTURE -- Dress Overall body coverUpper body and arms SPEECH -- Gesture SPEECH -- To Be Heard |
Date learned: 11-14-1980
GEORGIA WEDDING SUPERSTITION
"YOU SHOULD NEVER SAY THE NAME OF AN OLD BOYFRIEND
ON YOUR WEDDING DAY, BECAUSE IT WOULD BRING BAD LUCK
TO THE FIRST YEAR OF YOUR MARRIAGE".
Where learned: OHIO ; FLORIDA ; ALLIANCE ; EUSTIS
| Subject headings: | Person / Nickname 686 Properties attributed to specific numbers or numerals individually. CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Marriage BELIEF -- Measure of time Year BELIEF -- Bad luck |
Date learned: 11-13-1980 ; 00001920S
ALABAMA WEDDING CUSTOM
"TO HER WEDDING, A BRIDE SHOULD WEAR SOMETHING OLD, SOMETHING NEW,
SOMETHING BORROWED, AND SOMETHING BLUE TO INSURE A LONG, HAPPY,
AND PROSPEROUS MARRIAGE".
Submitter comment:
THE INFORMANT LEARNED THIS ITEM AS A YOUNG MAN IN DETROIT,
CIRCA 1930, FROM HIS MOTHER, WHO LEARNED IT FROM HER MOTHER
IN ALABAMA, CIRCA 1900.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; ALABAMA ; DETROIT ; BIRMINGHAM
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Marriage |
Date learned: 11-22-1980 ; 00-00-1928 ; 00-00-1900
GREEK WEDDING CUSTOMS
THE GREEK CUSTOMS DO NOT FAVOR ANY PARTICULAR MONTH FOR WEDDINGS. THE
CHURCH DOESN'T PERMIT MARRIAGES DURING THE LENTEN PERIODS. DURING A
GREEK WEDDING CEREMONY THERE ARE TWO WREATHS OF ORANGE BLOSSOMS
CONNECTED WITH A SATIN RIBBON. THE PRIEST CROSSES THE RIBBON THREE
TIMES WHICH SIGNIFIES THAT THE MARRIAGE CAN'T BE BROKEN UNTIL DEATH.
THE BRIDE HAS A DOWRY WHICH THE BRIDE'S FAMILY GIVES MONEY TO THE
GROOM.
THE TRADITIONAL GREEK WEDDING MEAL CONSISTS OF CORDIAL, MELON BALLS,
GREEN BEANS, GREEK SUMMER SALAD, ROLLS AND COFFEE.
Submitter comment: THE GREEK WEDDINGS ARE JOYOUS ONES FILLED WITH A LOT OF CELEBRATING.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
Date learned: 00-00-1980
WHEN A MEMBER OF THE FRATERNITY IN WHICH I(NEAL) BELONG BECOMES
ENGAGED HE IS THROWN INTO THE CHIPPEWA RIVER.
Submitter comment:
THIS TRADITION IS EXTREMELY INTERESTING TO ME.
IT IS MUCH LIKE THAT OF THE PENNSYLVANIA DUTCH THROWING THE
GROOM OVER THE FENCE. I ASKED MY INFORMANT WHO STARTED THIS AND
WHY IT WAS DONE BUT HE DID NOT KNOW.
THE CHIPPEWA RIVER RUNS THROUGH MOUNT PLEASANT, MICHIGAN
INFORMATION ASKED FOR OF THIS
INFORMANT WAS RESTRICTED TO LORE
ABOUT CENTRAL MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; MOUNT PLEASANT
| Subject headings: | Favorites CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Marriage |
MACEDONIAN GREEK ORTHODOX WEDDING
BEFORE THE WEDDING, THERE IS A GIFT GIVING
CEREMONY AT THE BRIDE'S HOUSE.
THE FATHER OF THE BRIDE SHARES BREAD AND
WINE WITH THE BRIDE BEFORE THE
GIFTS. THE BRIDE PUTS ON HER WEDDING
DRESS AND IS THEN PRESENTED WITH
GIFTS. THE FATHER IS FIRST TO GIVE A
GIFT, FOLLOWED BY HER FEMALE
RELATIVES. THE GIFTS ARE EITHER GIFTS OF
MONEY OR LINGERIE, EXCEPT FOR
THE FATHER'S GIFT.
WHILE THIS IS TAKING PLACE THE GROOM WAITS IN THE CHURCH. HE IS NOT
ALLOWED TO SEE THE BRIDE UNTIL THE CEREMONY. THE GROOM AT THIS TIME
SIGNS A CONTRACT WITNESSED BY TWO MEMBERS OF THE WEDDING PARTY, THE
"NUNCA" OR GODFATHER AND THE BEST MAN.
WHEN THE CEREMONY BEGINS, EACH MALE MEMBER OF THE WEDDING PARTY WAITS
AS HIS PARTNER WALKS DOWN THE AISLE FROM THE REAR OF THE CHURCH. HE
GREETS HER IN THE CENTER OF THE AISLE.
THEY WALK TO THE ALTAR, BOW THEIR
HEADS. THEY THEN DIVIDE AND STAND ON
OPPOSITE SIDES OF THE ALTAR, THE
MEN ON THE RIGHT AND THE WOMEN ON THE LEFT AS BEING LOOKED AT BY THE
CONGREGATION. SECOND TO LAST ARE THE NUNCAS
OR GODPARENTS OF THE BRIDE
AND GROOM. THE NUNCAS MUST BE A MARRIED COUPLE.
LASTLY THE BRIDE WALKS
DOWN THE AISLE WITH HER FATHER, THEY ARE GREETED
BY THE GROOM ABOUT A
QUARTER OF THE WAY UP THE AISLE WHERE THE FATHER GIVES AWAY THE
DAUGHTER. THE FATHER LIFTS THE VEIL
FROM THE FACE OF THE BRIDE , GIVES
HER A KISS, AND THEN SHAKES THE GROOMS HAND AND SITS DOWN. THE BRIDE
AND GROOM THEN WALK UP TO THE ALTAR WHERE THE NUNCAS AND PRIEST WAIT.
NEXT COMES THE ACTUAL CEREMONY. THE NUNCAS
STAND BEHIND THE BRIDE AND
GROOM, CARRYING CANDLES. ONE OF THE COUPLES IN THE WEDDING PARTY
STAND BESIDE THE BRIDE AND GROOM. THE RING CEREMONY IS FIRST. THE
GROOM PUTS ON THE BRIDE'S RING AND THE
BRIDE PUTS ON THE GROOM'S. THE
PRIEST EXCHANGES THE RINGS THREE TIMES,
A SYMBOL OF THE BLESSED TRINITY,
EACH TIME KISSING THE RING. THE GROOM
THEN SLIPS THE BRIDE'S RING ON HER
FINGER AS HE SAYS HIS VOWS. THEN THE
BRIDE DOES THE SAME. NEXT COMES
THE CEREMONY OF THE CROWNS. THE PRIEST
BRINGS OUT THE CROWNS AND MAKES
THE SIGN OF THE CROSS WITH THEM. NEXT THE BRIDE KISSES THE GROOM'S
CROWN AND THE GROOM DOES THE SAME TO THE BRIDE'S. THIS IS DONE THREE
TIMES. THE PRIEST THEN TOUCHES THE CROWNS
TO THEIR HEADS. HE THEN SWITCHES
THE CROWNS BACK AND FORTH THREE TIMES.
HE PLACES THE CROWNS ON TOP OF THEIR
HEADS. THE CROWNS ARE SYMBOLS OF BEING KING
AND QUEEN OF THE HOUSEHOLD.
THE CROWNS ARE HELD IN PLACE BY THE COUPLE
WHO STAND BESIDE THE BRIDE AND
GROOM. NOW THE NUNCAS GIVE THE BRIDE AND
GROOM THE CANDLES. THE PRIEST,
NUNCAS, BRIDE AND GROOM, AND COUPLE FROM
THE WEDDING PARTY WALK AROUND
THE ALTAR THREE TIMES. THEY ARE NOW MAN
AND WIFE. THEY LEAVE THE CHURCH
HOLDING THE CANDLES, WITH THE WEDDING PARTY
AND FORM A RECEPTION LINE IN
THE VESTIBULE. THE MALE MEMBERS OF
THE BRIDE'S RELATIVES NOW GIVE HER
GIFTS OF MONEY. NEXT IS THE RECEPTION.
AT THE RECEPTION THERE IS EATING
AND DRINKING FOLLOWED BY A TRADITIONAL DANCE.
THE DANCE IS AS FOLLOWS:
A LINE IS FORMED BY EACH PERSON PUTTING HIS
OR HER HAND ON THE OTHER
PERSON'S SHOULDER, ARMS OUTSTRETCHED.
THE FIRST PERSON IS CARRYING ALOAF
OF BREAD. IT LOOKS LIKE A CAKE. THE DANCE
IS DONE BY STEPPING RIGHT WITH THE RIGHT FOOT. NEXT CROSS THE LEFT
FOOT BEHIND THE RIGHT. NOW STEP
TO THE RIGHT AGAIN WITH THE RIGHT FOOT.
NEXT KICK YOUR LEFT LEG OUT IN
FRONT OF YOUR RIGHT THEN RETURN IT TO THE
POSITION IT WAS AT. NOW CROSS
YOUR RIGHT FOOT OVER YOUR LEFT THEN STEP
TO YOUR LEFT WITH YOUR LEFT FOOT.
NOW KICK YOUR RIGHT LEG OVER YOUR LEFT
AND RETURN IT TO ITS POSITION.
REPEAT THESE STEPS. TO GET THE FIRST POSITION
IN LINE YOU MUST WALK UP
AND PUT MONEY ON THE BREAD THEN TAKE IT
FROM THE PERSON. BE SURE NOT
TO DROP IT OR YOU WILL BRING BAD LUCK TO THE COUPLE.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; MADISON HEIGHTS
| Subject headings: | 686 Thirds / Thrice / Three / Triple Favorites Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Group CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Marriage BELIEF -- Bad luck SPEECH -- Gesture |
A HONEY MOON MISHAP
INFORMANT TOLD ME OF HOW HIS BROTHER AND A FEW FRIENDS
PLAYED A JOKE ON A NEWLYWED COUPLE WHO WERE ON THEIR
HONEYMOON. THIS COUPLE LIVED IN A HOUSE TRAILER, SO
WHILE THEY WERE ENJOYING THEIR VACATION, THESE MEN BROKE
INTO THE TRAILER AND RIGGED IT WITH ALL KINDS OF
INTRIGUING DEVICES. FOR INSTANCE, THEY TURNED ALL THE
FURNITURE UPSIDE DOWN AND NAILED IT TO THE FLOOR, THEN
THEY TOOK THE BED APART, AND REASSEMBLED IT SO THAT THE
SPRINGS WERE ON TOP OF THE MATRESS, INSTEAD OF THE
MATTRESS BEING ON TOP OF THE SPRINGS. THEN THEY
SPRINKLED CRACKER CRUMBS UNDER THE COVERS, AND TURNED OFF
THE HEAT. WHEN THE HAPPY COUPLE CAME BACK, THE MEN
WAITED UNTIL NIGHT HAD FALLEN AND, WHEN BOTH MAN AND
WIFE WERE ASLEEP, SHOVED A WEATHER BALLOON INTO THE
KITCHEN, AND RIPPED THE CORD. NEEDLESS TO SAY, THE
COUPLE STILL ISN'T SPEAKING TO ANY OF THE MEN WHO
WERE INVOLVED.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Entertainment Diversion CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Marriage |
BELIEF IN ITALY
A HUSBAND SHOULD BE FROM YOUR OWN TOWN OR YOUR OWN
PEOPLE, BUT A BAPTISMAL SPONSOR (GODPARENTS) SHOULD
COME FROM OUTSIDE YOUR TOWN, OR ANOTHER WAY OF SAYING
IT, FROM STRANGE PEOPLE (MEANING NOT OF YOUR FAMILY
RATHER THAN NOT KNOWN BY YOU).
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Crucial Moment of Life Life Cycle CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Baptism Naming rite CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Marriage |
Date learned: 10-26-1969