Dr. James T. Callow publications
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The James T. Callow Folklore Archive
Your search for P684 returned 334 results.
QUEER DAY
WEARING YELLOW ON THURSDAYS MEANT YOU WERE GAY.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; ROYAL OAK
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Measure of time Week Day Hour BELIEF -- Color |
Date learned: 02-00-1979
AT WEDDINGS OR OTHER FESTIVE CELEBRATIONS CONFETTI, A TYPE OF
ALMOND CANDY, SUGAR COATED IS USED TO DECORATE SWEET TRAYS. AT
WEDDINGS, THIS IS THROWN AT THE BRIDE AND GROOM AS GOOD LUCK.
FOR GRADUATION THE RED COLORED ONES ARE USED TO WARD OFF EVIL.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT ; CAMPUS
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Marriage CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Typical Elements of a Festive Pattern Food Drink -- Pastry Sweet Dessert BELIEF -- School BELIEF -- Color BELIEF -- Good luck |
Date learned: 02-26-1979
A LITTLE CLOTH CONTAINING SALT AND TIED WITH RED RIBBON IS GIVEN TO
MOTHERS OF BABIES. THIS IS PLACED IN A BABY'S CRIB OR BUGGY.
Submitter comment:
THIS INFORMANT'S SISTER WAS GIVEN ONE OF THESE CLOTHS WHEN ONE
OF HER CHILDREN WAS BORN. SHE DID NOT USE THE CLOTH BECAUSE SHE
FELT THE CROSS SHE HAD IN THE BABY'S ROOM WAS THERE TO PROTECT
THE CHILD.
AMULET
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT ; CAMPUS
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Devil Demon BELIEF -- Mineral BELIEF -- Birth BELIEF -- Sign Geometric figure Cross and its various modifications BELIEF -- Color |
Date learned: 02-26-1979
RELIGIOUS
ON JANUARY 6TH (THREE KINGS DAY) PRIESTS GO FROM HOUSE TO HOUSE AND
WRITE THE INITIALS OF THE 3 KINGS WITH BLESSED WHITE CHALK ABOVE
THE DOORS OF THE HOMES. THIS IS SUPPOSED TO BRING HAPPINESS AND
HEALTH AND KEEP AWAY THE THE EVIL SPIRITS. PEOPLE IN TOWN GIVE
CONTRIBUTIONS.
Submitter comment:
THIS TRADITION IS FOLLOWED IN POLAND. AT ONE TIME IT WAS POPULAR
IN DETROIT AND ITS SUBURBS.
Where learned: DETROIT
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- January 6 Twelfth Day Epiphany BELIEF -- Devil Demon BELIEF -- Prayer BELIEF -- Word Letter BELIEF -- Color |
Date learned: 04-15-1979
DEATH
FOLLOWING A DEATH, THE IMMEDIATE FAMILY ALWAYS DRESSES IN BLACK. THE
WOMEN WEAR BLACK VEILS AND CHILDREN WEAR BLACK BANDS ON THEIR
ARM FOR A YEAR. THIS IS THEIR PERIOD OF MOURNING.
Submitter comment: THIS CUSTOM IS FOLLOWED IN POLAND.
Where learned: DETROIT
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Death Funeral Burial CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Measure of time Year BELIEF -- Color |
Date learned: 04-14-1979
DARK HAIRED MAN MUST BE FIRST TO ENTER HOUSE ON NEW YEAR'S DAY FOR
YOU TO HAVE LUCK THE ENTIRE YEAR.
Submitter comment: SCOTTISH SUPERSTITION
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DEARBORN HEIGHTS
Keyword(s): FIRST-FOOTING
Date learned: 01-00-1979
BAQUINE
WHEN A CHILD DIES HE IS DRESSED IN WHITE AND ADORNED WITH FLOWERS.
THEN IN THE WAKE HE IS SUNG LULLABIES AND OTHER COMFORTING SONGS.
SOME OF THESE ARE QUITE SCARY AND WILL DEAL WITH THE DEVIL OR A
SPECIAL GNOME WHO STEALS CHILDREN.
Submitter comment:
THIS IS DONE ONLY BY THE PEASANTS IN THE CENTER OF THE ISLAND.
BAQUINE IS AN INDIAN WORD FOR THIS KIND OF CEREMONY
Where learned: PUERTO RICO
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Cradle song Lullaby CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Death Funeral Burial BELIEF -- Fairy Elf Goblin Gnome BELIEF -- Devil Demon BELIEF -- Color |
Date learned: 00-00-1979
KWANZA
KWANZA WAS CREATED BY DR. RON KARENGA FOR BLACK AMERICANS.
IT STARTS DECEMBER 26TH AND ENDS JANUARY 1ST.
BLACK, RED, AND GREEN ARE ITS COLORS. BLACK IS FOR OUR PEOPLE
RED FOR OUR CONTINUING STRUGGLE AND GREEN FOR LAND AND HOPE.
KANZA HAS SEVEN PRINCIPLES OF THE BLACK VALUE SYSTEM, CALLED THE
NGUZO SABA.
1. UMOJA -(UNITY)- TO STRIVE FOR AND MAINTAIN UNITY IN THE FAMILY,
COMMUNITY, NATION AND RACE.
2. KUJUCHAGULIA -(SELF-DETERMINATION)- TO DEFINE
OURSELVES, NAME OURSELVES,
CREATE FOR OURSELVES AND SPEAK
FOR OURSELVES RATHER THAT TO ALLOW OTHERS
TO DO THESE THINGS FOR US.
3. UJIMA -(COLLECTIVE WORK AND RESPONSIBILITY)- TO BUILD AND
MAINTAIN OUR COMMUNITY TOGETHER TO MAKE OUR SISTERS AND BROTHERS
PROBLEMS OUR PROBLEMS AND TO SOLVE THEM TOGETHER.
4. UJAMAA -(COOPERATIVE ECONOMICS)- TO BUILD AND MAINTAIN OUR
OWN STORES,
SHOPS, AND OTHER BUSINESSES AND TO PROFIT FROM THEM TOGETHER.
5. NIA -(PURPOSE)- TO MAKE OUR COLLECTIVE VOCATION THE BUILDING AN
DEVELOPING OF OUR COMMUNITY IN ORDER TO RESTORE OUR PEOPLE TO THEIR
TRADITIONAL GREATNESS.
6. KUUMBA -(CREATIVITY)- TO DO ALWAYS AS MUCH
AS WE CAN IN THE WAY WE
CAN, IN ORDER TO LEAVE OUR COMMUNITY MORE BEAUTIFUL AND BENEFICIAL
THAN WHEN WE INHERITED IT.
7. IMANI -(FAITH)- TO BELIEVE WITH ALL OUR
HEARTS IN OUR PEOPLE, OUR
PARENTS, OUR TEACHERS, OUR LEADERS AND THE
RIGHTEOUSNESS AND VICTORY OF OUR STRUGGLE. MM
CELEBRANTS BRING FOOD AND DRINKS TO SHARE FOR EACH DAY'S FEAST. EAC
CELEBRANT IS GREETED WITH THE WORDS "HABARI GANI" WHICH MEANS WHAT'S
THE NEWS OR WHAT'S HAPPENING. THE RESPONSE IS THAT DAY'S NQUZO SABA
PRINCIPLE.
THE HOUSE IS DECORATED WITH THE COLORS
GREEN, RED, AND BLACK. EVERYONE
GATHERS INTO A SEMICIRCLE. THE TABLE IS SET WITH THE SYMBOLS OF
KWANZA AND EACH PIECE IS EXPLAINED.
A STRAW MAT (MKEKA), THE SYMBOL
FOR OUR HISTORICAL FOUNDATION IN
TADITIONAL AFRICAN CULTURE. A CANDLEHOLDER
(KINARA), THE SYMBOL FOR OUR AFRICAN ANCESTORS. IT HOLDS SEVEN
CANDLES, (MISHUMAA), THREE RED, ONE BLACK, AND THREE GREEN ONES. TH
CANDLES REPRESENT THE SEVEN PRINCIPLES.
(MATUNDA)- TROPICAL FRUIT, VEGETABLES AND NUTS, WHICH REPRESENT THE
YIELD OF TRADITIONAL HARVEST.
EARS OF CORN WHICH REPRESENT THE NUMBER
OF CHILDREN IN THE FAMILY AND UNSHUCKED EARS OF CORN TO REPRESENT
CHILDLESS HOMES TO EXPRESS THE POTENTIAL FOR CHILDREN.
GIFTS, GIVEN ON THE SEVENTH DAY OF KWANZA, ARE MAINLY FOR CHILDREN
AND REPRESENT PARENT'S SATISFACTION
THAT THEIR CHILDREN HAVE ACHIEVED
AND GROWN IN A MANNER THAT GIVES HONOR TO THE FAMILY. THE GIFTS ARE
EXPRESSING THE HISTORY, CULTURE AND COMMITMENT
TO EDUCATION AS A LIBERATING
FORCE. MM
THE ELDERS OF THE FAMILY TAKE SEATS ON EACH SIDE OF THE KWANZA TABLE
SETTING AND THE CEREMONY BEGINS. THE
ELDERS CHARGE YOU TO REMEMBER OUR
ANCESTORS AND TO STRUGGLE FOR A NEW WORLD FOR
OUR CHILDREN. THEY POUR A LIBATION FORM THE UNITY CUP.
A LIBATION IS AN EXPRESSION OF COMMUNICATION AMONG US:
THE LIVING, OUR ANCESTORS AND OUR CHILDREN YET
TO BE BORN.
TO EXPRESS UNITY AS AN IDEAL IN BLACK
COMMUNITIES THROUGHOUT THE WORLD,
THE ELDERS DRINK FROM THE UNITY CUP AND PASS IT TO THE
OTHER MEMBERS OF THE CELEBRATION.
EACH PERSON SHOUTS "HARAMBEE" (LET'S PULL TOGETHER),
THEREBY PLEDGING THEMSELVES TO UNITY.
THE CHILDREN LIGHT A CANDLE FOR EACH
DAY OF THE CELEBRATION WHICH HAS
PASSED AND FOR THE PRESENT DAY. EACH
CELEBRANT EXPRESSES THEIR THOUGHTS AND FEELINGS ABOUT THE PRINCIPLE
FOR THE DAY AND HOW IT AFFECTS THEIR LIVES. MM
KWANZA WAS FOUNDED TO CELEBRATE OUR FAMILIES AND COMMUNITIES, OUR
WARMTH AND LOVE, OUR INTERDEPENDENCE AND FREEDOM STRUGGLE AND OUR
JOY AND STRENGTH. BECAUSE WE ARE AN AFRICAN PEOPLE. DR. KARENGA
LOOKING TO THE MOTHERLAND; BORROWED AN IDEAL; USED CREATIVITY AND
INGENUITY, AND MIXED IT WITH THE BLACK EXPERIENCE IN AMERICA. HE
CREATED MATUNDA YA KWANKA (KISWAHILI),
FOR FIRST FRUIT, THE CELEBRATION
COMMONLY KNOWN AS KWANZA.
KWANZA IS AN EXTENDED FAMILY CELEBRATION AND AN OCCASION FOR
STRENGTHENING FAMILY CONSCIOUSNESS AND SOLIDARITY WHILE SERVING AS A
EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCE FOR CHILDREN IN SOCIAL AND SPIRITUAL MATTERS.
MUCH TIME IS SPENT REFLECTING ON THE PAST YEAR, MAKING DECISIONS
ABOUT IMPORTANT MATTERS THAT AFFECT THE FAMILY, WISHING RELATIVES A
PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR AND ENJOYING FOOD, MUSIC AND GAMES.
IN THE U.S. THE FIRST FRUIT CELEBRATION, KWANZA, IS A SYMBOLIC EVENT
DURING THE FESTIVAL BLACK PEOPLE COME
TOGETHER TO CELEBRATE OUR AFRICAN
HERITAGE, TO GIVE THANKS TO OUR ANCESTORS,
TO REAFFIRM THE BELIEF THAT ELDERS SHOULD BE
RESPECTED, TO REINFORCE OUR VALUE FRAMEWORK FOR OUR CHILDREN
AND TO CELEBRATE THE SEVEN PRINCIPLES OF THE BLACK VALUE SYSTEM,
THE NGUZO SABA.
Submitter comment:
I HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO PARTICIPATE IN A CELEBRATION OF KWANZA LAST
YEAR AT A FRIEND'S HOUSE. SHE (MARLA PITTS), HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO
CELEBRATE IT WHILE ON HER VACATION IN 1975.
Where learned: DETROIT
James Callow Keyword(s): SYMBOLS
Date learned: 00-00-1978 ; 00-00-1975
TRADITION
A NEW BORN MALAYSIAN WILL RECEIVE RED EGGS AND SMALL GOLD
NECKLACES DURING ITS BIRTHDAY DINNER CELEBRATION FOR GOOD LUCK.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT ; CAMPUS
Date learned: 04-00-1979
TRADITION
THE MALAYSIANS STILL WEAR BLACK TO A FUNERAL OR A BLACK AND WHITE
STRIP ON THEIR SHOULDER SIGNIFYING THE DEATH OF A LOVED ONE.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT ; CAMPUS
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Death Funeral Burial BELIEF -- Color |
Date learned: 01-00-1979
WHEN YOU ARE SHUCKING CORN, AND FIND AN EAR THAT IS RED, GIVE IT TO
THE BOY YOU LOVE AND HE WILL HAVE TO GIVE YOU A KISS.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; ROYAL OAK
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Work Commerce Business BELIEF -- Marriage BELIEF -- Color SPEECH -- Gesture |
Date learned: 00-00-1975
AVOID WEARING RED CLOTHES, IT IS THE COLOR THAT ATTRACTS DESIRE.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; TROY
James Callow Keyword(s): SEX, LUST
| Subject headings: | ART CRAFT ARCHITECTURE -- Dress ART CRAFT ARCHITECTURE -- Color Design BELIEF -- Color |
KWANZA
KWANZA IS AN AFRICAN HOLIDAY. IT IS CELEBRATED
DECEMBER 26 THROUGH JANUARY 1. IT IS AN EVENT WHICH
IS CELEBRATED ANNUALLY AND IS BASED ON AFRICAN
HARVEST CELEBRATIONS. KWANZA MEANS THE FIRST FRUIT.
THE PURPOSE OF KWANZA IS THE THANKING OF OUR ANCESTORS
IN ORDER TO INSURE A GOOD HARVEST FOR THE ENSUING YEAR.
DURING THE HARVEST CELEBRATIONS, THERE ARE
FEASTING, DRUMMING AND DANCING. STORY_TELLING
IS HEARD. FAMILY TIES ARE STRENGTHENED
AND ENCOURAGED.
MOST HOLIDAYS HAVE SYMBOLS WHICH ARE IDENTIFIABLE
WITH A PARTICULAR CELEBRATION. KWANZA DOES ALSO.
THE SYMBOLS OF KWANZA ARE: MEKA (STRAW) THE MHUMA (CANDLE),
ZAWADI (GIFTS) AND MAHINDI (CORN). THE CORN
REPRESESENTS ALL THE CHILDREN IN THE HOUSEHOLD.
LAST BUT NOT LEAST, THERE IS THE KIKOMBE (UNITY CUP).
COMMUNITIES AND HOMES ARE DECORATED, HOWEVER, EMPHASIS
IS ON THE USE OF NATURAL THINGS.
THE COLORS OF RED, GREEN AND BLACK ARE USED.
THEY ALSO SYMBOLIZES THE BLOOD SHED BY AFRICANS
IN THE STRUGGLE FOR FREEDOM AND PEACE.
THESE COLORS REPRESENTS BLOOD, LAND AND COLOR.
BLACK IS FOR THE AFRICAN SKIN COLOR. GREEN IS FOR FERTILITY.
EMPHASIS IS PLACED UPON THE CHILDREN WHO RECEIVE
MOST OF THE GIFTS AND ARE ASKED TO MAKE A COMMITMENT.
A CHILD MIGHT ASK FOR BETTER GRADES IN SCHOOL.
IF THE CHILD GRADES HAS IMPROVED CONSIDERABLY, HE IS REWARDED.
THE REWARDS ARE CLOTHING, EXTRA FOOD OR A VISIT OUT OF TOWN.
TRADITIONALLY, THE STRENTH OF THE AFRICAN FAMILY
HAS ALWAYS BEEN THE FAMILY. BECAUSE OF THIS, THE FAMILY
IS THE FOCAL POINT OF THE CELEBRATION.
Submitter comment:
THE MEANING OF THE WORD FAMILY HERE CONSIST OF
THE FATHER, MOTHER, CHILDREN, AUNTS AND UNCLES.
FAMILY MEANS THE EXTENDED FAMILY.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
DRESSING AT FUNERALS AND THEREAFTER
WHEN A GREEK MAN DIES, HIS WIDOW WILL WEAR BLACK FOR
THE REST OF HER LIFE, MOURNING HER DECEASED HUSBAND.
Submitter comment:
THIS STYLE OF DRESS APPLIES TO SENIOR CITIZENS OF GREEK
DESCENT. YOUNGER WIDOWS PRACTICE THIS, BUT ONLY FOR A
MAXIMUM OF TWO YEARS. THE OLDER PEOPLE ARE DETERMINED
TO WEAR BLACK FOR THEIR ENTIRE LIVES, AND THEY THINK
THAT IF A WIDOW DOES NOT DO THIS, THEN THEY FEEL THAT
SHE IS DISGRACING HER DECEASED HUSBAND.
THIS IS A GREEK-AMERICAN CUSTOM.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Church CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Death Funeral Burial ART CRAFT ARCHITECTURE -- Dress BELIEF -- Color |
Date learned: 00-00-1965
SAILOR'S RHYME
PINK AT NIGHT, SAILOR'S DELIGHT.
PINK IN THE MORNING, SAILORS TAKE WARNING.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; Sterling Heights
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Lyrical Verse C730.462 BELIEF -- Color |
Date learned: 00-00-1970
EXPRESSION
TICKLED PINK.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; Sterling Heights
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Color BELIEF -- Sensations and involuntary actions SPEECH -- Gesture PROVERB -- Proverbial Phrase |
Date learned: 00-00-1975
LUCK
ABLACK CAT CROSSING YOUR PATH IN FRONT OF YOU IS BAD LUCK.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
James Callow Keyword(s): POSITION DIRECTION
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Mammal BELIEF -- Color BELIEF -- Bad luck |
IF A BLACK CAT RUNS ACROSS YOUR PATH, WALK BACKWARDS TO THE POINT IN
WHICH IT CROSSED YOU TO UNCROSS THE BAD LUCK SPELL
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
James Callow Keyword(s): POSITION DIRECTION
| Subject headings: | 682 682.4 BELIEF -- Mammal BELIEF -- Color BELIEF -- Bad luck BELIEF -- Conversions |
Date learned: 11-14-1980
FLORIDA SUPERSTITION
"IF A BLACK CAT CROSSES YOUR PATH, YOU SHOULD WALK THE OTHER WAY
TO PREVENT BAD LUCK".
Where learned: OHIO ; FLORIDA ; ALLIANCE ; EUSTIS
James Callow Keyword(s): POSITION DIRECTION
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Mammal BELIEF -- Color BELIEF -- Conversions |
Date learned: 11-13-1980 ; 00001920S
WIDOW ATTIRE
AFTER THE DEATH OF A WOMAN'S HUSBAND, SHE WEARS BLACK EVERY DAY FOR A
YEAR.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
Date learned: 00-00-1980