Dr. James T. Callow publications
Browse by
Questions or comments on this site? Please email davidsor@udmercy.edu.
The James T. Callow Folklore Archive
Your search for P860 returned 331 results.
SUPERSTITION
EACH TURN OF AN APPLE STEM IS COUNTED AS A LETTER, UNTIL IT BREAKS
OFF. THE LETTER AT WHICH IT BREAKS IS THE INITIAL OF YOUR FUTURE
SPOUSE.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; FERNDALE
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Plant BELIEF -- Marriage BELIEF -- Use of Object |
Date learned: 02-00-1979
HORN SHAPED PENDANT- "CORNICUE"
THIS PENDANT IS USUALLY MADE OF A PRECIOUS METAL, GOLD OR SILVER.
IT IS GIVEN TO ANOTHER AS AN AMULET OF GOOD LUCK. IT SHOULD NOT
BE PURCHASED BY THE ONE WHO IS TO WEAR IT. IT SHOULD BE RECIEVED
AS A GIFT. IT IS WORN AROUND THE NECK ON A CHAIN. IRONICALLY
SOME WEAR A CROSS WITH IT , TOO.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT ; CAMPUS
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Use of Object BELIEF -- Good luck |
Date learned: 02-26-1979
SAINT JOHN THE BAPTIST'S NIGHT.
ON THE EVE OF SAINT JOHN THE BAPTIST'S DAY EVERYBODY GOES TO THE
BEACHES TO SPEND THE NIGHT THERE. THERE ARE CERTAIN RITUALS DONE ON
THAT NIGHT THAT ARE SUPPOSED TO BRING GOOD LUCK THE FOLLOWING YEAR.
FOR EXAMPLE: AT MIDNIGHT YOU ARE SUPPOSED TO THROW YOURSELF THREE
TIMES BACKWARDS IN THE SEA FOR GOOD HEALTH. A YOUNG GIRL SHOULD PUT
TWO NEEDLES IN A GLASS OF WATER,SYMBOLIZING HERSELF AND HER BOYFRIEND
IF THE NEXT DAY THE NEEDLES ARE TOGETHER SHE WILL MARRY THAT MAN.
ALSO SHE SHOULD PUT THREE BEANS UNDER HER PILLOW THAT NIGHT. ONE
SHOULD HAVE THE SKIN ON WHICH MEANS SHE WILL MARRY A RICH MAN. THE
SECOND ONE SHOULD BE HALF PEELED SIMBOLIZING MIDDLE CLASS WEALTH AND
THE THIRD ONE SHOULD BE COMPLETELY PEELED MEANING POVERTY. IN THE
MORNING SHE SHOULD PUT HER HAND UNDER THE PILLOW WITHOUT LOOKING,
AND TAKE ONE BEAN. THIS WILL DETERMINE HER ECONOMICAL STATUS IN HER
MARRIAGE. PUT A GLASS OF WATER UNDER YOUR BED TO KEEP THE EVIL SPIRIT
AWAY THE REST OF THE YEAR.
Where learned: PUERTO RICO
Date learned: 00-00-1979
WEDDING SHOWER PREDICTION
IF A GIRL BREAKS A RIBBON WHILE OPENING GIFTS AT HER BRIDAL
SHOWER, SHE WILL BECOME PREGNANT. THE NUMBER OF TIMES SHE BREAKS
A RIBBON INDICATES THE NUMBER OF TIMES SHE WILL BECOME PREGNANT.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | Observation BELIEF -- Birth BELIEF -- Number BELIEF -- Use of Object |
Date learned: 03-00-1979
EXPECTANT MOTHERS
WEDDING RING ON A STRING, HOLD STRING OVER MOTHER'S STOMACH.
IF IT SWINGS SIDE TO SIDE - IT WILL BE A BOY
IF IT SWINGS IN A CIRCLE - IT WILL BE A GIRL.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; REDFORD
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Birth BELIEF -- Use of Object |
Date learned: CA00001968
SUPERSTITION
IF YOU PUT A MAN'S HAT ON YOUR BED YOU WILL BECOME PREGNANT.
Where learned: DETROIT
James Callow Keyword(s): CONTAGIOUS MAGIC
| Subject headings: | ART CRAFT ARCHITECTURE -- Dress Head BELIEF -- Birth BELIEF -- Use of Object |
Date learned: 00-00-1965
IT IS BAD LUCK TO READ COFFEE CUPS ON SATURDAY NIGHT.
Submitter comment: ARMENIANS READ COFFEE GROUNDS AS OTHERS READ TEA CUPS.
Where learned: DETROIT
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Measure of time Week Day Hour BELIEF -- Use of Object BELIEF -- Bad luck |
CHALDEAN PREDICTION
WHENEVER YOUR FORTUNE IS TOLD A PIECE OF CHOCOLATE CANDY IS GIVEN
TO YOU. YOU THEN DRINK A CUP OF THICK CREAMY COFFEE. AFTERWARDS,
TURN IT UPSIDE DOWN ONTO THE SAUCER AND LET IT SET FOR A MINUTE.
THEN THE FORTUNE TELLER READS YOUR FORTUNE FROM THE DIFFERENT LINES
THE LEFT OVER COFFEE DRIPPINGS MADE.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; SOUTHFIELD
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Use of Object |
Date learned: CA0001978
FOLKLORE OF OMENS
FIND A HAIRPIN, PICK IT UP AND YOU WILL MAKE A NEW FRIEND.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DEARBORN
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Street Trip Relations between relatives, friends, host and guest Social class Rank BELIEF -- Use of Object |
Date learned: CA00001915
WEDDING SHOWER CUSTOMS AND SUPERSTITIONS
AT WEDDING SHOWERS, THE RIBBONS AND BOWS ARE COLLECTED FROM THE
GIFTS AND SAVED BY MAKING A SLIT IN A PAPER PLATE AND INSERTING
THEM INTO PLACE. WHEN THE BRIDE-TO-BE OPENS HER GIFTS, SHE SHOULD
NOT BREAK, CUT OR TEAR THE RIBBONS. THE NUMBER SHE BREAKS IS AN
INDICATOR OF THE NUMBER OF CHILDREN SHE WILL CONCEIVE. A
VARIATION IS THE NUMBER OF BOWS BROKEN IS EQUAL TO THE NUMBER OF
YEARS SHE WILL WAIT TO HAVE HER FIRST BABY.
Submitter comment:
THE CUSTOM OF SAVING RIBBONS WAS FIRST HEARD BY THE COLLECTOR IN
1976. IT IS A RITE OF PASSAGE CEREMONY IN WHICH THE BRIDE-TO-BE
CHANGES FROM SINGLE TO MARRIED LIFE. HERE TWO VARIATIONS CAN BE
ILLUSTRATED. EACH IS DIFFERENT ALTHOUGH THE MAIN IDEA IS SIMILAR.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; USA ; SOUTHGATE
Date learned: 06-00-1978 ; 10-00-1976
SUPERSTITION
THE PEOPLE IN THE CITY WOULD PUT A CRADLE, FULL OF STRAW, IN A TREE,
HOPEFULLY, A STORK WOULD MAKE ITS NEST THERE. WHEN THE STORK
THROWS ONE OF HER BABIES OUT OF THE NEST, THIS MEANS THAT THERE
WILL BE A BAD SUMMER.
Submitter comment:
THIS WEATHER PREDICTOR WAS FIRST HEARD BY THE INFORMANT AROUND 1910
IN POLAND. A STORK, CRADLE AND GOOD SUMMER ALL SYMBOLIZE LIFE.
THIS IS HINDERED BY A BIRD FALLING FROM THE CRADLE (DEATH) CAUSING
A BREAK IN THE LINK (A BAD SUMMER).
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | Observation Favorites BELIEF -- Bird BELIEF -- Weather sign or control BELIEF -- Measure of time Summer BELIEF -- Use of Object BELIEF -- Weather sign or control |
Date learned: 10-00-1980 ; CA00001910
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
GEORGIA SUPERSTITION
"IF YOU'D DROP A SPOON ON THE FLOOR, IT MEANT THAT
A GIRLFRIEND WAS COMING TO VISIT YOU".
Where learned: OHIO ; FLORIDA ; ALLIANCE ; EUSTIS
| Subject headings: | Observation BELIEF -- Street Trip Relations between relatives, friends, host and guest Social class Rank BELIEF -- Use of Object |
Date learned: 11-13-1980 ; 00001920S
GEORGIA SUPERSTITION
"IF YOU'D DROP A FORK ON THE FLOOR, IT MEANT THAT
A LADY WAS COMING TO SEE YOU"
Where learned: OHIO ; FLORIDA ; ALLIANCE ; EUSTIS
| Subject headings: | Observation BELIEF -- Street Trip Relations between relatives, friends, host and guest Social class Rank BELIEF -- Use of Object |
Date learned: 11-13-1980 ; 00001920S
GEORGIA SUPERSTITION
"IF YOU DROPPED A KNIFE ON THE FLOOR, IT MEANT
THAT A MAN WAS COMING TO SEE YOU"
Where learned: OHIO ; FLORIDA ; ALLIANCE ; EUSTIS
| Subject headings: | Observation BELIEF -- Street Trip Relations between relatives, friends, host and guest Social class Rank BELIEF -- Use of Object |
Date learned: 11-13-1980 ; 00001920S
IN DETERMINING THE SEX OF A CHILD, THE GREEKS SPRINKLE SALT ON THE
BACK OF A WOMAN'S HEAD, IF SHE SCRATCHES THE LEFT SIDE, THEN SHE
WILL HAVE A GIRL. IF SHE SCRATCHES THE RIGHT SIDE OF HER HEAD,
THEN SHE WILL HAVE A BOY.
Submitter comment: I WAS ENTHRALLED BY THIS TECHNIQUE.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
James Callow Keyword(s): POSITION DIRECTION
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Birth BELIEF -- Body part Senses BELIEF -- Mineral BELIEF -- Birth BELIEF -- Sensations and involuntary actions BELIEF -- Use of Object |
Date learned: 00-00-1980
MEANS OF PREDICTING THE FATE OF A CHILD.
THERE IS AN ANCIENT POLISH CUSTOM OF PLACING A ROSARY, A
WHISKEY GLASS, AND A SILVER DOLLAR ON A TABLE, THEN SETTING
THE NEW BABY OF THE FAMILY WITHIN REACH OF ALL THREE ITEMS.
THE OBJECT THAT THE CHILD CHOOSES WILL PREDICT HIS/HER DESTINY.
IF THE CHILD CHOOSES THE ROSARY, THEN HE/SHE WILL BE A PRIEST
OR A NUN. THE WHISKEY GLASS PREDICTS A DRUNK, AND THE SILVER DOLLAR
PREDICTS GREAT WEALTH.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Use of Object |
Date learned: 00-00-1977
TO FIND OUT IF A MUSHROOM IS POISONOUS, WHAT YOU DO IS DROP A QUARTER
IN THE WATER THAT YOU BOILED THE MUSHROOMS IN, IF IT TURNS BLACK IT
IS POISONOUS, IF IT COMES OUT SHINY, THEY ARE SAFE TO EAT.
Submitter comment:
MY GRANDFATHER TOLD THIS TO MY MOTHER WHEN SHE WAS SMALL. SHE REALLY
BELIEVED IT}
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Plant BELIEF -- Use of Object |
Date learned: 00001930S
UNWED GIRL THROWS BALL OF YARN AT MIDNIGHT THROUGH
WINDOW AND PULLS IT IN, WHOEVER IS AT THE END, IS HER
FUTURE HUSBAND.
Submitter comment: FROM NEIGHBORS.
Where learned: HOME
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Measure of time Week Day Hour BELIEF -- Marriage BELIEF -- Use of Object |
Date learned: 10-24-1967
DETERMINING THE SEX
FIRST YOU NEED A NEEDLE HANGING FROM A PIECE OF STRING.
HOLD THE STRING IN YOUR HAND WITH THE NEEDLE OVER THE
PERSON'S WRIST. IF THE NEEDLE GOES IN A CIRCLE, IT WILL
BE A GIRL, BUT IF THE NEEDLE GOES BACK AND FORTH, IT WILL
BE A BOY. IF THE CIRCLE OR BACK AND FORTH MOVEMENT IS
LARGE IT MEANS THAT IT WILL BE A BIG BABY. WHEN THE
NEEDLE COMES TO A COMPLETE STOP THAT MEANS THAT YOU
WON'T HAVE ANY MORE CHILDREN.
Submitter comment:
I HEARD THIS FROM A FRIEND. THIS WAS DONE ON A
WOMAN THAT NO ONE KNEW WHO WAS ALREADY MARRIED AND
IT REALLY WORKED.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Birth BELIEF -- Birth BELIEF -- Use of Object |
Date learned: 11-29-1967