The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

HOLIDAY DINING CUSTOM

FOR A HOLIDAY, IF AN UNEVEN GROUP OF PEOPLE SIT AT THE TABLE, YOU
SHOULD LEAVE AN EMPTY PLACE SETTING.

Submitter comment: THE ITEM WAS LEARNED IN WYANDOTTE, MICHIGAN

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT ; CAMPUS

Date learned: CA00001960S

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NEW YEAR'S DAY FOOD TRADITION

ON NEW YEAR'S DAY, THE CORN BREAD HAD WITH THE POOR BOY'S MEAL
CONTAINS A DIME WHICH WILL GIVE GOOD LUCK TO THE PERSON WHO GETS IT.

Submitter comment: ITEM WAS LEARNED IN WEST VIRGINIA ALTHOUGH COLLECTED IN DETROIT.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT ; BOTSFORD GRADE SCHOOL ; CLARENCEVILLE DISTRICT

Date learned: 11-00-1982

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MARRIAGE CUSTOM

AFTER A YOUNG COUPLE RETURNS HOME FROM THEIR HONEYMOON, THE PEOPLE
WOULD ALWAYS HAVE A "BANJO". THAT MEANS THEY WAIT UNTIL THEY ARE
SETTLED IN BED AND THEN EVERYONE MEETS AT THEIR HOUSE AND BLOWS
HORNS AND YELLS UNTIL THE BRIDE AND GROOM COME OUT AND INVITE
EVERYONE IN.

Submitter comment: ITEM WAS LEARNED IN NOVA SCOTIA ALTHOUGH COLLECTED IN DETROIT.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT ; BOTSFORD GRADE SCHOOL ; CLARENCEVILLE DISTRICT

James Callow Keyword(s): CHARIVARI ; SHIVAREE

Date learned: 11-00-1982

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JIM MORRISSON, LEADER OF THE MUSICAL GROUP "THE DOORS,"
REPORTEDLY DIED IN 1972 IN PARIS. IT IS BELIEVED BY SOME OF HIS FANS
THAT HE FAKED HIS DEATH AND IS ALIVE TO THE PRESENT DAY.
IT IS ALLEGEDLY QUITE EASY TO OBTAIN A DEATH CERTIFICATE IN
FRANCE. THE ONLY PEOPLE KNOWN TO HAVE SEEN HIS CORPSE ARE NOW
DEAD THEMSELVES. THIS IS ONLY A RUMOR. IT WILL PROBABLY
NEVER BE SOLVED SINCE IT IS DOUBTFUL THAT HIS GRAVE WILL BE
EXHUMED TO EITHER PROVE OR DISPROVE IT.
HIS REASON FOR DOING THIS IS SUPPOSED TO BE THAT HE WAS TIRED
OF THE PRESSURES OF SUPERSTARDOM AND SAW A STAGED DEATH
AS HIS ONLY MEANS OF ESCAPE.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; CLINTON TOWNSHIP

Date learned: 09-00-1982

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HERO/LEGEND BELIEF

JAMES DEAN, REPORTED TO HAVE DIED IN A CAR ACCIDENT IN 1955,
IS BELIEVED TO STILL BE ALIVE, THOUGH HORRIBLY SCARRED. TO
HIDE HIS APPEARANCE, HE IS SUPPOSED TO BE LIVING ANONYMOUSLY IN A
SANITORIUM.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; CLINTON TOWNSHIP

Date learned: 09-00-1982

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CONJURATION BELIEF

IF YOU CLOSE YOUR EYES IN A DARK ROOM, STAND IN FRONT OF A
MIRROR AND REPEAT "I BELIEVE IN BLOODY MARY" 99 TIMES AND THEN
ON THE 100TH REPETITION CHANGE THE STATEMENT TO "I DON'T BELIEVE
IN BLOODY MARY" SIMULTANEOUSLY OPENING YOUR EYES, BLOODY MARY
WILL EMERGE FROM THE MIRROR, CLAW YOUR FACE AND YOU WILL DIE OF
FRIGHT. IT IS UNKNOWN WHO BLOODY MARY IS OR WHY SHE CAN BE
CONJURED IN THIS WAY. WHEN I FIRST HEARD OF THIS I SCOFFED
AT IT, BUT I HAVE NEVER HAD THE NERVE TO TEST IT.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; CLINTON TOWNSHIP

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MEASURE OF TIME CUSTOM

WHEN YOU CAN TOUCH THE HEAD OF YOUR SHADOW WITH YOUR FOOT, IT'S
STRAIGHT UP NOON.

Submitter comment: THIS IS REPORTEDLY AN ACCURATE GUAGE.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; CLINTON TOWNSHIP

Date learned: 11-00-1982

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WATER GAME

PARTS: SEVERAL SPOONS, EGGS, PEANUTS OR CHESTNUTS, AND A WHISTLE.
NUMBER OF PLAYERS: SIX OR MORE, BUT NOT MORE THAN TWELVE.
OBJECT OF GAME: FOR ONE TEAM TO GET MORE POINTS THAN ITS OPPONENT
TEAM IN A CERTAIN AMOUNT OF TIME.
RULES: THE PLAYERS ARE DIVIDED INTO TWO TEAMS.
ONE PLAYER BESIDES THE TEAM PLAYERS IS CHOSEN AS A REFEREE. A SWIM
COACH CAN ALSO BE THE REFEREE.
THE REFEREE REMAINS OUT OF THE WATER.
THE TWO TEAMS GATHER AT ONE END OF A SWIMMING POOL.
A SPOON IS GIVEN TO EACH PLAYER.
EACH PLAYER ALSO RECEIVES SOME OBJECT.
THIS OBJECT IS USUALLY AN EGG OR A CHESTNUT.
PEANUTS HAVE BEEN USED BEFORE ALSO.
THE REFEREE TELLS THE PLAYERS WHAT STYLE SWIMMING STROKE IS TO
BE USED.
ALL OF THE PLAYERS MUST ADHERE TO THIS STYLE STROKE
WHEN PLAYING THE GAME.
THE PLAYERS LINE UP IN A READY POSITION WITH THE SPOONS IN THEIR
MOUTHS. BALANCED ON EACH SPOON IS THE OBJECT.
THE PLAYERS MUST SWIM TO THE OTHER END OF THE POOL AND BACK WITHOUT
DROPPING THE OBJECT OFF THE SPOON.
THE SIGNAL FOR THEM TO GO IS GIVEN BY THE REFEREE.
HE BLOWS A WHISTLE.
WHEN THE PLAYERS GET BACK TO THE OTHER SIDE, POINTS ARE GIVEN
TO THE TEAMS ACCORDING TO THE NUMBER OF PLAYERS WHO SUCCESSFULLY SWAM
THE LENGTH WITH THE OBJECT BALANCED ON THE SPOON IN THEIR MOUTHS.
EACH DOUBLE LENGTH SWAM IS ONE MATCH.
BOTH TEAMS PLAY A CERTAIN NUMBER OF MATCHES, THEN THE GAME IS OVER.

Submitter comment: MRS. ST. AMOUR TOOK SWIMMING LESSONS AT THE DETROIT ATHLETIC CLUB
DURING HER 7, 8, AND 9 GRADE YEARS IN GRADE SCHOOL.
AT THAT TIME SPECIAL PERMISSION HAD TO BE OBTAINED FROM THE SCHOOL
PRINCIPLE.
HER SWIM COACH WAS THE, NOW NATIONALY KNOWN, MATT MANN.
BESIDES LESSONS AND SPORTS, THE STUDENTS HAD FREE TIME TO SWIM,
THIS WAS KNOWN AS OPEN SWIM.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; BLOOMFIELD HILLS

Date learned: 12-03-1982

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AUTHOR

MRS. ST. AMOUR'S MOTHER'S FIRST COUSIN WAS WALTER WHITMAN, THE
FAMOUS POET.
HE LIVED IN THE EAST. CONNECTICUT WAS HIS HOME STATE.

Submitter comment: ALSO THE ST. AMOUR FAMILY SAY POEMS AT THE DINNER TABLE
ON SPECIAL OCCASIONS. THEY HOLD HANDS AT THANKSGIVING DINNER

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; BLOOMFIELD HILLS

Date learned: 12-03-1982

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HOME MADE CHILDREN'S TOY

THE GERMAN JUMPER IS A TOY OFTEN USED ON THE HILLS OF PENNSYLVANIA.
IT IS A WINTER TOY TYPE SLED.
MRS. KEHOE'S FATHER MADE HER A GERMAN JUMPER WHEN SHE WAS TEN
YEARS OLD.
TO MAKE A GERMAN JUMPER, TAKE A FLAT PIECE OF ONE BY EIGHT
INCH WOOD THREE FEET LONG.
NAIL AN EIGHTEEN-INCH PIECE OF TWO BY FOUR WOOD TO IT IN THE VERY
CENTER TO FORM A " T ".
THEN TAKE A PIECE OF FOUR INCH WIDE METAL, ONE QUARTER OF AN INCH
THICK
AND NAIL IT TO THE TWO BY FOUR AT THE ONLY OPEN END.
THEN NAIL THE OTHER PIECE OF THE METAL TO THE END OF THE ONE
BY EIGHT PIECE OF WOOD.
THE METAL SKI WILL BE FLEXIBLE, MAKING HALF OF A CIRCLE ON ONE
SIDE OF THE " T ".
YOU NOW HAVE A HOME MADE GERMAN JUMPER. A LITTLE SANDING
AND PAINTING WILL MAKE THE TOY MORE ATTRACTIVE AND PRESERVE IT
AGAINST THE ELEMENTS.

Submitter comment: THE CHILD SITS ON THE END OF THE ONE BY EIGHT WITH THE METAL SKI
NAILED TO IT.
THE CHILD STEERS DOWN THE SNOW HILL WITH HIS LEGS ON EACH SIDE
OF THE JUMPER.
HE HOLDS ON TO THE OPEN END OF THE ONE BY EIGHT FOR STABILITY.
IT MIGHT BE WISE TO NAIL A SMALL HANDLE TO THE OPEN END BUT IT IS
NOT NEEDED.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; BLOOMFIELD HILLS

Date learned: 12-03-1982

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LEGENDS, EVENTS AND BELIEFS ABOUT ELVES.

IT IS KNOWN THAT ELVES ARE ABLE TO BE FOUND MORE READILY IN LATE
MAY OR EARLY JUNE, THAN ANY OTHER TIME OF THE YEAR.
IT IS KNOWN THAT CERTAIN ELVES, WOOD ELVES, ARE GENERALLY FOUND
IN THE WOODS AND VALLEYS.
WOOD ELVES ARE MORE EASILY SEEN IN THE EVENING HOURS AS THE
STARS JUST BEGIN TO EMERGE IN THEIR SPLENDOR.
IT HAS BEEN FOUND THAT ELVES STAY VERY HIDDEN AND ARE VIRTUALLY
SOUNDLESS IN THEIR MOVEMENTS AND SPEECH WHILE OUT OF DOORS.
IT HAS BEEN FOUND THAT ELVES WOULD PREFER TO SING BALLADS, EVENTS OR
LEGENDS RATHER THAN JUST SINGING AS A FORM OF COMMUNICATION.
IT HAS LONG BEEN KNOWN THAT ELVES ARE NOT ALL THE SAME AS A GROUP.
IN FACT SOME ELVES, SEA ELVES, PREFER TO STAY IN SAILING SHIPS
AND OTHER LARGE VESSELS WHILE PATROLLING THE SEA RATHER THAN WALK
AROUND ON LAND.
SOME ELVES WILL ONLY LIVE ON ISLANDS WHILE OTHER GROUPS WILL ONLY
DWELL IN THE MAIN LANDS.
ELVES AS A GENERAL GROUP OR CLASS OF CREATURES HAVE DIFFERENT
LEVELS OF CLASSIFICATIONS.
THERE ARE KNOWN FOR EXAMPLE TO BE HIGH ELVES AND LOW ELVES.
A UNIQUE AND KNOWN FACT ABOUT ELVES IS THAT THEY HAVE AN UNCANNY
ABILITY TO WALK VERY GENTLY AND LIGHT FOOTEDLY THROUGH THE LAND.
IN FACT SOME PEOPLE HAVE FOUND THAT ELVES HAVE WALKED IN LARGE GROUPS
RIGHT PAST THEM IN THE FALL WHEN LEAVES ARE EVERYWHERE,
WITHOUT A SOUND OF THEIR PRESENCE EVEN KNOWN.
OTHER ELVES HAVE BEEN REPORTED TO WALK ON TOP OF SNOW WITH-
OUT LEAVING A TRACE OF THIN FOOTSTEPS.
ELVES OF COURSE ALWAYS WALK BARE FOOTED.
ELVES HAVE A DEFINITE SPIRITUAL SIDE TO THEIR GENDER.
IT IS KNOWN THAT ELVES CANNOT REALLY DIE, BUT RATHER PASS ON TO
ANOTHER AND FAR GREATER LAND OF EXISTENCE.
ALONG THESE SAME LINES, ELVES HAVE THE DEFINITE ABILITY TO
PICK UP INFORMATION CONCERNING PRESENT AS WELL AS PAST EVENTS.
ELVES PICK UP THIS INFORMATION FROM SUCH OBJECTS AS TREES, SMALL
FURRY ANIMALS, ROCKS, STREAMS, THE OCEANS AND OTHER THINGS.
THE ELVES SPEAK A CERTAIN ELVIN LANGUAGE TO THESE OBJECTS, THAT
ONLY THE OBJECTS AND THE ELVES KNOW HOW TO SPEAK.

Submitter comment: MY INFORMANT SEEMS TO BE BELIEVABLE.
HE SEEMS TO KNOW MUCH MORE THAN HE WILL TELL.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

Date learned: 12-03-1982

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BLOOD ON THE RISERS

HE WAS JUST A ROOKIE TROOPER,
AND HE SURELY SHOOK WITH FRIGHT.
HE CHECKED OFF HIS EQUIPMENT,
AND MADE SURE HIS PACK WAS TIGHT.
HE HAD TO SIT AND LISTEN TO THOSE
AWFUL ENGINES ROAR.
AND HE AIN'T GONNA JUMP NO MORE. MM
(CHORUS) GORY, GORY WHAT A HELLUVA WAY TO DIE.
GORY, GORY WHAT A HELLUVA WAY TO DIE.
GORY, GORY WHAT A HELLUVA WAY TO DIE.
AND HE AIN'T GONNA JUMP NO MORE. MM
IS EVERYBODY HAPPY,
CRIED THE SERGEANT LOOKING UP?
OUR HERO FEEBLY ANSWERED, YES,
AND THEN THEY STOOD HIM UP.
HE JUMPED INTO THE ICY BLAST,
HIS STATIC LINE UNHOOKED.
AND HE AIN'T GONNA JUMP NO MORE. MM
(CHORUS) MM
HE COUNTED LOUD, HE COUNTED LONG,
HE WAITED FOR THE SHOCK.
HE FELT THE WIND, HE FELT THE COLD,
HE FELT THE AWFUL DROP.
HE JERKED THE CORD, THE SILK SPILLED OUT,
AND WRAPPED AROUND HIS LEGS.
AND HE AIN'T GONNA JUMP NO MORE. MM
(CHORUS) MM
THE RISERS SWUNG AROUND HIS NECK,
CONNECTORS CRACKED HIS DOME.
SUSPENSION LINES WERE TIED IN KNOTS,
AROUND HIS SKINNY BONES.
HIS CANOPY BECAME HIS SHROUD,
AND HE HURLED INTO THE EARTH.
AND HE AIN'T GONNA JUMP NO MORE. MM
(CHORUS) MM
THE DAYS HE LIVED AND LOVED AND LAUGHED,
KEPT RUNNING THROUGH HIS MIND.
HE THOUGHT ABOUT THE GIRLS BACK HOME,
THE ONES HE LEFT BEHIND.
HE THOUGHT ABOUT THE MEDICS,
AND HE WONDERED WHAT THEY'D FIND.
AND HE AIN'T GONNA JUMP NO MORE. MM
(CHORUS) MM
THE AMBULANCE WAS ON THE SPOT.
THE JEEPS WERE RUNNING WILD.
THE MEDICS JUMPED AND SCREAMED WITH GLEE,
AND ROLLED THEIR SLEEVES AND SMILED.
FOR IT HAD BEEN A WEEK OR SO
SINCE LAST A CHUTE HAD FAILED.
AND HE AIN'T GONNA JUMP NO MORE. MM
(CHORUS) MM
HE HIT THE GROUND, THE SOUND WAS SPLAT.
HIS BLOOD WENT SPURTING HIGH.
HIS COMRADES THEN WERE HEARD TO SAY,
WHAT A HELLUVA WAY TO DIE.
HE LAY THERE ROLLING TO AND FRO,
IN THE WELTER OF HIS GORE.
AND HE AIN'T GONNA JUMP NO MORE. MM
(CHORUS) MM
THERE WAS BLOOD UPON THE RISERS.
THERE WAS BRAIN UPON THE CHUTE.
INTESTINES WERE A'DANGLIN' FROM
THIS PARATROOPER'S BOOTS.
THEY PICKED HIM UP STILL IN THE CHUTE,
AND POURED HIM FROM HIS BOOTS.
AND HE AIN'T GONNA JUMP NO MORE. MM
(CHORUS)

Submitter comment: THIS IS A MARCHING CADENCE SUNG TO THE TUNE
OF "BATTLE HYMN OF THE REPUBLIC." UNITED
STATES ARMY AIRBORNE SCHOOL IS A THREE-WEEK
COURSE OF INSTRUCTION AT FORT BENNING,
GEORGIA. THE FIRST TWO WEEKS OF INSTRUCTION
CONSIST OF GROUND AND TOWER TRAINING. THE
THIRD WEEK CONSISTS ENTIRELY OF SUCCESSFULLY
COMPLETING FIVE PARACHUTE JUMPS FROM AN AIRCRAFT
IN FLIGHT. AFTER SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF
GROUND AND TOWER TRAINING, BUT PRIOR TO JUMP
WEEK, "BLOOD ON THE RISERS" RECORDINGS ARE
PLAYED ON LOUDSPEAKERS THROUGHOUT THE STUDENT
COMPANY AREA AS A FORM OF GOOD-NATURED INTIMIDATION
BY THE CADRE.
"RISERS" REFERS TO HEAVY NYLON STRAPS WHICH
EXTEND FROM THE PARACHUTE HARNESS TO THE SUSPENSION
LINES. "STATIC LINE" IS A CORD WHICH IS SNAPPED
TO A WIRE RUNNING THE LENGTH OF THE INTERIOR OF
THE AIRCRAFT, AND WHICH OPENS THE CHUTE
AUTOMATICALLY AS THE JUMPER EXITS THE AIRCRAFT.
THE "COUNT" REFERS TO THE JUMPER'S SILENTLY
COUNTING TO FOUR AND AWAITING THE OPENING SHOCK
OF THE PARACHUTE, LETTING HIM KNOW THAT THE
PARACHUTE HAS DEPLOYED SAFELY. THE "CONNECTORS"
ARE HEAVY ALUMINUM CLIPS WHICH ATTACH THE RISERS
SECURELY TO THE PARACHUTE HARNESS AT CHEST LEVEL.
"SUSPENSION LINES" ARE THE SEVERAL NARROW NYLON
CORDS WHICH RUN FROM THE RISERS TO THE EDGE OF
THE PARACHUTE CANOPY.
THE SONG IS SUNG BY THE STUDENT COMPANY
AT THE GRADUATION CEREMONY AS THE PARACHUTIST
WINGS ARE PINNED ON AFTER THE FIFTH QUALIFYING
JUMP.

Where learned: GEORGIA ; FORT BENNING

James Callow Keyword(s): INITIAL ITERATION (STANZA 3). ; MEDIAL ITERATION (STANZA 3).

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C-130

C-130 ROLLING DOWN THE STRIP.
AIRBORNE DADDY'S GONNA TAKE A LITTLE TRIP.
STAND-UP, HOOK-UP, SHUFFLE TO THE DOOR.
JUMP RIGHT OUT AND COUNT TO FOUR.
BUT IF MY MAIN DON'T OPEN WIDE.
I'VE GOT ANOTHER ONE BY MY SIDE.
AND IF THAT ONE SHOULD FAIL ME TOO.
LOOK OUT GROUND, I'M COMING THROUGH. MM
RUCKSACK, JUMP BOOTS, AND MY M-16.
THAT'S ALL THAT'S GOING ON THE JUMP WITH ME.
GONNA SLIP TO THE RIGHT, AND SLIP TO THE LEFT,
SLIP RIGHT ON DOWN TO THE PLF.
AND IF I DIE ON THE OLD DROP ZONE,
BOX ME UP AND SHIP ME HOME.
THEN TELL MY GIRL I DID MY BEST,
AND BURY ME IN THE LEANING REST. MM
DRESS ME UP IN MY DRESS BLUES,
SPIT-SHINED JUMP BOOTS, NO STRAIGHT LEG SHOES.
PIN MY WINGS UPON MY CHEST,
TELL MY MOM I DID MY BEST.
C-130 ROLLING DOWN THE STRIP.
SIXTY-FOUR RANGERS ON A ONE-WAY TRIP.
MISSION'S A SECRET, DESTINATION UNKNOWN.
THEY DON'T KNOW IF THEY'LL EVER COME HOME. MM
I'VE GOT 700 ROUNDS FOR MY M-16,
BAYONET SHARP, DISPOSITION MEAN.
RUSSIANS ARE WOOSIES, GONNA GET ME SOME.
SO LOOK OUT RUSSIA 'CAUSE HERE I COME.
COON SKIN AND AN ALLIGATOR HIDE,
MAKE A PAIR OF JUMP BOOTS, JUST MY SIZE.
TAKE 'EM OUTTA THE BOX, AND SLIP 'EM ON MY FEET.
A NEW PAIR OF JUMP BOOTS CAN'T BE BEAT.

Submitter comment: THIS IS A MARCHING CADENCE WHICH IS EXTREMELY
POPULAR AT ARMY TRAINING CAMPS. "C-130" IS A
LARGE, FOUR-ENGINED, PROPELLOR-DRIVEN CARGO
AIRCRAFT WHICH IS ALSO USED TO DROP A MAXIMUM OF
SIXTY-FOUR COMBAT-EQUIPPED PARACHUTISTS. "HOOK-
UP" MEANS ATTACHING THE STATIC LINE (WHICH PULLS
THE PARACHUTE OPEN AUTOMATICALLY UPON EXITING
THE AIRCRAFT) TO A CABLE RUNNING THE LENGTH OF
THE AIRCRAFT INTERIOR. "SHUFFLE TO THE DOOR"
REFERS TO A METHOD BY WHICH PARACHUTISTS MOVE
ABOUT INSIDE AN AIRCRAFT IN FLIGHT. IT INVOLVES
LIFTING ONE KNEE VERY HIGH AND ALTERNATELY
BRINGING THE OTHER LEG ALONGSIDE WHILE MOVING
TOWARD THE DOOR IN A STOMPING MOTION. THIS
WALKING ACTION MINIMIZES THE CHANCE OF STUMBLING
ON ANY PROTRUSION ALONG THE FLOOR OF THE AIRCRAFT.
"MAIN" INDICATES THE MAIN PARACHUTE WHICH IS
LOCATED ON THE JUMPER'S BACK. IN CASE OF
MALFUNCTION, THE PARACHUTIST HAS A RESERVE
CHUTE AT STOMACH LEVEL. "M-16" IS THE STANDARD-
ISSUE INFANTRY RIFLE. "SLIP" REFERS TO A METHOD
OF CONTROLLING THE LATERAL MOVEMENT OF THE
PARACHUTE DURING DESCENT. THE "PLF" IS THE
PARACHUTE LANDING FALL, I.E., A DRILLED METHOD OF
LANDING SAFELY BY MAKING FIVE POINTS OF BODY
CONTACT WITH THE GROUND IN SUCCESSION. "LEANING
REST" IS THE STARTING POSITION FOR THE FOUR
COUNT PUSHUP; A POPULAR EXERCISE DURING PARACHUTE
TRAINING. "STRAIGHT LEG SHOES" -- AIRBORNE
QUALIFIED PERSONNEL REFER TO NON-JUMPERS AS
"STRAIGHT LEGS." THE NAME IS CONSIDERED
DEROGATORY. IT REFERS TO THE STRAIGHT LINE
OF THEIR TROUSERS, AS AIRBORNE PERSONNEL WEAR
THEIR TROUSERS BLOUSED INSIDE THEIR BOOTS.

Where learned: KENTUCKY ; FORT KNOX

James Callow Keyword(s): APOSTROPHE TO THE GROUND (STANZA 1). ; BURIAL INSTRUCTIONS

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DUNKING DAYS

CHILDREN IN PENNSYLVANIA CELEBRATE DUNKING
DAYS ON TWO CONSECUTIVE SUNDAYS IN MAY OR JUNE
AROUND WHITSUNDAY. ON THE FIRST SUNDAY, THE
BOYS ATTEMPT TO WET THE GIRLS WITH WATER. ON
THE FOLLOWING SUNDAY, THE GIRLS ATTEMPT TO WET
THE BOYS. I DON'T KNOW WHEN I FIRST HEARD ABOUT
THIS CUSTOM, BUT MY MOTHER TOLD ME THAT SHE CELEBRATED
DUNKING DAYS IN DUQUESNE, PENNSYLVANIA AROUND 1945.

Submitter comment: THE INFORMANT ADVISES THAT HER MOTHER'S NAME IS
MARY MORSILLO GINGERICH, BORN OCTOBER 3, 1937,
FARRELL, PENNSYLVANIA.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; ROYAL OAK

James Callow Keyword(s): SEXISM

Date learned: 09-00-1982

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FASCHNACHT DAY

ON THE DAY BEFORE ASH WEDNESDAY, THE CHILDREN
OF LEWISTOWN, PENNSYLVANIA WOULD BRING DOUGHNUTS
TO THEIR SCHOOLROOM EARLY, BEFORE THEIR TEACHER
ARRIVED. WHEN THEIR TEACHER SHOWED UP, THEY
WOULD LOCK HIM, OR HER, OUT OF THE ROOM, EAT THE
DOUGHNUTS, AND REMAIN LOCKED IN THE CLASSROOM
UNTIL THE TEACHER FINALLY LEFT. WHEN THEY WERE
SURE THAT THE TEACHER HAD GONE, THE CHILDREN WENT
HOME FOR THE DAY.

Submitter comment: THE INFORMANT CANNOT RECALL THE DATE THAT HER
FATHER TOLD HER THE STORY. HER FATHER'S NAME
IS MARTIN GINGERICH, BORN MAY 24, 1933, LEWISTOWN,
PENNSYLVANIA. HER FATHER REMEMBERS THIS CUSTOM
FROM LEWISTOWN, PENNSYLVANIA AROUND 1942. THOUGH
HE BELIEVES THAT IT BEGAN AS A PENNSYLVANIA DUTCH
CUSTOM, ALL CHILDREN PARTICIPATED.
THE INFORMANT CELEBRATED FASCHNACHT IN ANN ARBOR,
MICHIGAN IN 1982 BY BAKING SEVERAL BATCHES OF DOUGHNUTS
AND EATING THEM ON THE SAME DAY.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; ROYAL OAK

James Callow Keyword(s): LOCK-OUT ; THE LOCK OUT

Date learned: 09-00-1982

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MILITARY CADENCE

AROUND HER HAIR SHE WORE A YELLOW RIBBON.
(TROOPS ECHO)
SHE WORE IT IN THE SPRINGTIME, IN THE MERRY MONTH OF MAY.
(ECHO)
AND IF YOU ASKED HER WHY THE HELL SHE WORE IT.
(ECHO)
SHE WORE IT FOR HER SOLDIER, WHO WAS FAR, FAR AWAY.
(ECHO) MM
(CHORUS) FAR AWAY.
(ECHO)
FAR AWAY.
(ECHO)
(SUNG BY ALL) SHE WORE IT FOR HER SOLDIER WHO WAS FAR, FAR
AWAY. MM
AROUND THE PARK SHE PUSHED A BABY CARRIAGE.
(ECHO)
SHE PUSHED IT IN THE SPRINGTIME, IN THE MERRY MONTH OF MAY.
(ECHO)
AND IF YOU ASKED HER WHY THE HELL SHE PUSHED IT.
(ECHO)
SHE PUSHED IT FOR HER SOLDIER, WHO WAS FAR, FAR AWAY.
(ECHO) MM
(CHORUS) FAR AWAY.
(ECHO)
FAR AWAY.
(ECHO)
(SUNG BY ALL) SHE PUSHED IT FOR HER SOLDIER, WHO WAS FAR,
FAR AWAY. MM
BEHIND THE DOOR HER FATHER KEPT A SHOTGUN.
(ECHO)
HE KEPT IT IN THE SPRINGTIME, IN THE MERRY MONTH OF MAY.
(ECHO)
AND IF YOU ASKED HIM WHY THE HELL HE KEPT IT.
(ECHO)
HE KEPT IT FOR THAT SOLDIER, WHO WAS FAR, FAR AWAY.
(ECHO) MM
(CHORUS) FAR AWAY.
(ECHO)
FAR AWAY.
(ECHO)
(SUNG BY ALL) HE KEPT IT FOR THAT SOLDIER, WHO WAS FAR,
FAR AWAY. MM
DOWN AT KNOX THERE LIVES A PROUD SOLDIER.
(ECHO)
HE LIVES THERE IN THE SPRINGTIME, IN THE MERRY MONTH OF MAY.
(ECHO)
AND IF YOU ASK HIM WHY THE HELL HE LIVES THERE.
(ECHO)
HE LIVES THERE 'CAUSE THAT SHOTGUN IS SO FAR, FAR AWAY.
(ECHO) MM
(CHORUS) FAR AWAY.
(ECHO)
FAR AWAY.
(ECHO)
(SUNG BY ALL) HE LIVES THERE 'CAUSE THAT SHOTGUN IS SO FAR,
FAR AWAY.
(ECHO)

Submitter comment: THIS IS A MARCHING CADENCE THAT I HEARD OFTEN DURING BASIC
TRAINING AT FORT KNOX, KENTUCKY IN 1980. THE CADENCE
IS, OF COURSE, INITIATED BY THE DRILL SERGEANT, AND ECHOED
BY THE TROOPS. THE TRADITIONAL IDEA IS THAT A RECRUIT IS
IN THE SERVICE IN ORDER TO ESCAPE FROM TROUBLE "BACK HOME."
THUS, ONE HAS BEEN FORCED INTO THE ARMY BY A STERN JUDGE,
OR BY WOMAN TROUBLES, OR IN THIS CASE BY THE NOT-TOO-
UNDERSTANDING FATHER OF A TOO-TRUSTING DAUGHTER. AND WHILE
CADENCES DECLARING SUCH MACHISMO STILL EXIST IN THE MILITARY,
ENLIGHTENED ATTITUDES TOWARD WOMEN SEEM TO BE HASTENING THE
DEMISE OF SUCH SONGS.

Where learned: KENTUCKY ; FORT KNOX

Date learned: 08-00-1980

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RURAL BLACK CHRISTMAS CUSTOM

IN LOUISVILLE, MISSISSIPPI, DURING THE 1930'S, IT WAS
COMMONPLACE TO VISIT ONE'S FRIENDS ON CHRISTMAS DAY. UPON
FIRST SEEING THE FRIEND, WE BOTH WOULD ATTEMPT TO SAY
"CHRISTMAS GIVE" FIRST. BOTH CHILDREN AND ADULTS DID THIS.
THE LOSER HAD TO GIVE SOME SMALL GIFT TO THE WINNER.
ADULTS MIGHT RECEIVE A DRINK; CHILDREN PERHAPS CANDY. THE
IDEA WAS TO SURPRISE THE OTHER PARTY SO SOMETIMES ONE
MIGHT HAVE TO HIDE AND JUMP OUT AT THE OTHER WHILE SHOUTING
"CHRISTMAS GIVE."
YOU KNOW, THIS WAS DURING THE DEPRESSION SO WE DIDN'T
HAVE TOO MUCH TO GIVE EVEN TO FAMILY. THERE SEEMED TO BE
SOME SENSE OF COMMUNITY PRESENT SO THAT WE JUST NATURALLY
SHARED WITH OUR NEIGHBORS. ONCE WE MOVED NORTH, AFTER
THE WAR, I NEVER HEARD OF IT AGAIN.

Submitter comment: MY FATHER'S (THE INFORMANT) FAMILY WAS RELATIVELY WELL-OFF
DURING THE DEPRESSION. HIS FATHER WORKED AS A FIREMAN FOR
THE RAILROAD AND MADE ENOUGH SO THAT THE FAMILY OWNED
THEIR FARMLAND. HIS "NOT TOO MUCH TO GIVE" WAS SOMEWHAT
MORE THAN THE AVERAGE DEPRESSION ERA RURAL BLACK FAMILY
COULD AFFORD.
THE INFORMANT LIVED IN LOUISVILLE, MISSISSIPPI UNTIL
BEING SENT OVERSEAS IN WORLD WAR II. THE FAMILY MOVED NORTH
DURING THE WAR. THE INFORMANT CAME TO DETROIT AFTER THE
WAR AND HAS LIVED IN DETROIT SINCE THEN.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

Date learned: 09-00-1982

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RURAL BLACK BAD LUCK OMEN

BLACK CHILDREN IN LOUISVILLE, MISSISSIPPI THOUGHT THAT
STEPPING ON SOMEONE'S HEEL WOULD BRING THAT PERSON BAD LUCK.
THE BAD LUCK COULD ONLY BE REMOVED BY STRIKING THE VICTIM
ON THE BACK THREE TIMES. NOW IT HAD TO BE THE SAME PERSON
WHO HAD STEPPED ON HIS HEEL TO BEGIN WITH. SOMETIMES WE
WOULD MAKE A GAME OF IT BY REFUSING TO STRIKE THE VICTIM'S
BACK. NATURALLY, A CHASE WOULD DEVELOP, USUALLY ENDING
ONLY AFTER THE VICTIM HAD THE CURSE REMOVED. WE DIDN'T
REALLY BELIEVE IN BAD LUCK, EVEN AS KIDS, BUT WE LIKED TO
MAKE A GAME OF IT. FREQUENTLY, WE WOULD STEP ON A BUDDY'S
HEEL AND REFUSE TO REMOVE THE CURSE JUST FOR THE FUN OF THE
CHASE, OR THE WRESTLING MATCH, OR THE MOCK-FIGHT.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

Date learned: 09-00-1982

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GHOST LEGEND

IN 1949 I WENT TO AMORY, MISSISSIPPI TO VISIT FRIENDS. THE
LOCAL TOWNSPEOPLE WERE TELLING A STORY AMONG THEMSELVES
ABOUT A FAMILY, THE HAMPTONS, WHO LIVED IN TOWN. NOW,
AT THAT TIME, THERE WERE ONLY 3000-4000 PEOPLE LIVING
IN AMORY, SO THIS KIND OF STORY SPREAD PRETTY FAST.
IT SEEMS THAT MR. HAMPTON HAD DIED OF NATURAL CAUSES
IN 1943 WHEN HIS ONLY DAUGHTER WAS 10 YEARS OLD. IN 1949,
WHEN SHE WAS 16, IT WAS SAID THAT SHE BEGAN TO SEE HER
FATHER'S GHOST WAITING FOR HER AT THE FRONT GATE OF THE
FAMILY HOME WHENEVER SHE WENT OUT ALONE AT NIGHT. THE
SPIRIT WAS WAITING FOR HER TO RETURN SAFELY. THE GHOST
WOULD ONLY APPEAR WHEN SHE WAS ALONE AND WOULD QUICKLY
DISAPPEAR IF SHE TRIED TO APPROACH IT. HE NEVER ONCE SAID
ANYTHING. WHEN THE GIRL WAS SAFELY INSIDE THE HOUSE, THE
SPIRIT WOULD GO AWAY SATISFIED, ONLY TO REAPPEAR WHENEVER
SHE VENTURED OUT ALONE.

Submitter comment: THE INFORMANT LIVED IN LOUISVILLE, MISSISSIPPI FROM 1925
UNTIL THE FAMILY MOVED TO DETROIT DURING WORLD WAR II.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

Date learned: 11-00-1982

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FRENCH NEW YEAR'S CUSTOM

ON THE EVE OF NEW YEAR'S, AT THE STROKE OF MIDNIGHT, THE
CHILDREN KNEEL BEFORE THEIR PARENTS AND ASK TO BE
FORGIVEN ANY WRONGS THEY HAVE COMMITTED DURING THE YEAR.
THEN THEY ASK FOR THEIR PARENT'S BLESSING. THE PARENTS
PLACED THEIR HANDS ON EACH CHILD'S HEAD TO BLESS THEM.
THE CHILD ROSE AND KISSED THE PARENTS.

Where learned: CANADA ; ONTARIO ; WINDSOR

Date learned: 00-00-1935

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