Dr. James T. Callow publications
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The James T. Callow Folklore Archive
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UKRAINIAN ORTHODOX FUNERAL CUSTOM
FORTY DAYS AFTER THE DEATH OF A FAMILY MEMBER, SOME
UKRAINIAN ORTHODOX FAMILIES PREPARE A TRADITIONAL MEAL.
FOR EACH INVITED GUEST, A SMALL, ROUND BREAD CALLED A
PASKA IS BAKED. A CANDLE IS PLACED IN THE CENTER OF THE
BREAD. THE FORTY DAYS AND THE CANDLE BOTH ARE SYMBOLIC
OF CHRIST AND HIS ASCENSION INTO HEAVEN FORTY DAYS AFTER
EASTER.
Submitter comment:
MANY BYZANTINE RITE CATHOLICS ARE BEGINNING TO CELEBRATE
THE FORTY DAY ANNIVERSARY WITH A MASS FOR THE DECEASED.
Where learned: CANADA ; ALBERTA ; WILLINGDON
Keyword(s): SYMBOLS
SIGN OF THE CROSS
MANY UKRAINIAN WOMEN OFTEN USE THE SIGN OF THE CROSS IN
CONNECTION WITH FOOD. THEY MAKE THE SIGN OVER THE LOAVES
OF BREAD BEFORE PUTTING THEM INTO THE OVEN FOR BAKING.
MANY WOMEN ALSO MAKE THE SIGN ON THE BOTTOM OF A LOAF OF
BREAD BEFORE BEGINNING TO SLICE IT. THE UKRAINIANS DEPENDED
ON BREAD AS A MAIN PART OF THEIR DAILY FOOD. SINCE UKRAINE
WAS THE BREADBASKET OF EUROPE, THEIR GRATITUDE AND THEIR
ACCEPTANCE OF THIS PLENTY WAS EXPRESSED THROUGH THIS SIMPLE
RELIGIOUS GESTURE OF ACKNOWLEDGING THE UNIVERSAL PROVIDER.
Submitter comment:
I HAVE NEVER SEEN MY MOTHER SLICE A LOAF OF BREAD WITHOUT
MAKING A SIGN OF THE CROSS OVER THE BOTTOM OF THE LOAF.
Where learned: NEW YORK ; ROCHESTER
| Subject headings: | Favorites BELIEF -- Sign Geometric figure Cross and its various modifications SPEECH -- Gesture SPEECH -- Religious |
Date learned: 00001950S
FEAST OF THE EXALTATION OF THE HOLY CROSS-SEPTEMBER 14
UKRAINIANS OF THE BYZANTINE RITE VENERATE THE CROSS IN A
SPECIAL MANNER ON THIS DAY. FLOWERS, USUALLY RED ROSES OR
CARNATIONS ARE ARRANGED ON A WIRE BACKING. THE CROSS IS THEN
PLACED ON TOP OF THE FLORAL ARRANGEMENT WITH A CHALICE PATEN
UNDER IT. A RED MATERIAL, SOMETIMES A PART OF THE PRIEST'S
VESTMENT, IS TIED AROUND THE BOTTOM OF THE CROSS AND THE STEMS
OF THE FLOWERS. IT IS CARRIED AROUND THE ALTAR BY THE PRIEST
BEFORE THE FIRST MASS OF THE DAY. THEN IT IS PLACED ON A
PILLOW ON THE TETRAPOD, A SMALL TABLE IN THE FRONT CENTER OF
THE CHURCH. THE CROSS AND THE FLORAL ARRANGEMENT UNDER IT
REMAIN THERE FOR A WEEK FOR VENERATION BY THE FAITHFUL. THE
CROSS IS KISSED UPON ENTERING AND EXITING THE CHURCH. AFTER
EACH SERVICE THE CONGREGATION SINGS THREE TIMES THE PHRASE
O LORD, WE ADORE THY CROSS AND GLORIFY THY HOLY RESURRECTION.
AFTER EACH SINGING, A PROFOUND BOW IS MADE BY THE PEOPLE.
MANY OF OUR OLDER WOMEN CONSIDER THE DEAD FLOWERS TO BE A
SACRAMENTAL AND ASK TO TAKE THEM HOME WHEN THE ARRANGEMENT
IS TAKEN APART. SOME KEEP THEM ON DRESSERS, IN PRAYER BOOKS,
AND IN THEIR BIBLES.
Submitter comment:
THE UKRAINIANS ALSO VENERATE THE CROSS IN A SIMILAR MANNER
ON THE THIRD SUNDAY OF LENT.
Where learned: NEW YORK ; ROCHESTER
Keyword(s): FLOWERS
| Subject headings: | 663 Lent 686 Thirds / Thrice / Three / Triple Favorites CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- September 14 CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Church CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Measure of time Week Day Hour BELIEF -- Plant SPEECH -- Religious |
Date learned: 00001950S
METONU-A PICTURE CARD GAME IN UKRAINIAN
THIS PARTICULAR CARD GAME IS ONLY PLAYED THE WEEK BEFORE
LENT. THE CARDS CONTAIN NUMBERS AND PICTURES OF PEOPLE,
FOOD AND ANIMALS. SOME ITEMS ON THE CARDS ARE A JEWISH MAN,
A POLICEMAN, A ROBBER, GARLIC, ONIONS, CARROTS, A PIG,
AND A PORCUPINE. THE PLAYERS HAD TO KNOW THE NAMES OF THE
PICTURES IN UKRAINIAN AND HAD TO MATCH THE CARDS ACCORDING
TO USE, RELATIONSHIP OR ASSOCIATION. ONE MATCH COULD BE
THE POLICEMAN CATCHES THE ROBBER. ALL THE CARDS ARE DEALT
TO THE PLAYERS. ANY MATCHES IN THEIR HAND WERE LAID OUT ON
THE TABLE. THE REMAINING CARDS HAD TO BE MATCHED BY TAKING
A CARD FROM THE PLAYER ON THE RIGHT. CERTAIN CARDS HAD A
PENALTY. IF YOU PICKED THAT CARD YOU HAD TO GIVE THE PLAYER
ONE OF THE THREE BEANS EACH PLAYER RECEIVED AT THE START.
IF YOU LOST ALL THREE BEANS, YOU WERE OUT AND YOUR CARDS
WERE RETURNED TO THE DECK. THE PLAYER HAVING THE MOST
BEANS WON THE GAME.
Submitter comment:
THIS CARD GAME IS NOT PLAYED BY THE UKRAINIAN LAY PEOPLE.
ONLY UKRAINIAN RELIGIOUS COMMUNITIES OF PRIESTS AND OF
SISTERS STILL PLAY METONU BOTH IN CANADA AND THE UNITED
STATES.
Where learned: CANADA ; ALBERTA ; MUNDARE
| Subject headings: | Favorites Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Special Object or Implement CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Spring Planting Pre Lent |
Date learned: 00001940S
FEAST OF ST. GEORGE-APRIL 23 BYZANTINE RITE
THE USUAL PICTURE OF ST. GEORGE HAS HIM PICTURED ON A
HORSE, WITH A SPEAR IN HIS HAND. HE IS KILLING A DRAGON
WHICH IS SYMBOLIC OF PAGANISM. THE DEW OF THE FEAST DAY
IS CONSIDERED MIRACULOUS AND IF GATHERED BEFORE SUNRISE,
IT SHOULD HEAL ANY DISEASE OF THE EYES. ANOTHER COMMON
EVENT FOR THE DAY IS A PROCESSION AROUND THE FIELD WITH
RELIGIOUS SERVICES. THE PRAYERS ARE PETITIONS FOR A GOOD
HARVEST. ALSO ON THIS DAY, YOUNG GIRLS TRY TO PREDICT THEIR
MARRIAGE DATE. THEY ASK THE CUCKOO HOW LONG BEFORE THEY WILL
MARRY. IF THE CUCKOO STOPS COOING AT THE END OF THE QUESTION
SHE WILL MARRY BEFORE THE END OF THE YEAR. IF IT BEGINS
COOING, THE NUMBER OF TIMES IT SINGS WILL BE THE NUMBER OF
YEARS BEFORE HER MARRIAGE.
Submitter comment:
SOME OF THESE CUSTOMS ARE BEGINNING TO DIMINISH IN THE
UNITED STATES.
Where learned: NEW YORK ; ROCHESTER
Keyword(s): ANIMALS
| Subject headings: | Observation Favorites CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- April 23 CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Typical Elements of a Festive Pattern BELIEF -- Bird BELIEF -- Marriage BELIEF -- Measure of time Year BELIEF -- Measure of time WeekDayHour BELIEF -- Prayer BELIEF -- Number Counting beliefs BELIEF -- Remedy BELIEF -- Use of Object |
Date learned: 00001950S
DAYS OF THE WEEK
THE BYZANTINE UKRAINIAN CHURCH COMMEMORATES A DIFFERENT
GROUP OR PERSON EACH DAY OF THE WEEK. MONDAY IS DEDICATED
TO THE HOLY ANGELS. TUESDAY IS ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST DAY.
WEDNESDAY AND FRIDAY ARE DEDICATED TO THE LORD'S CROSS.
ST. NICHOLAS AND THE APOSTLES ARE HONORED ON THURSDAY.
SATURDAY IS IN HONOR OF ALL THE SAINTS. SUNDAY IS IN HONOR
OF THE RESURRECTION OF CHRIST. THE VARIOUS MASS PARTS
CHANGE TO HONOR THE VARYING GROUPS EACH DAY.
Where learned: NEW YORK ; ROCHESTER
| Subject headings: | Favorites CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Measure of time Week Day Hour BELIEF -- Religious hero |
Date learned: 00001950S
UKRAINIAN NEW YEAR'S GREETING
AT MIDNIGHT, IT IS CUSTOMARY TO TAKE A SMALL BELL AND A
HANDFUL OF WHEAT AND TO KNOCK ON THE DOOR OF THE HEAD OF
THE HOUSEHOLD. WHEN HE OPENS HIS DOOR, THE MEMBERS OF HIS
HOUSEHOLD TOSS WHEAT ON THEIR MASTER AND WISH HIM A HAPPY
NEW YEAR. THEY WISH FOR HIM MANY BLESSINGS, PLENTY OF
FOOD, AND GOOD LUCK. THE WHEAT IS SYMBOLIC OF FRUITFULNESS.
A SPECIAL NEW YEAR'S SONG IS SUNG IN WHICH GOD'S BLESSINGS
ARE INVOKED FOR THE NEW YEAR. THE HEAD OF THE HOUSE THANKS
THEM AND IN TURN WISHES THEM A HAPPY NEW YEAR. THEN THEY
HAVE A JOYOUS CELEBRATION.
Where learned: CANADA ; ONTARIO ; ANCASTER
Keyword(s): FOOD ; SPRINKLING ; THROWING
| Subject headings: | Favorites CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 31 New Year's Eve BELIEF -- Prayer |
Date learned: 00001960S
LEBANESE BELIEF
WHEN A LEBANESE COUPLE IN LEBANON GET MARRIED, THE BRIDE IS GIVEN
A HUNK OF RAISED DOUGH SO THAT SHE MAY STICK IT ON THE DOORWAY,
AS SHE IS CARRIED OVER THE THRESHOLD.
IF THE DOUGH STICKS THE LEBANESE PEOPLE BELIEVE THAT THE COUPLE
WILL HAVE MANY CHILDREN.
Submitter comment: SOME LEBANESE-AMERICANS STILL PRACTICE THIS.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; SOUTHFIELD
| Subject headings: | Observation Favorites CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Marriage BELIEF -- Birth BELIEF -- Marriage |
Date learned: 00001960S
RELIGIOUS BELIEF
BEFORE YOUR WEDDING HAVE A STATUE OF MARY, THE BLESSED MOTHER,
LOOKING OUT YOUR WINDOW AND PRAY TO HER FOR GOOD WEATHER ON YOUR
WEDDIND DAY.
Submitter comment: THIS ITEM CAME FROM A RELATIVE IN PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; EAST DETROIT
| Subject headings: | Favorites CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Marriage F545.083 BELIEF -- Religious hero BELIEF -- Weather sign or control BELIEF -- Prayer |
Date learned: 00-00-1976
IF LITTLE BOYS STAND WHILE THEY EAT, THEY WILL GET FAT KNEES.
Submitter comment:
MOTHERS TELL THIS TO THEIR CHILDREN SO THEY WILL SIT WHILE
THEY EAT.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; EAST DETROIT
James Callow Keyword(s): FUNCTION
| Subject headings: | Favorites BELIEF -- Body part Senses Lower body, legs BELIEF -- Measure of time Eating For menu, see N222. |
Date learned: 00001970S
STAND IN FRONT OF A MIRROR, CLOSE YOUR EYES AND TURN AROUND OVER
AND OVER REPEATING "BLOODY MARY." WHEN YOU OPEN YOUR EYES AND LOOK
IN THE MIRROR, BLOODY MARY WILL BE LOOKING BACK AT YOU.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; EAST DETROIT
| Subject headings: | Charm / Enchantment / Conjuration Favorites BELIEF -- Ghost Spirit Phantom Specter |
Date learned: 00001970S
DO NOT SIT ON THE GROUND DURING A MONTH WITH THE LETTER R IN IT.
R STANDS FOR RHEUMATISM.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; EAST DETROIT
| Subject headings: | Favorites BELIEF -- Measure of time Month BELIEF -- Means of Causing or Avoiding Illness |
Date learned: 00001970S
JOKE
THERE IS THIS GUY WHO LIVES IN THIS BIG HOUSE AND HE DECIDES TO PUT
HIS HOUSE UP FOR SALE. HE PUTS A SIGN UP IN FRONT OF HIS HOUSE.
ANOTHER GUY COMES IN TO LOOK AT THE HOUSE. THE OWNER TAKES THE
PROSPECTIVE BUYER THROUGH THE HOUSE. WHEN HE IS ALL DONE SHOWING
THE HOUSE, THE PROSPECTIVE BUYER REALLY LIKES IT AND WANTS TO BUY
IT. THE OWNER THEN TELLS HIM THAT THERE IS ONE LAST THING HE MUST
SHOW HIM. THEY BEGIN GOING DOWN SOME STEPS AND THEY COME TO A
100 LB. DOOR. THEY GO DOWN SOME MORE STEPS AND THEY COME TO A 75
LB. DOOR. THEY GO THROUGH THAT AND GO DOWN SOME MORE STEPS AND
THEY COME TO A 50 LB. DOOR. THEY GO THROUGH THAT
AND THEN GO DOWN SOME MORE STEPS AND THEN THEY COME TO A 25 LB.
DOOR. THEY GO THROUGH THAT AND GO DOWN SOME MORE STEPS AND THEN
THEY COME TO A 15 LB. DOOR. THEY GO THROUGH THAT AND GO DOWN SOME
MORE STEPS AND THEN THEY COME TO A 10 LB. DOOR. THEY GO THROUGH
THIS DOOR AND THERE IS A CURTAIN HANGING THERE. THE OWNER OPENS THE
CURTAIN AND THERE IN A CAGE IS A BLUE GORILLA. THE OWNER TELLS THE
BUYER THAT THE GORILLA WILL NOT BOTHER HIM BUT THAT HE MUST NEVER
TOUCH IT. THE BUYER AGREES TO THIS. SO THEY GO THROUGH THE 10 LB.
DOOR, GO UP A FEW STEPS. THEN THEY GO THROUGH THE 15 LB. DOOR AND
GO UP A FEW STEPS. THEN THEY GO THROUGH THE 25 LB. DOOR AND GO UP
A FEW STEPS. THEN THEY GO THROUGH THE 50 LB. DOOR AND GO UP A FEW
STEPS. THEN THEY GO THROUGH THE 75 LB. DOOR AND GO UP A FEW STEPS.
THEN THEY GO THROUGH THE 100 LB. DOOR AND GO UP A FEW STEPS. THEY
SIGN PAPERS AND THE HOUSE BECOMES THE BUYER'S. HE LIVES THERE FOR A
FEW WEEKS AND EVERYTHING IS GOING FINE. HE KEEPS WONDERING THOUGH
WHAT WOULD HAPPEN IF HE TOUCHED THE BLUE GORILLA. SO HE GOES DOWN
A FEW STEPS AND GOES THROUGH THE 100 LB. DOOR. HE GOES DOWN A FEW
MORE STEPS AND GOES THROUGH THE 75 LB. DOOR. HE GOES DOWN A FEW
MORE STEPS AND GOES THROUGH THE 50 LB. DOOR. HE GOES DOWN A FEW
MORE STEPS AND GOES THROUGH THE 25 LB. DOOR. HE GOES DOWN A FEW
MORE STEPS AND HE GOES THROUGH THE 15 LB DOOR. HE GOES DOWN A FEW
MORE STEPS AND HE GOES THROUGH THE 10 LB. DOOR. HE PUSHES THE
CURTAIN OPEN AND THERE IS THE BLUE GORILLA. HE FIGURES THE GORILLA
IS IN A CAGE AND CANNOT HURT HIM. SO HE VERY LIGHTLY TOUCHES THE
BLUE GORILLA. THE GORILLA BECOMES FURIOUS AND STARTS JUMPING UP
AND DOWN. THE MAN STANDS THERE IN AMAZEMENT. THEN THE BLUE GORILLA
STARTS BENDING THE BARS. THE MAN BEGINS RUNNING UP THE STAIRS.
HE GOES THROUGH THE 10 LB. DOOR AND RUNS UP A FEW MORE STEPS. HE
GOES THROUGH THE 15 LB. DOOR AND RUNS UP A FEW MORE STEPS. HE CAN
HEAR THE GORILLA RUNNING BEHIND HIM. HE GOES THROUGH THE 25 LB. DOOR
AND RUNS UP A FEW MORE STEPS. HE GOES THROUGH THE 50 LB. DOOR AND
RUNS UP A FEW MORE STEPS. HE GOES THROUGH THE 75 LB. DOOR AND RUNS
UP A FEW MORE STEPS. HE CAN HEAR THE BLUE GORILLA BEHIND HIM. HE
FINALLY GETS THROUGH THE 100 LB. DOOR AND HIDES BEHIND THE COUCH.
HE STARTS PRAYING AND ASKS THE LORD TO PROTECT HIM FROM THE BLUE
GORILLA. THE BLUE GORILLA COMES THROUGH THE 100 LB. DOOR AND SPOTS
THE MAN BEHIND THE COUCH. THE BLUE GORILLA RUNS OVER TO THE
COUCH AND THE MAN SHUTS HIS EYES. THE BLUE GORILLA TAPS HIM ON THE
SHOULDER AND SAYS "YOU'RE IT."
Submitter comment:
THIS JOKE CAN REALLY BE DRAGGED OUT BY SAYING THE STEPS AND DOORS
PART REAL SLOW.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; EAST DETROIT
James Callow Keyword(s): CHAIN TALE
| Subject headings: | Favorites PROSE NARRATIVE -- Formula tale |
Date learned: 11-00-1982
KRIS KRINGLE
ABOUT A MONTH BEFORE CHRISTMAS, THE WHOLE FAMILY PICKS EACH OTHERS'
NAMES OUT OF A HAT. THE PERSON THAT YOU PICK, YOU MUST BE EXTRA
NICE TO. YOU ARE THAT PERSON'S KRIS KRINGLE. ON CHRISTMAS EVE,
EVERYONE TRIES TO GUESS WHO HIS KRIS KRINGLE WAS.
Submitter comment:
SINCE AT MY BOYFRIEND'S HOUSE MANY TIMES PEOPLE WOULD GUESS THE
WRONG PERSON, THEY NOW TELL EACH OTHER ON CHRISTMAS EVE TO AVOID
HURT FEELINGS.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; EAST DETROIT
| Subject headings: | Favorites CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 24 Christmas Eve CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20 Christmas Season See F645.2 for Advent Season. |
THE MAN AND THE COAT
THE MAN AND THE COAT. THERE WAS A MAN WHO WAS VERY TIMID. HE WAS
IN LOVE WITH THE SCHOOLTEACHER. ANOTHER MAN LOVED HER TOO, THOUGH.
THIS OTHER MAN WAS VERY MEAN AND DECIDED TO PLAY A TRICK ON THE FIRST
MAN TO RID HIMSELF OF THE COMPETITION. KNOWING THAT THE FIRST MAN
WAS TIMID, THE SECOND MAN MADE A BET WITH HIM IN FRONT OF THE WOMAN
AND EVERY ONE ELSE. THERE WAS A VERY SPOOKY CEMETARY IN THE
MIDDLI OF TOWN WHICH NO ONE LIKED TO ENTER AT NIGHT ESPECIALLY
THE FIRST MAN. THE SECOND MAN TEASED THE FIRST ABOUT HIS TIMIDITY
AND TOLD HIM THAT IF HE WERE REALLY BRAVE HE WOULD WALK THROUGH THE
CEMETARY THAT NIGHT ON HIS WAY HOME. THE FIRST DID NOT WANT TO
BE OUTDONE SO HE AGREED THOUGH HE WAS VERY SCARED. THAT NIGHT
THE TOWN GATHERED TO SEND THE MAN OFF ON HIS JOURNEY. THE MAN
BEGAN WALKING. HE HEARD MANY STRANGE NOISES WHICH REALLY FIGHTENED
HIM AND HE BEGAN TO RUN. SUDDENLY HE TRIPPED RIGHT IN FRONT OF
A TOMBSTONE AND FELL DOWN. AS HE TRIED TO GET UP HE FELT SOMETHING
TUG ON HIS COAT. HE DID NOT REALIZE THAT IT WAS CAUGHT ON A TWIG.
HE PULLED AND TUGGED AND SCREAMED AND SCREAMED BUT COULD NOT GET
LOOSE. HE BEGAN TO GET SO SCARED THINKING THAT A GHOST HAD GRABBED
HIM THAT HE HAD A HEART ATTACK AND DIED. THE NEXT MORNING SOMEONE
FOUND HIM WITH A HORRIBLE LOOK OF FRIGHT ON HIS FACE. HE WAS
PALE AS A GHOST, LOOKED AS IF HE HAD BEEN SCARED TO DEATH.
Submitter comment:
THIS STORY IS LIKE THE ONE ABOUT ICHABOD CRANE AND IN FACT I
BELIEVEVE THE MANS NAME WAS THE SAME BUT I CANT BE SURE NOW.
Where learned: NEW JERSEY ; TOMS RIVER
James Callow Keyword(s): FEAR TEST
| Subject headings: | Favorites PROSE NARRATIVE -- Magic |
Date learned: 00001970S
SIMON
SIMON. THERE WAS A MAN WHO WENT FISHING. AS HE SAT NEAR THE
WATER HE HEARD A LOW MOANING: PLEASE DONT CATCH ME SIMON, PLEASE.
THE MAN PAID NO ATTENTION AND SOON CAUGHT A FISH
HE WENT HOME AND PREPARED TO COOK THE FISH AND AGAIN HEARD A MOAN
WHICH WAS A LITTLE LOUDER.: PLEASE DONT COOK ME SIMON, PLEASE.
AGAIN HE PAID NO ATTENTION, COOKED THE FISH AND BEGAN TO EAT.
THEN HE HEARD ANOTHER LOW MOAN: PLEASE DONT EAT ME SIMON, PLEASE.
THE MAN WENT ON AND ATE THE FISH AND SOON WENT TO BED. THEN HE HEARD
ANOTHER MOAN THAT KEPT GETTING LOUDER AND CLOSER: SIMON I TOLD
YOU NOT TO CATCH ME AND COOK ME AND EAT ME. SUDDENLY A SHOUT:
SIMON.
Submitter comment:
THIS STORY IS BEST TOLD TO LITTLE KIDS IN THE DARK. THE TELLER
MUST AT FIRST MOAN SLOW AND VERY LOW AND GET LOUDER AS THE STORY
GOES ON. AT THE SHOUT, THE TELLER SHOULD JUMP AND GRAB ONE OF THE
CHILDREN.
Data entry tech comment:
Updated by TRD
Where learned: NEW JERSEY ; TOMS RIVER
Keyword(s): CATCH TALE ; Circle ; Endless ; Endless ; FISH ; Fisherman ; ROUND ; Scare ; Simon ; Tale ; Tale
James Callow Keyword(s): JUMP TALE
| Subject headings: | Favorites PROSE NARRATIVE -- Formula tale |
Date learned: 00001970S
WHEN I WAS LITTLE THERE WAS A RUMOUR GOING AROUND ON A OUR BLOCK THAT THE JERSEY DEVIL WAS BACK. THE JERSEY DEVIL WAS WEELL KNOWN
IN NEW JERSEY. HE WAS SUPPOSED TO LOOK LIKE A MAN WITH THE FACE OF
A WOLF, FEET OF A PIG AND HORNS. HE STOOD ON TWO LEGS. HE WAS
SUPPOSED TO PREY ON LITTLE CHILDREN, AT LEAST THAT IS WHAT THE
OLDER KIDS TOLD US. VERY ELABORATE MEANS WERE USED TO SCARE THE
LITTLE KIDS OUT OF THEIR WITS. HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS DRESSED IN
RED CAPES AND HORNS AND RAN THROUGH THE ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS AND
SOMEONE EVEN MADE A COPY OF A PICTURE OF THE BEAST, WHICH WAS
SUPPOSED TO BE AUTHENTIC. NEEDLESS TO SAY I EVENTUALLY GREW OUT OF
MY FRIGHT OF THE JERSEY DEVIL BUT RECENTLY I HEARD SOMEONE ON TELEVIS
TALKING ABOUT THE JERSEY DEVIL. EVIDENTLY HE IS SUPPOSED TO BE A
TYPE OF BIGFOOT CREATURE. IT MAKES ME WONDER ABOUT ALL THE
THAT THERE REALLY WAS SOMETHING TO BE SCARED OF.
Where learned: NEW JERSEY ; TOMS RIVER
| Subject headings: | Favorites BELIEF -- Abnormal in size |
Date learned: 00001970S
"IF A BLACK CAT CROSSED IN FRONT OF THE CAR THAT REVEREND CASEY
WAS DRIVING, HE WOULD NOT SAY ANYTHING, BUT WOULD TURN HIS HAT
COMPLETELY AROUND ON HIS HEAD."
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | Favorites BELIEF -- Mammal BELIEF -- Color BELIEF -- Bad luck Animals BELIEF -- Conversions Animals |
Date learned: 09-19-1982
"A WOMAN (A GHOST) WOULD TAKE A TAXI TO A CERTAIN LOCATION AND
SEND THE CAB DRIVER TO HER MOTHER'S HOME TO GET CAB FARE. WHEN
THE CAB DRIVER ASKED FOR THE FARE, THE MOTHER WOULD SAY, 'MY
DAUGHTER IS DEAD.'"
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; MUSKEGON
| Subject headings: | Favorites PROSE NARRATIVE -- Ghost Spirit Phantom Specter |
Date learned: 09-19-1982
"ON NEWHILL, BESSEMER, ALABAMA, AFTER A RAIN, THE OCCUPANTS IN
MY MOTHER'S HOME SAW THAT THE RAIN WAS THE COLOR OF BLOOD.
THE REASON FOR THIS, ACCORDING TO MY MOTHER, WAS THAT THE PREVIOUS
OWNER, A MAN, HAD DIED THERE."
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; MUSKEGON
| Subject headings: | Favorites PROSE NARRATIVE -- Cloud Fog Mist Rain Hail Ice Snow Frost Dew PROSE NARRATIVE -- Product or activity of man or animal |
Date learned: 09-19-1982