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 AA returned 1455 results.
WHEN I WAS A CHILD, MY GRANDMOTHER USED TO TELL ME
THAT THE SHEENY-MAN, A MAN WHO DROVE A HORSE-DRAWN WAGON
THROUGH HER ALLEY AND COLLECTED THINGS, WOULD TAKE ME
AWAY IF I MISBEHAVED.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
James Callow Keyword(s): FUNCTION
| Subject headings: | Favorites BELIEF -- Human Being |
Date learned: 00-00-1950
BARBERSHOPS ARE SUPPOSED TO BE CLOSED ON MONDAYS BY
LAW IN LEBANON. A BARBER HAD A CUSTOMER, ILLEGALLY,
ONE MONDAY, AND WAS PREPARING TO GIVE HIM A SHAVE. WHEN
THE BARBER SAW A POLICEMAN COMING TOWARD THE SHOP,
HE HASTILY THREW A SHEET OVER THE STARTLED CUSTOMER.
WHEN APPROACHED BY THE POLICEMAN AND ASKED IF HE WAS,
INDEED, WORKING, THE BARBER REPLIED NO. WHEN ASKED WHAT
THE CUSTOMER WAS DOING IN THE CHAIR, THE BARBER REPLIED
THAT HE WAS SOAKING HIM FOR THE NEXT DAY.
Where learned: LEBANON
| Subject headings: | Favorites PROSE NARRATIVE -- Jest Anecdote CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Typical Elements of a Festive Pattern |
Date learned: 00-00-1983
THE HAIRY HAND
ONCE THERE WAS A YOUNG GIRL WHO WAS WANDERING AROUND
OUTSIDE WHEN SHE FELL INTO A DEEP HOLE. HELPLESS AND
AFRAID, SHE CRIED FOR HELP. A WITCH APPEARED AND PROMISED
TO HELP IF THE GIRL WOULD EAT A HAIRY HAND.
THE WITCH LEFT AND THE GIRL HID THE HAND UNDER A ROCK.
WHEN THE WITCH RETURNED AND ASKED IF THE GIRL HAD EATEN
THE HAND, SHE REPLIED THAT SHE HAD. BUT THE WITCH CALLED
FOR THE HAND AND THE HAND TOLD THE WITCH WHERE IT WAS
HIDDEN. THIS CONTINUED A FEW MORE TIMES UNTIL THE GIRL
HID THE HAND AGAINST HER STOMACH, INSIDE OF HER CLOTHES.
WHEN THE WITCH RETURNED AND CALLED FOR THE HAIRY HAND,
IT ANSWERED THAT IT WAS IN THE GIRL'S STOMACH. THINKING
THAT THE GIRL HAD EATEN THE HAND, THE WITCH FREED HER.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
James Callow Keyword(s): CANNIBALISM
| Subject headings: | Favorites PROSE NARRATIVE -- Witch Shaman |
A MAN WAS SENT TO PRISON FOR SIXTY DAYS WITH THE CONDITION
THAT HE WOULD BE RELEASED AFTER 30 DAYS IF HE COULD STAY
ALIVE THAT LONG WITH NOTHING TO EAT. THE ONLY PERSON
WHO VISITED HIM DURING THAT TIME WAS HIS DAUGHTER.
AFTER 30 DAYS HE APPEARED HEALTHY AND HAPPY BEFORE THE
JUDGE WHO ASKED HIM HOW HE DID IT. THE MAN REPLIED WITH
THIS RIDDLE: I WAS A BABY AND BECAME A MAN AND BECAME
A BABY AGAIN. THE DAUGHTER WHO VISITED HIM IN PRISON
WAS NURSING HER BABY AT THE TIME AND KEPT HER FATHER
ALIVE THE SAME WAY.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
James Callow Keyword(s): PUNISHMENT
| Subject headings: | Favorites PROSE NARRATIVE -- Romantic Realistic RIDDLE -- True Riddle |
Date learned: 00-00-1930
MY UNCLE WAS A DENTIST WHO LOVED A GOOD CIGAR. HE ALSO
HAD A MARVELOUS SENSE OF HUMOR. WHEN HE DIED, MY COUSINS
BURIED HIM WITH A CIGAR AND A TOOTHBRUSH IN HIS POCKET.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | Favorites CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Death Funeral Burial |
IF YOU TAKE AN EGG LAID ON GOOD FRIDAY AND YOU PUT IT UNDER YOUR
ARM UNTIL SUNDAY, A SEVEN HEADED MONSTER WILL COME OUT. HE SHOULD
CALL YOU "MASTER". IF NOT, YOU START SMASHING HIS HEADS UNTIL HE
CALLS YOU MASTER. THEN YOU CAN ASK HIM WHATEVER YOU WANT. TO GET
RID OF HIM, YOU THROW HIM IN THE SEA WITHOUT LOOKING.
Where learned: GUADELOUPE
James Callow Keyword(s): GENIE
| Subject headings: | 663 Good Friday 686 Seven / Sevenths / Several Favorites CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Spring Planting Easter Sunday Food Drink -- Animal product Egg BELIEF -- Abnormal in size |
Date learned: 00-00-1970
IF YOU COUNT STARS OR POINT AT THEM WITH YOUR FINGERS, YOU ARE
SUBJECT TO HAVE WARTS IN YOUR HANDS. TO GET RID OF THOSE WARTS
YOU HAVE TO LOOK FOR A LEMON TREE, CUT A LEMON IN HALF, LEAVING
ONE OF THE HALVES HANGING FROM THE TREE, THEN WITH THE OTHER HALF
YOU RUB THE WARTS, AND YOU THROW IT AWAY WITHOUT LOOKING.
Where learned: GUADELOUPE
| Subject headings: | Favorites BELIEF -- Number Counting beliefs BELIEF -- Means of Causing or Avoiding Illness BELIEF -- Plant BELIEF -- PS60 |
Date learned: 00-00-1966
SOME SPIRITS TAKE THE APPEARANCE OF VERY BEAUTIFUL WOMEN, BUT THE
ONLY WAY TO RECOGNIZE THEM IS TO LOOK AT THEIR FEET; THEY HAVE A
HUMAN FOOT AND A ANIMAL FOOT. AND OF COURSE IF YOU DON'T NOTICE
THAT THEY WILL HARM YOU.
Submitter comment:
ONE DAY A GUY PICKED UP TWO GIRLS THAT WERE STANDING BY THE ROAD
WHEN GOING TO A PARTY, AND WHILE THEY WERE IN THE CAR HE DECIDED
TO HAVE A CIGARETTE. AS SOON AS HE CRACKED THE MATCH, THE TWO
GIRLS DISAPPEARED AND HE HEARD THEIR VOICES SAYING THAT HE WAS
LUCKY. APPARENTLY THEY WERE AFRAID OF THE FIRE FROM THE MATCH.
Where learned: GUADELOUPE
| Subject headings: | Favorites PROSE NARRATIVE -- Devil Demon PROSE NARRATIVE -- Ghost Spirit Phantom Specter |
Date learned: 00-00-1966
IF SOMEONE HAS A DRINKING PROBLEM, YOU TAKE A GLASS OF WATER AND
PUT IT UNDER THE BED OF A DEAD PERSON. AFTER THE BURIAL, GET RID
OF THE WATER, AND GIVE TO THE ALCOHOLIC PERSON THIS GLASS SO HE
CAN USE IT. HE WILL STOP DRINKING.
Where learned: GUADELOUPE
| Subject headings: | Favorites Food Drink -- Service BELIEF -- Death Funeral Burial BELIEF -- Remedy |
Date learned: 00-00-1978
ON DECEMBER 31 TAKE A BATH (NAKED) IN THE SEA AT MIDNIGHT. THIS
BRINGS GOOD LUCK. ALSO, SOME OTHER DAYS THAT ARE GOOD TO TAKE
THOSE KIND OF BATH ARE THE FIRST FRIDAY OF THE MONTH AND OF COURSE
FRIDAY THE 13. THE BEST TIMES ARE MIDNIGHT AND 3 P.M.
Where learned: GUADELOUPE
Date learned: 00001970S
PEOPLE WHO HAVE SIX FINGERS INSTEAD OF FIVE ARE REGARDED
AS PEOPLE WITH GOOD LUCK. WHOEVER MAKE A DEAL WITH THEM WILL BE
LUCKY TOO.
Submitter comment: HE WAS EXCITED WHILE NARRATING THE ITEM.
Where learned: DETROIT
| Subject headings: | 686 Sixths / Six Favorites BELIEF -- Body part Senses BELIEF -- Work Commerce Business BELIEF -- Good luck |
Date learned: 00-00-1967
THERE IS A TRIBE IN THE NORTHERN PART OF NIGERIA CALLED FULANI.
IF A YOUNG MAN FROM THIS TRIBE WANTS TO MARRY, A CERTAIN RITUAL
WILL BE PERFORMED FOR HIM WHICH THE WHOLE VILLAGE WILL WITNESS.
THE YOUNG MAN WHO WANTS TO MARRY WILL PULL OFF HIS CLOTHES EXCEPT
HIS SHORT PANTS, AND HE WILL BE GIVEN SEVERAL LASHES OF CANE AT THE
BACK. IF HE CRIES, HE WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO MARRY, BECAUSE IT IS
ASSUMED THAT HE IS NOT MATURED TO MARRY. BUT IF HE DOES NOT CRY
THE ELDERS OF THE VILLAGE WILL GLADLY GIVE HIM THE BRIDE TO WED.
Where learned: NIGERIA
James Callow Keyword(s): SWITCHING WHIPPING
| Subject headings: | Favorites CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Marriage |
Date learned: 00-00-1965
IF A WOMAN USED TO GIVE BIRTH TO ABIKU (A CHILD THAT DIES)
SHE CAN BE FREED OF THIS ORDEAL BY CONSULTING AN HERBALIST.
IF SHE HAS ANOTHER CHILD, SHE WILL TAKE HER TO AN HERBALIST WHO
WILL PERFORM A KIND OF RITUAL FOR THE BABY WHICH WILL INVOLVE
MAKING SOME MARKS ON THE FACE OF THE CHILD WITH BLADE, THEN HE WILL
PUT SOME BLACK MAGIC POWDER ON THE FRESH MARKS HE HAS JUST CUT.
THE MARKS ON THE CHILD'S FACE WILL DRY UP AFTER TWO DAYS, THUS THE
CHILD WILL NOT BE AN "ABIKU". THERE IS USUALLY ONE ONE-INCH
MARK ON EACH CHEEK BONE AT ITS HIGHEST POINT.
Where learned: NIGERIA ; KADUNA
| Subject headings: | Favorites BELIEF -- Body part Senses BELIEF -- Birth BELIEF -- Death Funeral Burial BELIEF -- Means of Causing or Avoiding Illness BELIEF -- Method of Curing |
Date learned: 00-00-1974
IN NIGERIA A NAMING CEREMONY IS CELEBRATED FOR A NEW BORN BABY
ON THE EIGHTH DAY. THE CEREMONY IS ATTENDED BY THE RELATIVES,
FRIENDS, AND WELL-WISHERS, OF THE PARENTS OF THE NEW BORN BABY.
THE PARENTS OF THE NEW-BORN BABY WILL TELL THEIR PASTOR TO DIRECT
AND LEAD THE CEREMONY. THE PASTOR WILL PRAY FOR THE CHILD AND THE
PARENTS. HE WILL PREACH TO THE PARENTS ON HOW THEY ARE TO TRAIN
THEIR CHILD. AFTER THIS, HE WILL DISCLOSE THE NAME OF THE BABY FOR
THE FIRST TIME TO THE PEOPLE (PRIOR TO THIS TIME THE NAME OF THE
BABY HAD BEEN MADE SECRET TO THE PEOPLE). THEN, THE PEOPLE WILL BRING
THEIR PRESENTS TO THE PARENTS OF THE CHILD. AFTER THIS, THERE WILL
BE A PARTY WHERE DINNER WILL BE SERVED. AT THE SAME TIME THE
OPERATOR IS PLAYING A MELODIOUS RECORDS FOR PEOPLE WHO WILL LIKE TO
DANCE. AFTER SOME TIME THE PEOPLE WILL GO BACK TO THEIR HOMES.
Where learned: NIGERIA ; KABBA
| Subject headings: | 686 Eighths / Eight Favorites CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Baptism Naming rite |
Date learned: 00-00-1976
NO SWEET WITHOUT SWEAT.
Where learned: NIGERIA ; KABBA
James Callow Keyword(s): PARA RHYME (PARARHYME): SWEET / SWEAT
| Subject headings: | Favorites PROVERB -- Proverbial Metaphor |
Date learned: 00-00-1979
DURING THE CHILDHOOD OF JESUS SOMETHING HAPPENED THAT IS VERY
INTERESTING. ONE DAY HE WENT TO HIS FRIENDS' HOUSE TO GREET THEM
AS HE NORMALLY DID. AS HE WAS ON HIS WAY TO HIS FRIENDS' HOUSE,
THE FRIENDS WERE SEVEN IN NUMBER AND WERE OF THE SAME PARENTS.
THEIR MOTHER SAW JESUS COMING, SHE RAN IN AND INFORMED HER
CHILDREN THAT JESUS WAS COMING BUT SHE DID NOT WANT JESUS TO
SEE THEM THAT DAY, THUS, SHE TOLD THE CHILDREN TO QUICKLY
HIDE UNDER THEIR BEDS. THEY HAVE JUST FINISHED DOING THIS
THEN JESUS CAME. JESUS KNOCKED THE DOOR, AND THE MOTHER OF
THOSE CHILDREN OPENED THE DOOR. "WHERE ARE MY FRIENDS?" JESUS
INQUIRED, "THEY HAVE GONE SOMEWHERE" ANSWERED THE WOMAN.
THUS, JESUS DECIDED TO LEAVE. AS HE WAS GOING OUT HE HEARD SOME
MOVEMENT UNDER THE BEDS, AND HE INQUIRED FROM THE WOMAN WHAT
WERE MOVING, THE WOMAN SAID THAT THEY WERE PIGS. JESUS SAID "BYE"
AND HE WENT OUT. AS JESUS LEFT, THE WOMAN COMMANDED HER
CHILDREN TO COME OUT. SURPRISINGLY, PIGS WERE COMING OUT, THE PIGS
WERE SEVEN IN NUMBER. SHE COULD NOT BELIEVE HER EYES THAT HER
CHILDREN HAVE TURNED TO PIGS. SHE RAISED AN ALARM, HER HUSBAND
AND THEIR NEIGHBORS RUSHED OUT. THE PEOPLE FOUND PIGS ALL OVER
THE PLACE, AND THEY ASKED HER WHAT HAPPENED, THUS,
THE WHOLE STORY TO THEM. THEREFORE, THEY DECIDED TO GO AND LOOK
FOR JESUS. LUCKILY, THEY FOUND HIM AFTER SOME TIMES. THE MOTHER
OF THE CHILDREN AND THE OTHER PEOPLE APOLOGIZED TO JESUS FOR HAVING
BEEN TOLD LIES BY THE MOTHER OF THE CHILDREN THAT HIS FRIENDS
HAD GONE SOMEWHERE WHEN THEY DID NOT GO ANYWHERE, AND MOREOVER
THAT SHE TOLD JESUS THAT IT WERE PIGS THAT WERE UNDER THE BEDS
WHEN IT WERE REALLY HIS FRIENDS. AFTER THEY TOLD JESUS THIS,
HE COMMANDED THAT HIS FRIENDS BE CHANGED BACK TO HUMAN BEINGS.
HE TOLD THOSE PEOPLE TO GO BACK HOME THAT THEY WOULD FOUND
HUMAN BEINGS AND NOT PIGS. WHEN THE PEOPLE GOT HOME THEY FOUND
THAT THOSE PIGS HAVE CHANGED TO CHILDREN.
Submitter comment:
MY SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHER TOLD ME THE STORY WHEN I WAS SIX YEARS
OLD. THE STORY STAYED VERY CLEAR IN MY MEMORY, THAT I CAN NEVER
FORGET IT. ANY TIME THAT I HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO GATHER WITH
CHILDREN I USE TO TELL THEM THE STORY. I BELIEVE THAT THE
MESSAGE ONE CAN GET IN THE STORY IS THAT ONE SHOULD NOT TELL LIES.
MOREOVER TELLING LIES CAN BE DANGEROUS SOMETIMES, BECAUSE IF ONE
TELLS BAD LIES ABOUT ONESELF TO SOMEONE, IT IS LIKELY FOR THAT
PARTICULAR LIES TO COME TRUE. I HAVE REALLY GAINED A LOT FROM
THIS STORY, IT HAS HELPED ME A LOT IN MY LIFE.
HOPEFULLY, I HOPE IT WILL HELP THOSE CHILREN I HAVE TOLD .
Where learned: NIGERIA ; LAGOS
| Subject headings: | Favorites PROSE NARRATIVE -- Religious hero |
Date learned: 00-00-1960
IT IS SAID THAT IF A WOMAN IS PREGNANT
AND DOES NOT WANT TO HAVE MORNING SICKNESS, WHAT SHE DOES IS WAIT
UNTIL HER HUSBAND GOES TO SLEEP AND CRAWL ACROSS HIM WITHOUT
HIM KNOWING AND HE WILL BEAR ALL THE SICKNESS.
Where learned: SOUTH CAROLINA
James Callow Keyword(s): TRANSFER
| Subject headings: | Favorites BELIEF -- Birth BELIEF -- Means of Causing or Avoiding Illness |
MY GIRLFRIEND'S COUSIN WAS A CAB DRIVER IN NEW YORK ABOUT 10
YEARS AGO.ONE DAY HE PICKED UP A FARE TO GO TO THIS ADDRESS
IN THE BRONX. IT WAS A WHITE LADY WITH LONG BLOND HAIR. HE TOOK
HER TO THE HOUSE,AND WHEN HE GOT THERE THE LADY WAS GONE BUT HE
KNEW HE HAD PICKED HER UP.HE WENT TO THE DOOR TO INQUIRE ABOUT
THE LADY AND THE MAN THERE SAID THAT THAT WAS HIS WIFE AND
SHE WOULD DO THAT EVERY YEAR ON HIS BIRTHDAY.
Where learned: NEW YORK
James Callow Keyword(s): VANISHING HITCHHIKER
| Subject headings: | Favorites PROSE NARRATIVE -- Ghost Spirit Phantom Specter |
CONVERSATIONS FROM THE DEAD
GO TO THE CEMETERY AND STICK A PIN INTO SOMEONE'S GRAVE AND YOU
SHOULD HEAR THE CONVERSATIONS OF THE EVIL SPIRITS.
Submitter comment: INFORMANT WAS VERY INFORMATIVE AND HAD A GOOD MEMORY.
Where learned: DETROIT ; NORWEST THEATER
| Subject headings: | Favorites BELIEF -- Devil Demon BELIEF -- Ghost Spirit Phantom Specter |
Date learned: 01-30-1984
THE SIGNATURE FROM THE DEAD
HELEN'S GIRLFRIEND'S MOTHER WAS MARRIED AND HAD HER AND A SON.
SHE AND HER HUSBAND WERE SEPARATED AND HE MOVED TO PITTSBURGH.
HE DIED AND SHE APPLIED FOR SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS FOR HER
FAMILY. THE SOCIAL SECURITY OFFICIALS REQUESTED A SIGNATURE ON A
DOCUMENT OF THE DECEASED, TO PROVE THAT HE HAD FATHERED HER KIDS.
SHE BEING A TRUE BELIEVER IN BLACK MAGIC, DECIDED TO RETRIEVE HIS
SIGNATURE FROM THE DEAD. SO SHE AND THREE OF HER FRIENDS WENT
TO PITTSBURGH AND THEN WENT TO HIS GRAVE THAT NIGHT. THEY EACH SAT
ON A CORNER OF HIS GRAVE AND HAD A SEANCE. HE SPOKE THROUGH HIS
WIDOW AND ASK WHY DID THEY COME? THEY REQUESTED HIS SIGNATURE ON
THE DOCUMENT AND THEY PLACED THE DOCUMENT ON THE GRAVE AND THE
SIGNATURE APPEARED.
Where learned: DETROIT ; NORWEST THEATER
| Subject headings: | Favorites BELIEF -- Ghost Spirit Phantom Specter BELIEF -- Magic of Speech, Sign, Color |
Date learned: 01-30-1984