Dr. James T. Callow publications
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The James T. Callow Folklore Archive
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MISCELLANEOUS CUSTOMS
A SEAMAN LEAVING THE FORECASTLE TO GO AFT, EITHER FOR HIS TRICK AT
THE WHEEL OR OTHER WORK, GOES AFT ALONG THE LEESIDE OF THE VESSEL,
UNLESS HIS IMMEDIATE DUTY LIES TO THE WINDWARD.
A SEAMAN SUMMONED TO THE CAPTAIN'S CABIN REMOVED HIS CAP AND
DROPPED IT TO THE DECK JUST OUTSIDE THE DOOR.
A MARINER ENTERING A NEW SHIP, OR EVEN AN OLD SHIP, FOR THE FIRST
TIME MAKES CERTAIN THAT HIS RIGHT FOOT IS THE FIRST TO TOUCH THE
DECK.
IT WAS A BREECH OF ETIQUETTE FOR A SEAMAN TO LOCK HIS SEA CHEST
WHILE ON BOARD HIS SHIP. OFFENDERS OFTEN FOUND, WHEN THEY
RETURNED TO THE FORECASTLE FROM THEIR WATCH ON DECK, THAT THE
COVER HAD BEEN NAILED DOWN.
IN THE BRITISH AND UNITED STATES NAVIES, A SCARF OF BLACK SILK IS
WORN, ORIGINALLY AS A MARK OF WARNING (MOURNING?) FOR THE DEATH
OF LORD NELSON.
IN THE ROYAL NAVY, OFFICERS WHO HAVE BEEN ROUND EITHER THE CAPE
OF GOOD HOPE OR CAPE HORN MAY PUT ONE FOOT ON THE WARDROOM TABLE;
BOTH CAPES CARRY THE RIGHT TO PUT BOTH FEET ON THE TABLE.
BY NAVAL CUSTOM THE SENIOR OFFICER PRESENT IS ALWAYS THE LAST
INTO A BOAT AND THE FIRST OUT OF IT.
Submitter comment:
CAPTAIN LUMAS SAYS THAT HE HAS LEARNED THESE CUSTOMS THROUGH THE
YEARS THAT HE HAS BEEN SAILING, BOTH IN THE U.S. NAVY AND UP AT
MACKINAW ISLAND.
Data entry tech comment:
Updated by TRD
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; MACKINAW ISLAND
Keyword(s): British ; Captain ; Etiquette ; Language ; Lingo ; Naval ; Navy ; POSITION ; Seaman ; Ship ; Uniform ; United States
James Callow Keyword(s): DIRECTION ; LEFT ; POSITION ; RIGHT
JEWISH CUSTOM --BARMITZVAH
AT THE AGE OF 13 A BOY IS READY TO ACCEPT THE FULL
RESPONSIBITIES OF THE JEWISH FAITH.
Submitter comment:
BY THIS CUSTOM A BOY TAKES ON THE ROLE OF A MAN IN THE JEWISH
RELIGION.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; BLOOMFIELD
Date learned: 00-00-1974
TOOTH FAIRY
AS A CHILD, WHENEVER I LOST ONE OF MY BABY TEETH, THAT
NIGHT I WOULD PUT IT UNDER MY PILLOW AND WHEN I AWOKE THE
NEXT MORNING, I WOULD FIND THAT THE TOOTH FAIRY (MY FATHER)
HAD COME DURING THE NIGHT AND TAKEN MY TOOTH AND LEFT SOME
MONEY
USUALLY A QUARTER OR FIFTY CENTS
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; SAINT CLAIR SHORES
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Maturity BELIEF -- Fairy Elf Goblin Gnome BELIEF -- Body part Senses |
Date learned: 0001950S
BIRTHDAY CUSTOM
A GIRL'S 15TH BIRTHDAY IS CELEBRATED BY TAKING THE GIRL TO CHURCH
AND GIVING HER A GOLD RING. THE GIRL CAN TAKE 6 OTHER GIRLS WITH
HER. THESE GIRLS BUY THE BIRTHDAY DRESS AND EVERYTHING THAT GOES
WITH IT.
Submitter comment:
INFORMANT CELEBRATED HER 15TH BIRTHDAY THIS WAY.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; MONROE
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Church CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Maturity CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Private birthday or anniversary |
Date learned: 10-07-1972
TRADITION
ONE OF THE BIGGEST TRADITIONS IS WHEN THE SENIORS RECOGNIZE THE
FRESHMEN AT THE END OF THEIR FRESHMEN YEAR. AFTER GOING THROUGH A
YEAR OF HELL WITH THE SENIORS (AND JUNIORS AND SOPHOMORES TOO) THEY
ARE READY TO BE RECOGNIZED. THE CEREMONY INVOLVES GOING TO THE
BEACH, WHERE THE FRESHMEN LINE UP ACROSS FROM THE SENIORS. ONE BY
ONE THE FRESHMEN STEP FORWARD AND CALL OUT TO A SENIOR (USUALLY THE
ONE THAT HAS BEEN THEIR BIG BROTHER THE PAST YEAR). AFTER EVERYONE
IS PAIRED OFF, A HUGE BRAWL TAKES PLACE. NOW THE PLEBES ARE TRUE
MEMBERS OF THE CITIDEL TRADITION.
Submitter comment:
INFORMANT IS A FRESHMAN AT THIS COLLEGE AND IS LOOKING FORWARD TO
THIS CEREMONY.
Where learned: SOUTH CAROLINA ; CHARLESTON
| Subject headings: | Favorites CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- School CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Maturity CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Measure of time Summer CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Initiation rite Hazing |
Date learned: 10-00-1976
TAPE OF MISCELLANOUS INFORMATION
INVENTORY OF TAPE;NIGERIAN FUNERALS,NAMING CEREMONY, WEDDINGS,
CARE OF TEETH, PARTIES FOR I6-AND 2!-YEAR-OLDS,CONFIRMATION
EATING CUSTOMS, BEHAVIOR AND ATTITUDES OF NIGERIANS BACK FROM ABROAD,
CELEBRATION OF APRIL FOOLS BEFORE NOON
Where learned: NIGERIA ; POSSIBLY SOMETHING ABOUT IRELAND
HUMAN DEFORMATION
THE BALINESE FILLED THEIR FRONT TEETH
SO THAT UPON REACHING ADULTHOOD
THEIR TEETH WOULD BE EVEN AND THE GODS WOULD NOT MISTAKE THEM
FOR MONSTERS.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
Keyword(s): MONSTER
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Maturity BELIEF -- Body part Senses Mouth, teeth, lips, tongue |
Date learned: 02-07-1970
MATURITY
THE MEMBERS OF THE MAFIA FEEL THAT THEIR SONS HAVE REACHED THE
TIME OF MATURITY WHEN THEY BECOME 21. AND UNTIL THEY HAVE REACHED
THIS AGE THEY ARE NOT PERMITTED TO ENTER INTO THE ORGANIZATION.
Where learned: HIS HOME
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Maturity |
Date learned: 02-08-1968
IN SOME PARTS OF KENTUCKY, IT IS A TRADITION WHEN A MALE TURNS 21,
HE MUST BE ABLE TO DRINK A FIFTH OF BOURBON BY HIMSELF.
Where learned: UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Maturity |
Date learned: 09-25-1968
YEARLY GROWTH
WHILE ATTENDING A COUSIN'S BIRTHDAY PARTY, MY UNCLE JACK PLACED MY
COUSIN AGAINST THE DOOR JAM IN THE KITCHEN, TOOK OUT HIS KNIFE AND
NOTCHED MY COUSIN,S HEIGHT. LOOKING CLOSELY, I NOTICED THAT THE
HEIGHTS OF ALL THE FAMILY MEMBERS (6) WERE NOTCHED ON THE MOULDING
PIECE. ALSO, THEY WERE MARKED WITH THE APPROPRIATE BIRTHDATE. THUS
A RECORD OF GROWTH AND FINAL HEIGHT COULD BE MEASURED AND SAVED. I
HAVE ALSO NOTICED THIS CUSTOM IN OTHER HOMES SINCE THEN.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; Mount Clemens
Keyword(s): DOOR JAMB HEIGHT BIRTHDAY
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Maturity |
SOCIAL DEBUT
WHEN A GIRL IS FIFTEEN YEARS OLD SHE IS PRESENTED TO THE SOCIETY AS
A CELEBRATION FOR ATTAINING HER MATURITY. IT IS ACCOMPANIED WITH A
BIG DANCE AFTERWARDS.
Where learned: PUERTO RICO
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Dance CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Maturity BELIEF -- Number P686.1.15 |
Date learned: 00-00-1979
COUNSELOR IN TRAINING GRADUATION
CIT GRADUATION IS THE CEREMONY THAT A COUNSELOR IN TRAINING GOES
THROUGH BEFORE SHE IS AN OFFICIAL STAFF MEMBER. BASICALLY, THE
CEREMONY IS QUIET AND THOUGHTFUL. A GENERAL OUTLINE OF ONE SUCH
CEREMONY FOLLOWS. MM
I PROCESSION INTO THE AREA
II POEM
III MAGIC CAMPFIRE- A CAMPFIRE LIT WITH AN ARROW.
IV SONG
V ACTUAL GRADUATION
A) POEM
B) STAFF PRESENTATION-STAFF TIES ARE GIVEN TO THE CIT GIRLS
FROM THEIR SPECIAL STAFF FRIENDS
C) CAMP DIRECTORS PRESENT DIPLOMAS AND WISH BALLOONS
D) CIT GIRLS ARE BROUGHT TO A PAPER BAG FILLED WITH SAND AND
A CANDLE AND LIGHT THE CANDLE.
VI POEM
VII POEMS BY THE CIT INDIVIDUALS
VIII SONG
Submitter comment:
INFORMANT WAS EXTREMELY SENTIMENTAL WHEN DESCRIBING THIS CEREMONY
AND EVEN STARTED TO CRY. SHE WAS AVIDLY REMEMBERING HER OWN CIT
GRADUATION.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; WIXOM
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- School CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Maturity CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Initiation rite Hazing |
Date learned: 02-07-1980 ; 00-00-1978
"BAR MITZVAH"-THIS IS A JEWISH CELEBRATION WHEN BOYS BECOME MEN.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; SOUTHFIELD
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Maturity |
AT A POLISH WEDDING, AT THE ENTRANCE TO THE HALL OR RECEPTION AREA
EACH MALE OVER SIXTEEN YEARS OF AGE MUST DRINK TO THE BRIDE AND
GROOM WITH POLISH VODKA. IT SYMBOLIZES CONFIDENCE , APPROVAL AND
ACCEPTANCE INTO THE SOCIETY AS MAN AND WIFE.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; HAWKS
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Maturity CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Marriage Reception BELIEF -- Number P686.1.16 |
Entry filtered.
BAR MITZVAH
MY IRISH (VERY MUCH SO) SISTER ATTENDED THE BAR
MITZVAH OF A NEIGHBOR'S SON. THERE WAS A STROLLING
VIOLINIST AT THE VERY GALA, VERY JEWISH FETE, WHO WENT
FROM TABLE TO TABLE PLAYING REQUESTS. WHEN HE CAME
TO THE TABLE WITH MY VERY IRISH LOOKING SISTER AND
HER VERY IRISH LOOKING HUSBAND, THE VIOLINIST DIDN'T
EVEN ASK FOR A REQUEST, BUT UPON TAKING ONE LOOK AT
THE COUPLE, STARTED TO PLAY, "WHEN IRISH EYES ARE
SMILING."
Where learned: NEW YORK CITY ; NEW YORK
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Maturity |
Date learned: 00-00-1966
IN ORDER TO PROVE THAT YOU ARE A MAN IN MEXICO, THE
BOY MUST EAT THE ENTIRE HEAD OF A LAMB.
Submitter comment:
I LEARNED THIS IN MEXICO WHEN I WAS DOWN THERE
IN 1964; IT IS AN OLD TRADITION.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Maturity |
Date learned: 00-00-1964
PUBERTY SUPERSTITION
LIVING IN A FARM COMMUNITY, W E BOYS ALWAYS WENT
SWIMMING IN THE NUDE. THE OLDER BOYS, NATURALLY, FILLED
OUR HEADS WITH SOME STRANGE IDEAS ABOUT SEX. WE WERE
TOLD (WE BEING THE BOYS APPROACHING THE AGE OF
PUBERTY) THAT RUBBING CIGARETTE ASHES IN THE PUBIC
AREA WOULD ENCOURAGE THE GROWTH OF BODY HAIR. SINCE
WE WERE CONCERNED ABOUT SUCH SECONDARY SEX CHARACTERISTICS
THIS LET TO AN INCREASE IN SMOKING, AT LEAST WHEN WE WERE
WITH THE OLDER BOYS.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; NORTH BRANCH
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Maturity BELIEF -- Maturity BELIEF -- Remedy |
Date learned: 00-00-1942
STUDENT LORE
HAVING WORKED AT A PAROCHIAL SCHOOL, I HAVE BEEN IN
CONTACT WITH THE CLERGY MANY TIMES. ONE NIGHT AFTER
A PARTICULARLY FESTIVE OCCASION, I WAS SPEAKING TO A
PRIEST ABOUT THE PROBLEMS YOUNG PEOPLE ARE HAVING
ETC. HE REMARKED THAT THEY ARE VERY ADAPTIBLE TO
CHANGE. EVENTUALLY, HE EXPLAINED AT LEAST TWO METHODS
OF ARTIFICIAL CONTRACEPTION WHICH TEENAGERS EMPLOY:
1. THE BOYS WRAP THEIR PENIS WITH A COMMERCIAL
PRODUCT, SARAN WRAP, A METHOD BOTH POPULAR AND EFFECTIVE.
2. THE GIRLS, IF THE BOY HAS NO SARAN WRAP, DOUCHE
BY SHAKING A COKE BOTTLE VIGOROUSLY AND INSERTING IT
INTO THE VAGINA AFTER INTERCOURSE.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Maturity BELIEF -- Birth |
THE AMISH PEOPLE
THE AMISH PAINT THEIR FENCES AND DOORS BLUE WHEN THEY
HAVE A DAUGHTER WHO HAS ATTAINED THE AGE FOR MARRIAGE.
THE MEN DO NOT SHAVE AFTER THEY ARE MARRIED; THEY
GROW BEARDS.
Submitter comment:
THIS INFORMATION OBTAINED FROM MY MOTHER, WHO WORKS WITH
THE INFORMANT. WHERE THE INFORMANT OBTAINED THE
INFORMATION IS NOT CERTAIN.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; BIRMINGHAM ; FORD MOTOR CO
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Maturity CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Marriage |
Date learned: 04-02-1965