Dr. James T. Callow publications
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The James T. Callow Folklore Archive
Your search for M248.4 returned 26 results.
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
WHEN A SLIP IS SHOWING, IT IS BELIEVED THAT THE GIRL IS LOOKING FOR
A HUSBAND.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
James Callow Keyword(s): UNDERWEAR
| Subject headings: | Observation ART CRAFT ARCHITECTURE -- Dress Overall body coverUpper body and arms BELIEF -- Marriage Signs of availability |
Date learned: 11-00-1972
MILITARY TRADITION
THE FLAP ON THE BACK OF A NAVAL DRESS UNIFORM IS TRADITION STEMMING
FROM THE DAYS OF JOHN PAUL JONES WHEN THEIR HAIR WAS SHOULDER LENGTH.
THE FLAP WOULD CATCH THE GREASE FROM THEIR HAIR.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DEARBORN
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- F535 ART CRAFT ARCHITECTURE -- Dress Overall body coverUpper body and arms |
Date learned: 10-17-1972
WEDDING SUPERSTITION
IT WAS BAD LUCK FOR THE GROOM TO SEE THE BRIDE IN HER WEDDING DRESS
OR EVEN THE DRESS ALONE AT ANYTIME BEFORE THE WEDDING.
Submitter comment: THIS IS A GERMAN CUSTOM.
Where learned: OHIO ; MOGADORE
Date learned: 10-00-1976
NUMBER 13
THE NUMBER 13 WORN ON LEATHER JACKETS OF MOTORCYCLE GANGS REPRESENTS
MARIJUANA
Keyword(s): SYMBOL
| Subject headings: | 686 Specific number by specific number being described ART CRAFT ARCHITECTURE -- Dress Overall body coverUpper body and arms |
Date learned: DATE NOT RECORDED BY THE COLLECTOR
LUCK AND GOOD FORTUNE
IF YOU WEAR YOUR NIGHT GOWN BACKWARDS WITHOUT KNOWING ABOUT IT YOU'LL
HAVE A VERY NICE DAY WHEN YOU WAKE UP
Submitter comment: REVERSE
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DEARBORN
| Subject headings: | Observation ART CRAFT ARCHITECTURE -- Dress Overall body coverUpper body and arms BELIEF -- Product or activity of man or animal BELIEF -- Good luck P881.2 |
Date learned: 10-00-1977
CUSTOM
WHEN MY FATHER DIED MY BROTHERS AND I HAD OUR TIES CUT BY THE RABBI.
THIS IS THE ONLY CUSTOM CONNECTED WITH ANY OF THE CHILDREN--ONLY THE
SONS. I THINK IT IS SUPPOSED TO SYMBOLIZE THE BREAKING OF THE FATHER
AND SON RELATIONSHIP, OR A SEPARATION OF A FATHERS' DEATH FROM HIS
SON'S LIVES. AFTERWARDS, YOU'RE SUPPOSED TO KEEP WHAT'S LEFT OF YOUR
TIE AND WEAR IT PINNED INSIDE OF YOUR SHIRT ON THE LEFT SIDE FOR A
YEAR.
Submitter comment: THIS IS A JEWISH CUSTOM.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT ; COLLECTORS HOME
James Callow Keyword(s): NECKTIES ; POSITION DIRECTION
Date learned: 02-00-1979
SUPERSTITION
WEAR WHITE UNDERWEAR ON THE FIRST OF THE YEAR TO BE
PROTECTED FROM EVIL SPIRITS THROUGHOUT THE YEAR.
Submitter comment:
WHITE, AS THE SIGN OF RIGHTEOUSNESS CAN NOT BE
TOLERATED BY EVIL SPIRITS, ACCORDING TO THE INFORMANT.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT ; LOUNGE
Date learned: 02-22-1979
HOLEY UNDERWEAR
NEVER GO OUT OF THE HOUSE WITH HOLES IN YOUR UNDERWEAR
YOU NEVER KNOW YOU MIGHT GET HIT BY A CAR AND HAVE TO BE TAKEN TO
THE HOSPITAL, WHAT WOULD PEOPLE THINK?
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; LIVONIA
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Street Trip Relations between relatives, friends, host and guest Social class Rank ART CRAFT ARCHITECTURE -- Dress Overall body coverUpper body and arms |
Date learned: CA02001980
AT A SPANISH CATHOLIC WEDDING, THE BRIDE AND GROOM SEAL THEIR VOWS
WITH A CAPE WHICH IS BLESSED BY THE PRIEST. AT THE RECEPTION THE
AUDIENCE CAN COMMAND THEM TO KISS BY BEATING ON A GLASS WITH A FORK
UNTIL THEY DO SO.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Marriage ART CRAFT ARCHITECTURE -- Dress Overall body coverUpper body and arms SPEECH -- Gesture SPEECH -- To Be Heard |
Date learned: 11-14-1980
HOLY WEEK CUSTOM
DURING HOLY THURSDAY AND FRIDAY OF HOLY WEEK WOMEN OF THE VILLAGE
DRESS BOTH DAYS IN BLACK AND DO NOT LEAVE THEIR HOMES. FOOD IS PREPA
RED ON WEDNESDAY OF HOLY WEEK AND NO WORK IS DONE ON THOSE TWO DAYS.
PREPARED
Submitter comment: A PRACTICE FROM THE INFORMANT'S HOMETOWN OF SABINAS IN MEXICO.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
James Callow Keyword(s): COLOR SYMBOLISM
| Subject headings: | 663 Holy Thursday CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Spring Planting ART CRAFT ARCHITECTURE -- Dress Overall body coverUpper body and arms BELIEF -- Prayer BELIEF -- Color |
Date learned: 11-00-1981
TRADITIONAL POLISH DANCE DRESS
TRADITIONAL POLISH DANCE DRESS FOR A WOMAN IS A VELVET BLACK VEST
WITH SEQUINS, VERY FANCY AND INTRICATE, AND USUALLY HAND-SEWN.
THE DRESS FALLS BELOW THE KNEE, AND IS BRIGHTLY COLORED.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; SOUTHFIELD
| Subject headings: | ART CRAFT ARCHITECTURE -- Dress Overall body coverUpper body and arms |
Date learned: 00001970S
WHEN OUR BABIES ARE INFANTS, WE PUT THEIR UNDERSHIRTS
ON INSIDE-OUT TO CONFUSE THE EVIL EYE AND KEEP IT AWAY
FROM THE BABY.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
James Callow Keyword(s): DRESSING ; POSITION DIRECTION
| Subject headings: | ART CRAFT ARCHITECTURE -- Dress Overall body coverUpper body and arms BELIEF -- Curse |
Date learned: 00-00-1950
A PERSON CAN PUT YOUR HAIR AND A PIECE OF YOUR UNDERCLOTH
IN A JAR,BLOW SMOKE ON IT COVER IT PUT IT UNDER YOUR PORCH,
AND EVERYTIME YOU TRY TO GO IN YOUR HOUSE YOU WILL GET SICK.
Where learned: LOUISIANA
Date learned: 01111984CA
It is extremely bad luck for a bride-to-be to sew
even one stitch in her own wedding dress.
Submitter comment:
Elaine first heard this warning as a young woman, when her
friend was sewing her own wedding gown. The bride's relatives
(Polish) warned her not to, as it would surely bring trouble.
They dismissed it as an "old-wives tale." Later, however,
her best friend died an unexpected and premature death.
She now believes this to be true.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DEARBORN
Keyword(s): Superstition, advice, tabu
| Subject headings: | ART CRAFT ARCHITECTURE -- Dress Overall body coverUpper body and arms BELIEF -- Bad luck Crucial moment of life |
Date learned: 00001950S
Friendship bracelets
Friendship bracelets consist of thread braided
together to form a bracelet. These bracelets
represent your friendship to that particular
person. They are usually worn around your wrist or
around your ankle.
You will need embroidery thread, two or more safety
pins, and a pillow or cushion. You also have to know
how many colors you want and how wide you want the
bracelet.
In order to start the bracelet you have to cut the
thread. A good standard length is two arm lengths.
Even if the bracelet is small you still want long
thread because it is easier to work with and you
don't have to worry about running out.
Once the thread is cut you have to arrange the
colors into the order that you want them. This is
also the time to decide how thick you want the
bracelet to be. If you would like a color to be
thicker then put two strands of that color next to
each other. Usually what people do is to use four
colors with two strands apiece for a good standard
thickness.
Now that you have all of your strands and colors in
the order you like, tie them together. A note of
caution, leave about two inches of open thread before
you tie the knot. This extra two inches is so you can
tie it together when you're done.
After the knot is tied, place the threads on the
pillow. The knot should be furthest away from you and
safety pinned to the pillow. Once the knot is pinned
to the pillow separate the strands into the desired
order and make sure they aren't too close together.
If they are close together there is a chance that
you may get the color order confused and the
bracelet would be in a different color order than
you would want them.
Now you are ready to begin. Put the pillow either
on your lap or on a table. You can begin either on
the left and work to your right, or you can begin
on your right and work to the left. Right handed
people usually find it easier to work from the left
and work towards the right.
These instructions will be from the left to the right.
Pick up the thread farthest to the left with your
left hand and pick up the string next to it with
your right hand. Cross the left string over the
right to make a loop. Pull the end of the left
string through the loop to make a knot - but slide
the knot as far as it will go towards the pinned
knot. Make sure it is secure. A word of caution:
If your knots are too tight the bracelet will begin
to twist in a spiral after a few rows have been
completed. This makes the bracelet very difficult
to work with. However, if the knots are too loose
the bracelet will lose the separation of colors,
creating a blended look. Finally you want to hold
the right hand string firmly, pulling it towards
you. This is so the left string will completely
cover the right hand string. Otherwise, the
different colors will bleed through creating a
speckled look.
Once the first knot is made repeat the process of
crossing over and looping with the same two strands.
After two knots have been made set the string on the
right down.
The string in the left hand stays there. The strand
that just received the two knots should be the one
farthest to the left. Now the thread in the left
hand moves to the next thread on the right. The right
hand thread then makes two knots on that one. This
process is continued until all the threads have two
knots in them and the thread farthest to your right
is in your hand.
Once you set down the furthest thread on the right,
you begin the whole process over again using the
thread on the left until that becomes the furthest
one on the right. Continue the rows like this until
you have the desired length. Another note to ease
the process of making the knots: After a few rows
are completed you may want to pin the completed
part to the pillow in order to keep it stationary.
Now that you have reached the desired length, take
all the threads and tie them in a knot, similar to
the one at the top. This knot should be as close to
the rows as possible and be very tight to prevent
the bracelet from falling apart.
Finally, find your friend and tie the bracelet
around his / her wrist or ankle, then cut the extra
thread off.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; GROSSE POINTE
James Callow Keyword(s): JEWELRY
Date learned: 00-00-1986
IF YOU DREAM OF A BLACK DRESS, THAT IS A SIGN OF A FUNERAL.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | ART CRAFT ARCHITECTURE -- Dress Overall body coverUpper body and arms BELIEF -- Death Funeral Burial BELIEF -- Color BELIEF -- Dreams Dreams about objects BELIEF -- Dreams Objects in color |
THE NAVY HAS THIRTEEN BUTTONS ON THEIR UNIFORMS TO
COMMEMORATE THE ORIGINAL THIRTEEN STATES.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | 686 Specific number by specific number being described CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- F535 ART CRAFT ARCHITECTURE -- Dress Overall body coverUpper body and arms |
Date learned: 00-00-1968
IF YOU ACCIDENTALLY PUT YOUR DRESS ON ON THE WRONG SIDE, WHEN YOU
GET UP AND WEAR IT ON THE WRONG SIDE UNTIL NOON, AND THEN
CHANGE, YOU WILL LATER GET A NEW DRESS.
Where learned: NOT GIVEN
James Callow Keyword(s): POSITION DIRECTION
Date learned: 06-23-1972
WHEN A MEASURING WORM GETS ON YOU, IT MEANS THAT HE IS MEASURING
YOU FOR A NEW SUIT OF CLOTHES.
Where learned: NASHVILLE ; TENNESSEE, ASSUMED
Keyword(s): INCHWORM ?
Date learned: 05-03-1969