Dr. James T. Callow publications
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The James T. Callow Folklore Archive
Your search for N248 returned 38 results.
NUTMEGGERS
AS YOU KNOW, IN COLONIAL TIMES SPICES WERE VERY EXPENSIVE.
THE YANKEE PEDDLER MERCHANTS CARRIED THESE SPICES. THEY
CARRIED THEM OVER THE COUNTRYSIDE IN SEARCH OF BUSINESS.
SOME DISHONEST MERCHANTS WOULD SUBSTITUTE WOODEN NUTMEGS
FOR THE REAL THING. AND SO THESE MERCHANTS CAME TO BE
CALLED NUTMEGGERS. AND TODAY A NUTMEGGER IS USED AS THE
NICKNAME FOR PEOPLE FROM CONNECTICUT.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Explanation of a name Food Drink -- Flavoring |
Date learned: 10-15-1968
WHEN YOU SPILL SALT IT MEANS YOU ARE GOING TO HAVE
A FIGHT.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | Observation Food Drink -- Flavoring BELIEF -- Mineral BELIEF -- Street Trip Relations between relatives, friends, host and guest Social class Rank |
Date learned: NOT GIVEN
METHOD OF CURE
FOR A FRIGHT OR A NIGHTMARE THAT FRIGHTENED SOMEONE - I WAS ABOUT 3
OR 4 YEARS OLD WHEN I FIRST SAW MY GRANDPARENTS DO THIS. THEY DUG A
SMALL HOLE IN THE GROUND (ABOUT 6 INCHES DEEP) TO BE FILLED WITH
FRESH WATER. THEY PUT A CROSS OF PALM LEAVES, GOTTEN ON PALM SUNDAY,
AT ONE SIDE OF THE HOLE. THE FRIGHTENED PERSON STOOD NEAR THE SIDE
OF THE HOLE (1) THEN CROSSED THE HOLE TO THE OTHER SIDE (2) AND THE
MEDICINE MAN (OR WOMAN) WHISPERS IN HIS EAR, "DO YOU BELIEVE IN ME?
WILL YOU COME?(APPROXIMATELY)". THEN THE FRIGHTENED PERSON WOULD STEP
A QUARTER OF THE WAY AROUND THE HOLE (3) AND THE MEDICINE MAN OR
WOMAN WOULD AGAIN WHISPER THAT IN HIS EAR. THE PERSON WOULD CROSS
THE HOLE TO THE OPPOSITE SIDE AGAIN (4) AND THAT WOULD BE 3 MOVES.
THE MEDICINE MAN/WOMAN WOULD REPEAT THE WHISPER. (THIRD TIME) THE
MEDICINE MAN/WOMAN WOULD CLEAR THE TOP OF THE WATER OF SCUM AND
WOULD TAKE A CUP OF CLEAR WATER FROM THE HOLE. THE FRIGHTENED PERSON
WOULD TAKE 3 SIPS OF THE WATER. THEY WOULD TAKE THE PERSON AND LAY
THEM IN BED. THEN THEY WOULD TAKE LONG BAY LEAVES (AS MANY AS THEY
COULD HOLD IN THEIR HAND-4 OR 6) AND SWEEP THEM IN A CROSS OVER THE
FRIGHTENED PERSON 3 TIMES. THE MEDICINE MAN/WOMAN WOULD PUT THE
LEAVES UNDER THE BED FOR THE NIGHT. THEN THEY'D TAKE THE LEAVES AND
SWEEP THE DIRT BACK INTO THE HOLE THEN THEY'D THROW THE LEAVES AS IF
GETTING RID OF THE EVIL OR FRIGHT THE PERSON HAD EXPERIENCED. THEY
DID THIS TO ME WHEN I WAS LITTLE, SO I KNOW IT WORKS.
Submitter comment:
THIS ITEM WAS ORIGINALLY LEARNED BY THE INFORMANT FROM HER
GRANDPARENTS WHEN SHE WAS A LITTLE GIRL IN TEXAS. SHE BELIEVES THIS
METHOD WORKS, BECAUSE IT WAS USED ON HER. SHE GAVE IT TO ME IN MUCH
THE SAME MANNER AS A RECIPE. SHE KEPT SAYING THAT SHE KNOWS IT MIGHT
BE ALL PSYCHOLOGICAL, BUT SHE IS VERY SURE IT WORKS. SINCE THIS WAS
A RATHER LONG ITEM, SHE KEPT GOING OVER THE DETAILS TO MAKE SURE I
WAS GETTING THEM ALL. THE ITEM WAS INTERESTING IN ITSELF, BUT IT WAS
MADE EVEN MORE SO BY HER ATTITUDE OF COMPLETE TRUST IN ITS WORKING
POWERS.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; LINCOLN PARK
James Callow Keyword(s): PLANTS
| Subject headings: | 686 Thirds / Thrice / Three / Triple Food Drink -- Flavoring BELIEF -- Plant BELIEF -- Mineral |
Date learned: 01-10-1973
REMEDY
FOR ARTHRITIS AND ACHES CAUSED BY OLD AGE, ETC. - 10 TO 12 OUNCES OF
MAJORANA BOILED IN A QUART OF WATER. USED AS A CHASER OR WITH
WHISKEY, TEQUILA, ETC.
Submitter comment:
THIS ITEM WAS LEARNED BY THE INFORMANT WHEN SHE WAS A YOUNG GIRL
IN TEXAS. SHE WAS TAUGHT THIS BY HER MOTHER OR GRANDPARENTS,
PRIMARILY HER GRANDMOTHER.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; LINCOLN PARK
James Callow Keyword(s): MARJORAM? HERB? ; PLANT SPICE
| Subject headings: | Food Drink -- Flavoring Food Drink -- Alcoholic beverage BELIEF -- Body part Senses BELIEF -- Plant |
Date learned: 01-10-1973
DRINK
FOR MORNING TEAS- FRESH CINNAMON TEA IN THE MORNING. THEY BELIEVE
THIS GIVES THEM VITAMANS FOR THEIR NUTRITIONAL DAILY REQUIREMENTS,
THIS IS USED YEAR ROUND THERE.
Submitter comment:
THIS ITEM WAS LEARNED BY THE INFORMANT WHEN SHE WAS A YOUNG GIRL
IN TEXAS. SHE WAS TAUGHT THIS BY HER MOTHER OR GRANDPARENTS,
PRIMARILY HER GRANDMOTHER.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; LINCOLN PARK
James Callow Keyword(s): PLANT SPICE
| Subject headings: | Food Drink -- Flavoring Food Drink -- Brew of leaf, bark, root BELIEF -- Plant |
Date learned: 01-10-1973
REMEDY
FOR YOUNG GIRL'S FIRST MENSTRUAL PERIODS- BOIL ROSEMARY LEAVES, AND
ANISE SEED, CINNAMON STICKS, PEPPERMINT LEAVES, DRIED OR FRESH. IN
TEXAS THEY WOULD ADD A JIGGER OF ANNISETTE ( MEXICAN LIQUEUR )FOR
MEDICINAL PURPOSES.
Submitter comment:
THIS ITEM WAS LEARNED BY THE INFORMANT WHEN SHE WAS A YOUNG GIRL
IN TEXAS. SHE WAS TAUGHT THIS BY HER MOTHER OR GRANDPARENTS,
PRIMARILY HER GRANDMOTHER.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; LINCOLN PARK
James Callow Keyword(s): PLANTS SPICE FLAVORING
| Subject headings: | Food Drink -- Flavoring BELIEF -- Plant |
Date learned: 01-10-1973
WEARING GARLIC, OR HAVING IT IN YOUR POSSESSION DRIVES AWAY EVIL
SPIRITS.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
James Callow Keyword(s): EXORCISM
| Subject headings: | Food Drink -- Flavoring BELIEF -- Devil Demon BELIEF -- Devil Demon BELIEF -- Plant BELIEF -- Magic of Speech, Sign, Color |
Date learned: 11-19-1972
SIGNIFICANCE OF SALT
WE HAVE A ROADSIDE STAND BACK HOME, AND ONE OF OUR CUSTOMERS
WANTED SOME SALT TO EAT WITH THEIR TOMATOES, RATHER THAN GIVE THEM
THE SALT, HE SOLD IT TO THEM, AND LATER TOLD ME TO NEVER GIVE SALT
AWAY, FOR IF YOU DO, YOU WILL BECOME WEAK, AND OTHER PEOPLE WILL
HAVE POWER OVER YOU. SALT THEREFORE HAS MUCH SIGNIFICANCE AND
MEANING.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | Food Drink -- Plant food Vegetable Food Drink -- Flavoring BELIEF -- Mineral |
Date learned: 08-00-1969
LUCK SUPERSTITION
IF YOU BORROW SALT, YOU SHOULD NEVER GIVE IT BACK.
Where learned: WARREN
| Subject headings: | Food Drink -- Flavoring BELIEF -- Mineral |
Date learned: 02-15-1970
LUCK BELIEF ABOUT SALT
IF YOU SPILL SALT, YOU MUST THROW SOME OF IT OVER YOUR
RIGHT SHOULDER IN ORDER TO AVOID A FIGHT.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | Food Drink -- Flavoring BELIEF -- Mineral |
Date learned: 11-15-1968
SALT
IN IRISH SUPERSTITON: WHEN EATING AT A TABLE AND SOMEONE ASKS
FOR THE SALT, YOU MUST FIRST SET IT DOWN NEXT TO THE PERSON AND
LET HIM PICK IT UP.. IF YOU SHOULD PASS IT TO HIM IT IS SAID THAT
THE TWO WILL GET INTO A FIGHT.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
James Callow Keyword(s): ADVICE: NEGATIVE ; ADVICE: POSITIVE ; ADVICE: POSITIVE
Date learned: 10-05-1972
ITALIAN COOKING
OLIVE OIL AND HERBS ARE USED IN PRACTICALLY EVERY ITALIAN RECIPE.
HOWEVER, IN NORTHERN ITALY, THE COOKS PREFER TO USE BUTTER, THOUGH
AN EXTRA DROP OF OIL IN THIS OR THAT COMBINATION CAN ADD AN
INDEFINABLE DISTINCTION OF FLAVOR.
Submitter comment: REALLY ENJOYS TALKING ABOUT ITALIAN COOKING.
| Subject headings: | Food Drink -- Kind of Food and Its Preparation Food Drink -- Animal product Butter Food Drink -- Flavoring |
Date learned: 10-00-1976
LEAVES
IT IS COMMON TO USE CELERY LEAVES FOR FLAVOR IN SOUPS.
Where learned: LOCATION NOT RECORDED BY COLLECTOR
| Subject headings: | Food Drink -- Mixed preparation in liquid Food Drink -- Flavoring |
Date learned: DATE NOT RECORDED BY COLLECTOR.
DURING THE EARLY 1900s, SOUTHERN BLACKS USED MOLASSES, HONEY,
AND SORGHUM TO SWEETEN THEIR FOODS.
Where learned: NORTH CAROLINA ; CARTHAGE
James Callow Keyword(s): SUGAR SUBSTITUTES
| Subject headings: | Food Drink -- Pastry Sweet Dessert Food Drink -- Flavoring |
Date learned: 00001900s
Superstition
When wanting a man to fall in love, place sugar in a glass of
water and stir toward you (the stirrer) saying the person's name
three times.
Where learned: MISSISSIPPI ; Laurel
| Subject headings: | Charm / Enchantment / Conjuration 686 Thirds / Thrice / Three / Triple Favorites Food Drink -- Flavoring BELIEF -- Marriage |
Belief
YOU SHOULD NEVER BORROW SALT WITHOUT PAYING FOR IT,
BECAUSE YOU WILL NEVER SPEAK TO THAT PERSON AGAIN.
Submitter comment:
INFORMANT LEARNED THIS FROM HER PARENTS WHEN SHE LIVED
ON A FARM AS A GIRL.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
Keyword(s): Salt, Mineral, Belief, Friendship, Custom, Ownership
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- F553 Food Drink -- Flavoring BELIEF -- Mineral BELIEF -- Street Trip Relations between relatives, friends, host and guest Social class Rank |
Date learned: 03-31-1967
IF YOU SPILL SALT WHILE YOU ARE EATING AT THE TABLE,
YOU WILL FIGHT SOMEONE. IF YOU THROW SOME SALT
OVER YOUR SHOULDER, YOU WILL AVOID THE FIGHT.
Submitter comment:
MRS. MALONY LEARNED THIS WHEN SHE WAS A CHILD,
BEING RAISED IN IRELAND.
Where learned: DETROIT ; RECTORY ; IRELAND ; MICHIGAN, ASSUMED ; HOLY NAME
| Subject headings: | Food Drink -- Flavoring BELIEF -- Use of Object Food |
Date learned: 02-19-1967
WHEN YOU BORROW SALT, YOU REPAY IT WITH SUGAR.
Where learned: PARIS ; TENNESSEE
| Subject headings: | Food Drink -- Flavoring BELIEF -- Mineral BELIEF -- Product or activity of man or animal |
Date learned: 06-20-1970
IF YOU PUT SALT IN RINSING WATER, CLOTHES WON'T FREEZE WHEN
YOU HANG THEM OUT.
Where learned: HANDWRITTEN NOTES
Keyword(s): LAUNDRY WASHING
| Subject headings: | Food Drink -- Flavoring BELIEF -- Mineral BELIEF -- Home |
Date learned: 06-18-1972
SPILLED SALT WILL CAUSE BAD LUCK UNLESS YOU THROW SOME OVER
YOUR LEFT SHOULDER.
Where learned: GEORGIA ; ATLANTA
James Callow Keyword(s): POSITION DIRECTION
| Subject headings: | Food Drink -- Flavoring BELIEF -- Mineral BELIEF -- Bad luck Food and drink |
Date learned: 03-27-1969