Dr. James T. Callow publications
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The James T. Callow Folklore Archive
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POLISH CHRISTMAS CUSTOMS
CHRISTMAS IS A BELOVED HOLIDAY FOR THE POLISH PEOPLE. BEGINNING AT
SUNDOWN, THE FAMILY SITS DOWN TO THE EVENING MEAL. THIS MEAL IS
MEATLESS AND CONSISTS OF NINE COURSES. WHEN THE FIRST EVENING STAR
APPEARS THE MEAL BEGINS. STRAW IS PLACED UNDERNEATH A WHITE
TABLECLOTH TO SIGNIFY CHRIST'S BIRTH IN A MANGER. A CHRISTMAS WAFER
CALLED "OPLATEK" IS SHARED WITH EACH MEMBER OF THE FAMILY BEGINNING
WITH THE FATHER. GOOD HEALTH, GOD'S BLESSINGS AND JOY IS EXTENDED
TO ALL. THIS COMPLETED, THE MEAL BEGINS. THE SOUP IS CREAMED
MUSHROOM. FOLLOWING WE HAVE PIEROGI (DUMPLINGS) WITH CABBAGE OR
POTATO AND CHEESE. WE ALSO HAVE A VARIETY OF FISH. COLD HERRING,
FISH IN GELATIN (GALARECIE), BAKED FISH, RYE BREAD AND SAUR KRAUT
PREPARED WITH MUSHROOMS. COFFEE AND BABKA FOR DESERT. AFTER THE
PEOPLE RETURN FROM MIDNIGHT MASS THEY BRING OUT THE BAKED HAM AND
HOMEMADE KIELBASA WHICH EVERY GOOD POLAK MAKES HIMSELF AND THEY EAT,
DRINK AND MAKE MERRY.
Data entry tech comment:
Informant and collector share the same surname.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; informant's home ; 25940 MADISON CT, S. ; St. Clair Shores
Keyword(s): ABSTINENCE FROM MEAT ; FOOD CUSTOM
Date learned: 11-01-1971
HOLIDAY MEAL
VOGELIA--IN A SPECIAL FAMILY DINNER ON CHRISTMAS OR EASTER, AN
ODD NUMBER OF COURSES ARE SERVED (7,9, OR MORE). NO MEAT IS SERVED
AT ALL, BUT FISH IS ALLOWED. EACH COURSE IS BROUGHT OUT
INDIVIDUALLY; FOR EXAMPLE, BREAD MIGHT BE FIRST, THEN
FOLLOWED BY SOUP, THEN FOLLOWED BY THE FISH OR BY FRUIT FOR DESSERT.
Data entry tech comment:
Updated by TRD
James Callow comment:
Please make a copy. Label it F663
Keyword(s): ABSTINENCE FROM MEAT ; CHRISTMAS ; Easter ; FOOD ; FOOD CUSTOM ; holiday ; Menu ; tradition ; VOGELIA
| Subject headings: | 122 Christmas 686 Seven / Sevenths / Several 686 Ninths / Nine CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Spring Planting Easter Sunday |
Date learned: 11-02-1971
KITTENS' PAWS
THIS MEATLESS DISH IS TRADITIONALLY SERVED ON CHRISTMAS EVE
WHICH IN THE PAST WAS A DAY OF TOTAL ABSTINANCE (ABSTINENCE).
A FILLING OF CHEESE, CHOPPED SPINACH AND SPICES IS ROLLED IN SQUARES
OF PASTRY. THE ENDS OF THESE ROLLS ARE PINCHED CLOSE IN SUCH A
FASHION AS TO RESEMBLE KITTENS' PAWS. THEY ARE THEN COOKED
IN A TOMATO SAUCE AND SERVED.
Data entry tech comment:
Updated by TRD
Where learned: DETROIT, ASSUMED ; MICHIGAN, ASSUMED
Keyword(s): ABSTINENCE FROM MEAT ; CHRISTMAS ; CUSTOM ; FOOD ; holiday ; Vegetarian
| Subject headings: | 122 Christmas |
Date learned: NOT RECORDED
LYRIC
"TODAY'S THE DAY WE GIVE BABIES AWAY
WITH EVERY POUND OF TEA.
IF YOU KNOW ANY LADIES,
WHO WANT ANY BABIES,
JUST SEND THEM AROUND TO ME".
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; PONTIAC
James Callow Keyword(s): FEMININE RHYME (SLANT) ; SLANT RHYME
Date learned: 00-00-1975
AUTHORS AND TITLES
THE YELLOW RIVER BY I. P. DALEY
Data entry tech comment:
Updated by TRD
Where learned: DETROIT
Keyword(s): PUN ; PUNS ; WORDPLAY
James Callow Keyword(s): PUN ON PEE, MEANING URINATE
| Subject headings: | RIDDLE -- Riddle Question |
Date learned: CA00001968
PROSE ROUND ; FORMULA TALE
IT WAS A DARK AND STORMY NIGHT. WE WERE ALL SITTING AROUND THE
CAMPFIRE WHEN SUDDENLY UNCLE JOE WALKED UP, AND SOMEONE CALLED OUT
"UNCLE JOE, TELL US A STORY}" AND HE BEGAN: "IT WAS A DARK AND STORMY
NIGHT. WE WERE ALL SITTING AROUND THE CAMPFIRE WHEN SUDDENLY UNCLE
GEORGE WALKED UP, AND SOMEONE CALLED OUT, "UNCLE GEORGE, TELL US A
STORY}" (THIS IS REPEATED, USING A DIFFERENT NAME EACH TIME.)
Where learned: DETROIT
James Callow Keyword(s): CHAIN INVOLVING NAMES ; INTERESTING COMBINATION OF ROUND AND CHAIN TALE
| Subject headings: | Favorites PROSE NARRATIVE -- Formula tale |
Date learned: CA00001968
ANIMAL
IF YOU EAT A HOG'S EYE, YOU WILL BE ABLE TO SEE THE COLOR
OF THE WIND.
THE WIND IS SAID TO BE RED.
Submitter comment:
MY MOTHER STATED THAT MY GRANDFATHER ATE A HOG'S EYE AND
SAW THE RED WIND. SHE SAID IT SCARED HIM TO DEATH.
Where learned: GEORGIA ; MILLEDGEVILLE
James Callow Keyword(s): HOMEOPATHIC
| Subject headings: | Favorites BELIEF -- Body part Senses BELIEF -- Insect BELIEF -- Color |
Date learned: 00-00-1979
COMMON WORD
ON THE RAG
Submitter comment:
IT MEANS TO ACT BITCHY-LIKE WHEN WOMEN ARE HAVING THEIR PERIOD,
THEY ARE ALWAYS COMPLAINING
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; SOUTHFIELD
James Callow Keyword(s): MENSTRUATION
| Subject headings: | SPEECH -- Common Word |
Date learned: 02-00-1979
NEW YEAR'S DAY
PUT SILVER IN THE SINKS, AND COPPER ON ALL THE WINDOW SILLS, FOR
GOOD LUCK ON NEW YEAR'S EVE, SO THAT YOU WILL NEVER BE BROKE.
Submitter comment: THIS IS A VERY INTERESTING BELIEF, AND IT IS DONE BY MANY RACES.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; WYANDOTTE
James Callow Keyword(s): HOMEOPATHIC
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 31 New Year's Eve BELIEF -- Mineral |
NEW YEAR'S DAY
HOLDING A SILVER DOLLAR IN YOUR HAND AND EATING A HERRING TO WELCOME
IN THE NEW YEAR, MEANS THAT YOU WILL NEVER BE BROKE OR HUNGRY.
Submitter comment: IF YOU DO NOT LIKE HERRING, THEN YOU ARE OUT OF LUCK.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; WYANDOTTE
James Callow Keyword(s): COIN MONEY ; HOMEOPATHIC
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- January 1 New Year's Food Drink -- Typical menus for the various meals For meal hours, see F574.84. Special or festive meals BELIEF -- Mineral |
Date learned: 00-00-1978
PRAYER, VERSE CRUCIAL MOMENT OF LIFE.
THANK THE LORD FOR A GIRL SO FINE,
YOU GAVE TO ME TO CALL HER MINE,.
NOW SHE'S GONE, SHE'S NEAR HER THRONE,
AND SHE'LL WAIT TILL I COME HOME.
CHORUS: LORD I LOVE HER, LORD I CRY,
LORD I MISS HER, TILL THE DAY I DIE.
ON THIS EARTH I'LL WORK AND PRAY
TILL GOD COMES AND TAKES ME AWAY,
UP TO HEAVEN HIGH IN THE SKY,
THE PLACE THAT YOU RESERVE FOR YOU AND I } }
CHORUS: LORD I LOVE HER, LORD I CRY,
LORD I MISS HER, TILL THE DAY I DIE.
Submitter comment:
THIS HAS TO DO WITH MANY CRUCIAL MOMENTS OF LIFE FROM BIRTH TO DEATH
I FEEL THAT THIS IS A VERY MOVING AND BEATIFUL VERSE.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; WYANDOTTE
James Callow Keyword(s): RYME PROMPTS WRONG CASE: FOR YOU AND I
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Custom Festival C840.546 Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Belief Belief BELIEF -- Prayer |
Date learned: 04-00-1979
SUPERSTITIONS IN THE THEATER.
DON'T RUN LINES IN YOUR HEADJUST BEFORE GOING ON. THIS IS
BAD LUCK, BECAUSE YOU FORGET YOUR LINES FASTER.
Submitter comment:
THIS HAS HAPPENED TO ME WHEN I WAS IN A PRODUCTION AT
CRANBROOK SUMMER THEATER CAMP. I HAD A MAJOR PART, AND BEFORE
MY ENTRANCE, I WAS GOING THROUGH LINES, AND WHEN I GOT ONSTAGE,
I BLACKED OUT BECAUSE I FORGOT MY LINES.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT ; CAMPUS
James Callow Keyword(s): MEMORY
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Product or activity of man or animal |
Date learned: 02-00-1979
CUSTOM ; BELIEF
ON THE NIGHT BEFORE EASTER, YOU TAKE MONEY (CHANGE) AND PUT IT INTO A
DISH OF WATER. NEXT MORNING, EVERYBODY WASHES THEIR HANDS IN IT.
DOING THIS BRINGS WEALTH TO THE HOUSEHOLD.
Submitter comment:
TRADITION WAS FOLLOWED IN HIS FAMILY. IT COMES FROM THE SLAVIC CHURCH
TRADITION AND WAS INTRODUCED BY HIS MOTHER.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT ; COLLECTORS HOME
James Callow Keyword(s): HOMEOPATHIC AND CONTAGIOUS MAGIC
| Subject headings: | 663 Holy Saturday Favorites CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Home BELIEF -- Magic of Speech, Sign, Color BELIEF -- Good luck |
Date learned: 01-00-1979
CUSTOM ; BELIEF
WE USED TO TAKE AN EASTER EGG TO THE EASTER SERVICE, AND THE PRIEST
WOULD BLESS IT. LATER, AT HOME, EVERYONE EATS A PART OF THE EGG.
DOING THIS BRINGS HEALTH TO EVERYONE.
Submitter comment:
COMES FROM SLAVIC CHURCH TRADITION (VIA MOTHER) AND IS FOLLOWED IN
HIS HOME.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT ; COLLECTORS HOME
James Callow Keyword(s): HOMEOPATHIC AND CONTAGIOUS MAGIC
Date learned: 01-00-1979
CUSTOM
IN LEBANON WE HAVE A CUSTOM THAT IS FOLLOWED WHEN A MAN AND A WOMAN
MARRY. A WOMAN MUST BE A VIRGIN WHEN SHE MARRIES, SO ON THE NIGHT
AFTER THE WEDDING, THE COUPLE TAKES THEIR BLOODY SHEET TO THE HOUSES
OF BOTH THEIR FAMILIES TO PROVE THIS. IF THE WOMAN WAS NOT A VIRGIN,
HER HUSBAND WOULD HAVE THE RIGHT TO DIVORCE HER AT ONCE, AND HER
FAMILY WOULD LOSE THEIR HONOR.
Submitter comment: THIS IS A CUSTOM FOLLOWED BY MUSLIMS IN LEBANON.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT ; COLLECTORS HOME
James Callow Keyword(s): BREAKING THE HYMEN
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Street Trip Relations between relatives, friends, host and guest Social class Rank CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Marriage |
Date learned: 02-00-1979
SUPERSTITION
YOU'RE NOT SUPPOSED TO SPANK A BABY BEFORE THEY'RE A YEAR OLD, OR THE
CHILD WILL TURN OUT TO BE A HORRID PERSON.
Where learned: HOME ; MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
James Callow Keyword(s): PUNISHMENT
Date learned: 03-00-1979
LOVE SPELL
IF YOU WANT TO MAKE SOMEONE FALL IN LOVE WITH YOU, USE EITHER A RED
OR PINK CANDLE. THESE COLORS REPRESENT LOVE; IT'S USUALLY BETTER TO
USE A PINK CANDLE, BECAUSE IF YOU USE RED, YOU'LL NEVER BE ABLE TO
GET RID OF YOUR INTENDED LOVER, EVEN IF YOU WANT TO. SIT COMFORTABLY
IN A QUIET PLACE THAT HAS GOOD ENERGY FOR YOU. PIERCE THE CANDLE
ABOUT THREE QUARTERS OF THE WAY DOWN WITH THREE STRAIGHT PINS, SO
THAT THEY GO AROUND THE CANDLE. PUSH THEM IN ONLY FAR ENOUGH SO THAT
THEY STAY IN PLACE. TURN OFF THE LIGHTS AND LIGHT THE CANDLE.
CONCENTRATE STRONGLY ON THE PERSON YOU HAVE IN MIND--USE MIND-
PICTURES AND SOUNDS. IMAGINE CONVERSATIONS, SITUATIONS, ANY KIND OF
INTERACTION BETWEEN YOU AND THIS PERSON. CONTINUE UNTIL ALL THREE OF
THE PINS FALL AWAY FROM THE CANDLE. THIS SPELL SHOULD BE CAST WHEN
THE MOON IS WAXING.
Submitter comment: I'VE USED THIS SPELL SUCCESSFULLY.
Where learned: UNKNOWN
James Callow Keyword(s): HOMEOPATHIC
| Subject headings: | Charm / Enchantment / Conjuration 686 Thirds / Thrice / Three / Triple Favorites BELIEF -- Moon BELIEF -- Color |
REMEDY
I REMEMBER MY GRANDMOTHER CURING A YOUNG CHILD OF A FEAR. IT'S A
RITUAL. WHEN A CHILD IS AFRAID OF SOMETHING, YOU GET SOME WHITE ROCK.
IT'S A SOFT ROCK, I DON'T KNOW THE NAME OF IT. THE ROCK IS PUT INTO A
SKILLET AND HEATED. AS IT HEATS, IT SOFTENS, AND IT WILL FORM INTO A
FIGURE OF WHAT THE CHILD IS AFRAID OF. THE FEAR IS REMOVED FROM THE
CHILD THIS WAY.
Where learned: HOME ; MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
James Callow Keyword(s): CONJURATION DIVINATION ; HOMEOPATHIC ; MEXICAN-AMERICAN CURE
| Subject headings: | Observation Favorites BELIEF -- Physically handicapped Deformed BELIEF -- Mineral BELIEF -- Method of Curing |
Date learned: 03-00-1979
REMEDY
EATING SNAKE MEAT WILL CURE RHEUMATISM.
Submitter comment:
HE HEARD THIS FROM HIS GRANDMOTHER, WHO SAID IT WORKED FOR HER. YOU
HAVE TO EAT IT REGULARLY IN ORDER FOR IT TO DO ANY GOOD. RATTLESNAKE
MEAT IS SUPPOSED TO BE THE BEST.
Where learned: HOME ; MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
James Callow Keyword(s): MEXICAN-AMERICAN
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Animal |
Date learned: 03-00-1979
REMEDY
DRINKING OREGANO TEA WILL HELP IF YOU HAVE A COLD. YOU HAVE TO MAKE
IT REAL STRONG AND DRINK IT REAL HOT. USUALLY I DRINK THREE CUPS A
DAY WHEN I'M SICK.
Submitter comment: HE SAYS IT WORKS FOR HIM.
Where learned: HOME ; MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
James Callow Keyword(s): MEXICAN-AMERICAN
| Subject headings: | 686 Thirds / Thrice / Three / Triple BELIEF -- Plant BELIEF -- Method of Curing |
Date learned: 03-00-1979