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The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

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SIGNS OF GHOSTS

IF A BLACK CAT WALKS ACROSS YOUR PATH IT IS EITHER A WITCH
OR A GHOST AND CAN PUT A SPELL ON YOU.

Data entry tech comment:

Updated by TRD

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

Keyword(s): Black ; CAT ; COLOR ; GHOST ; SIGN ; SPIRIT ; SUPERSTITION ; SYMBOL ; Witch

Subject headings: BELIEF -- Ghost Spirit Phantom Specter

Date learned: 09-25-1969

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SIGNS OF GHOSTS

IF YOU ARE WALKING ACROSS A ROAD AT NIGHT AND HAPPEN TO
HEAR A STICK BREAK, THAT WAS A GHOST.

Data entry tech comment:

Updated by TRD

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

Keyword(s): GHOST ; MYSTERIOUS NOISE ; NOISE ; Portent ; SIGN ; SUPERSTITION ; SYMBOL

Subject headings: BELIEF -- Ghost Spirit Phantom Specter

Date learned: 09-25-1969

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SIGNS OF GHOSTS

CHURCH BELLS OR BANGING ON POTS AND PANS MAKE GHOSTS APPEAR.

Data entry tech comment:

Updated by TRD

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

Keyword(s): Bells ; GHOST ; SIGN ; Sound ; SUPERSTITION ; SYMBOL

Subject headings: Charm / Enchantment / Conjuration
BELIEF -- Ghost Spirit Phantom Specter

Date learned: 09-25-1969

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SUPERSTITION

NEVER TRY TO GET IN TOUCH WITH SPIRITS BECAUSE THEY WILL
COME BACK AND TRY TO GET YOU TO DO WHAT THEY COULD NOT GET YOU
TO DO IN THE FIRST PLACE.

Data entry tech comment:

Updated by TRD

Where learned: UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT

Keyword(s): BELIEF ; Control ; GHOST ; SPIRIT ; SUPERSTITION

Subject headings: BELIEF -- Ghost Spirit Phantom Specter
SPEECH -- Extra Corporal Means of Communication

Date learned: 03-00-1972

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BELIEF

THE PEOPLE OF LIBYA BELIEVE THE WHITE SPIRIT APPEARS AT NIGHT IN
SOME FORM OF LIGHT, SO WHENEVER THEY SEE ANY LIGHT AT NIGHT
THEY SHUDDER IN FEAR OF THE WHITE SPIRIT.

Data entry tech comment:

Updated by TRD

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; FARMINGTON

Keyword(s): COLOR ; GHOST ; Haunt ; Libya ; Libyan ; MYSTERIOUS LIGHT ; SPIRIT ; White

Subject headings: BELIEF -- Ghost Spirit Phantom Specter

Date learned: 11-29-1969

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SPIRITUAL BELIEF

THE PRESENCE OF A GHOST IN A ROOM IS INDICATED BY A CHANGE IN
ROOM TEMPERATURE USUALLY COLDER.

Data entry tech comment:

Updated by TRD

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; BIRMINGHAM

Keyword(s): Cold ; Colder ; GHOST ; Haunt ; SIGN ; SPIRIT ; TEMPERATURE

Subject headings: BELIEF -- Ghost Spirit Phantom Specter

Date learned: 11-00-1968

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RELIGIOUS BELIEF

IF YOU SAY A "HAIL MARY" FOR EACH ONE OF YOUR TEETH, THEN SAINT
POLLONIA WILL PROTECT YOUR TEETH FROM HARM.

Data entry tech comment:

Updated by TRD

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; KALAMAZOO

Keyword(s): hail Mary ; Patron ; Pray ; PRAYER ; Saint ; Saint Pollonia ; TEETH

Subject headings: BELIEF -- Religious hero
BELIEF -- Body part Senses
BELIEF -- Prayer

Date learned: 02-18-1971

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CHRISTMAS CUSTOM

THE ARMENIAN SANTA CLAUS IS CALLED BUFFANA. IT IS A LEGEND
THAT AT CHRISTMAS TIME BUFFANA GOES THROUGH ALL THE STREETS OF
ARMENIA AND PASSES OUT PRESENTS TO ALL THE POOR CHILDREN.

Data entry tech comment:

Updated by TRD

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; SOUTHFIELD

Keyword(s): Armenia ; Armenian ; Buffana ; GIFT GIVING ; holiday ; Legend ; Presents ; SANTA CLAUS ; ST. BEFANA

Subject headings: BELIEF -- Religious hero

Date learned: 02-26-1971

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ROOSTER BELIEF

EARLY IN THE MORNING, BEFORE DAYLIGHT, YOU MAY SMELL SOMETHING
PECULIAR IN THE AIR. THIS IS THE SMELL OF JUDAS WHEN HE DIED BECAUSE
HE BETRAYED CHRIST WITH THE KISS IN EARLY MORNING.

Data entry tech comment:

Updated by TRD

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; KALAMAZOO

Keyword(s): Daylight ; JUDAS ; MORNING ; RELIGION ; Rooster ; Smell ; SYMBOL

Subject headings: BELIEF -- Religious hero

Date learned: 02-18-1971

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WHISTLING

GIRLS ARE NOT SUPPOSED TO WHISTLE BECAUSE THE BLESSED MOTHER
WOULD TURN HER HEAD AND CRY.

Submitter comment:

INFORMANT TOLD BY HER MOTHER WHEN SHE WAS YOUNG (1920'S).
SHE PRACTICED THIS
WHEN YOUNG, BUT DOES NOT BELIEVE IN THE TRUTH OF IT NOW.

Data entry tech comment:

Updated by TRD

Where learned: PENNSYLVANIA ; PITTSBURGH

Keyword(s): Blessed Mother ; BLESSED VIRGIN ; Cry ; Female ; Feminine ; Girls ; Holy Mother ; Ladylike ; Whistle

Subject headings: BELIEF -- Religious hero

Date learned: 10-02-1971

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MOTHER'S LOTION

MRS. ANGELA MAGOLEN WHO WAS BORN IN POLAND AND LATER CAME
TO AMERICA AND NOW LIVES IN WYANDOTTE, HAD A VISION OF THE
BLESSED MOTHER OF GOD IN A DREAM. OUR LADY GAVE HER THE RECIPE
FOR A HEALING LOTION WHICH WAS TO CURE
MANY, MANY PEOPLE. SHE USED IT
FOR THE FIRST TIME TO CURE HER HUSBAND, WHO WAS STRUCK DOWN BEFORE
HER EYES BY A CORONARY. SHE WAS IN DOUBT AT FIRST ABOUT MAKING THE
LOTION, BUT FATHER SOLANUS CASEY,
A RATHER WIDELY KNOWN CAPUCHIN PRIEST
URGED HER TO MAKE IT AND TO CALL IT "MOTHER'S LOTION."

Data entry tech comment:

Updated by TRD

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT AREA

Keyword(s): Blessed Mother ; CURE ; HEALING ; Lotion ; Ointment ; POLAND

Subject headings: Spirit / Mind / Body
BELIEF -- Religious hero
BELIEF -- Remedy

Date learned: 00-00-1954

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CHRISTMAS LEGEND

ON DECEMBER 6, ST. NICHOLAS VISITS THE HOMES OF THE PEOPLE
AND LEAVES GOODIES FOR GOOD LITTLE CHILDREN, AND SOOT IN THE
SHOES OF BAD ONES.

Submitter comment:

RONNIE LEARNED THIS ITALIAN LEGEND FROM HER FATHER WHO IS
FROM ITALY.

Data entry tech comment:

Updated by TRD

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

Keyword(s): CHRISTMAS ; GIFTS ; holiday ; Presents ; Saint Nicholas

Subject headings: CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- F120
BELIEF -- Religious hero

Date learned: 12-04-1967

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SANTA CLAUS

ONE OF THE MOST WIDESPREAD LEGENDS I CAN THINK OF IS THAT
OF SANTA CLAUS. NOT ONLY IN THE UNITED STATES, BUT IN MANY
COUNTRIES AROUND THE WORLD IT IS BELIEVED THAT THERE IS SOME
JOLLY, KIND OLD MAN WHO BRINGS TOYS AND PRESENTS TO ALL GOOD
LITTLE BOYS AND GIRLS AT CHRISTMAS TIME.

Data entry tech comment:

Updated by TRD

Where learned: ILLINOIS ; CHICAGO

Keyword(s): GIFTS ; holiday ; Legend ; Present ; Saint Nick ; SANTA CLAUS ; Toys

Subject headings: BELIEF -- Secular hero

Date learned: 00-00-1955

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MOVIE STAR LEGEND

THIS IS A LEGEND ABOUT MOVIE STARS.
WHEN A FAMOUS MOVIE STAR DIES, TWO MORE WILL DIE IN A SHORT
WHILE. A MOVIE STAR DOESN'T DIE ALONE, BUT ALWAYS DIES IN THREE.

Data entry tech comment:

Updated by TRD

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

Keyword(s): DEATH ; Hollywood ; MOVIE STAR ; THREE ; Triple

Subject headings: 686 Thirds / Thrice / Three / Triple
BELIEF -- Secular hero

Date learned: CHILDHOOD

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CUSTOM

SATAN AND HIS FOLLOWERS CELEBRATE FOUR SABBATHS IN THE FOUR
DIFFERENT SECTIONS OR COVENS OF THE WORLD AROUND THE SAME TIME
THE CATHOLIC CHURCH CELEBRATES ITS SEASONAL CHANGES. HE ALSO
HAS ONE BIG CEREMONY CALLED THE BLOODY SABBATH.
ON THIS DAY ALL FOUR COVENS GET TOGETHER FOR A GOOD TIME OF
SACRIFICE (A YOUNG PERSON'S WARM BLOOD) AND PUNISHMENT FOR
ALL WHO HAVE BEEN DISOBEDIENT TO SATAN AND THE INSTALLMENT OF
NEW WITCHES.

Data entry tech comment:

Updated by TRD

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; GRAND RAPIDS

Keyword(s): Coven ; DEVIL ; DEVIL WORSHIP ; holiday ; PUNISHMENT ; Sabbath ; Sacrifice ; SATAN ; WITCHES

Subject headings: CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Fixed DateFor specific dates, use the following system:
BELIEF -- Witch Shaman

Date learned: NOT GIVEN

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MAGIC BELIEF

IF COWS WOULD NOT GIVE MILK IT WAS BECAUSE A WITCH HAD CAST A
SPELL. THE ONLY WAY TO RELEASE THE SPELL OR BREAK IT WOULD
BE TO PUT PINS IN THE MILK STRAINER, AND THIS WOULD HURT THE
WITCH. THUS SHE WOULD HAVE TO RETURN AND RELEASE THE SPELL.

Submitter comment:

INFORMANT SAID THIS TYPE OF MAGIC WAS USUALLY RECOMMENDED BY THE
FORTUNE TELLERS IN POLAND.

Data entry tech comment:

Updated by TRD

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

Keyword(s): AGRICULTURE ; Cows ; CURSE ; MAGIC ; Milk ; Pins ; POLAND ; Spell

Subject headings: BELIEF -- Witch Shaman

Date learned: 02-07-1971

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MAGIC BELIEF

IF A COW DOESN'T PRODUCE MILK, IT'S BECAUSE THE WITCH
HAD CAST A SPELL, THEREFORE, BEFORE ALL HOLY DAYS, POLISH
VILLAGERS WOULD BURN BLESSED HERBS IN AN INCENSE BURNER IN THE
BARN, BELIEVING THAT THE SMOKE WOULD CHASE AWAY THE WITCH.

Data entry tech comment:

Updated by TRD

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

Keyword(s): BELIEF ; Cow ; CURSE ; FARMING ; MAGIC ; Milk ; POLAND

Subject headings: CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Typical Elements of a Festive Pattern
BELIEF -- Witch Shaman

Date learned: 02-07-1971

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SPIRIT

ON AN AUGUST DAY WHEN THE SUN IS HIGHEST IN THE SKY AT 12
NOON, STAND WITH THREE FRIENDS IN A WOODED, DESERTED AREA. AT
EXACTLY 12 NOON HAVE EVERYONE STARE AT EACH OTHER; THE SUN COMING
THROUGH THE TREES SHOULD FORM A HALO OVER THE PERSON OR PERSONS
WHO HAVE ANY POWERS OF WITCHCRAFT OR WIZARDRY IN THEIR BLOOD.

Data entry tech comment:

SPELLING CORRECTED BY KEY PUNCHER

Updated by TRD

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

Keyword(s): Halo ; NATURE ; SIGN ; SPIRIT ; SYMBOL ; Witchcraft ; WIZARD

Subject headings: BELIEF -- Witch Shaman

Date learned: 02-13-1972

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OMEN

QUITE OFTEN ONE SIGN OF A WITCH IS RED HAIR. THIS IS BECAUSE
JUDAS HAD RED HAIR AND DEALT WITH THE DEVIL.

Data entry tech comment:

Updated by TRD

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

Keyword(s): COLOR ; DEVIL ; HAIR ; JUDAS ; Legend ; Red ; SIGN ; Witch

Subject headings: BELIEF -- Witch Shaman
BELIEF -- Body part Senses
BELIEF -- Color

Date learned: 02-12-1968

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POLISH CHRISTMAS CUSTOM

THE DINNER CONSISTS OF THIRTEEN COURSES, ALL OF WHICH ARE MEATLESS.

Data entry tech comment:

Updated by TRD

James Callow comment:

Christmas Day?

Where learned: UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; STUDENT UNION BUILDING

Keyword(s): ABSTINENCE FROM MEAT ; CHRISTMAS ; Course ; CUSTOM ; Dinner ; FOOD CUSTOM ; holiday ; Ingredients ; Meal ; Vegetarian

Subject headings: CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20 Menus

Date learned: 11-25-1969

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