Dr. James T. Callow publications
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The James T. Callow Folklore Archive
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SPEECH
1-4-3 IS A SHORTENED EXPRESSION FOR SAYING OR WRITING I LOVE YOU.
IT IS DERIVED FROM THE NUMBER OF LETTERS IN EACH WORD. I-1 LOVE-4
YOU-3. IT IS OFTEN USED ON BACKS OF ENVELOPES.
Where learned: BUFFALO ; NEW YORK
James Callow Keyword(s): SYMBOL CODE
| Subject headings: | SPEECH -- To Be Seen |
Date learned: 09-00-1968
WHEN A GIRL'S SLIP IS SHOWING THERE IS THE SAYING THAT THE GIRL IS
ADVERTISING FOR A MAN.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
James Callow Keyword(s): SYMBOL ; UNDERWEAR
| Subject headings: | ART CRAFT ARCHITECTURE -- Dress SPEECH -- To Be Seen |
Date learned: DATE NOT RECORDED BY COLLECTOR.
A RED LIGHT IS ADVERTISING A PROSTITUTION ESTABLISHMENT.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
James Callow Keyword(s): COLOR SYMBOLISM
| Subject headings: | SPEECH -- To Be Seen |
POSTCARD FOR LUCK
GOOD LUCK
I PATIENTLY TUMBLED OVER
THE POSTCARDS OLD AND NEW,
TO FIND THIS FOUR LEAF CLOVER
TO SEND FOR LUCK TO YOU.
THE FIRST LEAF STANDS FOR PATIENCE
THE SECOND FOR PLUCK
THE THIRD FOR PERSEVERANCE
THAT'S WHY THE FOURTH BRINGS LUCK.
Submitter comment:
THE VERSE IS PRINTED ON THE FRONT CARD, WITH A PICTURE OF A
CLOVER.
Where learned: OHIO ; VERSE ON POSTCARD ; PAINESVILLE
Keyword(s): CHARM ; RHYME: ABABCDED
James Callow Keyword(s): AMULET ; SYMBOL
KWANZA
KWANZA WAS CREATED BY DR. RON KARENGA FOR BLACK AMERICANS.
IT STARTS DECEMBER 26TH AND ENDS JANUARY 1ST.
BLACK, RED, AND GREEN ARE ITS COLORS. BLACK IS FOR OUR PEOPLE
RED FOR OUR CONTINUING STRUGGLE AND GREEN FOR LAND AND HOPE.
KANZA HAS SEVEN PRINCIPLES OF THE BLACK VALUE SYSTEM, CALLED THE
NGUZO SABA.
1. UMOJA -(UNITY)- TO STRIVE FOR AND MAINTAIN UNITY IN THE FAMILY,
COMMUNITY, NATION AND RACE.
2. KUJUCHAGULIA -(SELF-DETERMINATION)- TO DEFINE
OURSELVES, NAME OURSELVES,
CREATE FOR OURSELVES AND SPEAK
FOR OURSELVES RATHER THAT TO ALLOW OTHERS
TO DO THESE THINGS FOR US.
3. UJIMA -(COLLECTIVE WORK AND RESPONSIBILITY)- TO BUILD AND
MAINTAIN OUR COMMUNITY TOGETHER TO MAKE OUR SISTERS AND BROTHERS
PROBLEMS OUR PROBLEMS AND TO SOLVE THEM TOGETHER.
4. UJAMAA -(COOPERATIVE ECONOMICS)- TO BUILD AND MAINTAIN OUR
OWN STORES,
SHOPS, AND OTHER BUSINESSES AND TO PROFIT FROM THEM TOGETHER.
5. NIA -(PURPOSE)- TO MAKE OUR COLLECTIVE VOCATION THE BUILDING AN
DEVELOPING OF OUR COMMUNITY IN ORDER TO RESTORE OUR PEOPLE TO THEIR
TRADITIONAL GREATNESS.
6. KUUMBA -(CREATIVITY)- TO DO ALWAYS AS MUCH
AS WE CAN IN THE WAY WE
CAN, IN ORDER TO LEAVE OUR COMMUNITY MORE BEAUTIFUL AND BENEFICIAL
THAN WHEN WE INHERITED IT.
7. IMANI -(FAITH)- TO BELIEVE WITH ALL OUR
HEARTS IN OUR PEOPLE, OUR
PARENTS, OUR TEACHERS, OUR LEADERS AND THE
RIGHTEOUSNESS AND VICTORY OF OUR STRUGGLE. MM
CELEBRANTS BRING FOOD AND DRINKS TO SHARE FOR EACH DAY'S FEAST. EAC
CELEBRANT IS GREETED WITH THE WORDS "HABARI GANI" WHICH MEANS WHAT'S
THE NEWS OR WHAT'S HAPPENING. THE RESPONSE IS THAT DAY'S NQUZO SABA
PRINCIPLE.
THE HOUSE IS DECORATED WITH THE COLORS
GREEN, RED, AND BLACK. EVERYONE
GATHERS INTO A SEMICIRCLE. THE TABLE IS SET WITH THE SYMBOLS OF
KWANZA AND EACH PIECE IS EXPLAINED.
A STRAW MAT (MKEKA), THE SYMBOL
FOR OUR HISTORICAL FOUNDATION IN
TADITIONAL AFRICAN CULTURE. A CANDLEHOLDER
(KINARA), THE SYMBOL FOR OUR AFRICAN ANCESTORS. IT HOLDS SEVEN
CANDLES, (MISHUMAA), THREE RED, ONE BLACK, AND THREE GREEN ONES. TH
CANDLES REPRESENT THE SEVEN PRINCIPLES.
(MATUNDA)- TROPICAL FRUIT, VEGETABLES AND NUTS, WHICH REPRESENT THE
YIELD OF TRADITIONAL HARVEST.
EARS OF CORN WHICH REPRESENT THE NUMBER
OF CHILDREN IN THE FAMILY AND UNSHUCKED EARS OF CORN TO REPRESENT
CHILDLESS HOMES TO EXPRESS THE POTENTIAL FOR CHILDREN.
GIFTS, GIVEN ON THE SEVENTH DAY OF KWANZA, ARE MAINLY FOR CHILDREN
AND REPRESENT PARENT'S SATISFACTION
THAT THEIR CHILDREN HAVE ACHIEVED
AND GROWN IN A MANNER THAT GIVES HONOR TO THE FAMILY. THE GIFTS ARE
EXPRESSING THE HISTORY, CULTURE AND COMMITMENT
TO EDUCATION AS A LIBERATING
FORCE. MM
THE ELDERS OF THE FAMILY TAKE SEATS ON EACH SIDE OF THE KWANZA TABLE
SETTING AND THE CEREMONY BEGINS. THE
ELDERS CHARGE YOU TO REMEMBER OUR
ANCESTORS AND TO STRUGGLE FOR A NEW WORLD FOR
OUR CHILDREN. THEY POUR A LIBATION FORM THE UNITY CUP.
A LIBATION IS AN EXPRESSION OF COMMUNICATION AMONG US:
THE LIVING, OUR ANCESTORS AND OUR CHILDREN YET
TO BE BORN.
TO EXPRESS UNITY AS AN IDEAL IN BLACK
COMMUNITIES THROUGHOUT THE WORLD,
THE ELDERS DRINK FROM THE UNITY CUP AND PASS IT TO THE
OTHER MEMBERS OF THE CELEBRATION.
EACH PERSON SHOUTS "HARAMBEE" (LET'S PULL TOGETHER),
THEREBY PLEDGING THEMSELVES TO UNITY.
THE CHILDREN LIGHT A CANDLE FOR EACH
DAY OF THE CELEBRATION WHICH HAS
PASSED AND FOR THE PRESENT DAY. EACH
CELEBRANT EXPRESSES THEIR THOUGHTS AND FEELINGS ABOUT THE PRINCIPLE
FOR THE DAY AND HOW IT AFFECTS THEIR LIVES. MM
KWANZA WAS FOUNDED TO CELEBRATE OUR FAMILIES AND COMMUNITIES, OUR
WARMTH AND LOVE, OUR INTERDEPENDENCE AND FREEDOM STRUGGLE AND OUR
JOY AND STRENGTH. BECAUSE WE ARE AN AFRICAN PEOPLE. DR. KARENGA
LOOKING TO THE MOTHERLAND; BORROWED AN IDEAL; USED CREATIVITY AND
INGENUITY, AND MIXED IT WITH THE BLACK EXPERIENCE IN AMERICA. HE
CREATED MATUNDA YA KWANKA (KISWAHILI),
FOR FIRST FRUIT, THE CELEBRATION
COMMONLY KNOWN AS KWANZA.
KWANZA IS AN EXTENDED FAMILY CELEBRATION AND AN OCCASION FOR
STRENGTHENING FAMILY CONSCIOUSNESS AND SOLIDARITY WHILE SERVING AS A
EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCE FOR CHILDREN IN SOCIAL AND SPIRITUAL MATTERS.
MUCH TIME IS SPENT REFLECTING ON THE PAST YEAR, MAKING DECISIONS
ABOUT IMPORTANT MATTERS THAT AFFECT THE FAMILY, WISHING RELATIVES A
PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR AND ENJOYING FOOD, MUSIC AND GAMES.
IN THE U.S. THE FIRST FRUIT CELEBRATION, KWANZA, IS A SYMBOLIC EVENT
DURING THE FESTIVAL BLACK PEOPLE COME
TOGETHER TO CELEBRATE OUR AFRICAN
HERITAGE, TO GIVE THANKS TO OUR ANCESTORS,
TO REAFFIRM THE BELIEF THAT ELDERS SHOULD BE
RESPECTED, TO REINFORCE OUR VALUE FRAMEWORK FOR OUR CHILDREN
AND TO CELEBRATE THE SEVEN PRINCIPLES OF THE BLACK VALUE SYSTEM,
THE NGUZO SABA.
Submitter comment:
I HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO PARTICIPATE IN A CELEBRATION OF KWANZA LAST
YEAR AT A FRIEND'S HOUSE. SHE (MARLA PITTS), HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO
CELEBRATE IT WHILE ON HER VACATION IN 1975.
Where learned: DETROIT
James Callow Keyword(s): SYMBOLS
Date learned: 00-00-1978 ; 00-00-1975
ADVENT SEASON TRADITIONS
DURING EACH MASS ON EVERY SUNDAY OF ADVENT, ONE FAMILY FROM THE
CHURCH COMMUNITY OF ST. CHRISTOPHER, LIGHTS THE ADVENT WREATH
TO SYMBOLIZE THAT WE SHOULD UNITE AS A CHURCH FAMILY IN
ANTICIPATION FOR CHRIST'S COMING.
Where learned: DETROIT
James Callow Keyword(s): SYMBOL
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Church CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- September 23 equinox to December 20 Also used for Advent. F645.5 |
Date learned: 00-00-1974
FIRST BIRTHDAY
ON A BABY'S FIRST BIRTHDAY, PLACE A ROSARY, WHISKEY GLASS AND SOME
MONEY BEFORE HIM. WHICHEVER HE PICKS WILL BE WHAT HE BECOMES;
A PRIEST, A DRUNK, OR A WEALTHY PERSON.
Submitter comment: INFORMANT SAYS THIS WAS A PRACTICED CUSTOM AMONG HER FAMILY
Where learned: TOLD IN ; MCKENDRICK ; ANCIENT DRAMA CLASS
James Callow Keyword(s): SYMBOLS
| Subject headings: | 686 Properties attributed to specific numbers or numerals individually. Observation CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Birth |
Date learned: 02-12-1971
VENGEANCE TREE LEGEND AT NOTRE DAME UNIVERSITY
" THE VENGEANCE TREE IS NEAR THE SHORE OF ST. MARY'S LAKE ON THE
NOTRE DAME CAMPUS, SOUTH BEND, IND. AN INDIAN ACCUSED OF MURDERING A
WHITE MAN WAS TRIED NEAR THE SITE. HE SWORE INNOCENCE, AND SAID THAT
THE TREE WOULD STAND AS WITNESS TO HIS INNOCENCE. TODAY, THE TREE
WITH ITS FIVE BRANCHES STANDS AS PROOF OF HIS UPRAISED HAND IN
SWEARINGHIS FREEDOM FROM GUILT. IT IS A SYCAMORE TREE NEAR CORBY HAL
.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; BIRMINGHAM
Keyword(s): PLACE NAMES
James Callow Keyword(s): INDIANA ; SYMBOL
| Subject headings: | 686 Fifths PROSE NARRATIVE -- Plant SPEECH -- Gesture |
Date learned: 01-22-1968
BLISTERS ON THE LIP MEANS ONE HAS TOLD A LIE
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
James Callow Keyword(s): SYMBOLS
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Body part Senses BELIEF -- Product or activity of man or animal |
Date learned: 10-00-1979
THE CLADDOUGH RING
AN IRISH ENGAGEMENT RING IS CALLED A CLADDOUGH RING, A HEART HELD
IN TWO HANDS UNDER A CROWN. WHEN WORN ON THE LEFT HAND IT
SYMBOLIZES THAT THERE IS SOMEONE SPECIAL IN YOUR LIFE. WHEN WORN
ON THE RIGHT HAND WITH THE HEART FACING YOU, IT MEANS THAT THERE
IS SOMEONE THAT YOU ARE ESPECIALLY FOND OF, AND WORN ON THE
RIGHT HAND WITH THE HEART FACING OUT IT MEANS THAT YOUR HEART
IS STILL OPEN.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; LIVONIA
James Callow Keyword(s): POSITION DIRECTION ; SYMBOLS
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Marriage |
Date learned: CA02001980
BELIEF
SANDDOLLARS GOT THEIR DESIGN ON GOOD FRIDAY. IT IS SAID THAT THE
SANDDOLLAR WAS AFFECTED BY THE CRUCIFICTION, WHICH IS THE REASON
FOR THE FIVE HOLES IN ITS SURFACE, AND THE ETCHING OF AN EASTER
LILY AROUND THEM.
Where learned: DETROIT
James Callow Keyword(s): CRUCIFIXION ; SYMBOLS OF CHRIST'S WOUNDS
| Subject headings: | 663 Good Friday BELIEF -- Fish |
Date learned: CA00001974
POLISH CUSTOM FOR A NEW HOUSE
THE FIRST THINGS TO ENTER A NEW HOUSE ARE A TABLE, A CROSS, AND
SOME HOLY WATER.
Submitter comment:
BRINGING THE TABLE INSURES THAT THE FAMILY WILL NEVER BE WITHOUT
FOOD. THE CROSS, REPRESENTATIVE OF RELIGION, GUARANTEES A BLESSED
LIFE. THE HOLY WATER REMOVES EVIL FROM THE HOUSE.
Where learned: DETROIT
James Callow Keyword(s): SYMBOLS
Date learned: 01-13-1980
GREEK WEDDING CUSTOM
AT A WEDDING, WRAP A CLOTH AROUND THE BRIDE AND GROOM.
THIS SIGNIFIES JOINING TOGETHER AS ONE.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DEARBORN
James Callow Keyword(s): SYMBOLS
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Marriage |
RUSSIAN WEDDING CUSTOM
WHEN A BRIDE AND GROOM ARE MARRIED EITHER A DOLL OR A BEAR IS PLACED
ON THEIR CAR. THIS SIGNIFIES WHAT THEY WANT THEIR FIRST CHILD TO BE.
A DOLL IS A GIRL AND A BEAR IS A BOY.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; GARDEN CITY
James Callow Keyword(s): SYMBOLS
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Birth CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Marriage |
Date learned: CA0001969
FEAST OF SAINT JOSEPH
EVERY MARCH 19TH, IT IS COMMON AMONG MANY SICILIANS TO CELEBRATE
THE FEAST OF SAINT JOSEPH. IT IS TRADITIONALLY REPRESENTED BY
THE PREPARATION OF HOMEMADE SPAGHETTI WHICH CONTAINS TWELVE
DIFFERENT KINDS OF BEANS AND PEAS TO REPRESENT EACH OF THE
TWELVE APOSTLES. THESE INCLUDE: SPLIT PEAS, KIDNEY BEANS,
CHICK PEAS, HORSE BEANS, LINTO BEANS, LIMA BEANS, BLACKEYE
PEAS, GREEN BEANS, CRANBERRY BEANS, SWEET PEAS, PINTO BEANS,
AND NORTHERN BEANS.
Submitter comment:
DURING THE FEAST MANY SICILIAN FAMILIES CELEBRATE THE OCCASION
BY RECREATING THE LIFE OF JESUS AND HIS APOSTLES.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
James Callow Keyword(s): SYMBOLS
| Subject headings: | 686 Seconds / Twice / Two Favorites CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- March 19 Feast of St. Joseph BELIEF -- Religious hero |
Date learned: CA00001920
FOLKLORE OF NEA YEAR'S DAY
ON NEW YEAR'S DAY EVERGREEN IS HUNG ABOVE THE DOOR. THIS INSURES
A LONG PROSPEROUS YEAR.
Submitter comment: THIS IS DONE IN JAPAN.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DEARBORN
James Callow Keyword(s): SYMBOL
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- January 1 New Year's CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Measure of time Year |
Date learned: CA00001935
POLISH PROVERB
IN THE OLD STOVE, THE DEVIL IS BURNING.
TRANSLATION OF
W STARYM PIECU DIABEL PALI. (POLISH)
Submitter comment:
THE CONTEXT IS INTERESTING. IT IS GENERALLY APPLIED TO AN OLDER MAN
WHO SHOWS INTEREST IN A YOUNGER GIRL OR GIRLS.
Where learned: LOCATION NOT RECORDED BY COLLECTOR
Keyword(s): ASSONANCE ; OBSERVATION
James Callow Keyword(s): OLD AGE DOES NOT RULE OUT AMOROUS INCLINATIONS. ; SYMBOL: FIERY DEVIL FOR SEXUAL INTEREST
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Devil Demon PROVERB -- Proverbial Metaphor |
EASTER EGG CRACK
A TRADITION OF THE GREEKS AT EASTER IS THE EGG CRACK. EVERYONE GETS
A RED EGG WHICH THEY HIT AGAINST ANOTHER. IF ONE CRACKS, HE IS OUT
AND THE ONE THAT REMAINS WHOLE IS KEPT FOR SEVEN YEARS, AND
THEN IT CAN BE BROKEN. IT MUST BE A RED EGG BECAUSE RED REPRESENTS
CHRIST'S BLOOD AND THE CRACK REPRESENTS COMING OUT OF SORROW OF HIS
DEATH AND THE JOY OF HIS RISING. THIS TRADITION GOES BACK TO THE DAYS
OF CHRIST.
Submitter comment:
WHEN MY NEIGHBOR TOLD ME THIS STORY, I THOUGHT THAT IT WAS A TERRIFIC
ONE. IT HAD SO MUCH MEANING TO IT. SHE REMEMBERED DOING IT WHEN SHE
WAS A CHILD.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
James Callow Keyword(s): SYMBOLS
| Subject headings: | Favorites Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Belief CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Spring Planting Easter Sunday BELIEF -- P681 P681.1 BELIEF -- Color |
Date learned: 00-00-1980
GREEK FUNERAL SERVICE
A SPECIAL MEMORIAL SERVICE FOR DEPARTED SOULS IS CALLED MNEMOSIMON.
AFTER THE MASS IS READ, A DISH OF BOILED SWEETENED KERNELS AND FRUITS
CALLED KOLLIVA, IS DISTRIBUTED IN REMEMBRANCE OF THE DEAD. THE
KOLLIVA IS BLESSED BY THE PRIEST AND THEN EATEN AT THE CHURCH BY
FRIENDS AND RELATIVES. THE BOILED WHEAT GERM SYMBOLIZES RESURREC-
TION AND IS TRADITIONALLY OFFERED FORTY DAYS AFTER DEATH AND ONE
YEAR AFTER DEATH.
IT IS NOT SERVED AT ANY OTHER TIME.
Submitter comment:
THE GREEK MEMORIAL SERVICE IS DIFFERENT THAN OURS, EXCEPT FOR THE
MEAL AFTERWARDS. THEIR MEAL CONSISTS OF DIFFERENT FOOD THAN OURS.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
James Callow Keyword(s): RESURRECTION SYMBOL
Date learned: 00-00-1980
ACTIVITY-ASTRONOMY
CORN SHOULD BE PLANTED UNDER LEO TO INSURE LARGE
EARS. MM
CORN SHOULD BE PLANTED UNDER GEMINI TO INSURE TWO
EARS PER STALK.
Submitter comment: LEARNED FROM AN UNCLE, JOHN FURR.
Data entry tech comment: GEMINI=TWINS
Where learned: INDIANA ; GREENFIELD
James Callow Keyword(s): LEO=LION, KING OF BEASTS. ; SYMBOLISM ; SYMBOLISM MM
| Subject headings: | Observation BELIEF -- Plant husbandry Farming |
Date learned: 11-23-1967