Dr. James T. Callow publications
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The James T. Callow Folklore Archive
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ACTIVITY-ASTRONOMY
ANYTHING PLANTED UNDER GEMINI, WILL BE ABUNDANT. / LEARNED FROM HIS FATHER.
IN ORDER TO GET A GOOD CROP OF CUCUMBERS, PLANT THE SEED UNDER PISCES. / LEARNED FROM HIS MOTHER.
PLANT POTATOES DURING THE SIGN OF CAPRICORN FOR GOOD POTATO YIELD; BUT ONLY WHEN THE POINTS OF THE MOON POINT DOWNWARD. / LEARNED FROM HIS FATHER.
IF YOU DO NOT WANT POTATOES TO GROW TOO DEEP, PLANT THEM IN THE QUARTER OF THE MOON DURING ARIES. / LEARNED FROM HIS FATHER.
PLANT TOMATOES UNDER LIBRA AND THEY WOULD BE LARGE AND HEAVY. / LEARNED FROM HIS MOTHER.
Data entry tech comment: GEMINI=TWINS ; PISCES=FISH, WATER SIGN. ; LIBRA=SCALES--BALANCE
Where learned: INDIANA ; South Bend
James Callow Keyword(s): SYMBOLISM
| Subject headings: | Observation BELIEF -- Plant husbandry Farming |
Date learned: 11-23-1967
DEATH CUSTOMS
WHEN SOMEONE IS DYING AND HEARS A KNOCKING ON A DOOR THAT
NOONE ELSE DOES, THIS IS A SIGN OF THEIR IMPENDING DEATH, MANY
TIMES WITHIN HOURS. THE DOORS ARE TAKEN TO BE OF ETERNAL LIFE.
Where learned: DETROIT
James Callow Keyword(s): SYMBOL
| Subject headings: | Observation BELIEF -- Death Funeral Burial |
Date learned: 00001930S
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
NEW HOME GOOD LUCK BELIEF
A LOAF OF BREAD AND A BROOM SHOULD BE THE FIRST ITEMS
BROUGHT INTO A NEW HOME FOR GOOD LUCK. THE BROOM MEANS
THAT THE HOUSE WILL ALWAYS BE CLEAN. THE BREAD MEANS THAT
THERE WILL ALWAYS BE FOOD IN THE HOUSE. I HEARD THIS FROM
FRANCES MILLER IN 1977.
Submitter comment:
FRANCES MILLER WAS BORN IN LOUISVILLE, MISSISSIPPI IN
1925. SHE CAME, WITH HER FAMILY, TO DETROIT DURING WORLD
WAR II AND HAS LIVED HERE SINCE. IT SEEMS THAT THIS WAS A
COMMON CUSTOM IN RURAL MISSISSIPPI IN THE 1930'S.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
James Callow Keyword(s): SYMBOL
| Subject headings: | 686 Properties attributed to specific numbers or numerals individually. Food Drink -- Food BELIEF -- Custom BELIEF -- Good luck Broom Sweeping BELIEF -- Good luck Food and drink |
Date learned: 09-00-1982
UKRAINIAN ORTHODOX FUNERAL CUSTOM
FORTY DAYS AFTER THE DEATH OF A FAMILY MEMBER, SOME
UKRAINIAN ORTHODOX FAMILIES PREPARE A TRADITIONAL MEAL.
FOR EACH INVITED GUEST, A SMALL, ROUND BREAD CALLED A
PASKA IS BAKED. A CANDLE IS PLACED IN THE CENTER OF THE
BREAD. THE FORTY DAYS AND THE CANDLE BOTH ARE SYMBOLIC
OF CHRIST AND HIS ASCENSION INTO HEAVEN FORTY DAYS AFTER
EASTER.
Submitter comment:
MANY BYZANTINE RITE CATHOLICS ARE BEGINNING TO CELEBRATE
THE FORTY DAY ANNIVERSARY WITH A MASS FOR THE DECEASED.
Where learned: CANADA ; ALBERTA ; WILLINGDON
Keyword(s): SYMBOLS
PARENTAL WEDDING BLESSING
BEFORE THE BRIDAL COUPLE GO TO CHURCH FOR THE CEREMONY,
THEY RECEIVE A PARENTAL BLESSING. THE BRIDE'S PARENTS ARE
SEATED HOLDING AN ICON OF OUR LADY. THE COUPLE KNEEL
BEFORE THEM. THEY ASK FOR THEIR BLESSING. THE PARENTS HOLD
UP THE ICON AND BLESS THEM SAYING, "MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND
WE GIVE OUR BLESSING TOO." THE BRIDE AND GROOM KISS THE
ICON AND HER PARENTS. THE SAME CEREMONY IS REPEATED BEFORE
THE GROOM'S PARENTS WHO ARE HOLDING THE ICON OF CHRIST.
IN CASE A PARENT IS DECEASED, A CHAIR IS LEFT EMPTY. THEY
ACKNOWLEDGE THE DECEASED PARENT.
Submitter comment: THESE ICONS ARE GIVEN TO THE COUPLE FOR THEIR HOME.
Where learned: PENNSYLVANIA ; PHILADELPHIA
Keyword(s): SYMBOL
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Marriage Parents' blessing |
Date learned: 00001950S
UKRAINIAN NATIONAL FLAG
THE TRADITIONAL FLAG IS DIVIDED INTO TWO PARTS HORIZONTALLY
WITH THE TOP HALF BEING LIGHT BLUE AND THE BOTTOM YELLOW.
THE BLUE REFLECTS THE SKY AND THE YELLOW SIGNIFIES THE
GOLDEN WHEAT FIELDS OF UKRAINE. THE FLAG IS DISPLAYED IN
UKRAINIAN CHURCHES, SCHOOLS, AND HALLS.
Where learned: NEW YORK ; ROCHESTER
Keyword(s): SYMBOL
| Subject headings: | ART CRAFT ARCHITECTURE -- Finished Product BELIEF -- Color |
Date learned: 00001950S
CUSTOM
IT IS TRADITIONAL FOR ROMANIAN GYPSY BRIDES TO HANG OUT A BLOODY
SHEET THE MORNING AFTER HER WEDDING NIGHT, TO PROVE THAT SHE HAD
KEPT HER CHASTITY UNTIL HER WEDDING NIGHT.
NON-VIRGINS WOULD TRADITIONALLY POUR CHICKEN BLOOD ON THE SHEETS
TO MAKE IT APPEAR THAT THEY WERE VIRGINS.
Where learned: UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT
James Callow Keyword(s): PROOF OF VIRGINITY ; SYMBOL
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Marriage Day after wedding |
WREATHES CALLED STEPHANA WORN BY THE BRIDE AND GROOM DURING
THE GREEK WEDDING CEREMONY ARE EXCHANGED ON THEIR HEADS
THREE TIMES, THEN TIED TOGETHER WITH A SATIN RIBBON TO
SIGNIFY UNITY. WHEN A SPOUSE DIES, THE SATIN RIBBON IS
CUT AND ONE WREATHE IS BURIED WITH THE DECEASED.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
James Callow Keyword(s): SYMBOL
| Subject headings: | 686 Thirds / Thrice / Three / Triple CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Marriage Headdress CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Death Funeral Burial |
Date learned: 00-00-1950
DURING THE GREEK WEDDING CEREMONY, A PRAYER IS READ REGARDING
THE ROLE OF HUSBAND AS RULER OF THE HOUSEHOLD AND THE
RULER OF HIS WIFE. IF THE BRIDE HAS ANY OBJECTION TO
THIS, SHE DISCREETLY TAPS THE GROOM'S FOOT WITH HER RIGHT
FOOT.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
James Callow Keyword(s): SYMBOL
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Marriage Ceremony BELIEF -- Body part Senses BELIEF -- Street Trip Relations between relatives, friends, host and guest Social class Rank BELIEF -- Prayer |
Date learned: 00-00-1950
DURING THE GREEK BAPTISMAL RITES, THE BABY IS ANOINTED
ON THE CHEST TO SIGNIFY THE LOVE FOR GOD IN HIS HEART,
ON THE BACK TO SIGNIFY CARRYING HIS CROSS FOR LIFE AND
ON THE PALMS AND FEET AS REMINDERS OF THE CRUCIFIXION.
AT THIS POINT THE GREEKS BELIEVE THAT THE CHILD IS
BLAMELESS, SPOTLESS, AND WITHOUT SIN, A SAINT.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
James Callow Keyword(s): SYMBOL
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Baptism Naming rite BELIEF -- Body part Senses |
Date learned: 00-00-1950
MY INFORMANT TOLD ME OF A BIRD CALLED A "TURUL" WHICH
WAS AN ARTIFICIAL CONCOCTION OF THE PEOPLE OF HUNGARY
AS THEIR NATIONAL BIRD. THE TURUL RESEMBLED AN EAGLE AND
WAS VERY LARGE. THE BIRD WAS THOUGHT TO REPRESENT ALL
THE GOOD QUALITIES OF HUNGARY AND THERE IS EVEN A STATUE OF
A TURUL IN BUDAPEST.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
James Callow Keyword(s): SYMBOL
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Bird |
Date learned: 11-08-1985
MOTHER'S DAY
GOING TO MASS ON MOTHER'S DAY AT OUR POLISH
CHURCH, ALL THE MOTHERS WOULD BE WEARING
FLOWERS, ESPECIALLY CARNATIONS. THERE WAS
A SIGNIFICANCE TO THE COLOR OF THE CARNATION
FOR THE MOTHERS: IF A MOTHER'S OWN MOTHER AND
MOTHER-IN-LAW WERE ALIVE, SHE WOULD WEAR A
RED FLOWER, IF ONE OF THEM HAD DIED, SHE WOULD
WEAR A PINK FLOWER, AND IF BOTH HER MOTHERS
HAD DIED, SHE WOULD WEAR A WHITE FLOWER.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
Keyword(s): SYMBOLS
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- May CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Church |
Date learned: 00-00-1950
In England myrtle is considered lucky. In Wales
myrtle is planted on each side of a home to
insure love & to keep the atmosphere peaceful.
Submitter comment: Many people still consider myrtle a sign of peace.
Where learned: ENGLAND ; LONDON
Keyword(s): nature, beauty
James Callow Keyword(s): POSITION DIRECTION ; SYMBOL
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Spring Planting BELIEF -- Plant BELIEF -- Good luck |
Date learned: 00-00-1990
If your soap breaks in two, it's a true sign of parting.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; SAINT CLAIR
Keyword(s): breaking up, end
James Callow Keyword(s): SYMBOL
| Subject headings: | 686 Seconds / Twice / Two BELIEF -- Street Trip Relations between relatives, friends, host and guest Social class Rank BELIEF -- Marriage |
Date learned: 00-00-1991
Torch Night
At Dominican High School in Detroit (all female), one of the
traditions is "Torch Night." When a student is a sophomore, a
junior picks her as her "Torch Night Partner," or "Torchie." The
two students spend the next year getting to know each other and
becoming closer. The next year, when the junior (who is now a
senior) is ready to graduate, there is a night called "Torch
Night." It is held in the auditorium and the partners stand next
to each other. There are readings and speeches, and then the
senior passes a votive--the torch-- to the junior, thereby passing
on the torch of leading the school. The junior, in turn, gives her
senior partner a rose as a promise to her to carry on the torch and
also as a goodbye gift of love. This has been a tradition at
Dominican High School for many years. As each partner passes on
the torch, there remains a connection that was begun many years
before.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
James Callow Keyword(s): SYMBOLS
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- School |
Date learned: 00-00-1984
CANDLES ARE LIT IN THE WINDOW TO LIGHT THE WAY OF MARY
AND JOSEPH.
Submitter comment: FROM FAMILY WHEN YOUNG.
Where learned: NOT GIVEN
Keyword(s): SYMBOL
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 25 Christmas Also see F642, below. CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20 Lights and candles |
Date learned: 11-26-1967
DURING THE CHRISTMAS SEASON THE DOORS ARE LEFT
UNLATCHED AND FOOD IS LEFT OUT FOR MARY AND JOSEPH.
Submitter comment: FROM HER MOTHER.
Where learned: NONE GIVEN
Keyword(s): SYMBOL
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 25 Christmas Also see F642, below. CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20 Food Drink -- Food |
Date learned: 11-26-1967
IN IRELAND, THE IRISH CUSTOM IN ADVENT, IS TO HAVE A
BOWL OF STRAW AND A MANGER SCENE. WHEN A GOOD DEED IS
PERFORMED, THE PERSON TAKES A PIECE OF STRAW AND PUTS
IT IN THE CRIB. THE OBJECT AND THOUGHT IS TO MAKE THE
CRIB AS SOFT AS POSSIBLE FOR THE INFANT JESUS
Where learned: MARYGROVE COLLEGE ; IRELAND
Keyword(s): MANGER
James Callow Keyword(s): SYMBOL
| Subject headings: | 645 September 23 Equinox to December 20 CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20 Manger scenes CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20 Straw |
Date learned: 00001968 FALL