Dr. James T. Callow publications
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The James T. Callow Folklore Archive
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EASTER
AFTER MASS ON SUNDAY THE FAMILY GATHERS AROUND THE TABLE AND THE
FATHER IS TO SPLIT ONE HARD BOILED EGG AMONG THE MEMBERS OF THE
FAMILY AND EACH IS TO EAT IT WITH HORSERADISH.
Submitter comment: INFORMANT'S FAMILY PRACTICES THIS ACTIVITY EACH EASTER.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
Keyword(s): FAMILY UNITY ; FOOD CUSTOM
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Spring Planting Easter eggs CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Spring Planting Easter Sunday |
Date learned: 03-06-1971
EASTER
ON EASTER MORNING, THE HEAD OF THE HOUSEHOLD TAKES ONE COLORED
EASTER EGG AND PEELS IT. HE DIVIDES IT EVENLY FOR AS MANY PEOPLE
LIVING IN HIS HOME AND AFTER RECITING A PRAYER IN SLOVAK, GIVES
EACH PERSON IN HIS HOME A PIECE OF THE EGG. IT SYMBOLIZES
TOGETHERNESS IN THE FAMILY AND THAT GOD WILLING, ALL IN THE FAMILY
WILL LIVE UNTIL NEXT EASTER.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; SAINT CLAIR SHORES
Keyword(s): FAMILY UNITY ; FOOD CUSTOM
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Spring Planting Easter eggs CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Spring Planting Easter Sunday |
Date learned: DATE NOT RECORDED BY COLLECTOR
EASTER CUSTOM
A TRADITION WE WOULD TAKE PART IN AT EASTER WAS THAT THE HEAD OF THE
FAMILY WOULD CUT A BLESSED EGG APART INTO AS MANY PIECES AS MEMBERS
OF HIS FAMILY. EACH WOULD TAKE A PIECE AND WOULD WISH THE BEST AND
FINEST HE COULD THINK OF TO THE REST OF THE FAMILY.
Keyword(s): FAMILY UNITY ; FOOD CUSTOM
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Spring Planting Easter eggs CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Spring Planting Easter Sunday |
Date learned: DATE NOT RECORDED BY COLLECTOR
EASTER-TOAST
THE FIRST FOOD EATEN ON EASTER MORNING IS A PIECE OF HARD-BOILED
EGG THAT WAS BLEST ON HOLY SATURDAY. IT IS USED IN
GIVING A TOAST OF HAPPY EASTER TO THE OTHER MEMBERS OF THE FAMILY.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
Keyword(s): FAMILY UNITY ; FOOD CUSTOM ; SWIECZONKA
Date learned: 03-10-1970
EASTER CUSTOM (POLISH)
( THE ) WHOLE FAMILY MUST EAT PIECES OF A BLESSED EGG TOGETHER
BEFORE THEY EAT EASTER DINNER. THE SYMBOLISM IS A
CORRELATION BETWEEN CHRIST COMING OUT OF THE TOMB WITH NO HELP AND
THE EGG COMING OUT OF THE HEN WITH NO HELP.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; ROSEVILLE
Keyword(s): FAMILY UNITY ; FOOD CUSTOM
Date learned: 09-00-1969
EASTER CUSTOM
AT THE BEGINNING OF BREAKFAST THE FATHER SHARES FOOD WITH THE REST OF
THE FAMILY. HE SLICES UP BLESSED BREAD, EGGS AND KIELBASA AND GIVES
A SMALL PIECE TO EVERYONE. THIS FOOD MUST BE EATEN BEFORE ADDITIONAL
FOOD IS TAKEN.
Where learned: ILLINOIS ; GLENVIEW
Keyword(s): FAMILY UNITY ; FOOD CUSTOM
Date learned: 11-29-1970
EASTER DAY
THE FOOD THAT WAS BLESSED ON SATURDAY MUST BE EATEN FOR BREAKFAST.
IT MUST INCLUDE HORSERADISH TO REPRESENT THE BURNING LIQUID GIVEN
CHRIST WHILE HE HUNG ON THE CROSS. THE REMAINING FOOD SHOULD BE
SHARED WITH THE DAY'S VISITORS SO THAT IT IS FINISHED ON SUNDAY.
Where learned: PENNSYLVANIA ; ERIE
Keyword(s): CHARITY, HOSPITALITY ; FAMILY UNITY ; FOOD CUSTOM ; SWIECZONKA ; SYMBOL
EASTER MORNING RITUAL (OR CUSTOM)
ON EASTER MORNING, AFTER RESURRECTION MASS, THE FAMILY WOULD ALL
GATHER FOR BREAKFAST, MADE UP OF THE THINGS FOUND IN THE SWIECONKA
(EASTER BASKET BLESSED AT CHURCH ON HOLY SATURDAY).
MY FATHER WOULD TAKE ONE OF THE BOILED, PEELED EGGS (BLESSED) AND CUT
IT INTO FIVE PIECES--ONE FOR EACH MEMBER OF THE FAMILY. THEN HE
WOULD TAKE A PIECE OF RAW HORSERADISH (SCRAPED CLEAN THE PREVIOUS
DAY) AND GIVE EACH OF US A PIECE OF IT. A LOAF OF RYE BREAD WAS CUT
AND DISTRIBUTED TO EACH OF US (IT WAS A TINY LOAF, MADE ESPECIALLY
FOR THE EASTER BASKET), AS WAS THE KIELBASA, BUTTER AND COFFEE CAKE.
AFTER EACH OF US HAD AT LEAST A TINY PIECE OF EACH OF THE ABOVE, WE
WERE ALLOWED TO HAVE LARGER PORTIONS OF THE NON-BLESSED FOOD.
HOWEVER, ONE OF THE RITUALS THAT MY DAD WOULD GO THROUGH WAS TAKING
A WHOLE, BLESSED EGG (BOILED AND PEELED) AND RUBBING IT ON HIS JAW,
FROM LEFT EAR TO HIS CHIN THEN TO THE RIGHT EAR, THEN BACK AGAIN TO
THE LEFT. THIS, HE TOLD US, WOULD WARD OFF TOOTHACHES.
Submitter comment:
AS FAR AS I HAVE BEEN ABLE TO DETERMINE, MY FATHER GOT THIS CUSTOM
FROM HIS PARENTS WHO WERE BORN AND RAISED IN POLAND. MY FATHER CAME
TO AMERICA IN 1914, AT THE AGE OF !7.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
Keyword(s): FAMILY UNITY ; FOOD CUSTOM ; SWIECZONKA
Date learned: 04-00-1965
EASTER EGG TRADITION
THERE IS A CUSTOM WITH THE POLISH PEOPLE OF PASSING AROUND THE
DINNER TABLE ONE BLESSED HARD-BOILED EASTER EGG. THE OLDEST MALE
MEMBER OF THE FAMILY BEGINS TO BREAK THE SLICES OF THE EGG WITH
OTHER MEMBERS OF THE FAMILY. USUALLY A WISH IS MADE BETWEEN THE
TWO AND THEN SEALED WITH A KISS. HOWEVER, IF THE EGG DROPS, ONE OF
THE TWO WILL NOT LIVE TO SEE THE NEXT EASTER.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DEARBORN ; informant's home
Keyword(s): FAMILY UNITY ; FOOD CUSTOM
Date learned: 03-27-1970
CUSTOM-POLISH
THE CHRISTMAS EVE CEREMONY IS CALLED VIGELIA. IT BEGINS WHEN THE
FATHER OF THE HOUSE SEES THE FIRST STAR IN THE SKY. THEN THE FAMILY
SITS DOWN FOR DINNER. THE TABLE IS SET FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY--
BROTHERS, SISTERS, IN-LAWS, NIECES, NEPHEWS, ETC.,--WITH ONE
EXTRA PLACE IN CASE COMPANY SHOULD COME. UNDER THE TABLE CLOTH ARE
LITTLE PIECES OF STRAW TO SYMBOLIZE THE MANGER. THERE IS FASTING
ON THIS DAY--NO MEAT. THE DINNER CONSISTS OF 12 DIFFERENT
FOODS, SYMBOLIZING THE 12 APOSTLES--SUCH AS WINE, MUSHROOM SOUP,
HERRING, PEROGIA (A DOUGH AND CHEES DISH), BOILED PERCH, BOILED
POTATOES AND MASHED POTATOES, AND RELISHES. THERE IS ALSO A
LARGE HOST CALLED OPTATKE. THE FATHER AND THE MOTHER BREAK OFF A
PIECE OF THE HOST AND WISH EACH OTHER HEALTH AND HAPPINESS. THEY
THEN GO TO THE OLDEST SON AND HE TAKES A PIECE OFF THE HOST AND
A PIECE FROM BOTH THE MOTHER'S AND THE FATHER'S AND WISHES THEM
HEALTH AND HAPPINESS AND THIS IS PASSED THROUGH THE FAMILY LIKE THIS.
IT IS TO SYMBOLIZE UNITY. THEN TRADITIONAL POLISH CAROLES ARE
SUNG.
Submitter comment:
(STILL DONE IN AMERICA?) YES.
Data entry tech comment:
Updated by TRD
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
Keyword(s): ABSTINENCE FROM MEAT ; CHRISTMAS ; CUSTOM ; FAMILY UNITY ; FOOD ; holiday ; Vegetarian ; VIGELIA
Date learned: 11-04-1968
Entry filtered.
Entry filtered.
Custom
Fellowship Supper is a custom that Methodists have of a covered dish supper.
Data entry tech comment:
Motifs added by TRD
Keyword(s): Community ; Covered ; CUSTOM ; Dish ; Fellowship ; FOOD ; Gathering ; Methodist ; Potluck ; RELIGION ; RITUAL ; Supper
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Church |
MUST MAKE HAY WHILE THE SUN SHINES.
Submitter comment:
MY REPLY TO QUESTION AS TO WHY I WAS TAKING SO MANY MARYGROVE
GIRLS OUT, IT WAS JUST BEFORE THEIR SEMESTER BREAK WHEN THEY
WOULD GO HOME.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
James Callow Keyword(s): OPPORTUNITY
| Subject headings: | PROVERB -- Proverbial Phrase |
Date learned: 00-00-1968
Ethnic: Belgium
Solemn Communion:
In Belgium, at the age of 12, there would be a Solemn Communion. Although they had made their First Communion at the age of 7, at this time, the children would assemble in Church to renew their Baptismal vows. there were weeklong preparations for the event. Girls wore white gowns, much in the manner of a bridal outfit. There would be a three day celebration. On the first day, the parents and godparents gathered at the child's home. The second day saw the cousins and other immediate relatives there. And on the third day, the neighbors and friends joined in the activities.
Submitter comment:
See also F5444
Data entry tech comment:
Motifs added by TRD
Where learned: PENNSYLVANIA ; PITTSBURGH
Keyword(s): Belgium ; CHILDREN ; CHURCH ; Communion ; Community ; ETHNIC ; FAMILY ; RELIGION ; RELIGIOUS
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Church |
Proverb
The family that prays together stays together
Data entry tech comment:
Motifs added by TRD
James Callow comment:
Original BN [V200] crossed out. Replaced with current classification.
The number 54 is written in the lower left hand corner of the submission card.
Located in pile marked Duplicates and Other Rejects.
Keyword(s): FAMILY ; Pray ; PRAYER ; RELIGION ; Unity
| Subject headings: | PROVERB -- Proverbial Apothegm Maxim |
Proverb
Many hands make light work
Data entry tech comment:
Motifs added by TRD
James Callow comment:
Located in pile marked Duplicates and Other Rejects
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
Keyword(s): Community ; FAMILY ; Hands ; Help ; Many ; Multiple ; WORK
| Subject headings: | PROVERB -- Proverbial Metaphor |
Proverb
Unity:
United we stand, Divided we fall.
Data entry tech comment:
Motifs added by TRD
James Callow comment:
Original BN [V300] crossed out. Replaced wtih current classification.
Located in pile marked Duplicates and Other Rejects
Keyword(s): Alone ; Divided ; Division ; Fall ; NUMBERS ; Stand ; STRENGTH ; Unity ; WAR
| Subject headings: | PROVERB -- Proverbial Apothegm Maxim |
Proverb
Opportunity knocks but once.
Data entry tech comment:
Motifs added by TRD
Keyword(s): Aphorism ; Apothegm ; Knock ; Maxim ; OPPORTUNITY ; PROVERB ; VERSE
| Subject headings: | PROVERB -- Proverbial Apothegm Maxim |