Dr. James T. Callow publications
Browse by
Questions or comments on this site? Please email davidsor@udmercy.edu.
The James T. Callow Folklore Archive
Your search for returned 13057 results.
BELIEF
IF YOU SPILL SALT ACCIDENTALLY, QUICKLY THROW SOME OVER YOUR LEFT
SHOULDER AND MAKE A WISH. BY RIGHTS, IT SHOULD COME TRUE.
Submitter comment:
I HEARD THIS BELIEF FROM MY IRISH MATERNAL GRANDMOTHER WHO TOLD
IT TO ME FIFTEEN YEARS AGO WHEN I ACCIDENTALLY DROPPED SALT IN
HER KITCHEN.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; BIRMINGHAM
James Callow Keyword(s): POSITION DIRECTION
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Body part Senses BELIEF -- Mineral BELIEF -- Prayer |
HOW TO REMEMBER SOMETHING YOU HAVE FORGOTTEN
IF YOU HAVE FORGOTTEN SOMETHING COME BACK IN THE HOUSE AND COUNT
TO TEN OR ELSE GO THROUGH THE ALPHABET SLOWLY. YOU WILL ALMOST
ALWAYS REMEMBER WHAT IT IS YOU HAVE FORGOTTEN.
Submitter comment: I LEARNED THIS FROM MY MOTHER ABOUT 1950.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; SOUTHFIELD
James Callow Keyword(s): SPEED
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Product or activity of man or animal BELIEF -- Number P686.3.10 |
Date learned: 05-12-1965
WATCHING CARS
THIS INFORMANT THOUGHT THAT THIS ITEM ESPECIALLY SHOULD BE
RECORDED AS FOLKLORE. IT HAS LONG BEEN AN ESTABLISHED CUSTOM
WHEN PARKING IN THE AREA OF BRIGGS (NOW TIGER) STADIUM TO GIVE
THE BOYS IN THE AREA 25 CENTS OR MORE WHEN THEY ASK FOR IT,
OTHERWISE YOU MAY COME BACK TO A CAR WITH 4 FLAT TIRES OR NO
HUBCAPS OR ANY ONE OF A NUMBER OF THINGS. THIS IS A COMMON
PRACTICE, EVEN THOUGH THERE MAY NOT BE A PAY PARKING LOT FOR
BLOCKS!
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
James Callow Keyword(s): EXTORTION
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Daily Life |
Date learned: 03-15-1967
ON THE STAIRS
IF YOU PASS SOMEONE ON THE STAIRS, IN THE HOUSE, IT IS AN OMEN
OF BAD LUCK.
Submitter comment:
GRANDMA HAS KNOWN THIS ONE AS LONG AS SHE CAN REMEMBER AND THINKS
SHE GOT IT FROM HER MOTHER WHO CAME FROM IRELAND.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT ; IRELAND
James Callow Keyword(s): POSITION DIRECTION
| Subject headings: | Observation BELIEF -- Product or activity of man or animal BELIEF -- Street Trip Relations between relatives, friends, host and guest Social class Rank BELIEF -- Bad luck P882.2 |
Date learned: 09-00-1963
BETTER SLEEP
YOU WILL SLEEP BETTER IF THE HEAD OF YOUR BED POINTS NORTH.
Submitter comment:
LEARNED FROM HER AUNT IN GRAND MARAIS IN HER CHILDHOOD. (HER
BED HEAD POINTS NORTH, INCIDENTALLY.)
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT ; GRAND MARAIS
James Callow Keyword(s): POSITION DIRECTION
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Measure of time Sleeping |
Date learned: 01-04-1964
PADIDDLE
I AM NOT SURE OF THE SPELLING, BUT THIS IS THE WAY THE WORD IS
PRONOUNCED AND IT INDICATES A CAR WITH ONLY ONE OPERATIVE
HEADLIGHT. WHEN YOU ARE WITH A GIRL YOU GET TO KISS HER IF YOU SEE
SUCH A CAR AND YELL OUT PADIDDLE BEFORE SHE DOES. IF SHE DOES, SHE
GETS TO HIT YOU IN THE ARM.
ALSO GIRLS KEEP COUNT OF HOW MANY SUCH CARS THEY SEE BY THEM-
SELVES. THE FIRST BOY THEY SEE WHEN THEY HIT FIVE HUNDRED IS
SUPPOSED TO BE THE BOY THEY WILL MARRY.
A "GERONIMO" IS A CAR WHICH HAS ONE LIGHT BRIGHTER THAN THE
OTHER DUE TO AN ACCIDENT OR ONE ON WHICH THE HEADLIGHT FAILS
AS YOU ARE WATCHING IT.
Submitter comment:
THE FIRST TIME I EVER HEARD THIS WAS IN THE EIGHTH GRADE. I
BELIEVE IT WAS IN A MOVIE WITH JAMES DEAN. AFTER THAT SOMEONE
EXPLAINED IT TO ME AND I HAVE HEARD IT COUNTLESS TIMES SINCE
THAT IN DETROIT.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
James Callow Keyword(s): AUTOMOBILE ; QUICKNESS
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Entertainment Diversion BELIEF -- Marriage BELIEF -- Number P686.3.500 SPEECH -- Gesture |
Date learned: 12-00-1963
MENSTRUATION SUPERSTITION
NEVER HAVE A TOOTH FILLED DURING MENSTRUATION OR IT WILL FALL OUT.
Submitter comment: SOURCE NOT REMEMBERED.
Where learned: NEW YORK ; JAMAICA
James Callow Keyword(s): DENTISTRY
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Body part Senses BELIEF -- Means of Causing or Avoiding Illness BELIEF -- Method of Curing |
Date learned: 12-24-1963
JAMAICAN SUPERSTITION: MENSTRUATION
WHEN A WOMAN IS MENSTRUATING, SHE SHOULD NEVER LOOK AT THE DEAD
OR SOMETHING TERRIBLE MIGHT HAPPEN.
Submitter comment: LEARNED FROM A LADY-FRIEND FROM JAMAICA.
Where learned: NEW YORK ; JAMAICA
Keyword(s): B477 HUMAN ACTIVITY (BODILY FUNCTION)
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Product or activity of man or animal BELIEF -- Death Funeral Burial |
Date learned: 01-01-1964
COINS AT THE STEP OF THE MAST
THE CUSTOM OF PLACING A COIN OR COINS AT THE HEEL OF THE MASTS
SEEMS TO HAVE A DOUBLE PURPOSE. IN ANTIQUITY IT WAS TO PAY THE
FARES OF THE CREW ACROSS THE RIVER STYX IF THE SHIP SHOULD BE LOST
AT SEA; MORE LATTERLY IT WAS DONE TO ASSURE GOOD FORTUNE. THE
COINS MUST BE PLACED FACE UP, FOR TO HAVE THEM FACE DOWN WOULD BE
TO INVITE DISASTER. EVEN TO THIS DAY THE OWNER OF A SMALL CRAFT
WILL SECRETE A COIN ABOARD, THE LOCATION, VALUE, AND DATE OF WHICH
ARE KNOWN TO HIM ALONE--THE KNOWLEDGE ENABLING HIM TO PROVE HIS
OWNERSHIP SHOULD IT EVER BE QUESTIONED.
Submitter comment:
CAPTAIN LUMAS SAID THAT HE LEARNED OF THIS TRICK THE FIRST TIME
HE EVER OWNED A BOAT, WHICH WAS ABOUT FORTY YEARS AGO.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; MACKINAW ISLAND
James Callow Keyword(s): POSITION DIRECTION
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Product or activity of man or animal BELIEF -- Custom BELIEF -- Means of Causing or Avoiding Illness |
Date learned: 09-00-1963
ITALIAN AND FRENCH SUPERSTITION: BREAD AND LUCK
ALWAYS HAVE THE CRUST OF THE BREAD FACING UP ON THE TABLE OR YOU
WILL HAVE BAD LUCK.
Submitter comment: LEARNED WHILE TRAVELLING THROUGHOUT EUROPE 1959-1961.
Where learned: NEW YORK ; JAMAICA
James Callow Keyword(s): POSITION DIRECTION
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Home BELIEF -- Bad luck |
Date learned: 12-24-1963
JAMAICAN SUPERSTITION
IF YOU HAVE COMPANY AND YOU WISH THAT SOMEONE WOULD LEAVE, STAND
IN BACK OF THAT PERSON WITH A BROOM. HOLD IT UPSIDE-DOWN AND
SPRINKLE SALT AND PEPPER INTO IT. THE PERSON WILL LEAVE ALMOST
IMMEDIATELY.
Submitter comment: LEARNED FROM A LADY FRIEND FROM JAMAICA.
Where learned: NEW YORK ; JAMAICA
James Callow Keyword(s): POSITION DIRECTION
| Subject headings: | Food Drink -- Flavoring Spice BELIEF -- Mineral BELIEF -- Street Trip Relations between relatives, friends, host and guest Social class Rank |
Date learned: 01-01-1964
DOOR SUPERSTITION
A PERSON WHO VISITS ANOTHER PERSON'S HOME MUST BE SURE THAT HE
LEAVES THROUGH THE SAME DOOR THAT HE ENTERED BY. IN THIS WAY
HE WILL ALWAYS BE WELCOME AGAIN INTO THAT HOME.
Submitter comment: LEARNED FROM HER SISTER-IN-LAW.
Where learned: NEW YORK ; PLEASANTVILLE
James Callow Keyword(s): POSITION DIRECTION
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Street Trip Relations between relatives, friends, host and guest Social class Rank |
Date learned: 12-27-1963
TEACHER SUPERSTITION
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL TEACHERS MAKE THE WORST PARENTS.
Submitter comment:
LEARNED FROM FELLOW TEACHERS AND SOME OF HER OWN STUDENTS IN
YONKERS, NEW YORK.
Where learned: NEW YORK ; YONKERS
James Callow Keyword(s): IRONY
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Street Trip Relations between relatives, friends, host and guest Social class Rank BELIEF -- Work Commerce Business |
Date learned: 12-29-1963
LUCK AT CARDS BELIEF
TIE THE HEART OF A BAT WITH A RED SILKEN STRING TO THE RIGHT ARM
AND YOU'LL HAVE GOOD LUCK AND WIN EVERY CARD GAME YOU PLAY.
Submitter comment: LEARNED FROM HER FATHER.
Where learned: INDIANA ; South Bend
James Callow Keyword(s): POSITION DIRECTION
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Special Object or Implement BELIEF -- Mammal BELIEF -- Entertainment Diversion BELIEF -- Color BELIEF -- Good luck |
Date learned: 11-23-1967
SUPERSTITION
IF A PREGNANT WOMAN IS HIT ON HER LEFT ARM, HER CHILD WILL HAVE
A SCAR THERE.
Submitter comment: LEARNED FROM HER MOTHER.
Where learned: NEW YORK ; JAMAICA
James Callow Keyword(s): POSITION DIRECTION
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Body part Senses Specific distinguishing characteristic Dimple, wart, mole, scar, freckle, birthmark, strawberry mark, bruise, spot (on any part of body) BELIEF -- Birth |
Date learned: 12-24-1963
ITALIAN SUPERSTITION
ALL NEW BORN BABIES MUST IMMEDIATELY BE GIVEN A HORN-SHAPED
PIECE OF CORAL TO FASTEN TO THEIR UNDERSHIRTS. THIS WILL PROTECT
THEM FROM EVIL SPIRITS.
Submitter comment: LEARNED AS A YOUNG WOMAN LIVING IN ITALY.
Where learned: NEW YORK ; YONKERS
James Callow Keyword(s): AMULET
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Devil Demon BELIEF -- Birth BELIEF -- Sign Geometric figure |
Date learned: 12-29-1963
ITALIAN SUPERSTITION
ASK A PREGNANT WOMAN IF HER HANDS ARE DIRTY: IF SHE LOOKS AT THEM
WITH THE PALMS UP FIRST, SHE WILL HAVE A GIRL; IF SHE LOOKS AT THE
OUTSIDE FIRST, SHE WILL HAVE A BOY.
Submitter comment: LEARNED FROM HER ITALIAN MOTHER.
Where learned: NEW YORK ; PLEASANTVILLE
James Callow Keyword(s): POSITION DIRECTION
| Subject headings: | Observation BELIEF -- Birth |
Date learned: 12-27-1963
ITALIAN SUPERSTITION
IF A WOMAN FALLS WHEN SHE IS PREGNANT AND SHE HELPS HERSELF UP
WITH HER RIGHT HAND, SHE WILL HAVE A BOY; IF SHE HELPS HERSELF
UP WITH HER LEFT HAND, SHE WILL HAVE A GIRL.
Submitter comment: LEARNED FROM HER ITALIAN MOTHER.
Where learned: NEW YORK ; PLEASANTVILLE
James Callow Keyword(s): RIGHT LEFT
| Subject headings: | Observation BELIEF -- Birth |
Date learned: 12-27-1963
SUPERSTITION
IF A GIRL PUTS A SLIP ON INSIDE-OUT AND DOESN'T REALIZE IT UNTIL
THE DAY IS THROUGH, SHE MAY MAKE A WISH AND IT WILL COME TRUE.
Submitter comment: SOURCE NOT REMEMBERED.
Where learned: NEW YORK ; JAMAICA
James Callow Keyword(s): POSITION DIRECTION
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Prayer |
Date learned: 12-24-1963
BELIEF-DAILY LIFE
IF YOUR RIGHT PALM ITCHES, YOU WILL LOSE MONEY.
Submitter comment: LEARNED FROM HER SHOOL FRIENDS.
Where learned: INDIANA ; South Bend
James Callow Keyword(s): POSITION DIRECTION
| Subject headings: | Observation BELIEF -- Sensations and involuntary actions Itching hands and feet |
Date learned: 12-02-1967