Dr. James T. Callow publications
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The James T. Callow Folklore Archive
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POLISH CHRISTMAS CUSTOM
THE FAMILY ALWAYS SETS AN EXTRA PLACE AT THE TABLE FOR THE
CHRISTMAS MEAL IN CASE ANYONE COMES IN NEED OF FOOD.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
James Callow Keyword(s): CHARITY HOSPITALITY
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 25 Christmas Also see F642, below. |
Date learned: 10-10-1974
POLISH PROVERB
GOSC W DOMU; BOG W DOMU. TRANSLATION: GUEST IN THE HOUSE; GOD IN
THE HOUSE.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
James Callow Keyword(s): ELLIPSIS ; HOSPITALITY
| Subject headings: | PROVERB -- Proverbial Apothegm Maxim |
Date learned: 10-10-1974
FLY LEAF PROSE
IN CASE OF FIRE, THROW IN.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
James Callow Keyword(s): BOOK ; FLY-LEAF INSCRIPTION
| Subject headings: | Z220 |
Date learned: CA00001968
FLY LEAF PROSE
IF YOU ARE HUNGARY, EAT THIS BOOK; IT IS FULL OF BOLOGNA.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
James Callow Keyword(s): PUNS ON PLACE NAMES
| Subject headings: | Z220 |
Date learned: CA00001968
PRACTICAL JOKE
WHEN A NEW WORKER BEGINS TO CLEAN TOILETS FOR THE FIRST TIME AT
COBO HALL, HE IS ASKED REPEATEDLY BY THE OLDER WORKERS IF HE HAS
A STATE BOARD OF HEALTH CARD. IF HE SAYS NO, WHICH HE ALMOST
CERTAINLY WILL, HE IS REPRIMANDED FOR NOT TELLING THE SUPERVISOR
AND RISKING A POSSIBLE FINE AGAINST THE COMPANY.
Submitter comment:
THIS QUESTION HAS BEEN ASKED OF ALL WORKERS, INCLUDING MYSELF, AT
LEAST SINCE I STARTED WORK THERE 3 1/2 YEARS AGO.I FOUND OUT FROM
OTHER WORKERS THAT THEY ALSO WERE ASKED THIS QUESTION. THE LONGEST
WORKING EMPLOYEE ASKED WAS A WORKER WITH 10 YEARS SENIORITY.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
James Callow Keyword(s): HOAX PRACTICAL JOKE
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Entertainment Diversion |
Date learned: 00-00-1971
COUNTING-OUT RHYME
MY MOTHER AND YOUR MOTHER WERE HANGING CLOTHES,
MY MOTHER PUNCHED YOUR MOTHER IN THE NOSE,
WHAT COLOR WAS THE BLOOD? (THE PERSON TO WHOM THE CALLER IS POINTING
NAMES A COLOR) EXAMPLE-BLUE
B-L-U-E SPELLS BLUE AND I WILL NOT PICK YOU.
Submitter comment:
THIS COUNTING-OUT RHYME WAS A FAVORITE OF THE KIDS IN MY
NEIGHBORHOOD BECAUSE SELDOM WOULD A COLOR BE CHOSEN VERY OFTEN.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
James Callow Keyword(s): SPELLING
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Game Verse Game Verse |
Date learned: CA00001961
MNEMONIC DEVICE
MY VERY EDUCATED MOTHER JUST SERVED US NINE PICKLES.
Submitter comment:
THIS SENTENCE HELPS TO REMEMBER THE PLANETS IN THE ORDER OF NEAREST
TO THE SUN TO FURTHEST FROM THE SUN
INFORMANT SAID HE LEARNED THE DEVICE FROM SOME OF HIS FRIENDS AT
SCHOOL. HE DIDN'T REMEMBER WHO TOLD IT TO HIM BUT SAID IT WAS USED
BY ALMOST EVERYONE IN HIS CLASS.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; MADISON HEIGHTS
James Callow Keyword(s): FUNCTION ; NEPTUNE ; PLANETS: MERCURY, VENUS, EARTH, MARS, JUPITER, SATURN, ; PLUTO ; URANUS
| Subject headings: | Favorites ART CRAFT ARCHITECTURE -- MNEM |
Date learned: 10-00-1973
MNEMONIC DEVICE
H-O-M-E-S
Submitter comment:
THE WORD HOMES HELPS TO REMEMBER THE GREAT LAKES
INFORMANT SAID HE LEARNED THE DEVICE FROM SOME OF HIS FRIENDS AT
SCHOOL. HE DIDN'T REMEMBER WHO TOLD IT TO HIM BUT SAID IT WAS USED
BY ALMOST EVERYONE IN HIS CLASS.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; MADISON HEIGHTS
James Callow Keyword(s): FUNCTION ; LAKES: HURON, ONTARIO, MICHIGAN, ERIE, SUPERIOR
| Subject headings: | ART CRAFT ARCHITECTURE -- MNEM |
Date learned: 10-00-1973
POLISH FEAST OF THE THREE KINGS
ON JANUARY 6, THE FEAST OF THE THREE KINGS, PRIESTS
VISIT THE HOMES OF POLISH CATHOLICS BEARING CHALK,
MYRRH, AND INCENSE. THEY BLESS THE HOUSE AND WRITE
THE NAMES OF THE THREE KINGS OVER THE DOORWAY.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT
Keyword(s): BALTHAZAR ; KASPAR ; MELCHIOR
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- January 6 Twelfth Day Epiphany |
Date learned: 11-00-1968
MNEMONIC DEVICE
JOHN STEPHEN ULRICH NEEDS EVERY VITAMIN, MINERAL, PLUS MEAT
Submitter comment:
THIS SENTENCE HELPS IN REMEMBERING THE PLANETS IN THE ORDER OF
LARGEST TO SMALLEST
INFORMANT SAID HE LEARNED THE DEVICE FROM SOME OF HIS FRIENDS AT
SCHOOL. HE DIDN'T REMEMBER WHO TOLD IT TO HIM BUT SAID IT WAS USED
BY ALMOST EVERYONE IN HIS CLASS.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; MADISON HEIGHTS
James Callow Keyword(s): Earth ; JUPITER ; MARS ; MERCURY ; NEPTUNE ; PLANETS ; PLUTO ; SATURN ; URANUS ; VENUS
| Subject headings: | Favorites ART CRAFT ARCHITECTURE -- MNEM |
Date learned: 10-00-1973
LITTLE LEAGUE BASEBALL CHANT
PITCHER'S BAD/ CATCHER'S WORSE/ LOOK AT THAT MONKEY PLAYING FIRST
Submitter comment: OFTEN CHANTED AT LITTLE LEAGUE GAMES.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; MADISON HEIGHTS
James Callow Keyword(s): SPORTS CHEER ; SPURTS CHEER
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Custom Festival Custom Festival |
Date learned: 10-00-1973
REVERSING A BABY'S SLEEP CYCLE
IF YOU WANT TO REVERSE A BABY'S SLEEP CYCLE YOU TURN IT HEAD OVER
HEELS AND THE SLEEP CYCLE WILL REVERSE.
Submitter comment: SAID HE DIDN'T REALLY BELIEVE IT.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; MADISON HEIGHTS
James Callow Keyword(s): DIRECTION POSITION ; HOMEOPATHIC MAGIC
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Remedy |
Date learned: 10-00-1973
METHOD OF CURE
FOR A FRIGHT OR A NIGHTMARE THAT FRIGHTENED SOMEONE - I WAS ABOUT 3
OR 4 YEARS OLD WHEN I FIRST SAW MY GRANDPARENTS DO THIS. THEY DUG A
SMALL HOLE IN THE GROUND (ABOUT 6 INCHES DEEP) TO BE FILLED WITH
FRESH WATER. THEY PUT A CROSS OF PALM LEAVES, GOTTEN ON PALM SUNDAY,
AT ONE SIDE OF THE HOLE. THE FRIGHTENED PERSON STOOD NEAR THE SIDE
OF THE HOLE (1) THEN CROSSED THE HOLE TO THE OTHER SIDE (2) AND THE
MEDICINE MAN (OR WOMAN) WHISPERS IN HIS EAR, "DO YOU BELIEVE IN ME?
WILL YOU COME?(APPROXIMATELY)". THEN THE FRIGHTENED PERSON WOULD STEP
A QUARTER OF THE WAY AROUND THE HOLE (3) AND THE MEDICINE MAN OR
WOMAN WOULD AGAIN WHISPER THAT IN HIS EAR. THE PERSON WOULD CROSS
THE HOLE TO THE OPPOSITE SIDE AGAIN (4) AND THAT WOULD BE 3 MOVES.
THE MEDICINE MAN/WOMAN WOULD REPEAT THE WHISPER. (THIRD TIME) THE
MEDICINE MAN/WOMAN WOULD CLEAR THE TOP OF THE WATER OF SCUM AND
WOULD TAKE A CUP OF CLEAR WATER FROM THE HOLE. THE FRIGHTENED PERSON
WOULD TAKE 3 SIPS OF THE WATER. THEY WOULD TAKE THE PERSON AND LAY
THEM IN BED. THEN THEY WOULD TAKE LONG BAY LEAVES (AS MANY AS THEY
COULD HOLD IN THEIR HAND-4 OR 6) AND SWEEP THEM IN A CROSS OVER THE
FRIGHTENED PERSON 3 TIMES. THE MEDICINE MAN/WOMAN WOULD PUT THE
LEAVES UNDER THE BED FOR THE NIGHT. THEN THEY'D TAKE THE LEAVES AND
SWEEP THE DIRT BACK INTO THE HOLE THEN THEY'D THROW THE LEAVES AS IF
GETTING RID OF THE EVIL OR FRIGHT THE PERSON HAD EXPERIENCED. THEY
DID THIS TO ME WHEN I WAS LITTLE, SO I KNOW IT WORKS.
Submitter comment:
THIS ITEM WAS ORIGINALLY LEARNED BY THE INFORMANT FROM HER
GRANDPARENTS WHEN SHE WAS A LITTLE GIRL IN TEXAS. SHE BELIEVES THIS
METHOD WORKS, BECAUSE IT WAS USED ON HER. SHE GAVE IT TO ME IN MUCH
THE SAME MANNER AS A RECIPE. SHE KEPT SAYING THAT SHE KNOWS IT MIGHT
BE ALL PSYCHOLOGICAL, BUT SHE IS VERY SURE IT WORKS. SINCE THIS WAS
A RATHER LONG ITEM, SHE KEPT GOING OVER THE DETAILS TO MAKE SURE I
WAS GETTING THEM ALL. THE ITEM WAS INTERESTING IN ITSELF, BUT IT WAS
MADE EVEN MORE SO BY HER ATTITUDE OF COMPLETE TRUST IN ITS WORKING
POWERS.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; LINCOLN PARK
James Callow Keyword(s): PLANTS
| Subject headings: | 686 Thirds / Thrice / Three / Triple Food Drink -- Flavoring BELIEF -- Plant BELIEF -- Mineral |
Date learned: 01-10-1973
REMEDY
FOR CHANGE OF LIFE (THROUGH THE YEARS)- TOMARINDO, CINNAMON STICKS,
FRESH NUTMEG-CHIPPED, ANISE, CLOVES, PEPPERMINT LEAVES, AND ROSEMARY
LEAVES, THEN THEY BOIL IT. AND FOR EVERY QUART, THEY ADD THE JUICE
OF 3 LEMONS, PUT IN THE SKINS AND FERMENT IT IN A JAR FOR 3 DAYS .
THEN STRAIN IT WITH A CHEESECLOTH. THEN THEY ADD 3 JIGGERS OF
ANNISETTE LIQUEUR. THEN THEY ADD 7 OUNCES OF HONEY. THEY DON'T
BELIEVE IN HORMONE SHOTS FOR CHANGE OF LIFE.
Submitter comment:
THIS ITEM WAS LEARNED BY THE INFORMANT WHEN SHE WAS A YOUNG GIRL IN
TEXAS. SHE WAS TAUGHT THIS BY HER MOTHER OR GRANDPARENTS, PRIMARILY
HER GRANDMOTHER.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; LINCOLN PARK
James Callow Keyword(s): ANIMAL BEE ; PLANTS
| Subject headings: | Food Drink -- Plant food Fruit Food Drink -- Brew of leaf, bark, root Food Drink -- Alcoholic beverage BELIEF -- Plant |
Date learned: 01-10-1973
REMEDY
POOR PEOPLE WITH TUBERCULOSIS USE THIS- RICE WATER TEA WITH HONEY
DAILY AT EVERY OPPURTUNITY BY ITSELF OR MIXED WITH JUICES OF THE
TROPICAL FRUITS THEY GROW THERE (IN TEXAS) SUCH AS PAPAYA JUICE,
MANGOS, CACTUS JUICE, AND COCONUT MILK, ALMOST LIKE A FULL MEAL TO
THE WEAK PERSON. ALL THE FRUITS ARE STRAINED AND THE RICE WATER
TEA IS MADE WITH RICE WATER AND PEPPERMINT LEAVES OR ANY OTHER TEA
LEAVES.
Submitter comment:
THIS ITEM WAS LEARNED BY THE INFORMANT WHEN SHE WAS A YOUNG GIRL
IN TEXAS. SHE WAS TAUGHT THIS INFORMATION BY HER MOTHER OR
GRANDPARENTS, PRIMARILY HER GRANDMOTHER.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; LINCOLN PARK
James Callow Keyword(s): ANIMAL BEE ; PLANT
| Subject headings: | Food Drink -- Plant food Fruit Food Drink -- Animal product Food Drink -- Brew of leaf, bark, root BELIEF -- Plant |
Date learned: 01-10-1973
REMEDY
FOR ARTHRITIS AND ACHES CAUSED BY OLD AGE, ETC. - 10 TO 12 OUNCES OF
MAJORANA BOILED IN A QUART OF WATER. USED AS A CHASER OR WITH
WHISKEY, TEQUILA, ETC.
Submitter comment:
THIS ITEM WAS LEARNED BY THE INFORMANT WHEN SHE WAS A YOUNG GIRL
IN TEXAS. SHE WAS TAUGHT THIS BY HER MOTHER OR GRANDPARENTS,
PRIMARILY HER GRANDMOTHER.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; LINCOLN PARK
James Callow Keyword(s): MARJORAM? HERB? ; PLANT SPICE
| Subject headings: | Food Drink -- Flavoring Food Drink -- Alcoholic beverage BELIEF -- Body part Senses BELIEF -- Plant |
Date learned: 01-10-1973
REMEDY
FOR NERVES, HEADACHES, ETC.- BRANDY,1 OR 2 JIGGERS PER HALF GALLON OF
CINNAMON TEA.
Submitter comment:
THIS ITEM WAS LEARNED BY THE INFORMANT WHEN SHE WAS A YOUNG GIRL
IN TEXAS. SHE WAS TAUGHT THIS BY HER MOTHER OR GRANDPARENTS,
PRIMARILY HER GRANDMOTHER.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; LINCOLN PARK
James Callow Keyword(s): PLANT SPICE
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Body part Senses BELIEF -- Plant |
Date learned: 01-10-1973
DRINK
FOR MORNING TEAS- FRESH CINNAMON TEA IN THE MORNING. THEY BELIEVE
THIS GIVES THEM VITAMANS FOR THEIR NUTRITIONAL DAILY REQUIREMENTS,
THIS IS USED YEAR ROUND THERE.
Submitter comment:
THIS ITEM WAS LEARNED BY THE INFORMANT WHEN SHE WAS A YOUNG GIRL
IN TEXAS. SHE WAS TAUGHT THIS BY HER MOTHER OR GRANDPARENTS,
PRIMARILY HER GRANDMOTHER.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; LINCOLN PARK
James Callow Keyword(s): PLANT SPICE
| Subject headings: | Food Drink -- Flavoring Food Drink -- Brew of leaf, bark, root BELIEF -- Plant |
Date learned: 01-10-1973
REMEDY
FOR YOUNG GIRL'S FIRST MENSTRUAL PERIODS- BOIL ROSEMARY LEAVES, AND
ANISE SEED, CINNAMON STICKS, PEPPERMINT LEAVES, DRIED OR FRESH. IN
TEXAS THEY WOULD ADD A JIGGER OF ANNISETTE ( MEXICAN LIQUEUR )FOR
MEDICINAL PURPOSES.
Submitter comment:
THIS ITEM WAS LEARNED BY THE INFORMANT WHEN SHE WAS A YOUNG GIRL
IN TEXAS. SHE WAS TAUGHT THIS BY HER MOTHER OR GRANDPARENTS,
PRIMARILY HER GRANDMOTHER.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; LINCOLN PARK
James Callow Keyword(s): PLANTS SPICE FLAVORING
| Subject headings: | Food Drink -- Flavoring BELIEF -- Plant |
Date learned: 01-10-1973
REMEDY
FOR FEVER-USE PEPPERMINT LEAVES FRESH OR IF NOT IN SEASON, USE
DRIED, WITH BORAJA AND TOMARINDO (THEY TASTE AND SMELL LIKE LEMON,
IN THE FORM OF STICKS.). ADD CINNAMON. BOIL TOGETHER ABOUT 15 MINUTES
THEN STRAIN AND DRINK HOT. MAYBE YOU MIGHT ADD 1 OR 2 JIGGERS OF
WHISKEY, IF IN PAIN OR IN HAVING LABOR PAINS.
Submitter comment:
THIS ITEM WAS LEARNED BY THE INFORMANT WHEN SHE WAS A YOUNG GIRL IN
TEXAS. SHE WAS TAUGHT THIS BY HER MOTHER OR GRANDPARENTS, PRIMARILY
HER GRANDMOTHER.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; LINCOLN PARK
James Callow Keyword(s): PLANTS
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- P248 BELIEF -- Plant BELIEF -- Plant |
Date learned: 01-10-1973