Dr. James T. Callow publications
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The James T. Callow Folklore Archive
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BELIEF ABOUT CRIMINALS
A CRIMINAL ALWAYS RETURNS TO THE SCENE OF THE CRIME.
Data entry tech comment:
Updated by TRD
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; GROSSE POINTE
Keyword(s): BELIEF ; CRIME ; Criminal ; Habit ; Revisit
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Outlaw Criminal Bandit Pirate |
Date learned: NOT GIVEN
LEGEND OF THE MAD MAN.
IN MY CHILDHOOD, I SPENT TWO WEEKS AT THE BOYS' CLUB CAMP
FOR FOUR CONSECUTIVE YEARS. EVERY STAY WAS OCCASIONED BY THE
RUMOR THAT IT WAS NOT SAFE TO WALK IN CAMP ALONE AT NIGHT
BECAUSE A MAN HAD ESCAPED FROM A NEARBY MENTAL
INSTITUTION OR JAIL (IT VARIED) AND
THE CONVICT DID NOT LIKE LITTLE BOYS.
Data entry tech comment:
Updated by TRD
Keyword(s): Escaped ; Institution ; JAIL ; Legend ; Mad Man ; Mental Institution ; Urban Legend
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Outlaw Criminal Bandit Pirate BELIEF -- Physically handicapped Deformed |
Date learned: NOT GIVEN
CUSTOM
SATAN AND HIS FOLLOWERS CELEBRATE FOUR SABBATHS IN THE FOUR
DIFFERENT SECTIONS OR COVENS OF THE WORLD AROUND THE SAME TIME
THE CATHOLIC CHURCH CELEBRATES ITS SEASONAL CHANGES. HE ALSO
HAS ONE BIG CEREMONY CALLED THE BLOODY SABBATH.
ON THIS DAY ALL FOUR COVENS GET TOGETHER FOR A GOOD TIME OF
SACRIFICE (A YOUNG PERSON'S WARM BLOOD) AND PUNISHMENT FOR
ALL WHO HAVE BEEN DISOBEDIENT TO SATAN AND THE INSTALLMENT OF
NEW WITCHES.
Data entry tech comment:
Updated by TRD
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; GRAND RAPIDS
Keyword(s): Coven ; DEVIL ; DEVIL WORSHIP ; holiday ; PUNISHMENT ; Sabbath ; Sacrifice ; SATAN ; WITCHES
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Fixed DateFor specific dates, use the following system: BELIEF -- Witch Shaman |
Date learned: NOT GIVEN
SPIRIT MEDIUMS
THERE ARE GOOD AND BAD MEDIUMS. A MEDIUM CAN INVADE THE BODY OF A
MAN NOT YET REALLY DEAD AND PULL THE SPIRIT RIGHT OUT, AND THEN THE
MEDIUM CONTROLS IT. I HAVE SEEN CASKETS BROKEN OPEN INEXPLAINABLY.
Submitter comment:
THIS IS A BELIEF IN INDIA.
Data entry tech comment:
Updated by TRD
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; ANN ARBOR
Keyword(s): Buried Alive ; DEATH ; India ; Medium ; SPIRIT ; Zombie
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Witch Shaman |
Date learned: 02-04-1968
MAGIC BELIEF
IF A COW DOESN'T PRODUCE MILK, IT'S BECAUSE THE WITCH
HAD CAST A SPELL, THEREFORE, BEFORE ALL HOLY DAYS, POLISH
VILLAGERS WOULD BURN BLESSED HERBS IN AN INCENSE BURNER IN THE
BARN, BELIEVING THAT THE SMOKE WOULD CHASE AWAY THE WITCH.
Data entry tech comment:
Updated by TRD
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
Keyword(s): BELIEF ; Cow ; CURSE ; FARMING ; MAGIC ; Milk ; POLAND
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Typical Elements of a Festive Pattern BELIEF -- Witch Shaman |
Date learned: 02-07-1971
SPIRIT
ON AN AUGUST DAY WHEN THE SUN IS HIGHEST IN THE SKY AT 12
NOON, STAND WITH THREE FRIENDS IN A WOODED, DESERTED AREA. AT
EXACTLY 12 NOON HAVE EVERYONE STARE AT EACH OTHER; THE SUN COMING
THROUGH THE TREES SHOULD FORM A HALO OVER THE PERSON OR PERSONS
WHO HAVE ANY POWERS OF WITCHCRAFT OR WIZARDRY IN THEIR BLOOD.
Data entry tech comment:
SPELLING CORRECTED BY KEY PUNCHER
Updated by TRD
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
Keyword(s): Halo ; NATURE ; SIGN ; SPIRIT ; SYMBOL ; Witchcraft ; WIZARD
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Witch Shaman |
Date learned: 02-13-1972
WITCH TEST
THE PERSON SUSPECTED OF BEING A WITCH IS TIED AND THROWN
INTO THE WATER. IF SHE ESCAPES, SHE IS A WITCH AND MUST BE
BURNED. IF SHE DROWNS THIS MEANS SHE WAS NOT A WITCH.
Data entry tech comment:
Updated by TRD
Keyword(s): Burn ; Drown ; Proof ; TEST ; Trial ; Witch ; Witchcraft
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Witch Shaman |
Date learned: NOT GIVEN
BELIEF-WITCHES
IF A WOMAN ( SUPPOSEDLY) A WITCH HAS A DAUGHTER SHE WISHES
TO MARRY OFF, SHE WILL BURN A STOCKING AND THIS WILL BEWITCH
A BOY AND DRAW HIM TO THE DAUGHTER.
Data entry tech comment:
Updated by TRD
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
Keyword(s): BELIEF ; CHILDREN ; DAUGHTER ; MAGIC ; Offspring ; Son ; Spell ; WITCHES
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Witch Shaman BELIEF -- Marriage |
Date learned: 11-20-1969
CHRISTMAS FOOD
IN LEBANON, THE TRADITIONAL CHRISTMAS FOOD FOR THOSE WHO CAN AFFORD
IT, IS A TURKEY DINNER.
Submitter comment:
(SOUNDS FAMILIAR)
Data entry tech comment:
Updated by TRD
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; MARYGROVE COLLEGE ; DETROIT
Keyword(s): CHRISTMAS ; CUSTOM ; FOOD ; FOOD CUSTOM ; holiday ; Lebanese ; Turkey
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20 Menus |
Date learned: 00001968 FALL
HOLIDAY MEAL
VOGELIA--IN A SPECIAL FAMILY DINNER ON CHRISTMAS OR EASTER, AN
ODD NUMBER OF COURSES ARE SERVED (7,9, OR MORE). NO MEAT IS SERVED
AT ALL, BUT FISH IS ALLOWED. EACH COURSE IS BROUGHT OUT
INDIVIDUALLY; FOR EXAMPLE, BREAD MIGHT BE FIRST, THEN
FOLLOWED BY SOUP, THEN FOLLOWED BY THE FISH OR BY FRUIT FOR DESSERT.
Data entry tech comment:
Updated by TRD
James Callow comment:
Please make a copy. Label it F663
Keyword(s): ABSTINENCE FROM MEAT ; CHRISTMAS ; Easter ; FOOD ; FOOD CUSTOM ; holiday ; Menu ; tradition ; VOGELIA
| Subject headings: | 122 Christmas 686 Seven / Sevenths / Several 686 Ninths / Nine CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Spring Planting Easter Sunday |
Date learned: 11-02-1971
BLOOD SAUSAGE
IN RURAL BULGARIA, AFTER A LOG HAS BEEN PLACED IN THE LARGE FIREPLACE
THE DAY BEFORE CHRISTMAS THE MAKING OF BLOOD SAUSAGE IS BEGUN. A
PIG IS SLAUGHTERED AND SAUSAGE IS MADE FROM ITS BLOOD NO LATER
THAN 12:00 MIDNIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS DAY. THE SAUSAGE CANNOT
BE EATEN BEFORE MIDNIGHT, BUT AFTER THIS EVERYONE IN THE HOUSE
FEASTS.
Submitter comment:
THE INFORMANT REMEMBERS PARTICIPATING IN THIS CUSTOM IN BULGARIA.
Data entry tech comment:
Updated by TRD
Where learned: HENDRICKSONS PHARMACY ; DETROIT
Keyword(s): BLOOD ; Bulgaria ; CHRISTMAS ; CUSTOM ; ETHNIC ; FOOD ; holiday ; Pig ; Sausage ; tradition
| Subject headings: | 122 Christmas |
Date learned: 03-21-1970
CHRISTMAS
ON CHRISTMAS MORNING THE FAMILY HAD A FRUIT-FILLED COFFEE CAKE
AND PUT A CANDLE ON IT AND THEN THE FAMILY SANG HAPPY BIRTHDAY
DEAR JESUS.
Submitter comment:
THIS WAS DONE BY THE INFORMANT FROM 1949 TO 1969
Data entry tech comment:
Updated by TRD
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
Keyword(s): Birthday ; CHRISTMAS ; CUSTOM ; FOOD ; holiday ; JESUS ; tradition
| Subject headings: | 122 Christmas CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20 Lights and candles CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20 Songs, caroling |
Date learned: 11-23-1970
"XMAS (CHRISTMAS) BREAD"
ON CHRISTMAS YOU MAKE A LOAF OF BREAD WITH A COIN IN IT, THE
PERSON WHO GETS THE PIECE OF BREAD WITH THE COIN IN IT HAS
LUCK FOR THE REST OF THE YEAR.
Data entry tech comment:
Updated by TRD
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
Keyword(s): BREAD ; CHRISTMAS ; COIN ; CUSTOM ; FOOD ; holiday ; LUCK ; MONEY ; tradition
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20 Predictions CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20 Pastry |
Date learned: 11-17-1969
CHRISTMAS CUSTOM
MOST ARMENIAN FAMILIES HAVE MANY DIFFERENT PASTRIES IN THEIR
HOMES DURING CHRISTMAS. THESE PASTRIES INCLUDE BAKLAVA (A HONEY
AND NUT PASTRY) AND A WHITE COOKIE WITH FLOUR OVER IT.
Submitter comment:
INFORMANT HAS SEEN THESE FOODS IN ARMENIAN HOMES TODAY.
Data entry tech comment:
Updated by TRD
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
Keyword(s): Armenian ; Baklava ; CHRISTMAS ; CUSTOM ; ETHNIC ; FOOD ; holiday ; PASTRY ; tradition
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20 Pastry |
Date learned: 11-01-1971
CRAVAY
CRAVAY IS A ROUND, DOUGHNUT LIKE BREAD WHICH IS TRADITIONALLY
GIVEN AROUND CHRISTMAS IN BULGARIA TO THE CHRISTMAS CAROLLERS.
THIS IS GIVEN BY THE VILLAGERS IN APPRECIATION OF THE CAROLLERS'
SONGS.
Submitter comment:
THE INFORMANT SAID THAT THE TRADITIONAL CAROLS WERE A COMBINATION
OF FOLK SONG--BLESSINGS, MEANT TO BLESS A HOUSE OR PEOPLE WITH
A MESSAGE OF PROPERITY (PROSPERITY).
Data entry tech comment:
COLLECTOR'S PUNCTUATION CORRECTED BY KEYPUNCHER.
Updated by TRD
Where learned: DETROIT
Keyword(s): Bulgaria ; Carolers ; CHRISTMAS ; Cravay ; CUSTOM ; FOOD ; holiday ; tradition
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20 Pastry CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20 Songs, caroling |
Date learned: 03-21-1970
CUSTOM
IT IS A UKRAINIAN CUSTOM TO PUT HAY UNDER THE TABLE CLOTH AT
CHRISTMAS TIME. THIS REPRESENTS THE BIRTH OF CHRIST.
Data entry tech comment:
Updated by TRD
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT ; NORTH QUAD
Keyword(s): CHRISTMAS ; holiday ; Table Setting ; tradition
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20 Table setting and clearing CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20 Straw |
Date learned: 03-03-1971
(A CHRISTMAS CUSTOM)
IN POLAND, THEY PUT STRAW UNDER THE TABLE AT CHRISTMAS TIME
TO SYMBOLIZE THE NATIVITY.
Submitter comment:
TOLD BY GRANDFATHER
Data entry tech comment:
Updated by TRD
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; HOLDEN HALL ; DETROIT
Keyword(s): CHRISTMAS ; CUSTOM ; holiday ; POLAND ; Table Setting ; tradition
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20 Table setting and clearing CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20 Straw |
Date learned: 10-00-1967
THE EXTRA PLACE AT CHRISTMAS
AT THE BIG CHRISTMAS EVE MEAL THE POLISH PEOPLE SET AN EXTRA
PLACE AT THE TABLE TO SIGNIFY THAT CHRIST WAS THERE. IF A BEGGAR
CAME TO THE DOOR HE WOULD NOT BE TURNED AWAY BUT WOULD BE SEATED
AT THE PLACE OF CHRIST BECAUSE HE WOULD REPRESENT CHRIST AND HOW NO
ONE WOULD GIVE HIM A ROOM.
Data entry tech comment:
Updated by TRD
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
Keyword(s): Christ ; CHRISTMAS ; holiday ; POLISH ; SYMBOL ; tradition
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 24 Christmas Eve Christmas |
Date learned: 00-00-1968
A CHRISTMAS CUSTOM
ON CHRISTMAS EVE, WHEN THE TABLE IS SET FOR DINNER, AN EXTRA
PLACE AT THE TABLE IS SET. THE IDEA BEHIND THIS HABIT GOES AS
FOLLOWS: ALTHOUGH THE LORD IS NOT PHYSICALLY SITTING AT THE TABLE
SHARING A MEAL WITH US, HE IS THERE SPIRITUALLY AND THIS IS INDICATED
BY SETTING A PLACE FOR HIM.
Data entry tech comment:
Updated by TRD
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
Keyword(s): CHRISTMAS ; CUSTOM ; holiday ; Table Setting ; tradition
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 24 Christmas Eve Christmas |
Date learned: NOT RECORDED
CHRISTMAS TRADITION
ON CHRISTMAS EVE, AN EXTRA PLACE IS SET AT THE TABLE FOR CHRIST.
Data entry tech comment:
Updated by TRD
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT ; THE QUAD
Keyword(s): CHRISTMAS ; CUSTOM ; holiday ; Table Setting ; tradition
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 24 Christmas Eve Christmas |
Date learned: NOT RECORDED
