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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

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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

Where learned: OHIO ; TOLEDO

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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

Where learned: OHIO ; FREMONT

Keyword(s): Burn ; Drown ; Proof ; TEST ; Trial ; Witch ; Witchcraft

Subject headings: BELIEF -- Witch Shaman

Date learned: NOT GIVEN

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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"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

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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

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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

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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

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(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

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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

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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

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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

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