Dr. James T. Callow publications
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The James T. Callow Folklore Archive
Your search for GIFT returned 122 results.
LUCK
ORIENTALS WRAP THEIR GIFTS IN RED TO SYMBOLIZE EVERLASTING GOOD
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
Keyword(s): COLOR WISHES (GOOD LUCK). ; ORIENTAL RED GIFT
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Street Trip Relations between relatives, friends, host and guest Social class Rank |
Date learned: 11-25-1969
LUCK
WHEN A PERSON MOVES INTO A NEW HOUSE, YOU SHOULD BRING THEM
A BROOM - SO THEY WILL ALWAYS HAVE A CLEAN HOUSE, A QUARTER -
SO THEY WILL ALWAYS HAVE MONEY, AND A LOAF OF BREAD - SO THEY
WILL ALWAYS HAVE FOOD.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
Keyword(s): COIN ; GIFTGIVING
| Subject headings: | 686 Properties attributed to specific numbers or numerals individually. |
Date learned: 10-00-1971
CHRISTMAS CUSTOM
THE ARMENIAN SANTA CLAUS IS CALLED BUFFANA. IT IS A LEGEND
THAT AT CHRISTMAS TIME BUFFANA GOES THROUGH ALL THE STREETS OF
ARMENIA AND PASSES OUT PRESENTS TO ALL THE POOR CHILDREN.
Data entry tech comment:
Updated by TRD
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; SOUTHFIELD
Keyword(s): Armenia ; Armenian ; Buffana ; GIFT GIVING ; holiday ; Legend ; Presents ; SANTA CLAUS ; ST. BEFANA
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Religious hero |
Date learned: 02-26-1971
THE COTTAGE CHEESE
A MAN AND HIS WIFE ONCE DID THE DEVIL A FAVOR. IN REPAYMENT FOR THIS
FAVOR, THE DEVIL TOLD THE COUPLE THAT WHEN HE COMES TO THEM AT NIGHT,
THEY MAY ASK HIM TO BRING ANYTHING THEY WANT. LATE ONE NIGHT, THE
DEVIL APPEARED IN THE COUPLE,S ROOM. THE DEVIL ASKED THE MAN WHAT HE
WANTED. THE MAN TOLD THE DEVIL HE WANTED COTTAGE CHEESE. A SHORT TIME
LATER THE DEVIL APPERAED. HE ASKED THE MAN, WHO WAS VERY DROWSY,
WHERE HE WANTED THE COTTAGE CHEESE. THE MAN SAID TO PUT IT ALL OVER
THE WALLS. HE DID NOT CARE WHERE IT WAS PUT. IN THE MORNING, WHEN THE
COUPLE AWOKE, THE WALLS, FLOOR, AND CEILING WERE PLASTERED WITH
COTTAGE CHEESE. THE COUPLE LEARNED NOT TO ASK FOR ANYTHING THEY DID
NOT NEED.
Submitter comment: TOLD AT MY HOME.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
Keyword(s): GIFT FROM DEVIL
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Devil Demon |
Date learned: 03-15-1970
MARCH 21- JUNE 20, COLOR, LUCK
ON THE FIRST DAY OF THE CHINESE NEW YEAR, THE CHILDREN RECEIVE RED
ENVELOPES WITH MONEY IN THEM. THE COLOR RED IS CONSIDERED TO BE
LUCKY.
Submitter comment:
INFORMANT HAS COLLECTED RED ENVELOPES ON THE CHINESE NEW YEAR
EVER SINCE SHE WAS A CHILD.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT
Keyword(s): GIFTGIVING
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- March 21 equinox to June 20 CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Winter CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Spring Planting BELIEF -- Color BELIEF -- Good luck |
Date learned: 11-04-1971
NEW YEAR'S
IN EUROPE DURING THE NEW YEAR'S HOLIDAY, CARDS WERE SENT BY
PEOPLE TO THEIR RELATIVES AND FRIENDS IN MUCH THE SAME WAY AS
WE DO HERE FOR CHRISTMAS. ONCE A PERSON REACHED HIS LATE TEENS,
HE WOULD HAVE NAME CARDS PRINTED (COMPARABLE TO OUR BUSINESS
CARDS) AND WOULD SEND THEM TO RELATIVES. OFTEN, UNSIGNED OR
"MYSTERIOUS" CARDS WOULD BE SENT BETWEEN LOVERS, SECRET ADMIRERS,
ETC., AND THE RECEIVER WOULD HAVE TO GUESS WHO HAD SENT THE CARD.
Data entry tech comment:
Informant and collector share the same surname and place of residence.
Where learned: PENNSYLVANIA ; PITTSBURGH ; informant's residence
Keyword(s): ANONYMOUS ; CARDS ; GIFTGIVING
| Subject headings: | Favorites CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- January 1 New Year's CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20 |
Date learned: 11-01-1970
SCOTTISH-IRISH CUSTOM
THEY CALL THIS FIRST-FOOTING. IT IS A SCOTTISH CUSTOM ALSO FOUND
IN SCOTTISH INFLUENCE AREAS OF IRELAND.
YOUR HOME AND YOU WILL HAVE GOOD LUCK IF YOUR FIRST VISTOR IN THE
NEW YEAR IS A DARK HAIRED MAN, ESPECIALLY IF HE BRINGS YOU A PIECE
OF COAL.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; ANN ARBOR
Keyword(s): COAL ; GIFTGIVING
Date learned: 02-04-1968
NEW YEAR'S CUSTOM
IF YOU ARE THE FIRST PERSON TO ENTER
A FRIEND'S HOME, YOU MUST GIVE THEM A GIFT.
Submitter comment:
LEARNED FROM GRANDMOTHER
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
Keyword(s): GIFTGIVING
Date learned: 12-06-1967
SURVAKNIZA NEW YEAR
AROUND THE NEW YEAR IN BULGARIA, THE CHILDREN PEEL OFF THE OUTSIDE
BARK OF A PARTICULAR KIND OF TREE BRANCH SO THAT THE BRANCHES
BRANCH OUTWARD IN A CONICAL EFFECT. THESE SHAPED BRANCHES ARE
THEN DECORATED WITH BITS OF CLOTH AND ORNAMENTS. THE EFFECT IS
MUCH LIKE A SMALL CHRISTMAS TREE. ON NEW YEAR'S DAY THE CHILDREN OF
THE AREA PAT PEOPLE ON THE BACK WITH THESE BRANCHES, WISHING THEM
PROSPERITY AND GOOD HEALTH FOR THE COMING YEAR. HOMES ARE BLESSED,
ALSO LIVE STOCK AND ANIMALS WITH A TOUCH OF THE TREE BRANCH.
IN RETURN FOR THIS THE CHILDREN ARE GIVEN SMALL PRESENTS, TOYS
AND CANDIES BY THE RECIPIENTS.
Submitter comment:
THE INFORMANT REMEMBERS WITH DELIGHT PARTICIPATING IN THIS CUSTOM
AS A YOUNG BOY. HE CONSIDERS THIS TO BE A VERY NICE CUSTOM,
WITH A GOOD PURPOSE.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; HENDRICKSONS PHARMACY ; DETROIT
Keyword(s): GIFTGIVING ; PROSPERITY ; RITUAL WHIPPING
| Subject headings: | Favorites CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- January 1 New Year's BELIEF -- Prayer |
Date learned: 03-21-1970
NEW YEAR WISH
I WISH YOU MUCH LUCK IN THE NEW YEAR,
AND THAT OUR DEAR LORD WILL SPARE YOU
IN THE LAND FOR MANY YEARS
AT NEW YEAR TIME, CHILDREN WERE GIVEN THIS WISH IN DUTCH. THEN EACH CHILD RECEIVED $1.
Submitter comment:
THIS LITTLE WISH WAS GIVEN TO THE GREAT GRANDPARENTS
OF THE INFORMANT BY HER MOTHER AND HER
AUNTS AND UNCLES AT THE NEW YEAR TIME.
Data entry tech comment:
Informant and collector share the same surname.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
Keyword(s): GIFTGIVING
Date learned: 09-00-1969
NEW YEAR'S
A WEEK BEFORE NEW YEAR'S IN SCHOOL THE CHILDREN WROTE A NEW YEAR'S
LETTER TO THEIR PARENTS AND THEIR GRANDPARENTS. THEN ON NEW YEAR'S
DAY THE GRANDFATHER WOULD READ OFF THE LETTERS AND THEN EACH CHILD
WOULD GET SOME MONEY.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT ; TOLD AT INFORMANTS HOME
Keyword(s): GIFTGIVING
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- January 1 New Year's CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Fixed DateFor specific dates, use the following system: F640.0101 CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20 |
Date learned: 10-20-1971
NEW YEAR'S CUSTOM
THE IRISH AT NEW YEAR'S ALWAYS HAVE PORK FOR DINNER AND
LEAVE MONEY ON THE OUTSIDE OF A WINDOW AND TAKE IT ON
NEW YEAR'S DAY. SIGNIFICANCE IS THEY NEVER WILL BE BROKE
FOR THE YEAR.
Where learned: PENNSYLVANIA ; SCRANTON
Keyword(s): GIFTGIVING
Date learned: 04-01-1972
NEW YEAR CUSTOM
THERE IS A GREEK TRADITION WHICH IS SUPPOSED TO BRING
GOOD LUCK. THERE IS A PASTRY CALLED PETA WHICH IS BAKED
IN A SQUARE PAN. BEFORE IT IS BAKED THE COOK PUTS
MONEY RANGING FROM A NICKEL TO FIFTY CENTS. IT USED TO BE
A FIFTY CENT PIECE BUT NOW THAT MONEY IS PRECIOUS IT'S GETTING
SMALLER AND SMALLER. ANYWAYS, THEY PUT THIS COIN IN THE DOUGH
AND BAKE IT. THE PERSON WHO GETS THE PIECE WITH THE COIN
WILL HAVE GOOD LUCK THAT WHOLE YEAR. THE CEREMONY HAPPENS ON
NEW YEAR'S DAY.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
Keyword(s): DOUGH CALLED "FILO" ; GIFTGIVING ; GREEK CHEESE IS CALLED "FETA"
Date learned: 02-23-1972
CUSTOM
IN JAPAN, THE PEOPLE EXCHANGE NEW YEAR'S
CARDS WITH FRIENDS AND RELATIVES.
Where learned: UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; UNION
Keyword(s): GIFTGIVING
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- January 1 New Year's CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Fixed DateFor specific dates, use the following system: F640.0101 CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20 |
Date learned: 11-25-1969
CUSTOM
WHEN INFORMANT WAS LITTLE, A FAMILY
CUSTOM AT NEW YEAR'S WAS TO BE SURE THAT
SOMEONE--THE FIRST PERSON INTO THE HOUSE AFTER
MIDNIGHT--BROUGHT WITH HIM SOME BREAD
AND A BOTTLE OF WINE TO INSURE A FULL
CUPBOARD DURING THE COMING YEAR. IF NO ONE
WAS GOING TO BE OUT LATE, THE PROVISIONS
WERE LEFT OUT ON THE KITCHEN TABLE UNTIL
MORNING.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; ROYAL OAK
Keyword(s): GIFTGIVING ; HOMEOPATHIC MAGIC
Date learned: 11-08-1967
CHRISTMAS DINNER
CHRISTMAS DINNER IN DENMARK. THE MAIN DISH IS DUCK, USUALLY
WITH A SWEET, RICH SAUCE. BEFORE ANYTHING ELSE IS EATEN A
DISH CALLED RISENGROD, A RICE PUDDING, IS SERVED. IN THE PUDDING
IS ONE ALMOND. THE PERSON WHO GETS THE ALMOND GETS A SPECIAL
GIFT MADE FROM MARZIPAN.
Submitter comment:
(THE INFORMANT IS) DANISH.
Data entry tech comment:
Updated by TRD
Keyword(s): CHRISTMAS ; CUSTOM ; Danish ; Denmark ; DUCK ; FOOD CUSTOM ; GIFTS ; holiday ; Marzipan ; tradition
| Subject headings: | 122 Christmas |
Date learned: NOT RECORDED
CELEBRATION OF A ROYAL BIRTH
IN THE NETHERLANDS, EVERYTIME THE QUEEN GIVES BIRTH,
THE CITIZENS GET BISQUICK WITH PINK DECORATIONS FOR A
GIRL. IF IT IS A BOY, THE WOULD GET BISQUICK WITH BLUE
DECORATIONS.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; OAK PARK
James Callow Keyword(s): GIFTS
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Street Trip Relations between relatives, friends, host and guest Social class Rank CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Birth |
Date learned: 04-00-1979
SUPERSTITION
I HAVE A T-SHIRT THAT WAS GIVEN TO ME BY SOME FRIEND I
WORK WITH. BUT EVERYTIME I'VE WORN THAT SHIRT UNDER MY
HOCKEY EQUIPMENT, I'VE HAD TO GO TO THE EMERGENCY WARD
AT THE HOSPITAL. FIRST I GOT A CUT UNDER THE CHIN AND
FIVE STITCHES WERE NEEDED TO STOP THE BLEEDING. TWO
WEEKS LATER (ON 04121979) I GOT A STICK ACROSS THE NOSE.
THIS TIME NO STICHES WERE NEEDED, BUT I SPENT THREE
HOURS IN THE HOSPITAL BEFORE I WAS ABLE TO GO HOME AT 2:30 AM.
I HAVE DECIDED TO RETURN THE SHIRT, AND IF HE DOESN'T WANT
IT, IT WILL BE BURNED.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; REDFORD
James Callow Keyword(s): GIFT
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Street Trip Relations between relatives, friends, host and guest Social class Rank BELIEF -- Entertainment Diversion BELIEF -- Bad luck BELIEF -- Conversions |
CHRISTMAS EVE CUSTOM
EVERY CHRISTMAS EVE THE INFORMANT AND THE MEMBERS OF HER FAMILY
SECRETLY PUT SOME MONEY UNDERNEATH THE TABLECLOTH ON THE KITCHEN
TABLE. THE MONEY IS COLLECTED ON CHRISTMAS DAY AND LATER IN THE WEE
IT IS GIVEN TO A CHARITY.
Submitter comment:
THIS TRADITION HAS BEEN CARRIED OUT BY THE INFORMANT'S FAMILY FOR TW
GENERATIONS. IT BEGAN WITH THE INFORMANT'S MOTHER WHO LEARNED IT AS
A CHILD IN AMERICA.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; REDFORD
James Callow Keyword(s): GIFT-GIVING
| Subject headings: | Favorites CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 25 Christmas Also see F642, below. CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 24 Christmas Eve |
Date learned: 11-12-1979
IT IS BAD LUCK IF SOME ONE GIVES YOU BABY ARTICLES AS SOON AS YOU
KNOW YOU ARE PREGNANT.
Where learned: LOCATION NOT RECORDED BY COLLECTOR ; TOLD AT HER HOME
Keyword(s): IMPLIED WARNING ; MISFORTUNE
James Callow Keyword(s): GIFT-GIVING
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Birth BELIEF -- Birth BELIEF -- Number Emptiness, nothingness, zero BELIEF -- Bad luck |
Date learned: 02-15-1970