Dr. James T. Callow publications
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The James T. Callow Folklore Archive
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TALL TALE
IT WAS FESTIVAL TIME IN A SMALL VILLAGE IN PANAMA WHERE THERE WAS
DANCING AROUND THE FIRE UNTIL THE SMALL HOURS OF THE MORNING.
WHEN EACH FAMILY STARTED HOME IT WAS FOUND THAT ONE GIRL AND ONE BOY
WERE MISSING FROM THE VILLAGE. A SEARCH WAS COMMENCED AND THE MEN
OF THE VILLAGE BEGAN SETTING OUT FOR THE JUNGLES WHEN ALL OF A
SUDDEN A BOA WITH ITS BODY SWOLLEN APPEARED IN THE VILLAGE SQUARE.
THE FATHER OF THE GIRL, THINKING THE BOA HAD EATEN HIS DAUGHTER
SLICED OFF THE HEAD OF THE SNAKE WITH HIS MACHETE. JUST AT THAT
MOMENT THE TWO CHILDREN APPEARED MYSTERIOUSLY IN THE CROWD OF MEN.
Data entry tech comment:
Updated by TRD
Where learned: PANAMA AIR FORCE BASE
Keyword(s): Fable ; FESTIVAL ; Jungle ; Snake ; TALL TALE
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Lie Tall tale |
Date learned: 00-00-1976
EVIL EYE
ANYTHING BLUE OR WEARING THE EVIL EYE WILL KEEP PEOPLE FROM GIVING
YOU THE EVIL EYE
Submitter comment:
ALSO SOMEONE WITH BLUE EYES WILL NOT GET THE EVIL EYE
Data entry tech comment:
Updated by TRD
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DEARBORN
Keyword(s): BELIEF ; Blue ; COLOR ; DEVIL ; EVIL EYE ; SUPERSTITION
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Body part Senses Eyes, evil eye BELIEF -- Curse BELIEF -- Emblem |
Date learned: 10-00-1977
MARRIAGE PREDICTION SUPERSTITION
PEEL AN APPLE--IF THE PEELING COMES OFF IN ONE STRIP, SWING IT
THREE TIMES IN THE AIR AND THROW IT OVER YOUR LEFT SHOULDER. THE
PERSON WHOSE INITIAL IT COMES OUT IN IS THE PERSON YOU'RE TO
MARRY.
Data entry tech comment:
Updated by TRD
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
Keyword(s): Apple ; BELIEF ; MARRIAGE ; Peel ; PREDICTION ; SUPERSTITION
James Callow Keyword(s): DIRECTION ; POSITION
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Plant BELIEF -- Marriage |
Date learned: 11-29-1967
BABY SUPERSTITION
LEAVING A BABY'S ARTICLE BEHIND IN YOUR HOST'S HOUSE MEANS THAT
THAT HOUSE WILL BE DUE TO HAVE A NEW ADDITION IN THE FAMILY.
Data entry tech comment:
Updated by TRD
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
Keyword(s): BABY ; BELIEF ; CLOTHING ; OMEN ; Predictor ; PREGNANCY ; SIGN ; SUPERSTITION
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Street Trip Relations between relatives, friends, host and guest Social class Rank BELIEF -- Birth |
Date learned: 11-29-1967
MISCELLANEOUS CUSTOMS
A SEAMAN LEAVING THE FORECASTLE TO GO AFT, EITHER FOR HIS TRICK AT
THE WHEEL OR OTHER WORK, GOES AFT ALONG THE LEESIDE OF THE VESSEL,
UNLESS HIS IMMEDIATE DUTY LIES TO THE WINDWARD.
A SEAMAN SUMMONED TO THE CAPTAIN'S CABIN REMOVED HIS CAP AND
DROPPED IT TO THE DECK JUST OUTSIDE THE DOOR.
A MARINER ENTERING A NEW SHIP, OR EVEN AN OLD SHIP, FOR THE FIRST
TIME MAKES CERTAIN THAT HIS RIGHT FOOT IS THE FIRST TO TOUCH THE
DECK.
IT WAS A BREECH OF ETIQUETTE FOR A SEAMAN TO LOCK HIS SEA CHEST
WHILE ON BOARD HIS SHIP. OFFENDERS OFTEN FOUND, WHEN THEY
RETURNED TO THE FORECASTLE FROM THEIR WATCH ON DECK, THAT THE
COVER HAD BEEN NAILED DOWN.
IN THE BRITISH AND UNITED STATES NAVIES, A SCARF OF BLACK SILK IS
WORN, ORIGINALLY AS A MARK OF WARNING (MOURNING?) FOR THE DEATH
OF LORD NELSON.
IN THE ROYAL NAVY, OFFICERS WHO HAVE BEEN ROUND EITHER THE CAPE
OF GOOD HOPE OR CAPE HORN MAY PUT ONE FOOT ON THE WARDROOM TABLE;
BOTH CAPES CARRY THE RIGHT TO PUT BOTH FEET ON THE TABLE.
BY NAVAL CUSTOM THE SENIOR OFFICER PRESENT IS ALWAYS THE LAST
INTO A BOAT AND THE FIRST OUT OF IT.
Submitter comment:
CAPTAIN LUMAS SAYS THAT HE HAS LEARNED THESE CUSTOMS THROUGH THE
YEARS THAT HE HAS BEEN SAILING, BOTH IN THE U.S. NAVY AND UP AT
MACKINAW ISLAND.
Data entry tech comment:
Updated by TRD
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; MACKINAW ISLAND
Keyword(s): British ; Captain ; Etiquette ; Language ; Lingo ; Naval ; Navy ; POSITION ; Seaman ; Ship ; Uniform ; United States
James Callow Keyword(s): DIRECTION ; LEFT ; POSITION ; RIGHT
If you sleep restlessly or are awakened in the middle of the
night, a spirit is trying to take away your soul. To get rid
of the spirit, turn your bedroom light on and off three times
and you will sleep sound the rest of the night.
Data entry tech comment:
Updated by TRD
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; WARREN
Keyword(s): BELIEF ; Haunting ; LIGHT ; REMEDY ; SPIRIT ; SUPERNATURAL ; SUPERSTITION
| Subject headings: | Favorites BELIEF -- Devil Demon BELIEF -- Measure of time Sleeping |
AUTHORS AND TITLES
THE LION TAMER'S LAST FIGHT BY CLAUDE BAULS
Data entry tech comment:
Updated by TRD
Where learned: DETROIT
Keyword(s): PUN ; PUNS ; WORDPLAY
James Callow Keyword(s): GONADS ; PUN ON BALLS
| Subject headings: | RIDDLE -- Riddle Question |
Date learned: CA00001968
Entry filtered.
HOME CURES
THE FOLLOWING CURE IS GOOD FOR BODILY ACHES AND PAINS.
SOAK BREAD IN MILK AND PLACE IT ON THE AFFLICTED AREA.
Data entry tech comment:
Updated by TRD
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; LINCOLN PARK
Keyword(s): Affliction ; AILMENT ; BREAD ; CURE ; Curing ; Homeopathy ; Milk ; PAIN ; Relief ; REMEDY
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Animal BELIEF -- Plant BELIEF -- Method of Curing |
Date learned: 10-03-1972
HAD A LITTLE MONKEY,
SAT HIM ON A DONKEY,
FED HIM SOME GINGERBREAD,
ALONG CAME A COUPLE,
HIT HIM ON THE KNUCKLE,
NOW MY MONKEY'S DEAD.
Submitter comment:
THIS RHYME WAS AND STILL SUNG BY SYD'S AUNT MARGE USUALLY WHEN DRUNK.
Data entry tech comment:
Updated by TRD
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
Keyword(s): DONKEY ; DRINKING SONG ; Gingerbread ; Monkey ; RHYME ; SONG
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Lyrical Verse Lyrical Verse |
Date learned: 00-00-1980 ; 00-00-1950
FOR AN INGROWN HAIR PLACE A PIECE OF BREAD WRAPPED IN A BAND-AID
ON THE AFFECTED AREA FOR A DAY, THE HAIR WILL COME RIGHT OUT.
Submitter comment:
MY MOTHER GAVE ME THIS REMEDY WHILE I WAS AFFLICTED WITH IT.
IT WORKED.
Data entry tech comment:
Updated by TRD
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; WYANDOTTE
Keyword(s): AILMENT ; BREAD ; CURE ; Homeopathy ; Ingrown Hair ; REMEDY
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Method of Curing |
Date learned: 00-00-1980
EAT A LOT OF STARCH, FOR A WOMAN TO HARDEN HER WOMB.
Data entry tech comment:
Updated by TRD
Where learned: NOT RECORDED BY COLLECTOR
Keyword(s): AILMENT ; CHILDBEARING ; FOOD ; Homeopathy ; MAGIC ; REMEDY ; STARCH ; Womb
James Callow Keyword(s): IMITATIVE MAGIC
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Means of Causing or Avoiding Illness |
Date learned: 09-00-1968
WHEN I WAS YOUNGER, MY FAMILY VISITED MY
COUSINS IN ILLINOIS ON A YEARLY BASIS.
EVERY TIME I STAYED WITH MY GRANDFATHER I ALWAYS
NOTICED THAT HE HAD A COPPER BRACLET ON.
AFTER YEARS OF QUESTIONING HIM AND GETTING NO
RESPONSE HE FINALLY TOLD ME IT WAS TO
KEEP THE ARTHRITIS DEVIL AWAY.
Submitter comment:
MY GRANDFATHER WORKED ON A FARM ALL OF HIS LIFE
AND TO THIS DAY HE DOES NOT HAVE ARTHRITIS.
Data entry tech comment:
Updated by TRD
Where learned: ILLINOIS ; TAYLOR
Keyword(s): AILMENT ; Arthritis ; Bracelet ; Copper ; CURE ; Homeopathy ; PREVENTION
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Devil Demon BELIEF -- Means of Causing or Avoiding Illness |
Date learned: 00001970CA
WHEN YOU GET MARRIED
AND YOUR HUSBAND GETS CROSS,
PICK UP THE BROOM
AND SAY I'M THE BOSS.
Submitter comment:
FROM INFORMANT'S AUTOGRAPH BOOK 1935
Data entry tech comment:
LINES DIVIDED BY KEYPUNCHER
Updated by TRD
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
Keyword(s): ADVICE ; AUTOGRAPH ; Boss ; BROOM ; HUSBAND ; MARRIAGE ; Positive ; RHYME: ABCB ; Wife
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Lyrical Verse C730.345 Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Custom Festival C840.533 |
Date learned: 00-00-1935
IN MALTA, IT IS A COMMON CUSTOM TO MAKE THE SIGN OF
THE CROSS EVERYTIME YOU GET ON A BUS FOR A SAFE
JOURNEY.
Data entry tech comment:
Updated by TRD
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
Keyword(s): BELIEF ; BLESSING ; BUS ; Cross ; CUSTOM ; Malta ; RELIGION
Date learned: 03-06-1972
IF SOMEONE TALKS BEHIND YOUR BACK, SPIT IN
FOUR CORNERS OF A ROOM.
Submitter comment:
HEARD FROM A FRIEND.
Data entry tech comment:
Updated by TRD
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT ; J L HUDSONS COMPANY
Keyword(s): BELIEF ; Corners ; CUSTOM ; GOSSIP ; Response ; SPIT ; SUPERSTITION ; TALK
James Callow Keyword(s): DIRECTION ; POSITION
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Product or activity of man or animal BELIEF -- Conversions P883.22 |
Date learned: 11-25-1967
MY GRANDFATHER, BEFORE GETTING INTO HIS CAR, WOULD
MAKE THE SIGN OF THE CROSS.
Data entry tech comment:
Updated by TRD
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT
Keyword(s): AUTOMOBILE ; BELIEF ; BLESSING ; Car ; Cross ; CUSTOM ; RELIGION ; SUPERSTITION
Date learned: 10-23-1970
WHEN MY GRANDFATHER WANTED THE HIGHEST CARD IN A CUT,
HE WOULD KNOCK ON THE DECK OF CARDS THREE TIMES.
Data entry tech comment:
Updated by TRD
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT
Keyword(s): BELIEF ; CARDS ; CUSTOM ; Cut ; GAMES ; Knock ; LUCK ; NUMBER ; SUPERSTITION
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Special Object or Implement BELIEF -- Good luck P881.22 |
Date learned: 10-23-1970
IF YOU LICK YOUR THUMB BEFORE YOU MAKE A SHOT IN POOL,
IT WILL BRING YOU GOOD LUCK WHILE SHOOTING.
Data entry tech comment:
Updated by TRD
Keyword(s): BELIEF ; Billiards ; Cue ; CUSTOM ; GAMES ; Lick ; Pool ; Stick ; SUPERSTITION
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Special Object or Implement BELIEF -- Good luck P881.22 |
Date learned: NOT GIVEN
TO BRING GOOD LUCK TO AN ITALIAN (SICILIAN MOSTLY)
CARDPLAYER, YOU TAKE YOUR THUMB, STICK IT STRAIGHT
UP ON HIS HEAD, THEN LET IT FALL, WITH A LITTLE
FORCE AND SAY "NASPOLA!!" THIS BRINGS GOOD LUCK
SUPPOSEDLY.
Data entry tech comment:
Updated by TRD
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
Keyword(s): BELIEF ; BLESSING ; Card ; CUSTOM ; GAME ; GESTURE ; Italian ; LUCK ; Naspolta ; SUPERSTITION ; Thumb
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Special Object or Implement BELIEF -- Good luck P881.22 |
Date learned: NOT GIVEN