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The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

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WEREWOLF BELIEF

IF YOU LOOK BACK AT THE MOON OVER YOUR RIGHT SHOULDER
YOU WILL IMMEDIATELY
ENCOUNTER A WEREWOLF.

Data entry tech comment:

Updated by TRD

James Callow comment:

Original BN [P870] crossed out. Replaced with current classification.

Where learned: CHICAGO

Keyword(s): Lycan ; MOON ; OMEN ; SUPERNATURAL ; SUPERSTITION ; Werewolf

Subject headings: BELIEF -- Werewolf Vampire
BELIEF -- Body part Senses
BELIEF -- Moon
BELIEF -- Sign or prediction through Observation of galactic or celestial bodies

Date learned: 00-00-1970

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LA SALAMANDRA

THE PEASANTS FEEL THAT IF A MAN IS EVIL,
THAT SOMETIME WHEN HE IS IN THE
JUNGLE ALONE, HE WILL SEE A BEAUTIFUL WOMAN WEARING A WHITE DRESS
WITH BLACK HAIR AND FIERY EYES.
SHE IS THE REPRESENTATION OF DEATH AND
WHEN THEY MEET IT MEANS THAT HE IS DESTINED TO DIE SOON.

Submitter comment:

MR. MARCHETT WAS TOLD THIS WHILE HE
LIVED AND TRAVELLED IN LATIN AMERICA.

Data entry tech comment:

Updated by TRD

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

Keyword(s): DEATH ; OMEN ; SPIRIT ; SPIRIT

Subject headings: BELIEF -- Ghost Spirit Phantom Specter

Date learned: 02-28-1970

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BANSHEE

IN IRELAND, WHEN YOU HEAR THE WAIL OF THE BANSHEE,
YOU KNOW THAT SOMEONE IN THE HOUSE WILL SOON DIE.
THIS WAILING PRECEDES THE COMING OF THE COACH OF DEATH
WHICH IS DRAWN BY FOUR BLACK HORSES. THIS COACH CARRIES THE ONE WHO
IS TO DIE TO THE UNDERWORLD.

Data entry tech comment:

Updated by TRD

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

Keyword(s): BANSHEE ; DEATH ; Haunt ; IRELAND ; OMEN ; SIREN ; SUPERSTITION ; Undead ; Underworld

Subject headings: Observation
BELIEF -- Ghost Spirit Phantom Specter

Date learned: 00001968 (FALL)

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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

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MOTHER'S LOTION

MRS. ANGELA MAGOLEN WHO WAS BORN IN POLAND AND LATER CAME
TO AMERICA AND NOW LIVES IN WYANDOTTE, HAD A VISION OF THE
BLESSED MOTHER OF GOD IN A DREAM. OUR LADY GAVE HER THE RECIPE
FOR A HEALING LOTION WHICH WAS TO CURE
MANY, MANY PEOPLE. SHE USED IT
FOR THE FIRST TIME TO CURE HER HUSBAND, WHO WAS STRUCK DOWN BEFORE
HER EYES BY A CORONARY. SHE WAS IN DOUBT AT FIRST ABOUT MAKING THE
LOTION, BUT FATHER SOLANUS CASEY,
A RATHER WIDELY KNOWN CAPUCHIN PRIEST
URGED HER TO MAKE IT AND TO CALL IT "MOTHER'S LOTION."

Data entry tech comment:

Updated by TRD

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT AREA

Keyword(s): Blessed Mother ; CURE ; HEALING ; Lotion ; Ointment ; POLAND

Subject headings: Spirit / Mind / Body
BELIEF -- Religious hero
BELIEF -- Remedy

Date learned: 00-00-1954

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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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PILLOW WREATHS

WHEN THE WITCHES WEAVE A WREATH IN YOUR PILLOW (THEY ARE
ACTUALLY PERFECTLY FORMED LITTLE WREATHS. THE INFORMANT HAS
SEEN THEM) IF THE WREATH GETS COMPLETED, THE PERSON DIES.

Submitter comment:

INFORMANT BELIEVES IN THIS.

Data entry tech comment:

Updated by TRD

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

Keyword(s): GIFT ; Legend ; OMEN ; Pillow ; WITCHES ; Wreath

Subject headings: BELIEF -- Witch Shaman

Date learned: 09-21-1968

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WITCH PROTECTION

SASSAFRAS TEA- MADE BY MERELY BOILING A SASSAFRAS ROOT IN SOME
WATER - IS SUPPOSED TO BE ESPECIALLY GOOD IN WARDING OFF
WITCHES.

Submitter comment:

STEVE ACTUALLY BELIEVED THIS WHEN HE WAS A KID, AND HE USED TO DRINK
IT BEFORE GOING INTO ANY KIND OF HAUNTED HOUSE.

Data entry tech comment:

Updated by TRD

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

Keyword(s): OMEN ; Protect ; SASSAFRAS ; TEA ; WITCHES

Subject headings: BELIEF -- Witch Shaman
BELIEF -- Product or activity of man or animal

Date learned: 10-28-1968

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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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MENSTRUAL BELIEF-WINE PREPARATION

WHEN WE MADE WINE IN THE OLD COUNTRY, IF A WOMAN
WHO HAD HER MENSTRUAL PERIOD CAME AROUND OR WAS NEAR THE PLACE
WHERE THE WINE WAS BEING MADE, THE WINE WOULD ALWAYS GO SOUR.

Submitter comment:

INFORMANT WAS A FIRM BELIEVER IN THIS.

Data entry tech comment:

Updated by TRD

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; OAK PARK

Keyword(s): Feminist ; Grapes ; MENSTRUATION ; Period ; Sour ; Wine ; Woman

Subject headings: BELIEF -- Product or activity of man or animal

Date learned: 01-24-1972

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MENSTRUATION BELIEF

A WOMAN WHO IS GOING THROUGH HER MENSTRUATION SHOULD NOT DO
ANY CANNING OF TOMATOES. WHEN A WOMAN CANS WHEN SHE IS THIS WAY,
ALL THE CANS WILL BURST OF OVER ACIDITY.

Data entry tech comment:

Updated by TRD

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; GROSSE POINTE

Keyword(s): Canning ; Feminism ; FOOD ; Legend ; Lore ; MENSTRUATION ; Period ; SUPERSTITION

Subject headings: BELIEF -- Product or activity of man or animal

Date learned: 03-04-1972

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BUTTON BELIEF

YOU SHOULD NOT SEW A BUTTON ON YOUR OWN GARMENTS (ON YOUR BODY)
UNLESS YOU ARE CHEWING SOMETHING.

Submitter comment:

THE REASON IS THAT YOU SEW THINGS ON DEAD PEOPLE. A JEWISH
CUSTOM.

Data entry tech comment:

Updated by TRD

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

Keyword(s): BELIEF ; Button ; CUSTOM ; Dead ; Deceased ; Jewish ; Mend ; Sew ; Sew ; SUPERSTITION

Subject headings: Custom
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Death Funeral Burial
BELIEF -- Body part Senses
BELIEF -- Product or activity of man or animal

Date learned: 04-00-1968

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BED BELIEF

LEAVE YOUR BEDS UNCOVERED IN THE MORNING FOR A WHILE
TO LEAVE THE IMPURE ELEMENTS THAT LEFT YOUR BODY DURING THE
NIGHT OUT.

Data entry tech comment:

Updated by TRD

Keyword(s): Bed ; BELIEF ; Detox ; ELEMENTS ; Energy ; Housekeeping ; Impurity ; SUPERSTITION

James Callow Keyword(s): ADVICE ; FUNCTION ; Positive ; SANITATION

Subject headings: BELIEF -- Body part Senses
BELIEF -- Home

Date learned: 04-00-1968

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BELIEF

A CHILD MUST NEVER PASS BEHIND HIS UNCLE
OTHERWISE THE UNCLE WILL SUFFER FROM CHRONIC DIZZINESS.

Submitter comment:

THE SUPERSTITION IS PROPER TO THE BATOORO TRIBE OF ABOUT 100,000
PEOPLE OF UGANDA.

Data entry tech comment:

Updated by TRD

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

Keyword(s): Bataroo ; BEHAVIOR ; BELIEF ; CHILD ; Dizziness ; Dizzy ; Movement ; SUPERSTITION ; Uganda ; Uncle

James Callow Keyword(s): DIRECTION ; POSITION

Subject headings: BELIEF -- Street Trip Relations between relatives, friends, host and guest Social class Rank

Date learned: NOT GIVEN

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BELIEF

THE RECIPIENT OF A KNIFE AS A GIFT MUST PAY SOME
TOKEN AMOUNT FOR IT, OR IT WILL CUT THE FRIENDSHIP.

Submitter comment:

SYLVIA COLLECTED THIS FROM HER SISTER WHO IN TURN
LEARNED IT AT THE NURSES LOUNGE AT BEAUMONT HOSPITAL.

Data entry tech comment:

Updated by TRD

James Callow comment:

Beaumont Hospital is located in Royal Oak, MI

Where learned: UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT

Keyword(s): BELIEF ; Cut ; FRIENDSHIP ; KNIFE ; Payment ; Relationship ; Sever ; SIGN ; SUPERSTITION ; SYMBOL ; Token

James Callow Keyword(s): HOMEOPATHIC

Subject headings: BELIEF -- Street Trip Relations between relatives, friends, host and guest Social class Rank

Date learned: 09-23-1967

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BELIEF

YOU CAN NOT GIVE ANY SHARP OBJECT TO A FRIEND
WITHOUT A MINIMAL PAYMENT BECAUSE IT WILL BREAK UP
THE FRIENDSHIP.

Submitter comment:

ALISON HEARD THIS FROM HER NEIGHBOR, THE NEIGHBOR MADE
INFORMANTS MOTHER PAY 2 CENTS FOR A PAIR OF SCISSORS. SHE
FIRMLY BELIEVED THIS

Data entry tech comment:

Updated by TRD

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT

Keyword(s): BELIEF ; FRIENDSHIP ; GIFT ; Payment ; Sharp ; SIGN ; SUPERSTITION ; SYMBOL

James Callow Keyword(s): HOMEOPATHIC

Subject headings: BELIEF -- Street Trip Relations between relatives, friends, host and guest Social class Rank

Date learned: 11-19-1971

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CAR BELIEF

IF A GIRL IS RIDING IN A CAR AND IT CROSSES OVER RAILROAD
TRACKS, SHE MUST LIFT UP HER FEET OR SHE WILL NOT GET MARRIED.

Submitter comment:

INFORMANTS ATTITUDE WAS QUITE SKEPTICAL.

Data entry tech comment:

Updated by TRD

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; LINCOLN PARK

Keyword(s): BELIEF ; FEET ; OMEN ; Relationship ; SUPERSTITION ; Tracks

James Callow Keyword(s): DIRECTION ; DISBELIEF ; POSITION

Subject headings: CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Marriage Dating Courtship
BELIEF -- Body part Senses Feet, toes, toenails
BELIEF -- Street Trip Relations between relatives, friends, host and guest Social class Rank

Date learned: NOT GIVEN

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WALKING

WHEN WALKING WITH SOMEONE NEVER LET A POLE OR ANY
OTHER BARRIER COME BETWEEN THE TWO PEOPLE. BOTH PEOPLE MUST
GO AROUND THE SAME SIDE OF THE BARRIER OR SOME BARRIER WILL
COME BETWEEN THEIR PERSONAL FRIENDSHIP.

Submitter comment:

INFORMANTS AUNT DOES THIS AND INFORMANT HAS BEEN WITH HER.

Data entry tech comment:

Updated by TRD

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

Keyword(s): BARRIER ; BELIEF ; OMEN ; Relationship ; SIGN ; SUPERSTITION ; WALKING

James Callow Keyword(s): DIRECTION ; HOMEOPATHIC ; POSITION

Subject headings: BELIEF -- Street Trip Relations between relatives, friends, host and guest Social class Rank

Date learned: 03-05-1971

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SUPERSTITIOUS BELIEF

IF YOU GIVE A PIN TO SOMEONE WHO'S YOUR FRIEND AND THEY DO
NOT GIVE YOU A PENNY BACK, SOONER OR LATER YOU HAVE A FIGHT AND YOU
LOSE THEM AS A FRIEND. ( THIS ALSO EXTENDS TO ANY GIFT THAT CUTS.)

Submitter comment:

INFORMANTS MOTHER BELEIVES THIS FIRMLY AND SAYS THAT SOONER OR LATER
YOU ARE SURE TO LOSE THIS FRIEND IF THIS SMALL RITUAL IS NOT
CARRIED OUT.

Data entry tech comment:

Updated by TRD

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

Keyword(s): BELIEF ; FRIENDSHIP ; GIFT ; MONEY ; Payment ; Relationship ; Sharp ; SIGN ; SUPERSTITION

Subject headings: BELIEF -- Street Trip Relations between relatives, friends, host and guest Social class Rank

Date learned: 09-21-1969

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