Dr. James T. Callow publications
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The James T. Callow Folklore Archive
Your search for CUSTOM returned 579 results.
IF YOU ARE TALKING ABOUT SOMEONE WHO JUST LOST THEIR
HUSBAND (DIED OR DIVORCED), YOU KNOCK ON WOOD SO
YOU WON'T LOSE YOURS.
Data entry tech comment:
Updated by TRD
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; LIBRARY ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT
Keyword(s): BELIEF ; CUSTOM ; DEATH ; Divorce ; GESTURE ; HUSBAND ; Knock ; Knocking ; LUCK ; MARRIAGE ; SUPERSTITION ; Wife ; WOOD
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Death Funeral Burial BELIEF -- Good luck P881.22 BELIEF -- Conversions P883.44 |
Date learned: 01-25-1968
KNOCK ON WOOD FOR LUCK.
Data entry tech comment:
Updated by TRD
Where learned: DETROIT ; MICHIGAN, ASSUMED
Keyword(s): BELIEF ; CUSTOM ; GESTURE ; Knock ; Knocking ; LUCK ; SUPERSTITION ; WOOD
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Good luck P881.22 |
Date learned: 09-00-1968
WHEN AN ITALIAN PINCHES SOMEONE ELSE ON THE CHEEKS OF
THEIR FACE, IT IS AN EXPRESSION OF APPROVAL OF THAT
PERSON. IT ALSO IS A GESTURE WISHING THE PERSON
GOOD LUCK.
Data entry tech comment:
Updated by TRD
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
Keyword(s): ; Approval ; BELIEF ; Cheeks ; CUSTOM ; GESTURE ; Italian ; LUCK ; Pinch ; SUPERSTITION
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Good luck P881.22 SPEECH -- Body parts involved S602.1 |
Date learned: 09-20-1969
YOU CAN GET THE GIFT OF "BLARNEY" WITHOUT KISSING THE
BLARNEY STONE--JUST KISS SOMEONE WHO HAS ALREADY
KISSED THE STONE.
Submitter comment:
INFORMANT TRAVELLED
Data entry tech comment:
Updated by TRD
Where learned: OFFICE
Keyword(s): BELIEF ; Blarney ; Blarney Stone ; CUSTOM ; Irish ; KISS ; Legend ; LUCK ; STONE ; SUPERSTITION
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Product or activity of man or animal BELIEF -- Good luck P881.22 |
Date learned: 10-03-1967
HOLDING DICE IN YOUR HAND AND BLOWING ON THEM IS
SUPPOSED TO BRING YOU GOOD LUCK IN A DICE GAME.
Data entry tech comment:
Updated by TRD
Where learned: NOT GIVEN
Keyword(s): BELIEF ; Blow ; BREATH ; Breathe ; CUSTOM ; DICE ; GAMBLING ; GAME ; Gaming ; LUCK ; SUPERSTITION
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Special Object or Implement BELIEF -- Good luck P881.22 |
Date learned: NOT GIVEN
IF YOU AND ANOTHER PERSON SAY THE SAME THING AT THE SAME
TIME, YOU ARE SUPPOSED TO SPIT BETWEEN YOUR FINGERS
FOR GOOD LUCK.
Data entry tech comment:
Updated by TRD
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
Keyword(s): BEHAVIOR ; BELIEF ; CUSTOM ; Fingers ; GESTURE ; Hands ; Jinxs ; Same Time ; Simultaneous ; SPIT ; SUPERSTITION
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Good luck P881.22 |
Date learned: 04-05-1970
IN ORDER TO WARD OFF EVIL, ONE SHOULD POINT HIS INDEX
AND LITTLE FINGERS AT SOMETHING. (THE OTHER FINGERS
SHOULD BE CLOSED).
Data entry tech comment:
Updated by TRD
Where learned: HOME
Keyword(s): BELIEF ; CUSTOM ; EVIL ; EVIL EYE ; Eye ; Fingers ; GESTURE ; Prevent ; SUPERSTITION ; Ward
James Callow Keyword(s): HORNS
| Subject headings: | SPEECH -- Body parts involved S602.12 |
Date learned: 02-14-1968
ITALIAN GESTURE AGAINST EVIL
A GESTURE TO RETURN EVIL TO ANOTHER IS TO PLACE THE
THUMB BETWEEN THE FIRST AND SECOND FINGERS OF THE
SAME HAND.
Data entry tech comment:
Updated by TRD
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; WARREN
Keyword(s): BELIEF ; CUSTOM ; EVIL ; EVIL EYE ; Eye ; Fingers ; GESTURE ; Prevent ; SUPERSTITION ; Ward
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Curse |
Date learned: 12-00-1969
WHEN YOU THINK THAT YOU ARE WITH SOMEONE WHO WILL GIVE
YOU THE EVIL EYE, HOLD OUT YOUR FOREFINGER AND BABY
FINGER, HOLD THIS UNTIL THE PERSON LEAVES.
Submitter comment:
INFORMANT SAW HIS BROTHER DO THIS WHEN IN CALABRIA,
ITALY, AND BELIEVED IT WARDED OFF THE EVIL EYE.
Data entry tech comment:
Updated by TRD
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; ITALY ; OAK PARK ; CALABRIA
Keyword(s): BELIEF ; CUSTOM ; EVIL ; EVIL EYE ; Eye ; Fingers ; GESTURE ; Prevent ; SUPERSTITION ; Ward
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Curse SPEECH -- Body parts involved S602.12 |
Date learned: 01-24-1972
WHEN ONE SEES A LOVELY CHILD, ONE MUST SPIT ON THE
GROUND TO WARD OFF THE EVIL EYE, TO PREVENT SICKNESS.
Data entry tech comment:
Updated by TRD
Where learned: DETROIT ; MICHIGAN, ASSUMED
Keyword(s): BABY ; BEAUTY ; BELIEF ; CHILD ; CUSTOM ; EVIL ; EVIL EYE ; Eye ; Fingers ; GESTURE ; Prevent ; SUPERSTITION ; Ward
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Curse BELIEF -- Means of Causing or Avoiding Illness SPEECH -- Body parts involved S602.12 |
Date learned: 11-19-1971
IF A PERSON LOOKS AT YOU WITH THE EVIL EYE YOU CAN
RETURN IT BY PLACING YOUR INDEX AND BABY FINGERS
APREAD OUT AND POINTED DOWN. THIS WILL MAKE
YOU SAFE FROM IT.
Submitter comment:
THIS IS DONE IN SICILY BY ALL THE PEOPLE.
Data entry tech comment:
Updated by TRD
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT ; SICILY
Keyword(s): BELIEF ; CUSTOM ; EVIL ; EVIL EYE ; Eye ; Fingers ; GESTURE ; Prevent ; SUPERSTITION ; Ward
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Body part Senses Eyes, evil eye BELIEF -- Curse BELIEF -- Conversions P883.22 SPEECH -- Body parts involved S602.12 |
Date learned: 10-06-1970
WHEN SOMEONE SAYS SOMETHING PEJORATIVE ABOUT ANOTHER,
SPIT THREE TIMES ON THE BACK OF THE FIRST TWO FINGERS
OF THE RIGHT HAND TO WARD OFF THE INTENDED EVIL.
Data entry tech comment:
Updated by TRD
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
Keyword(s): BEHAVIOR ; BELIEF ; CUSTOM ; EVIL EYE ; Fingers ; GESTURE ; INSULT ; SPIT ; SUPERSTITION ; Ward
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Curse BELIEF -- P670 P670.88 |
Date learned: 03-02-1972
TO SPIT ON A NEW-BORN BABY
WHENEVER A WOMAN LOOKS AT ANOTHER'S NEW-BORN BABY, THEY
MUST HAVE A LITTLE SALIVA FALL UPON THE CHILD. IF
NOT, THE EVIL EYE IS CAST UPON THE BABY.
Data entry tech comment:
Updated by TRD
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
Keyword(s): BABY ; BEHAVIOR ; BELIEF ; CHILD ; CUSTOM ; EVIL ; EVIL EYE ; Eye ; GESTURE ; PREVENTION ; SPIT ; SUPERSTITION ; Ward ; Woman
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Curse BELIEF -- Dreams P841.61 P542 SPEECH -- Body parts involved S602.12 |
Date learned: 11-02-1969
TO WARD OFF THE "COOTIES" SO COMMON TO ALL GRADE
SCHOOL CHILDREN, A GESTURE OF 2 FISTS TOGETHER WITH THE
THUMBS EXTENDED IS MADE.
Data entry tech comment:
DIAGRAM IS ON 5 X 8 CARD.
Updated By TRD for BN. Card Info Update is Forthcoming.
Where learned: DORM ROOM
Keyword(s): BEHAVIOR ; BELIEF ; CHILDHOOD ; CHILDREN ; Classroom ; COOTIES ; CUSTOM ; Fists ; GAME ; GESTURE ; Grade School ; SLANG ; Thumb
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- School BELIEF -- P670 P670.88 BELIEF -- Conversions P883.22 |
Date learned: 10-10-1969
WHEN GOING UNDER A BRIDGE OR TUNNEL PUT UP YOUR ARMS AS IF
YOU WERE HOLDING UP THE ROOF OF THE CAR SO THE BRIDGE WON'T
FALL ON YOU.
Data entry tech comment:
Updated by TRD
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
Keyword(s): Arms ; BELIEF ; Bridge ; Collapse ; CUSTOM ; GESTURE ; LUCK ; PREVENTION ; Protection ; SUPERSTITION
Date learned: 03-00-1971
PREDICTING HOW MANY CHILDREN A FUTURE BRIDE WILL HAVE.
AT A BRIDAL SHOWER, THE NUMBER OF RIBBONS ON THE PRESENTS, BROKEN
PREDICTS THE NUMBER OF CHILDREN SHE WILL HAVE
Data entry tech comment:
Updated by TRD
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; ROSEVILLE
Keyword(s): Babies ; BELIEF ; Bride ; CHILDREN ; CUSTOM ; FAMILY ; GAME ; GIFT ; MARRIAGE ; Newlyweds ; Offspring ; PREDICTION ; Ribbon
Date learned: 04-00-1980
BIRTH BELIEF
AFTER THE BABY IS BORN THE MOTHER IS TO HOLD THE BABY IN HER
ARM AND WALK OVER WHEAT THAT HAS BEEN STREWN ON THE FLOOR OR
GROUND TO INSURE THE CHILD OF A GOOD LIFE TO COME.
Submitter comment:
INFORMANT'S MOTHER DID THIS WITH EACH OF HER CHILDREN SOON AFTER
THEIR BIRTH. DONE IN EGYPT.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT
Keyword(s): BABY ; BIRTH ; CHILD ; CUSTOM ; Good ; LUCK ; MOTHER ; Practice ; RITUAL ; Wheat
James Callow Keyword(s): HOMEOPATHIC
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Birth |
Date learned: 03-23-1971
POLISH CHRISTMAS CUSTOMS
CHRISTMAS IS A BELOVED HOLIDAY FOR THE POLISH PEOPLE. BEGINNING AT
SUNDOWN, THE FAMILY SITS DOWN TO THE EVENING MEAL. THIS MEAL IS
MEATLESS AND CONSISTS OF NINE COURSES. WHEN THE FIRST EVENING STAR
APPEARS THE MEAL BEGINS. STRAW IS PLACED UNDERNEATH A WHITE
TABLECLOTH TO SIGNIFY CHRIST'S BIRTH IN A MANGER. A CHRISTMAS WAFER
CALLED "OPLATEK" IS SHARED WITH EACH MEMBER OF THE FAMILY BEGINNING
WITH THE FATHER. GOOD HEALTH, GOD'S BLESSINGS AND JOY IS EXTENDED
TO ALL. THIS COMPLETED, THE MEAL BEGINS. THE SOUP IS CREAMED
MUSHROOM. FOLLOWING WE HAVE PIEROGI (DUMPLINGS) WITH CABBAGE OR
POTATO AND CHEESE. WE ALSO HAVE A VARIETY OF FISH. COLD HERRING,
FISH IN GELATIN (GALARECIE), BAKED FISH, RYE BREAD AND SAUR KRAUT
PREPARED WITH MUSHROOMS. COFFEE AND BABKA FOR DESERT. AFTER THE
PEOPLE RETURN FROM MIDNIGHT MASS THEY BRING OUT THE BAKED HAM AND
HOMEMADE KIELBASA WHICH EVERY GOOD POLAK MAKES HIMSELF AND THEY EAT,
DRINK AND MAKE MERRY.
Data entry tech comment:
Informant and collector share the same surname.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; informant's home ; 25940 MADISON CT, S. ; St. Clair Shores
Keyword(s): ABSTINENCE FROM MEAT ; FOOD CUSTOM
Date learned: 11-01-1971
VEGETABLES BELIEF
EAT VEGETABLES AND YOU WILL SLEEP LESS BUT WILL FEEL BETTER.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT ; E313
Keyword(s): BELIEF ; Consume ; CUSTOM ; Eat ; Old Wives Tale ; SLEEP ; SUPERSTITION ; VEGETABLE
James Callow Keyword(s): PLANT
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Plant |
Date learned: 11-02-1971