Dr. James T. Callow publications
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The James T. Callow Folklore Archive
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MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY YULE,
TAKE A FRIEND AND GO TO SHULE.
Submitter comment:
YULE IS AT CHRISTMAS TIME, AND SHULE IS A JEWISH HOUSE
OF WORSHIP.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; OAK PARK
Keyword(s): HOLIDAYS ; MOCK EPIC ; PARODY OF SONG ; RELIGIOUS ; RELIGIOUS OR PIOUS MOCK
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Custom Festival C840.642 |
Date learned: 10-03-1971
AFRICAN TRIBE TALE
A CERTAIN BIOLOGY PROFESSOR WAS DELIVERING A LECTURE AT MICHIGAN
STATE ON A TRIBE IN SOUTHERN AFRICA. THE SUBJECT UNDER DISCUSSION WAS
THE ABNORMALLY LARGE "PRIVATES" OF THIS TRIBE. TWO PRUDISH SORORITY
GIRLS EMBARRASSED BY THE CRUDE LECTURE ABRUPTLY LEFT THEIR SEATS
AND STARTED FOR THE DOOR. THE PROFESSOR STOPPED THEM WITH THIS
COMMENT, "WHAT'S YOUR RUSH GIRLS, THE
BOAT DOESN'T LEAVE UNTIL MORNING."
Submitter comment: TOLD TO ME AS ACTUAL FACT IN 1960.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; LIVONIA
Keyword(s): CLASSROOM HUMOR ; COLLEGE PROFESSOR LEGEND
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Human Being PROSE NARRATIVE -- Body part Senses |
Date learned: 00-00-1960
LEGEND__BELLE ISLE
DOWN A CERTAIN STREET AT NIGHT, THERE IS A WITCH THAT HAD SPIKES IN
HER HANDS AND CLAWS AT YOUR CAR, TRYING TOO GET IN IF YOU
PARK TOO LONG
WITH YOUR GIRLFRIEND.
Submitter comment: FROM FRIEND
Where learned: UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; STUDENT UNION ; BALLROOM
Keyword(s): FUNCTIONAL FOLKTALE
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Witch Shaman |
Date learned: 10-22-1967
LOGGER'S LEGEND
A MAN NAMED DAVID WARD USED TO OWN A LOT OF LAND AND FORESTS
AROUND WATERS, MICH. HE WAS ABOUT THE RICHEST MAN IN THE AREA.
HE NOTICED THAT SOME OF HIS TREES WERE BEING CUT DOWN SO HE SET
OUT TO CATCH THE THIEF. HE HAD A PRETTY GOOD IDEA WHO IT WAS SO HE
DRESSED UP LIKE AN OLD BUM AND WENT TO THIS PERSON'S HOUSE
AND ASKED IF HE WOULD GIVE HIM A MEAL. THE MAN SAID YES, BUT HE'D
HAVE TO WORK FOR IT, AND HE TOLD WARD TO GO CUT DOWN SOME OF HIS OWN
TREES. (NOT KNOWING, OF COURSE, THAT IT WAS DAVE WARD HE WAS
TALKING TO.) WARD WENT AND CUT THE TREES DOWN AND BROUGHT THEM
BACK TO THE MAN. HE JUST WANTED TO MAKE SURE THAT THE MAN WAS
GOING TO KEEP THEM. (WARD MIGHT HAVE BEEN RICH BUT HE WAS ALWAYS
FAIR.) WELL, THE MAN PUT THE WOOD IN HIS OWN SHED AND OFFERED WARD
FOOD AND LODGING FOR THE NIGHT. THEN WARD TOLD HIM WHO HE WAS AND HE
MADE THAT MAN WORK FOR HIM FOR THE NEXT SEASON, CUTTING TREES, WITH
NO PAY, ONLY ENOUGH TO EAT AND A PLACE TO LIVE.
Submitter comment: HEARD AROUND GAYLORD, MICH. ABOUT 1930
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; Gaylord
Keyword(s): THIEF PUNISHED BY MAN HE STOLE FROM
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Human Being PROSE NARRATIVE -- Product or activity of man or animal |
Date learned: 10-00-1963
Historical record from James Callow Folklore Archive.
UNDER EVERY COW THERE IS A PILE OF SACRED COW MANURE.
Where learned: SEA
James Callow Keyword(s): HUMOR ; PARODY ; SCATOLOGICAL
| Subject headings: | PROVERB -- Proverbial Apothegm Maxim |
Date learned: 00-00-1966
LUCK
A SEA SHELL (SEASHELL) PLACED AT THE FRONT DOOR INVITES LUCK
TO ENTER THE HOUSE.
Submitter comment: INFORMANT CAN'T REMEMBER WHEN OR WHERE HE LEARNED
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
Keyword(s): HOME, DOMESTIC PURSUITS ; SALTWATER MOLLUSKS
| Subject headings: | ART CRAFT ARCHITECTURE -- Wall Partition Door Window BELIEF -- Street Trip Relations between relatives, friends, host and guest Social class Rank BELIEF -- Good luck |
Date learned: 11-25-1967
DEATH CUSTOMS
WHEN SOMEONE IS DYING AND HEARS A KNOCKING ON A DOOR THAT
NOONE ELSE DOES, THIS IS A SIGN OF THEIR IMPENDING DEATH, MANY
TIMES WITHIN HOURS. THE DOORS ARE TAKEN TO BE OF ETERNAL LIFE.
Where learned: DETROIT
James Callow Keyword(s): SYMBOL
| Subject headings: | Observation BELIEF -- Death Funeral Burial |
Date learned: 00001930S
HOLY WEEK CUSTOM
DURING HOLY THURSDAY AND FRIDAY OF HOLY WEEK WOMEN OF THE VILLAGE
DRESS BOTH DAYS IN BLACK AND DO NOT LEAVE THEIR HOMES. FOOD IS PREPA
RED ON WEDNESDAY OF HOLY WEEK AND NO WORK IS DONE ON THOSE TWO DAYS.
PREPARED
Submitter comment: A PRACTICE FROM THE INFORMANT'S HOMETOWN OF SABINAS IN MEXICO.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
James Callow Keyword(s): COLOR SYMBOLISM
| Subject headings: | 663 Holy Thursday CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Spring Planting ART CRAFT ARCHITECTURE -- Dress Overall body coverUpper body and arms BELIEF -- Prayer BELIEF -- Color |
Date learned: 11-00-1981
THREE LITTLE ANGELS
THREE LITTLE ANGELS, ALL DRESSED IN WHITE,
TRIED TO GET TO HEAVEN ON THE END OF A KITE,
BUT THE KITE STRING BROKE AND DOWN THEY FELL,
INSTEAD OF GOING TO HEAVEN THEY WENT TO...
TWO LITTLE ANGELS, ALL DRESSED IN WHITE,
TRIED TO GET TO HEAVEN ON THE END OF A KITE,
BUT THE KITE STRING BROKE AND DOWN THEY FELL,
INSTEAD OF GOING TO HEAVEN THEY WENT TO...
ONE LITTLE ANGEL...
...
INSTEAD OF GOING TO HEAVEN HE WENT TO... MM
THREE LITTLE DEVILS, ALL DRESSED IN RED,
TRIED TO GET TO HEAVEN ON THE END OF A THREAD,
BUT THE THREAD-STRING BROKE AND DOWN THEY FELL,
INSTEAD OF GOING TO HEAVEN THEY WENT TO...
TWO LITTLE DEVILS ALL DRESSED IN RED...
... MM
THREE LITTLE DEMONS, ALL DRESSED IN BLACK,
TRIED TO GET TO HEAVEN IN A CADILLAC,
BUT IT RAN OUT OF GAS AND DOWN THEY FELL,
INSTEAD OF GOING TO HEAVEN THEY WENT TO...
TWO LITTLE...
...
(LAST TIME) INSTEAD OF GOING TO HEAVEN THEY WENT TO...
DON'T GET EXCITED, DON'T LOSE YOUR HEAD,
INSTEAD OF GOING TO HEAVEN THEY WENT TO BED.
Where learned: MISSOURI ; KANSAS CITY
James Callow Keyword(s): CHAIN OF COLORS ; ELLIPSES IN LINES 4, 8, ETC. ; EUPHEMISM FOR HELL
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Ballad Epic |
Date learned: 00-00-1971
AUTOGRAPH BOOK VERSE
WHEN YOU ARE MARRIED AND EATING HAM,
THINK OF ME AND MY OLD MAN.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DEARBORN
James Callow Keyword(s): INSTRUCTIONS ; RHYME: AA ; SLANG: OLD MAN FOR ; SLANT RHYME
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Autograph Verse |
Date learned: 00-00-1933
AUTOGRAPH BOOK VERSE
ROSES ARE RED
VIOLETS ARE BLUE
ABOVE IT ALL
THE BEST IS YOU
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DEARBORN
James Callow Keyword(s): COLOR ; FLOWERS ; PRAISE ; RHYME: ABCB
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Autograph Verse |
Date learned: 00-00-1933
AUTOGRAPH BOOK VERSE
WHEN YOU GET MARRIED
AND YOUR OLD MAN GETS CROSS,
PICK UP THE BROOM
AND SAY I'M BOSS.
Where learned: KANSAS ; HUDSON
James Callow Keyword(s): INSTRUCTIONS ; RHYME: ABCB ; SLANG OLD MAN FOR HUSBAND.
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Autograph Verse |
Date learned: 00-00-1933
Entry filtered.
NEW HOME GOOD LUCK BELIEF
A LOAF OF BREAD AND A BROOM SHOULD BE THE FIRST ITEMS
BROUGHT INTO A NEW HOME FOR GOOD LUCK. THE BROOM MEANS
THAT THE HOUSE WILL ALWAYS BE CLEAN. THE BREAD MEANS THAT
THERE WILL ALWAYS BE FOOD IN THE HOUSE. I HEARD THIS FROM
FRANCES MILLER IN 1977.
Submitter comment:
FRANCES MILLER WAS BORN IN LOUISVILLE, MISSISSIPPI IN
1925. SHE CAME, WITH HER FAMILY, TO DETROIT DURING WORLD
WAR II AND HAS LIVED HERE SINCE. IT SEEMS THAT THIS WAS A
COMMON CUSTOM IN RURAL MISSISSIPPI IN THE 1930'S.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
James Callow Keyword(s): SYMBOL
| Subject headings: | 686 Properties attributed to specific numbers or numerals individually. Food Drink -- Food BELIEF -- Custom BELIEF -- Good luck Broom Sweeping BELIEF -- Good luck Food and drink |
Date learned: 09-00-1982
UKRAINIAN ORTHODOX FUNERAL CUSTOM
FORTY DAYS AFTER THE DEATH OF A FAMILY MEMBER, SOME
UKRAINIAN ORTHODOX FAMILIES PREPARE A TRADITIONAL MEAL.
FOR EACH INVITED GUEST, A SMALL, ROUND BREAD CALLED A
PASKA IS BAKED. A CANDLE IS PLACED IN THE CENTER OF THE
BREAD. THE FORTY DAYS AND THE CANDLE BOTH ARE SYMBOLIC
OF CHRIST AND HIS ASCENSION INTO HEAVEN FORTY DAYS AFTER
EASTER.
Submitter comment:
MANY BYZANTINE RITE CATHOLICS ARE BEGINNING TO CELEBRATE
THE FORTY DAY ANNIVERSARY WITH A MASS FOR THE DECEASED.
Where learned: CANADA ; ALBERTA ; WILLINGDON
Keyword(s): SYMBOLS
PARENTAL WEDDING BLESSING
BEFORE THE BRIDAL COUPLE GO TO CHURCH FOR THE CEREMONY,
THEY RECEIVE A PARENTAL BLESSING. THE BRIDE'S PARENTS ARE
SEATED HOLDING AN ICON OF OUR LADY. THE COUPLE KNEEL
BEFORE THEM. THEY ASK FOR THEIR BLESSING. THE PARENTS HOLD
UP THE ICON AND BLESS THEM SAYING, "MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND
WE GIVE OUR BLESSING TOO." THE BRIDE AND GROOM KISS THE
ICON AND HER PARENTS. THE SAME CEREMONY IS REPEATED BEFORE
THE GROOM'S PARENTS WHO ARE HOLDING THE ICON OF CHRIST.
IN CASE A PARENT IS DECEASED, A CHAIR IS LEFT EMPTY. THEY
ACKNOWLEDGE THE DECEASED PARENT.
Submitter comment: THESE ICONS ARE GIVEN TO THE COUPLE FOR THEIR HOME.
Where learned: PENNSYLVANIA ; PHILADELPHIA
Keyword(s): SYMBOL
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Marriage Parents' blessing |
Date learned: 00001950S
UKRAINIAN NATIONAL FLAG
THE TRADITIONAL FLAG IS DIVIDED INTO TWO PARTS HORIZONTALLY
WITH THE TOP HALF BEING LIGHT BLUE AND THE BOTTOM YELLOW.
THE BLUE REFLECTS THE SKY AND THE YELLOW SIGNIFIES THE
GOLDEN WHEAT FIELDS OF UKRAINE. THE FLAG IS DISPLAYED IN
UKRAINIAN CHURCHES, SCHOOLS, AND HALLS.
Where learned: NEW YORK ; ROCHESTER
Keyword(s): SYMBOL
| Subject headings: | ART CRAFT ARCHITECTURE -- Finished Product BELIEF -- Color |
Date learned: 00001950S
CUSTOM
IT IS TRADITIONAL FOR ROMANIAN GYPSY BRIDES TO HANG OUT A BLOODY
SHEET THE MORNING AFTER HER WEDDING NIGHT, TO PROVE THAT SHE HAD
KEPT HER CHASTITY UNTIL HER WEDDING NIGHT.
NON-VIRGINS WOULD TRADITIONALLY POUR CHICKEN BLOOD ON THE SHEETS
TO MAKE IT APPEAR THAT THEY WERE VIRGINS.
Where learned: UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT
James Callow Keyword(s): PROOF OF VIRGINITY ; SYMBOL
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Marriage Day after wedding |
THE INFORMANT BELIEVES THAT DREAMS CAN LEAD TO FORTUNES.
WHEN SHE HAS A DREAM SHE CAN VIVIDLY RECALL, SHE GETS
A DREAM BOOK AND FINDS THE CORRESPONDING NUMBERS FOR
THE MOST IMPORTANT ELEMENTS OF THE DREAM. SHE THEN
PLAYS THESE NUMBERS IN THE LOTTERY.
Submitter comment:
THE INFORMANT HAS WON IN THE LOTTERY NUMEROUS TIMES AND
ATTRIBUTES HER WINNINGS TO THE DREAMS. SHE SAYS SOMETIMES
WHEN SHE DREAMS OF A DECEASED RELATIVE THEY WILL GIVE HER
THE NUMBERS TO PLAY.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
James Callow Keyword(s): NUMEROLOGY
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Dreams BELIEF -- Good luck |
Date learned: 03-00-1983
ARGENTINIAN VALENTINES DAY
IN ARGENTINA WE DON'T HAVE AN OFFICIAL VALENTINES DAY LIKE IT
IS CELEBRATED IN THE UNITED STATES WITH THE EXCHANGE OF CARDS
AND CANDY. INSTEAD EL DIA DE LOS ENAMORADOS IS THE DAY THAT
REPLACES THE LOVERS DAY. IT IS SAID THAT ON THIS DAY THE WOMEN CAN
PROPOSE MARRIAGE TO THE MEN. MANY WOMEN TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THIS
RIGHT ON FEBRUARY 14.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
James Callow Keyword(s): INVERSION ; ROLE-REVERSAL ; SEXISM
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- February 14 Valentine's Day CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Marriage Proposal |
Date learned: 00-00-1970