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The James T. Callow Folklore Archive
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HARVEST CELEBRATION IN LIBERIA
MANY PEOPLE IN LIBERIA DEPEND ON AGRICULTURE.
AGRICULTURE DEPENDS ALSO ON FAVORABLE WEATHER
CONDITIONS. THERE ARE TWO SEASONS. THE RAINY AND THE
DRY SEASON. IF THERE ISN'T SUFFICIENT RAIN THERE
WOULDN'T BE SUFFICIENT HARVEST AND THE SITUATION TENDS TO
CREATE UNHAPPINESS IN OUR COMMUNITY. WE HAVE DEVELOPED
RITES AND CEREMONIES THAT RELATES TO RURAL LIFE.
HARVEST CELEBRATION IS AN ACTIVITY WHICH
STRENGTHENED COMMUNITY CONSCIOUSNESS AND SOLIDARITY.
THE HARVEST CELEBRATION IS USUALLY CELEBRATED AT THE
BEGINNING OF THE YEAR. IT IS ALSO A FAMILY AFFAIR.
IT IS A TIME WHEN RELATIVES COME TOGETHER TO CELEBRATE THE
NEW YEAR AND TO REFLECT ON THE PAST YEAR. IT IS A TIME
OF HAPPINESS. BEFORE COLONIZATION, FAMILIES WOULD MEET AT THE
HOME OF THE OLDEST MALE RELATIVE.
AN EXAMPLE WOULD BE THE FATHER, GRANDFATHER, A NEPHEW OR
AN UNCLE OR A DISTANT MALE RELATIVE.
FAMILY MEMBERS ARE PRESENT. INDIVIDUALS CAN ONLY BE EXCUSE
IN THE CASE OF DEATH OR SERIOUS ILLNESS.
RELATIVES WHO LIVE FAR AWAY USUALLY ARRIVE AHEAD OF
SCHEDULE; THEY ARRIVE A DAY AHEAD.
ON THE LAST DAY OF THE YEAR, A SMALL CELEBRATION IS HELD.
RELATIVES ARE OFFICIALLY WELCOME, THE OLDEST MALE IS
PRESENTED WITH GIFTS. THE GIFTS CONSISTS OF CORN,
CATTLE, WHEAT OR RICE. THE YOUNG MEN AND WOMEN USUALLY
ARE GATHERED OUTSIDE AND ARE CIRCLED BY
A FIRE. THEY CARRY ON A CONVERSATION. THE GRANDMOTHERS
SIT WITH THE CHILDREN NEAR A FIRE AND TELL FOLKTALES.
ON NEW YEAR'S MORNING, GOATS ARE SLAUGHTERED. THE YOUNG
MEN PREPARE THE GOAT FOR COOKING AND ROASTING. THE
WOMEN TRAVELS INTO THE FOREST TO GATHER WOOD. THE WOMEN
RETURN AND PREPARE THE MEAL FOR THE BIG CELEBRATION.
WHILE THE WOMEN ARE COOKING, THE MEN ARE GATHERED
IN A SPECIAL GROUP TO CONVERSE AND TO DRINK PINEWINE. A PINE IS
SHARED AMONG THE MALES. MATTERS OF VITAL IMPORTANCE
ARE DISCUSSED. VILLAGE IMPROVEMENT IS ALSO DISCUSSED.
THE HARVEST CELEBRATION IS USUALLY READY BY MID_AFTERNOON.
EVERYONE EATS AT THIS TIME. AFTER EVERYONE HAS EATEN,
THE WOMEN ARE LEFT ALONE TO PERFORM THE CLEANING.
THE MEN RETIRE TO ANOTHER LOCATION TO DISCUSS THE NEW YEAR.
AFTER CLEANING THE COOKING UTENSILS AND YARD,
THE WOMEN RETURN AND THE VILLAGE ELDERS
USUALLY PRAISE THE WOMEN FOR THE DELICIOUS MEAL
AND ENCOURAGES EVERYONE TO MAKE A WISH FOR THE NEW YEAR.
AFTER THE PRAISES AND SPEECH BY THE ELDERS,
WOMEN, MEN AND CHILDREN ALIKE ARE JOINED TOGETHER
FOR A FESTIVAL WHICH INCLUDES MUSIC AND DANCE.
AT THE END OF THE MUSIC WHICH USUALLY BRING THE HARVEST
TO AN END, A GRANDPARENT LEADS ALL IN PRAYERS FOR A SAFE
JOURNEY HOME.
THIS BRING A HAPPY AND MEMORABLE CELEBRATION TO AN END.
Submitter comment:
THE CELEBRATION IS HELD DURING THE MONTH OF JANUARY.
WE PARTICIPATE IN THIS FESTIVAL ANNUALLY.
Where learned: LIBERIA ; BONG COUNTY
James Callow Keyword(s): IT IS ALSO SEXES ; SEPARATION OF THE SEXES ; SEXISM
Date learned: 00-00-1968
EASTER MONDAY IN LIBERIA
EASTER MONDAY IS CELEBRATED AS A HOLIDAY IN MONROVIA. SCHOOLS
ARE CLOSED AND MANY GOVERNMENT AND PRIVATE BUILDINGS ARE ALSO CLOSED
EASTER MONDAY USUALLY FALLS ON THE SAME MONDAY AS THAT OF THE
UNITED STATES AND OTHER CHRISTIAN NATIONS AROUND
THE WORLD. THE ONLY BIG DIFFERENCE IS THE TIME. THERE IS A FIVE
HOUR TIME DIFFERENCE BETWEEN NEW YORK AND MONROVIA. THEREFORE,
WHEN EASTER CELEBRATION IS BEING HELD IN MONROVIA, PEOPLE ARE
ASLEEP HERE. AFTER FIVE HOURS OF CELEBRATIONS IN MONROVIA
PEOPLE ARE GETTING OUT OF BED HERE IN THE UNITED STATES. THE
CHRISTIANS IN MONROVIA CELEBRATE EASTER MONDAY BECAUSE THEY
BELIEVE THAT IT WAS AFTER THE SUNDAY THAT JESUS CHRIST THE LORD
ROSE FROM THE DEAD. THE SCHOOLS ARE THE MOST ATTRACTIVE PLACE
OF CELEBRATION. ON EASTER MONDAY, STUDENTS ARE ENCOURAGED TO WITNESS
A GAME BETWEEN RIVAL SCHOOLMATES. THE RIVAL SCHOOLMATES CONSISTS
OF MALES AND FEMALES. THE GAME TO BE WITNESSED IS CALLED THE
TUG-OF-WAR. THERE ARE THREE PLAYERS ON THE FEMALE TEAM AND
THE NUMBER IS UNEVEN BECAUSE MEN ARE SUPPOSED TO BE PHYSICALLY
STRONGER THAN WOMEN. THIS DOES NOT ALWAYS HOLD TRUE FOR THE MEN AS
THE WOMEN USUALLY WIN THE GAME. THE WOMEN USUALLY GO THROUGH
DIFFERENT FORMS OF EXERCISES SUCH AS KARATE, WRESTLING, JOGGING
AND MUSCLE PULLING FOR ABOUT SIX MONTHS DAILY PRIOR TO THE GAME.
THESE EXERCISES AID THE FEMALES IN THEIR STRUGGLE TO PROVE TO
THE MEN THAT IT MAY OR MAY NOT BE TRUE THAT MEN ARE SUPERIOR
TO THE WOMEN; WHAT IS DEFINITELY CERTAIN IS THAT TRADITIONALLY,
IN THE SIGHT OF GOD ALL IS EQUAL. THIS IS TRUE BECAUSE THE FEMALES
USUALLY WORK HARD TO PROVE THIS POINT. THE FEMALE CONTESTANTS
ARE VERY LARGE WOMEN ALSO. ABOUT SIX FEET TALL. A WOMAN OF PETITE
BUILD WILL NOT BE ELIGIBLE TO PARTICIPATE. THE SIZE AND HEIGHT
ARE PRESENTED TO THE SPECTATORS TO SHOW THAT WOMEN SHOULD
NOT BE TAKEN FOR GRANTED. WHENEVER THE MALES LOSE THE GAME IT
IS AND CAUSES LOT OF HUMILIATIONS FOR THEM UNTIL THE FOLLOWING
YEAR. ON THE FOLLOWING YEAR, ABOUT TWO DAYS BEFORE GOOD FRIDAY,
A REMATCH IS SCHEDULED. AT THIS TIME INSTEAD OF THE GAME
THEY THEN GET INVOLVED INTO A SPELLING CONTEST. THE WINNER OF
THE CONTEST IS THEN AWARDED WITH A CHECK OF 50 DOLLARS FROM
HIS SCHOOL AND THE FEMALE'S SCHOOL. THE MALES ARE ALSO
INTRODUCED TO A CRASH COURSE CALLED LEARNING AWARENESS.
THE CRASH COURSE IS SIMPLY AN EDUCATIONAL COURSE TO PROVE TO
THE MALE STUDENTS THAT MEN ARE NOT SUPERIOR TO FEMALES
INTELLECTUALLY. THE SUBJECT OF EASTER MONDAY FITS WELL INTO
THE REALM OF FOLKLORE, ESPECIALLY FROM THE STANDPOINT OF
CUSTOM. IT ALSO FITS WELL BECAUSE IT IS STILL PRACTICED TODAY
AND MANY MEN STILL FEEL THAT THEY ARE SUPERIOR TO WOMEN BY
PHYSICAL ATTRIBUTES AND INTELLIGENCE.
Submitter comment: THE SPELLING CONTEST IS USUALLY HELD TWO DAYS PRIOR TO GOOD FRIDAY.
Where learned: LIBERIA ; MONROVIA
James Callow Keyword(s): SEPARATION OF THE SEXES ; SEXISM
Date learned: 00-00-1968
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DON'T LET A WOMAN IN YOUR HOUSE ON NEW YEAR'S BECAUSE SHE WILL BRING
BAD LUCK
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
James Callow Keyword(s): SEXISM
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- January 1 New Year's BELIEF -- Street Trip Relations between relatives, friends, host and guest Social class Rank BELIEF -- Bad luck |
Date learned: 11-05-1980
WHEN YOU CARRY YOUR BABY HIGH IT WILL BE A BOY AND WHEN YOU CARRY IT
LOW IT WILL BE A GIRL
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
James Callow Keyword(s): POSITION DIRECTION ; SEXISM
| Subject headings: | Observation BELIEF -- Birth |
Date learned: 11-14-1980
WHEN EATING LAMB OR GOAT'S MEAT, ONLY THE MEN ARE ALLOWED TO EAT THE
ANIMAL HEAD; THE WOMEN CAN ONLY EAT THE LOWER JAW BONE.
Submitter comment:
THE INFORMANT TOLD ME THAT IT WAS A TREAT TO EAT AN ANIMAL'S
HEAD, AND THAT EATING LAMB AND GOAT IS COMMON IN AFRICA.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT ; CAMPUS
James Callow Keyword(s): SEXISM
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Street Trip Relations between relatives, friends, host and guest Social class Rank CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Measure of time Eating For menu, see N222. |
Date learned: 03-00-1982
BEER OR "BITTER" IS SOLD AT PUBS IN ENGLAND BY THE PINT AND BY
THE HALF-PINT. HOWEVER, MEN ARE NEVER SUPPOSED TO ORDER HALF-PINTS
AS IT'S A SIGN OF A LACK OF MASCULINITY. WOMEN BY THE SAME TOKEN
SHOULD NEVER ORDER FULL PINTS AS IT'S A SIGN OF A LACK OF FEMININITY.
Where learned: ENGLAND ; CAMBRIDGE
James Callow Keyword(s): SEXISM
| Subject headings: | Food Drink -- Alcoholic beverage Fermented BELIEF -- Street Trip Relations between relatives, friends, host and guest Social class Rank |
Date learned: 07-00-1982
ON THE FIRST SIGHT OF SPRING, A CELEBRATION MUST
BE INITIATED BY THE FAMILIES WHO HAVE TWO OR MORE BOYS
IN THE VILLAGE TO INSURE GOOD LUCK FOR THE NEW YEAR.
Submitter comment:
IT WAS BELIEVED THIS WOULD INSURE HEALTHY BIRTHS OF
ALL CHILDREN AND WOULD INCREASE THE BIRTHS OF BOYS.
Where learned: COLLECTED BY MAIL ; COOKHAM RISE ; BERKSHIRE
James Callow Keyword(s): SEXISM
Date learned: 00-00-1970
GRAFFITO
SOME BABIES ARE BORN TO BE GREAT,
OTHERS ARE BORN BOYS}
Submitter comment:
THIS MESSAGE WAS WRITTEN ON THE WALL OF A WOMEN'S RESTROOM AT
HENRY FORD COMMUNITY COLLEGE IN DEARBORN, MICHIGAN.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DEARBORN
James Callow Keyword(s): SEXISM
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- C850- |
Date learned: 00-00-1982
DUNKING DAYS
CHILDREN IN PENNSYLVANIA CELEBRATE DUNKING
DAYS ON TWO CONSECUTIVE SUNDAYS IN MAY OR JUNE
AROUND WHITSUNDAY. ON THE FIRST SUNDAY, THE
BOYS ATTEMPT TO WET THE GIRLS WITH WATER. ON
THE FOLLOWING SUNDAY, THE GIRLS ATTEMPT TO WET
THE BOYS. I DON'T KNOW WHEN I FIRST HEARD ABOUT
THIS CUSTOM, BUT MY MOTHER TOLD ME THAT SHE CELEBRATED
DUNKING DAYS IN DUQUESNE, PENNSYLVANIA AROUND 1945.
Submitter comment:
THE INFORMANT ADVISES THAT HER MOTHER'S NAME IS
MARY MORSILLO GINGERICH, BORN OCTOBER 3, 1937,
FARRELL, PENNSYLVANIA.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; ROYAL OAK
James Callow Keyword(s): SEXISM
| Subject headings: | Favorites CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- May CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- June CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Measure of time Week Day Hour CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Spring Planting After all |
Date learned: 09-00-1982
NEW YEAR'S DAY BELIEF
IT IS CONSIDERED BAD LUCK FOR A WOMAN TO ENTER YOUR HOUSE
BEFORE A MAN ON NEW YEAR'S DAY. THE FIRST PERSON ENTERING
YOUR HOUSE ON NEW YEAR'S MUST NOT BE A WOMAN OR YOU WILL
HAVE BAD LUCK FOR THE ENTIRE YEAR. THIS IS SOMETHING
THAT I HEARD AS A CHILD. WE DIDN'T TAKE IT SERIOUSLY BUT
I DO KNOW OF PEOPLE WHO WILL REFUSE A WOMAN ENTRANCE ON
NEW YEAR'S DAY UNTIL A MAN ENTERS FIRST.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
James Callow Keyword(s): SEXISM
Date learned: 09-00-1982
IF THE FIRST VISITOR ON NEW YEARS DAY IS A MAN YOU WILL HAVE
GOOD LUCK THROUGHOUT THE YEAR.
Where learned: DETROIT
James Callow Keyword(s): SEXISM
Date learned: 00001950S
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
AN ESCAPE TO AMERICA
ONE OF MY DEAREST FRIENDS, NORA SHEPPARD IS 96 YEARS OLD, AND
EVERYONE CALLS HER GRANDMA SHEP. GRANDMA SHEP AS A SWEET
YOUNG COLLEEN EMIGRATING FROM ENGLAND TO THE BRIGHT LAND
OF OPPORTUNITY AND PROMISE, WAS VERY EXCITED TO BE COMING
TO THE UNITED STATES. AT ELLIS ISLAND THE OFFICIALS WERE
CHECKING CAREFULLY THE DOCUMENTS. NORA WAS ONLY SIXTEEN YEARS
OLD AND HAD NO RELATIVE TO SPONSOR HER. THE OFFICIAL SHOOK
HIS HEAD NO. THE FRANTIC YOUNG GIRL TURNED TO THE STOCKY
BOY WHO SHE HAD BECOME GOOD FRIENDS WITH AND SAID, "PLEASE
WOULD YOU MARRY ME?" WITHIN AN HOUR THE PRIEST HAD BLESSED
THE YOUNG COUPLE AND THEY WERE DULY WED. THEY SETTLED IN
THEIR NEW COUNTRY AND THE LESS THAN ROMANTIC BEGINNING
DEVELOPED INTO A MARRIAGE OF 63 YEARS, 7 CHILDREN, 35
GRANDCHILDREN AND 12 GREAT GRANDCHILDREN. IT WAS AND STILL
IS AN EXAMPLE OF LOVE TO ALL WHO KNOW THEM.
Submitter comment:
I THINK THAT THIS STORY GETS MORE DRAMATIC EVERY TIME IT IS
TOLD BUT IT IS STILL CUTE ANYWAYS. GRANDMA SHEP IS A
CHARACTER AND I WOULDN'T PUT IT PAST HER FEISTY DETERMINED
NATURE TO PROPOSE TO A MAN.
Where learned: MICHIGAN
James Callow Keyword(s): INVERSION ; ROLE REVERSAL ; SEXISM
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Married couple CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Marriage Proposal |
Date learned: 00001900CA
IF A GIRL HAS BEEN BAD TO HER PARENTS OR HAS TRIED TO HIT
THEM, HER HAND WILL COME OUT OF HER GRAVE UNTIL IT IS SLAPPED
DOWN.
Submitter comment:
THIS WAS TOLD TO THE INFORMANT BY HER BOYFRIEND. HIS
GRANDMOTHER TOLD HIM THIS STORY WHEN HE WAS A LITTLE BOY.
SHE SAID THAT IT COULD ONLY HAPPEN TO GIRLS.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
Keyword(s): PUNISHMENT
James Callow Keyword(s): FUNCTION ; JUSTICE ; SEXISM
| Subject headings: | Favorites BELIEF -- Body part Senses BELIEF -- Street Trip Relations between relatives, friends, host and guest Social class Rank BELIEF -- Death Funeral Burial SPEECH -- Gesture |
EVERY MONDAY MORNING, MY NEIGHBOR IN CLEVELAND SPRINKLED
SALT ON HER PORCH THEN SWEPT IT AWAY BECAUSE THIS WOULD
KEEP A WOMAN FROM ENTERING HER HOUSE BEFORE NOON.
Submitter comment:
SWEEPING IS STRONG "MEDICINE."
MAGIC
CURSE
Where learned: OHIO ; CLEVELAND
James Callow Keyword(s): SEXISM
| Subject headings: | Favorites BELIEF -- Mineral BELIEF -- Street Trip Relations between relatives, friends, host and guest Social class Rank BELIEF -- Measure of time WeekDayHour |
Date learned: 00001950S
MY NEIGHBOR, MRS. PAYNE, BELIEVES IN NOT LETTING A WOMAN
ENTER HER HOME BEFORE NOON ON ANY DAY; SHE DOESN'T EVEN
SPRINKLE SALT LIKE MY OTHER NEIGHBOR DID. SHE THINKS A
WOMAN WHO COMES INTO HER HOME BEFORE THAT TIME WILL BRING
HER BAD LUCK.
Submitter comment:
MY INFORMANT THINKS MRS. PAYNE IS FOOLISH.
MY INFORMANT THINKS ALL SUPERSTITIONS ARE FOOLISH.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
James Callow Keyword(s): SEXISM
Date learned: 10-29-1984
WHEN I FIRST CAME TO MICHIGAN, MY NEXT DOOR NEIGHBOR, MRS.
SHELLIE, WOULD ALWAYS CALL US THE FIRST THING ON NEW
YEAR'S DAY. SHE BELIEVED THAT A MAN SHOULD ENTER HER HOME
FIRST FOR GOOD LUCK. THEREFORE, SHE WOULD ALWAYS CALL AND
ASK YOUR FATHER TO VISIT THEM AT EIGHT O' CLOCK ON NEW
YEAR'S MORNING. THIS WAS HER BELIEF SO YOUR DADDY WOULD
GO OVER AND VISIT HER. HE WAS THE FIRST MAN, THE FIRST
MALE TO ENTER HER HOME ON NEW YEAR'S DAY. AFTER HE
ENTERED THE HOUSE, ANYONE ELSE WHO WANTED TO VISIT HER
COULD. IT'S JUST SOMETHING THAT WAS PASSED ON TO HER
FROM HER MOTHER AND GRANDMOTHER; TO THEM IT MEANT GOOD
LUCK THROUGHOUT THE YEAR.
Submitter comment:
CALLING AND VISITING FRIENDS AND RELATIVES ARE COMMON ON
NEW YEAR'S DAY.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
James Callow Keyword(s): SEXISM
Date learned: 00001900s ; 09-28-1984
It is bad luck to name a boat after a boy instead of a girl.
Submitter comment:
Elinor's dance instructor was concerned that a friend of hers
would regret that she had named her boat after her son.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; Sterling Heights
Keyword(s): ship, christening, advice
James Callow Keyword(s): SEXISM
| Subject headings: | Favorites BELIEF -- Bad luck Activities SPEECH -- Proper Name |
Entry filtered.