Dr. James T. Callow publications
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The James T. Callow Folklore Archive
Your search for POSITION returned 662 results.
BELIEF
IF A PERSON ENTERS ONE DOOR, HE SHOULD LEAVE BY THE SAME TO
AVOID BAD LUCK.
Submitter comment:
THIS INFORMANTS GRANDMOTHER ALWAYS MADE SURE THIS WAS DONE IN
HER HOUSE.
Data entry tech comment:
Updated by TRD
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
Keyword(s): BELIEF ; Door ; Entrance ; Exit ; Huse ; LUCK ; SUPERSTITION
James Callow Keyword(s): DIRECTION ; POSITION
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Street Trip Relations between relatives, friends, host and guest Social class Rank BELIEF -- Bad luck |
Date learned: 09-22-1970
WALKING DOWN STAIRS
WHEN WALKING UP OR DOWN STAIRS WITH ANOTHER PERSON THE TWO
PEOPLE MUST WALK ON THE SAME SIDE OF THE STAIRS OR BAD LUCK
WILL FOLLOW THEM.
Submitter comment:
INFORMANTS AUNT TOLD HER THIS. INFORMANT HAS BEEN WITH HER
AUNT WHEN SHE HAS DONE THIS.
Data entry tech comment:
Updated by TRD
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
Keyword(s): BELIEF ; LUCK ; Relationship ; Stairs ; SUPERSTITION
James Callow Keyword(s): DIRECTION ; POSITION
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Street Trip Relations between relatives, friends, host and guest Social class Rank |
Date learned: 03-05-1971
RAILROAD CROSSING
WHENEVER DRIVING OVER RAILROAD TRACKS EVERYONE IN THE CAR
SHOULD LIFT THEIR FEET OFF THE FLOOR, DRIVER INCLUDED, AND
TOUCH THE ROOF OF THE CAR WITH THEIR HANDS. THIS IS TO INSURE THE
OCCUPANTS OF A LONG LIFE AND TO WARD OFF THE COMING OF OLD AGE.
Submitter comment:
INFORMANT DOES THIS OFTEN WHEN CROSSING RAILROAD TRACKS IN A CAR.
Data entry tech comment:
Updated by TRD
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
Keyword(s): BELIEF ; Car ; FEET ; Roof ; SUPERSTITION ; Tracks
James Callow Keyword(s): DIRECTION ; POSITION
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Body part Senses Feet, toes, toenails BELIEF -- Street Trip Relations between relatives, friends, host and guest Social class Rank SPEECH -- Gesture |
Date learned: 02-20-1971
WHEN CROSSING A BRIDGE OVER WATER HOLD YOUR BREATH AND
PICK UP YOUR FEET OR YOU LOSE YOUR BOYFRIEND.
Submitter comment:
ACQUIRED IN TAMPA, FLORIDA WHILE SHE WAS IN GRADE SCHOOL.
Data entry tech comment:
Updated by TRD
Keyword(s): BELIEF ; Boyfriend ; BREATH ; Bridge ; FEET ; Girlfriend ; Relationship ; SUPERSTITION ; WATER
James Callow Keyword(s): DIRECTION ; POSITION
Date learned: 08-02-1969
PREDICTION
WHILE GOING OVER A RAILROAD TRACK YOU MUST PICK UP YOUR FEET
OR YOU WILL LOSE YOUR BOY OR GIRL FRIEND.
Data entry tech comment:
Updated by TRD
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
Keyword(s): BELIEF ; Boyfriend ; Girlfriend ; Relationship ; SUPERSTITION ; Tracks
James Callow Keyword(s): DIRECTION ; POSITION
Date learned: 09-00-1969
WHEN YOU ARE RIDING OVER RAILROAD TRACKS IN A CAR, YOU
SHOULD LIFT YOUR FEET OFF THE FLOOR SO YOU WILL NOT LOSE YOUR
NEXT GIRL FRIEND.
Data entry tech comment:
Updated by TRD
Where learned: UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT
Keyword(s): BELIEF ; Boyfriend ; Car ; Girlfriend ; Relationship ; SUPERSTITION ; Tracks
James Callow Keyword(s): DIRECTION ; POSITION
| Subject headings: |
Date learned: 09-25-1968
IF A SPOON AND A FORK ARE CROSSED, IT MEANS BAD LUCK.
Submitter comment:
MR. MARCHETT WAS TOLD THIS BY HIS RELATIVES WHILE
HE VISITED IN LATIN AMERICA.
Data entry tech comment:
Updated by TRD
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
Keyword(s): Bad ; Fork ; LUCK ; OMEN ; SIGN ; Spoon ; UTENSILS
James Callow Keyword(s): DIRECTION ; POSITION ; Silverware
| Subject headings: | Food Drink -- Service Table furnishing and decoration Implement to handle food BELIEF -- Sign Geometric figure Angular forms BELIEF -- Bad luck Eating utensils |
Date learned: 02-28-1970
When you clear the table you should never put
the crumbs on the floor so that you won't go
hungry. You should never sweep the dirt and
crumbs from the floor directly out the door;
you should always use a dustpan.
Data entry tech comment:
Updated by TRD
Where learned: KANSAS ; Manhattan
Keyword(s): BELIEF ; CUSTOM ; Domesticity ; Housekeeping ; SUPERSTITION
James Callow Keyword(s): DIRECTION ; POSITION
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Measure of time Eating For menu, see N222. |
Date learned: 00001920S
WHEN DRESSING, TO AVOID BAD LUCK, ALWAYS DRESS
YOURSELF FROM THE LEFT TO THE RIGHT SIDE.
Data entry tech comment:
Updated by TRD
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
Keyword(s): CLOTHING ; DIRECTION ; LEFT ; LUCK ; RIGHT
James Callow Keyword(s): POSITION DIRECTION
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Good luck Clothing (dress, hat, shoes, suit, etc.) |
Date learned: 01-00-1968
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
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
TO CURE HICCUPS, BEND FORWARD AT THE WAIST AND DRINK A GLASS
OF WATER FROM THE OPPOSITE SIDE OF THE GLASS. HOLD YOUR
BREATH AND DRINK THE ENTIRE GLASS.
Submitter comment:
EXCELLENT CURE!
Data entry tech comment:
Updated by TRD
Where learned: MONTANA
Keyword(s): AILMENT ; CURE ; DRINK ; HICCUPS ; Homeopathy ; WATER
James Callow Keyword(s): DIRECTION ; POSITION
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Mineral BELIEF -- Method of Curing |
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
BELIEF-DAILY LIFE
IF YOUR LEFT PALM ITCHES, YOU WILL RECEIVE A LETTER.
Submitter comment:
LEARNED FROM HER SCHOOL FRIENDS.
Data entry tech comment:
Updated by TRD
Where learned: INDIANA ; South Bend
Keyword(s): Hand ; ITCH ; Palm ; PREDICTION ; SIGN ; SYMBOL ; Visitor
James Callow Keyword(s): DIRECTION ; POSITION
| Subject headings: | Observation BELIEF -- Sensations and involuntary actions Itching hands and feet |
Date learned: 11-23-1967
BASEBALL SUPERSTITION
BASEBALL PLAYERS WILL NOT STEP ON THE BASE LINE WHEN GOING
OUT TO THEIR FIELD POSITION. TO DO SO IS BAD LUCK.
Data entry tech comment:
Informant and collector share the same surname.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; BIRMINGHAM
James Callow Keyword(s): POSITION DIRECTION
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Entertainment Diversion BELIEF -- Bad luck |
Date learned: 01-22-1968
BASKETBALL BELIEF
TIE SHOE LACES ON THE SIDE OF YOUR SHOE FOR GOOD LUCK,
INSTEAD OF TYING THEM STRAIGHT UP.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT CAMPUS
James Callow Keyword(s): POSITION DIRECTION
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Entertainment Diversion BELIEF -- Good luck P881.19 |
Date learned: 03-03-1971
BASEBALL BELIEF
PITCHERS NEVER CROSS THE FIRST OR THIRD BASE LINE BECAUSE IT
MEANS BAD LUCK.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT
James Callow Keyword(s): NUMBER ; POSITION DIRECTION
| Subject headings: | 686 686.1 686 686.1 BELIEF -- Entertainment Diversion BELIEF -- Bad luck |
Date learned: 03-04-1971
PREGNANCY BELIEF
A PREGNANT WOMAN MUST NOT RAISE HER HANDS OVER HER
HEAD, OR SHE WILL STRANGLE HER UNBORN BABY.
Submitter comment:
INFORMANT IS A PUBLIC HEALTH NURSE AND HAS HEARD THIS REPEATEDLY FROM HER PATIENTS. THERE IS, OF COURSE, NO MEDICAL TRUTH IN THIS, BUT IT IS WIDELY
BELIEVED.
Where learned: MICHIGAN
James Callow Keyword(s): POSITION DIRECTION
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Body part Senses Hands, palms, fingernails BELIEF -- Birth |
Date learned: NOT GIVEN
BIRTH BELIEF
IF A WOMAN CARRIES A BABY OUT FRONT IN HER STOMACH, IT'S A BOY.
Submitter comment:
THIS WAS RELATED TO INFORMANT BY HER MOTHER WHO EXPERIENCED MANY CASES
THAT HAVE PROVEN THIS BELIEF.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT
James Callow Keyword(s): POSITION DIRECTION ; SEX DETERMINATION
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Body part Senses BELIEF -- Birth |
Date learned: 02-20-1971
BIRTH BELIEF
IF A WOMAN CARRIES A BABY IN HER HIP, IT'S A GIRL.
Submitter comment:
THIS IS A BELIEF THAT WAS TOLD INFORMANT BY HER GRANDMOTHER.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT ; STUDENT UNION
James Callow Keyword(s): POSITION DIRECTION ; SEX DETERMINATION
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Birth |
Date learned: 02-20-1971