Dr. James T. Callow publications
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The James T. Callow Folklore Archive
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PROVERB
PUNCTUALITY IS THE POLITENESS OF KINGS.
Where learned: NOT GIVEN
James Callow Keyword(s): CONSIDERATION ; DEFINITION? ; PROMPTNESS ; ROYALTY
| Subject headings: | PROVERB -- Proverbial Metaphor PROVERB -- Proverbial Apothegm Maxim |
PROVERB
PUPIL WHO TRIES TO PULL WOOL OVER TEACHERS EYES MAY FIND
THAT SHE IS NOT THE SHEEP THAT HE THINKS SHE IS.
Where learned: DETROIT ; MICHIGAN, ASSUMED
James Callow Keyword(s): ADVICE: NEGATIVE ; ANIMAL ; DECEIT ; EDUCATION
| Subject headings: | PROVERB -- Proverbial Metaphor |
Date learned: NOT GIVEN
PROVERB
PURPLE IS A FAIR WINDING SHEET.
Where learned: NOT GIVEN
James Callow Keyword(s): COLOR ; MORTUARY RITE
| Subject headings: | PROVERB -- Proverbial Metaphor |
Date learned: NOT GIVEN
PROVERB
PUT ONE GRAIN NEXT TO ANOTHER AND SOON YOU'LL HAVE A PILE.
Submitter comment: TRANSLATED FROM LITHUANIAN
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
James Callow Keyword(s): FOOD? ; MANY A LITTLE MAKES A ; OBSERVATION ; PERSISTENCE
| Subject headings: | PROVERB -- Proverbial Metaphor |
Date learned: 02-17-1971
PUT THAT IN YOUR PIPE AND SMOKE IT.
Where learned: OHIO ; Sylvania
James Callow Keyword(s): ADVICE: POSITIVE ; RETORT ; SYMBOL ; THINK IT OVER
| Subject headings: | SPEECH -- Formula PROVERB -- Proverbial Phrase |
Date learned: NOT GIVEN
ITALIAN PROVERB
PUT THE BREAD TO YOUR MOUTH
AND YOU WILL FIND AN APPETITE.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; MILFORD
James Callow Keyword(s): ADVICE: POSITIVE ; FOOD ; YOU CAN DO WITH WHAT YOU HAVE
| Subject headings: | PROVERB -- Proverbial Metaphor PROVERB -- Proverbial Apothegm Maxim |
Date learned: 09-22-1968
CART AND HORSE
A PERSON WHO HAD BEEN CARRIED AWAY AND JUMPED
INTO SOMETHING WITHOUT THINKING MIGHT HAVE BEEN SAID TO HAVE
PUT THE CART BEFORE THE HORSE.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
James Callow Keyword(s): ANIMAL ; PRECIPITOUS ; REVERSAL ; SYMBOL ; TRANSPORTATION
| Subject headings: | PROVERB -- Proverbial Phrase |
Date learned: 09-00-1969
PROVERBIAL METAPHOR
AN OLD SAYING TO EXPRESS DISGUST OVER A NICE THING
BEING RUINED BY NEGLECT IS CALLED
PUTTING A TUXEDO ON A HOG.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
Keyword(s): ANIMAL ; ANIMAL ; CLOTHING ; CONTRAST ; INCONGRUITY
James Callow Keyword(s): COVER UP: SURFACE DRESSING
| Subject headings: | PROVERB -- Proverbial Phrase |
Date learned: 03-10-1968
PROVERBIAL METAPHOR
PUT UP OR SHUT UP
James Callow comment: SIMILAR TO THE PROVERB ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; WARREN
James Callow Keyword(s): ADVICE: POSITIVE ; ELLIPSIS ; FUNCTION ; PARALLELISM
| Subject headings: | SPEECH -- Formula PROVERB -- Proverbial Metaphor |
Date learned: NOT GIVEN
PROVERB
PUT YOUR BEST FOOT FORWARD.
Submitter comment: FROM UNCERTAIN
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; GROSSE POINTE
James Callow Keyword(s): ADVICE: POSITIVE ; FUNCTION
| Subject headings: | PROVERB -- Proverbial Metaphor |
Date learned: 00001964 (SUMMER)
PROVERB
POGGI SEIFEC F GHANTEC GHAX BILLI TGHATI TIEHU (MALTESE)
PUT YOUR SWORD AT YOUR SIDE - THOSE THAT LIVE BY
THE SWORD DIE BY THE SWORD.
Data entry tech comment: ORIGINAL 5 X 8 CARD CONTAINS MALTESE TEXT.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
James Callow Keyword(s): ADVICE: POSITIVE ; OBSERVATION ; THREAT ; TRANSLATION
| Subject headings: | PROVERB -- Proverbial Apothegm Maxim |
Date learned: 03-08-1970
HOW THE SNAKE GOT ITS RATTLE
EVERY DAY THE OL' SNAKE FOUND HIS SELF GETTIN' STEPPED ON, RAN OVER,
KICKED AROUND OR SOMETHING WHEN HE TRIED TO CROSS THE PATH DOWN BY
MASON CREEK. HE WAS GETTIN' MIGHTY TRIED OF IT: SO HE TOLD THE LORD
SAY, "LORD, I'M GETTIN' MIGHTY TRIED OF FOLKS STEPPING ON,
RUNNING OVER AND KICKING ME AROUND - JUS' AIN'T FAIR. I LIVE DOWN
HERE TOO; I GOT JUS' MUCH RIGHTS AS EVERYBODY ELSE DOWN HERE;
PEOPLE DON'T PAY NO ATTENTION TO ME, LORD: THE SNAKE COMPLAINTED.
"COULD BE THAT THEY JUST DON'T KNOW WHEN YOU'RE ABOUT. CAN'T
BLAME 'EM, CAUSE YOU IS WAY-LOW-DOWN, YA SEE", THE LORD ASKED THE
SNAKE. THE SNAKE SAID, "YOU KNOW, YOU MIGHT BE RIGHT." "I KNOW,
HERE, TAKE THIS HERE SHAKER, EVERYTIME YOU SEE SOMEBODY COMING YO'
WAY YOU JUS' SHAKE IT. YA' HEAR ME NOW?", THE LORD ASKED THE SNAKE.
Submitter comment:
I HAVE HEARD A SIMILAR STORY IN ALABAMA ABOUT THIS SNAKE'S RATTLE; I
NOTICED A LOCAL NAME - "MASON CREEK".
Where learned: MISSISSIPPI
James Callow Keyword(s): COMPOUND EPITHET: WAY-LOW-DOWN ; METATHESIS: TRIED FOR TIRED
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Characteristics of Animals |
Date learned: 00-00-1940
WHEN SETTING THE TABLE FOR CHRISTMAS EVE DINNER, AN EXTRA PLATE IS
ALWAYS PUT OUT FOR THE "UNINVITED GUEST." THIS IS DONE BECAUSE OF THE
BELIEF THAT CHRIST MIGHT COME TO THE HOME IN THE FORM OF A NEEDY
INDIVIDUAL SEEKING FOOD.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
James Callow Keyword(s): CHARITY ; POLISH CUSTOM
Date learned: 10-00-1975
MAFIA APPLICATION
=====================================================================
MAFIA APPLICATION
WHATZA U NAME?}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}U HAGE?}}}}}}}
WHATZA U HOWZA NUMBA?}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}U STREETA?}}}}}}}}}}
WHATZA U BAG? HITTAMAN}}}}}LONE ARRANGER}}}}}PROSTITUIT}}}}}
PUTTA DOWNNA WEAR U WORGA NOW}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}
IZZA U GIRL!!!! OR BOY?!!!! (JUSTTE CHEKA ONE)
WAZZA U INN DE BIGGA OUSE?}}}}}WHATTA WAZZA U INN DE BIGGA OUSE 4?
I SHOOTE ONE GUIZE}}}}}I KEEDENAP SOMEBODYS}}}}}
PROTECKSHON RAGGETS}}}}}SOM UDDER DINGZA}}}}}
U WANNA BE DE BIGGA SHOTZA SOMDAZE? YASSE?}}}}}NO?}}}}}EH?}}}}}
U NO OW 2 MAKKE DE CEMENT SHOOZE?}}}}}}}}}}
U NO OW 2 DRIVA DE CAR? CADDILLAC?}}}}}BUICK?}}}}}LINKEN?}}}}}
U LIKA EAT GARLIC?}}}}}PIZZA?}}}}}SALAMI?}}}}}U LIKKA SPAGHETTI?}}}}}
U LIKKA GIRLZE OR BOYZE?}}}}}}}}}}(PEEKA JUSTA ONE, NO FOOLA ROUND)
U SEE DE GODFATHER?}}}}}OR JUSTE DE MOVIE?}}}}}
---------------------------------------------------------------------
WHENNA U JOINNE U GONNA GETTA SOMADING U REELY GONNA LIKKE.
1 PR. DARKE GLAZZES
1 BLAKE SHIRTE WIDDA WITE TIE
1 WITE HAT WIDDE BLACKE BRIMA
1 PR. POINIE SHOOZE
1 PR. CEMENT SHOOZE (COMZA LATER IFFA U FOOLAROUND)
GOODA STOFF (IFFA U NOTTE SURE, I TELLA U WHATTA U GET WIZZA GUY)
1 KISSE (LATER-ONNA U CHEEDK)
=====================================================================
Submitter comment: MONOLOGUE IN ITALIAN DIALECT
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
James Callow Keyword(s): HOUSE NUMBER STREET LONE RANGER PROSTITUTE ; SLANG: BIG HOUSE
| Subject headings: | SPEECH -- Underworld SPEECH -- Formula SPEECH -- Gesture |
Date learned: 10-00-1975
CHRISTMAS CUSTOM
IT IS A WIDESPREAD AND WELL-KNOWN CUSTOM THAT A PIECE OF MISTLETOE
IS HUNG FROM DOORWAYS, CHANDELIERS, CEILINGS, ETC. AS A CHRISTMAS
DECORATION. IF A MAN AND WOMAN SHOULD BOTH HAPPEN TO BE STANDING
UNDER THE MISTLETOE, THEY ARE SUPPOSED TO KISS. IF ONE OF THEM IS
UNDER THE MISTLETOE ALONE, THE OTHER MAY COME UP TO KISS THEM.
Submitter comment:
THIS IS PROBABLY ONE OF THE MOST WIDESPREAD OF CHRISTMAS CUSTOMS.
PEOPLE PROBABLY FOLLOW IT BECAUSE IT IS FUN AND FITS IN WITH THE
FESTIVE HOLIDAY MOOD.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
James Callow Keyword(s): PLANT PARASITIC
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 25 Christmas Also see F642, below. CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20 Mistletoe and other greenery SPEECH -- Gesture |
Date learned: CA00001966
LEGEND
IF YOU NEED MONEY, ONE WAY TO GET IT IS TO WRITE A LETTER TO A DEAD
RELATIVE. ADDRESS THE ENVELOPE AND STAMP IT JUST LIKE YOU WERE
MAILING THE LETTER. THEN PUT IT ON TOP OF A GLASS OF WATER AND
PLACE THEM UNDER YOUR BED. WHAT IS SUPPOSED TO HAPPEN IS THAT THE
RELATIVE WILL COME BACK TO YOU AND TELL YOU THE NUMBERS FOR THE
NUMBERS RACKET THE NEXT DAY. SO A LADY DID THIS, SHE WROTE TO HER
DEAD BABY SISTER AND PUT THE LETTER ON A GLASS OF WATER UNDER HER
BED. SHE WOKE UP DURING THE NIGHT WHEN SHE FELT SOMEONE GETTING
INTO BED WITH HER. SHE LOOKED AND IT WAS THE BODY OF AN ADULT WITH
THE HEAD OF HER BABY SISTER. SHE RAN OUT OF THE HOUSE AND RAN
DOWN THE STREET SCREAMING. AND SHE'S BEEN CRAZY EVER SINCE.
Submitter comment:
WHEN MY INFORMANT LEARNED THIS STORY, THE PERSON WHO TOLD IT TO HER
WARNED HER TO BE SURE NOT TO TRY IT. SHE THINKS IT,S A SILLY STORY,
BUT SHE WON'T TRY TO DISPROVE IT.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT ; CAMPUS
James Callow Keyword(s): DECAPITATION
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Physically handicapped Deformed CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Death Funeral Burial BELIEF -- Ghost Spirit Phantom Specter BELIEF -- Number BELIEF -- Fate Destiny Luck Chance |
Date learned: 11-00-1975
LENTEN BIBLE
DURING LENT, EVERYNIGHT MY FATHER HAD US CHILDREN, EACH TAKING
TURNS, READING ALOUD TO THE ENTIRE FAMILY FROM THE BIBLE OR FROM OUR
BIBLE HISTORY FOR ABOUT HALF AN HOUR.
Keyword(s): SPIRITUAL READING
| Subject headings: | 663 Lent BELIEF -- Prayer |
Date learned: 10-00-1968
( HOLY WEEK CUSTOMS )
SOME OF THE OLD WORLD CUSTOMS THAT ARE CELEBRATED BY
POLISH-AMERICANS, AND ARE A BIG PART OF OUR HERITAGE STEM FROM
OUR CATHOLIC FAITH. THE BIGGEST AND MOST IMPORTANT IS EASTER.
AT THE CONCLUSION OF HOLY THURSDAY SERVICES OUR ALTAR IS
STRIPPED OF ITS VESTMENTS AND IS LEFT BARE. THE TABERNACLE
IS LEFT OPEN AND THE SACREMENT REMOVED. AT THE SIDE ALTAR THE
SEPULCHRE IS PREPARED. AT 3:00 ON GOOD FRIDAY THE FIGURE OF
CHRIST WILL BE LYING IN THE TOMB. ON GOOD FRIDAY ( , )
BEGINNING AT 12:00 NOON ( , ) THE CHURCH IS FILLED TO CAPACITY
WITH WORSHIPPERS COMMENORATING ( COMMEMORATING ) CHRIST'S
CRUCIFIXION. THE CROSS IS CARRIED THROUGH THE AISLES COVERING
CHRIST'S FOOTSTEPS ON THE WAY TO CALVARY. AT 3:00, THE PRIEST
LEADS THE PROCESSION TO THE SEPULCHRE AND THE FIGURE OF CHRIST IS
UNCOVERED.
THE MORNING OF HOLY SATURDAY FINDS THE PEOPLE COMING TO THE CHURCH
TO RECEIVE HOLY WATER AND THORNS. IN POLISH HOMES YOU WILL FIND
A RECEPTACLE FOR HOLY WATER AT THE ENTRANCE OF THE BEDROOMS FROM
WHICH THE MOTHER BLESSES HER FAMILY WHILE THEY ARE ASLEEP AT
NIGHT. A VISIT IS PAID TO THE SEPULCHRE WHICH IS GUARDED BY
SOLDIERS. THE PARISHIONERS BRING EASTER LILIES TO ADORN CHRIST'S
TOMB. AT 1:00 WE BRING FOOD BASKETS TO THE CHURCH TO BE BLESSED,
WHICH WILL BE EATEN FOR BREAKFAST ON EASTER. THE FOOD CONSISTS OF
POLISH SAUSAGE (KIELBASA) ( , ) BUTTER SHAPED IN THE FORM OF A
LAMB WITH A RED RIBBON AROUND ITS NECK, SIGNIFYING CHRIST,
THE SLAIN LAMB. A SWEET BREAD MADE OF EGG AND SWEET RAISINS IS
BRAIDED INTO A LOAF, HORSERADISH AND COLORED EASTER ( EGGS ) ARE
ALSO IN THE BASKET.
EASTER MORNING AT 5:00 A.M. THE SUNRISE SERVICES BEGIN.
CHILDREN DRESSED IN WHITE ( , ) WEARING BLUE CAPES ( , ) COME IN
PROCESSION CARRYING FLOWERS. THEY ARE MET AT THE ALTAR BY THE
PRIEST AND WITH A TRUMPET FANFARE PROCEED TO THE TOMB. THERE
THEY FIND THE FIGURE OF CHRIST HAS BEEN REMOVED AND WHERE HE LAID
FLOWERS EN-MASSE. ARTIFICIAL SUNRAYS PROFUSE FROM THE TOMB, AND
THE SOLDIERS ARE GONE. CHRIST IS RISEN.
IN THE OLD COUNTRY EASTER MONDAY FINDS THE BOYS CHASING THEIR
GIRLS WITH LONG SWITCHES TO SWITCH THEIR LEGS. THEY IN TURN,
ARE CHASING THE BOYS WITH BUCKETS OF WATER.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; SAINT CLAIR SHORES
Keyword(s): DYNGUS DAY ; FOOD CUSTOM ; MUSIC ; RITUAL WHIPPING ; SWIECZONKA ; SYMBOL ; WATER
Date learned: 11-10-1971
TRADITIONAL POLISH CELEBRATION OF HOLY WEEK AND EASTER
ON HOLY THURSDAY THE BISHOPS AND PRIESTS WASH THE FEET OF 12
POOR PEOPLE IN MEMORY OF THE LAST SUPPER.
ON GOOD FRIDAY THERE IS A SPECIAL MASS WITH PRAYERS FOR ALL.
THE HOLY SACRAMENT IS PUT INTO A DARK CELL, AS CHRIST WAS, TO BE
ADORED CONSTANTLY. THERE IS A SPECIAL TOMB PUT UP AT A SIDE ALTAR
WHICH IS DECORATED WITH FLOWERS AND OFTEN DOVES. HERE THE PEOPLE
COME TO VISIT AND PRAY BOTH FRIDAY AND SATURDAY.
ON HOLY SATURDAY WATER AND THORNS ARE BLESSED IN THE MORNING AT
CHURCH. IN THE AFTERNOON, A BASKET OF FOOD IS TAKEN TO THE CHURCH TO
BE BLESSED. THE BASKET TRADITIONALLY CONTAINS BREAD, SALT, PEPPER,
EASTER EGGS (BOILED), KIELBASA (SAUSAGE), AND BUTTER IN THE FORM OF
A LAMB. ALSO, IT IS CUSTOMARY TO VISIT AS MANY CHURCHES AS POSSIBLE
THAT DAY.
AT DAWN OF EASTER SUNDAY, THE RESURRECTION MASS IS HELD.
AFTER THIS MASS, THE FAMILY COMES HOME TO EASTER BREAKFAST
COMPOSED OF THE EASTER BASKET FOOD. AS A CUSTOMARY PRACTICE, THE
MEAL IS STARTED BY THE OLDEST MEMBER, WHO TAKES A BLESSED EGG, WHICH
HAS BEEN QUARTERED, AND SHARES IT WITH EACH MEMBER, WISHING HIM
HAPPINESS AND HEALTH. THE EGG IS REPRESENTATIVE OF LIFE. THEN
EVERYONE SITS DOWN TO EAT THE EASTER MEAL.
MY GRANDMOTHER REMEMBERS THIS FROM PRACTICE TO THIS DAY.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DEARBORN
Keyword(s): FAMILY UNITY ; FOOD CUSTOM ; SWIECZONKA ; WATER
Date learned: 10-27-1967
CUSTOM
ON GOOD FRIDAY MORNING THE FATHER OF THE FAMILY USED TO SWITCH
THE LEGS OF HIS CHILDREN WHILE THEY WERE STILL IN BED ASLEEP ( , )
SAYING ( , ) "NA BOZE RONY" MEANING "FOR CHRIST'S WOUNDS". THIS
TRADITION WAS PRACTICED BY POLISH PEOPLES LIVING IN
AMERICA.
Submitter comment:
THE INFORMANT STATED THAT HER FATHER HAD LIVED IN POLAND NEAR THE
CITY OF PAZAN WHERE THIS TRADITION WAS POPULAR.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; RESIDENCE ; DETROIT
Keyword(s): RITUAL WHIPPING
| Subject headings: | 663 Good Friday Favorites |
Date learned: DATE NOT RECORDED BY COLLECTOR