Dr. James T. Callow publications
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The James T. Callow Folklore Archive
Your search for ETIOLOGICAL returned 2 results.
TREE SKIN
WHILE SITTING ON BOB'S FRONT PORCH, WE WERE COMMENTING ON TWO
WHITE BIRCH TREES IN FRONT OF HIS HOME. BOB TOLD ME THAT FROM
WHAT HE HAD UNDERSTOOD, THE INDIANS USED TO WRAP THE TREES WITH
BUCKSKIN. WHEN THE SUN HIT IT, THE SKINS TURNED WHITE AND
ADHERED TO THE TREE. AS TIME WENT ON, ALL OF THE OFFSHOOTS OF THESE
PARTICULAR TREES TOOK THIS AS AN HEREDITARY TRAIT. AND THAT IS
WHY WE HAVE WHITE BIRCH TREES.
Submitter comment:
BOB SAID THAT HE HAD HEARD THIS TALE FROM A GUIDE ON A HUNTING
TRIP IN THE U.P.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
James Callow Keyword(s): ETIOLOGICAL
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Origin of Characteristics of Plants |
Date learned: 07-22-1964
SAMA DAVA
SAMA DAVA LITERALLY MEANS 'ALONE MAIDENS' IN BULGARIAN. THESE
ARE YOUNG AND BEAUTIFUL GIRLS WHO HAVE BEEN ABDUCTED BY EVIL
SPIRITS AND TAKEN INTO THE WOODS. HERE THEY REMAIN IMMORTAL,
AS THEY TRY TO TEMPT YOUNG SHEPHERD BOYS INTO JOINING THEM. THE
SAMA DAVA RETURN TO MORTAL WOMEN, IF THEIR SPECIAL CLOTHING IS
STOLEN BY SOME FORTUNATE MAN.
Submitter comment:
THE INFORMANT SAID PEASANTS GAVE US THE EXPLANATION OF THE SAMA
DAVA TO EXPLAIN THE DISSAPPEARANCE OF YOUNG GIRLS AND SHEPHERD
BOYS IN RURAL AREAS.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
James Callow Keyword(s): ETIOLOGICAL ; TRANSFORMATION
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Ghost Spirit Phantom Specter BELIEF -- Supernatural Being |
Date learned: 03-21-1970