Dr. James T. Callow publications
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The James T. Callow Folklore Archive
Your search for HORSE returned 45 results.
ROSES ARE RED, VIOLETS ARE BIGGER
TWO MORE LEGS, AND YOU'D LOOK LIKE TRIGGER.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
James Callow Keyword(s): TRIGGER=ROY ROGERS' HORSE
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Autograph Verse Roses are red and other such associations |
Date learned: 00-00-1962
RIDDLE
Q: WHO ALWAYS GOES TO BED WITH HIS SHOES ON?
A: A HORSE
Data entry tech comment: ANOTHER EXAMPLE IN THE 5 X 8 CARD FILES.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
Keyword(s): ANIMAL (A) ; LITERAL NONOPPOSITIONAL ; WEARABLE (Q) ; WISDOM
James Callow Keyword(s): HORSESHOES
| Subject headings: | RIDDLE -- True Riddle |
Date learned: NOT GIVEN
RIDDLE
Q: SMALLER THAN A STALLION, ANGRIER THAN THE DEVIL.
A: PEPPER.
Submitter comment: TRANSLATED FROM LITHUANIAN
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
Keyword(s): ANIMAL AND DEVIL (Q) ; EATABLES AND DRINKS (A) ; METAPHORICAL
James Callow Keyword(s): HORSE ; SEASONING
| Subject headings: | RIDDLE -- True Riddle |
Date learned: 02-17-1971
LUCK
IF YOU HAVE A HORSESHOE ON THE WALL MAKE SURE THE OPEN END IS AT
THE TOP SO THAT ALL YOUR LUCK WILL STAY AND NOT LEAVE.
Keyword(s): SUPERNATURAL: HORSESHOE AS LUCKY CHARM
James Callow Keyword(s): POSITION DIRECTION
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Good luck P881.12 BELIEF -- Conversions P883.12 |
Date learned: 03-10-1970
BLACK AMERICAN
IF BUTTER WILL NOT COME, DROP
A RED HOT HORSE SHOE IN THE
MILK TO KILL THE WITCHES; THEN
THE BUTTER WILL COME. INFOR-
MANT HEARD ON GRANDMOTHER'S FARM
WHEN A CHILD.
Where learned: MISSISSIPPI
James Callow Keyword(s): HORSESHOE ; IRON
| Subject headings: | Food Drink -- Animal product Butter BELIEF -- Witch Shaman BELIEF -- Mineral |
Date learned: 09-15-1985
Indian Ritual
Cherokee Indians believe that when near death their
hands should be placed over their heart in order to allow
the spirit horse to come and deliver their soul away.
Submitter comment:
I read this in a student publication section from the
University of Arizona student newspaper.
Where learned: Arizona
Keyword(s): Cherokee, horse.
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Death Funeral Burial |
Date learned: 00-00-1990
THREE MONTHS AFTER YOU HEAR THE FIRST JULY FLY, IT WILL
FROST.
Where learned: TENNESSEE ; NASHVILLE
Keyword(s): FROST FLY CHATTER FLY DRY FLY HORSE FLY KATYDID
James Callow Keyword(s): ALL IN HAND, NC, NUMBERS 7085 AND 7092.
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Sign or prediction through Natural atmospheric phenomenon |
Date learned: 07-03-1970
THE LOPEY HORSE
A FARMER HAD A HORSE THAT HE COULDN'T BREAK FOR
RIDING. THE HORSE WOULD REAR UP AND FALL ON ITS
BACK OR ELSE TURN A FOREWARD SOMMERSAULT WHEN
ANYONE TRIED TO RIDE IT. THE FARMER SAID HE WOULD
GIVE FIVE DOLLARS TO ANYONE THAT COULD BREAK HIM.
ONE SUNDAY, I WENT TO WATCH A BUNCH OF BOYS TRY TO
RIDE IT, BUT NONE OF THEM COULD DO IT. I TOLD THE
FARMER THAT IF HE WOULD LET ME TAKE IT HOME, I WOULD
HAVE IT BROKE IN A WEEKS TIME. HE SAID YES AND I
TOOK IT HOME AND PUT HIM TO PLOWING FOR A WEEK. FROM
THEN ON, WHEN ANYONE TRIED TO RIDE IT, ALL HE HAD TO
SAY WAS 'GET UP.' THE HORSE WOULD THINK IT WAS
STILL IN THE PLOW HARNESS AND COULD BE RIDDEN.
Submitter comment: THIS STORY WAS TOLD AS TRUTH. IT IS NOT A TALL TALE.
Where learned: NOT GIVEN
James Callow Keyword(s): BREAKING IN A HORSE ; PERSONAL NARRATIVE
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Human Being PROSE NARRATIVE -- Mammal |
Date learned: 11-08-1968
THE LOPEY HORSE
A FARMER HAD A HORSE THAT HE COULDN'T BREAK FOR
RIDING. THE HORSE WOULD REAR UP AND FALL ON ITS
BACK OR ELSE TURN A FOREWARD SOMMERSAULT WHEN
ANYONE TRIED TO RIDE IT. THE FARMER SAID HE WOULD
GIVE FIVE DOLLARS TO ANYONE THAT COULD BREAK HIM.
ONE SUNDAY, I WENT TO WATCH A BUNCH OF BOYS TRY TO
RIDE IT, BUT NONE OF THEM COULD DO IT. I TOLD THE
FARMER THAT IF HE WOULD LET ME TAKE IT HOME, I WOULD
HAVE IT BROKE IN A WEEKS TIME. HE SAID YES AND I
TOOK IT HOME AND PUT HIM TO PLOWING FOR A WEEK. FROM
THEN ON, WHEN ANYONE TRIED TO RIDE IT, ALL HE HAD TO
SAY WAS 'GET UP.' THE HORSE WOULD THINK IT WAS
STILL IN THE PLOW HARNESS AND COULD BE RIDDEN.
Submitter comment: THIS STORY WAS TOLD AS TRUTH. IT IS NOT A TALL TALE.
Where learned: NOT GIVEN
James Callow Keyword(s): PERSONAL NARRATIVE BREAKING IN A HORSE
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Human Being PROSE NARRATIVE -- Mammal |
Date learned: 11-08-1968
THOROUGHBREDS NEVER WIMPPER. {SIC}
Keyword(s): HORSES ANIMALS
| Subject headings: | PROVERB -- Proverbial Metaphor |
THE FACE
HIS FACE LOOKS LIKE THE SOUTH END (SIDE) OF A HORSE GOING NORTH.
Submitter comment:
YOU CAN USE THIS RETORT ANYTIME SOMEONE IS BRAGGING OR PUTTING
SOMEONE ELSE DOWN AND YOU WANT HIM TO KNOW HE HAS NOTHING TO TALK
ABOUT.
Where learned: HOME ; MICHIGAN ; GROSSE POINTE WOODS
James Callow Keyword(s): ANIMAL COMPARISON ; EUPHEMISM FOR RUMP OF HORSE ; INSULT UGLINESS
| Subject headings: | SPEECH -- Formula |
Date learned: 02-25-1971
The Blacksmiths Son
Long ago in a small village there lived a blacksmith. Now although blacksmiths were poor, they were, nevertheless, held in respect because they were the strongest men in the village.
People used to go to the blacksmith for advice and help. This particular balcksmithhad one son, and the blacksmith wanted his son to be a blacksmith also. But the son was lazy and did not like to work. One day he told his father: "father, I have a very brilliant idea. I'm going to learn your trade in an easy way. Here's my plan: Put me in a large basket above yuor workshop and I will watch everything you do. And by watching you constantly, I will earn your trade."
So the son was put in the basket and watched his father fort several months. Then the son said to his father: "Father, I think I'm ready." And so the father gave the son tools, and a large piece of iron, and said to his son: "now son, what are you going to make?"
"Father," the son said, "I think I'll make a hammer."
"Son," the father said, "If you can make a hammer, you will be a better blacksmith than I, because it took me five years to learn how to make a hammer." And the son worked feverishly for several days but to no avail. So the son went to his father and said: "Father, I think I'll make a horseshoe instead."
The father said; "Son, if you can make a horseshoe, you will be a better blacksmith than I, because it took me three years to learn how to make a horseshoe." The son again went out, pounding and forming, but to no avail. He said to the fahter: "Father, I think I will make a nail instead of a horseshoe."
The fahter said: "Son, if you can make a nail, you will be a better blacksmith than I, because it took me two years to learn how to make a nail." The son worked for several hours, but to no avail. He said to his father: "Father, I will make something you never made. I will make a needle."
"Son," said the father, "if you make a needle, you will be a better blacksmith than I, for no smith has made a needle. " And so, the son worked and worked until finally there was nothing left. but he did not give up. He said: "Father, I will make something with no iron at all."
"Son, if you can make something without iron, it will indeed make you a great blacksmith," the father replied.
The son said: "Come watch, Father." He took a pair of tongs and heated them red hot, and suddenly plunged them into a barrel of water, and said: "Father, I did it. I made a pss."
Data entry tech comment:
Motifs added by TRD
James Callow comment:
Original Boggs Number [ B665] crossed out and B646 is written next to it.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; ALLEN PARK
Keyword(s): Blacksmith ; FAMILY ; Father ; Hammer ; HORSESHOE ; HUMOR ; IRON ; Learn ; Lesson ; Needle ; Outsmart ; Skill ; Son ; TRADE ; Wise ; Wisecrack
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Romantic Realistic |
Entry filtered.
Belief: Animal
When you see a white horse you lick your fore-finger and wipe it on your left palm, then double up your fist and hit your palm.
Data entry tech comment:
Motifs added by TRD
James Callow comment:
Original BN [P880] is crossed out/replaced with current classifications
Written next to BN: [Since the collector used this nuimber himself, we must assume that this is done for luck.]
Written underneath the text of the submission: For Luck??
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
Keyword(s): ANIMAL ; BELIEF ; COLOR ; CUSTOM ; HORSE ; jinx ; LUCK
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Mammal BELIEF -- Color BELIEF -- Fate Destiny Luck Chance |
Ethnic: German
Tros, tros, tril,
Der Bauerhat ein Phil,
Das Philchen will nicht lauffen,
Der Bauer will verkaufen,
Tros, tros, tril.
This verse was sung by a grandfather to a small child. It accompanied a little game in which the grandfather sat with his knees crossed. On his right leg the child was seated facing the grandfather who grasped the child's hands. As the grandfather sings the verse, he gives the child a "pony" ride on his leg.
The verse tells of a farmer who had a horse, the horse would not run, so the farmer wants to sell the horse.
Submitter comment:
The informant remembers her German-born father entertaining his grandchildren with this game in Kenosha, Wisconsin about 30 years ago.
Data entry tech comment:
Motifs added by TRD
Loose (very loose) translation:
Tros, Tros, tril, The Bauerhat a Phil, The Philchen will not often run, the farmer wants to sell, Tros, Tros, tril.
James Callow comment:
Original BN [C520, C750] crossed out. Replaced with current classification.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
Keyword(s): CHILDREN ; Entertainment ; ETHNIC ; Fable ; GAME ; GERMAN ; HORSE ; Play ; RHYME ; SONG
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Game Verse C750.520 |
Entertainment: Game
"Pony Boy" game:
Put a small child on lap. Child should be facing you. Bounce shild up and down by bouncing your own knees. Continue the bouncing and sing:
Pony Boy, Pony Boy
Won't you be my Pony Boy?
Marry me; carry me
Right across the lane.
Giddy-up, Giddy-up....
(gradually bounce faster - at height of speed, extend your legs out and let child slide down, saying:)
Whoa! Don't you drop him!
(slide child back up).
Submitter comment:
My sister taught me it. As a nurse in the nursery she used to do it with the children.
Data entry tech comment:
Motifs added by TRD
James Callow comment:
Original BN [C524.360] crossed out. Replaced with current classification
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
Keyword(s): CHILD ; Entertainment ; GAME ; HORSE ; Pony ; RHYME ; SONG
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Game Verse C750.520 |
Language
Equidae - Horse Family
Data entry tech comment:
Motif added by TRD
The only informatino given on the card is the BN and the three words.
Where learned: UNKNOWN
Keyword(s): ANIMAL ; Biology ; Classification ; DEFINITION ; Equine ; FAMILY ; HORSE ; Language
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Mammal SPEECH -- Vocabulary SPEECH -- Folk Name for Animal |
Belief: Animal
Omen:
It is believed that if a horse won't drink water, then ot os certain that the water is poisoned.
Data entry tech comment:
Motifs added by TRD
James Callow comment:
Original BN [P870] crossed out. Replaced with current classification.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT
Keyword(s): BELIEF ; Consumption ; DRINK ; HORSE ; OMEN ; SIGN ; Signal ; Survival ; thirst ; WATER
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Mammal |
Belief: Animal
White Horse:
make a wish, and it will come true if you see a white horse.
Data entry tech comment:
Motifs added by TRD
James Callow comment:
Original BN [P800] crossed out. Replaced with current classification.
Where learned: PENNSYLVANIA ; ERIE
Keyword(s): ANIMAL ; BELIEF ; COLOR ; Equine ; HORSE ; LUCK ; SUPERSTITION ; White ; WISH
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Mammal |
Belief: Animal
IF YOU TAKE A HAIR OUT OF A HORSE'S TAIL AND PUT IT IN A
GLASS OF WATER, IT WILL TURN INTO A WORM.
Submitter comment:
HEARD FROM HER MOTHER.
Data entry tech comment:
Motifs added by TRD
Where learned: TENNESSEE ; PEABODY COLLEGE ; NASHVILLE
Keyword(s): ANIMAL ; BELIEF ; HAIR ; HORSE ; MAGIC ; SUPERSTITION ; TRANSFORMATION ; WATER ; Worm
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Creation and Order of Animal Life BELIEF -- Animal BELIEF -- Mammal BELIEF -- Magic of Speech, Sign, Color |
Date learned: 03-07-1969