Dr. James T. Callow publications
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The James T. Callow Folklore Archive
Your search for talisman returned 12 results.
PATRON SAINT
ST. JOSEPH IS THE PATRON SAINT OF THE MALTESE AND WEARING HIS
MEDAL BRINGS GOOD LUCK.
Where learned: UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT
James Callow Keyword(s): AMULET TALISMAN
Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Religious hero BELIEF -- Emblem BELIEF -- Good luck P881.1 |
CHARMS
A COMMON CHARM IS A TINY PIECE OF THE BLARNEY STONE FITTED INTO
A RING OR SMALL SILVER CASTLE.
James Callow comment: COLLECTOR'S SPELLING CORRECTED
Where learned: HOME ; MICHIGAN ; DEARBORN
James Callow Keyword(s): AMULET TALISMAN ; IRELAND
Subject headings: | Charm / Enchantment / Conjuration |
HEX CHARM
THE GERMANS HAVE A CHARM WHICH IS A CIRCLE WITH POINTS. IT REMOVES A
CURSE IF IT IS WORN EVERY DAY FOR A MONTH.
Where learned: HOME ; MICHIGAN ; DEARBORN
James Callow Keyword(s): AMULET TALISMAN
Date learned: CA1963-1975
MEXICAN GOOD LUCK
THE MEXICANS HAVE A CHARM WHICH IS A CLOSED FIST WITH A BRACELET.
THIS IS PROTECTION FROM THE EVIL EYE.
Where learned: HOME ; MICHIGAN ; DEARBORN
James Callow Keyword(s): AMULET TALISMAN
Subject headings: | Charm / Enchantment / Conjuration BELIEF -- Body part Senses BELIEF -- Curse SPEECH -- Gesture |
Date learned: CA1963-1975
ST. CHRISTOPHER
A ST. CHRISTOPHER MEDAL IS WORN FOR PEDESTRIAN PROTECTION.
Where learned: HOME ; MICHIGAN ; DEARBORN
James Callow Keyword(s): AMULET TALISMAN
Subject headings: | Charm / Enchantment / Conjuration BELIEF -- Religious hero |
Date learned: CA1963-1975
BABIES
WHEN A BABY IS BORN, PIN A MEDAL TO THE CRIB FOR PROTECTION.
Where learned: HOME ; SCHOOL ; MICHIGAN ; DEARBORN
James Callow Keyword(s): AMULET TALISMAN
Subject headings: | Charm / Enchantment / Conjuration BELIEF -- Birth |
Date learned: CA1963-1975
GOOD LUCK OMEN
THE FIGURE OF AN ELEPHANT WITH HIS TRUNK UP IN THE AIR SHOULD BE
PLACED WITH HIS BACK FACING THE ROOM FOR GOOD LUCK.
Where learned: PUERTO RICO
James Callow Keyword(s): AMULET TALISMAN STATUE ; POSITION DIRECTION
Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Good luck P881.1 BELIEF -- Good luck P881.31 |
Date learned: 00-00-1979
In the Arab culture there is a superstition referred
to as the "evil eye." This consists of statues,
pendants, jewelry etc. that are shaped like an eye
(usually blue with a big black pupil) and are worn
on the person or hung up in the house. It is the
belief that these will ward off any evil spirits
and will watch any evil thoughts or persons until
they regain their consciences. It is a form of
protection.
Submitter comment:
The informant seemed to suggest that it is no longer
a serious belief but more a silly superstition.
Keyword(s): evil, protection
James Callow Keyword(s): talisman
Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Curse |
Date learned: 00-00-1965
To her knowledge, when a child of Greek descent is born, he or
she is given a charm (a golden eye) to protect him or her from what
is called a "matiasma." Roughly translated it means "given the eye"
or "eyed." This happens when someone admires someone out of jealousy
out loud. For example, "His voice is so incredible. I wish I had it."
Once one is eyed, if he or she is not wearing the charm or if one
doesn't say "ftousou" which is a Greek word that means "to spray
saliva," he or she is condemned to sickness. (When said, ftousou
literally sprays saliva in the person's face.)
Submitter comment:
This particular superstition is feared by my informant because,
as a child, she was "eyed" and became seriously ill. All was tried to
lower my informant's fever but nothing worked. Finally, with
hesitation, a witch doctor was summoned and the fever disappeared
within a single day. To this day she has believed in the curse and
gave me and her other son the golden eye. However, both have been
misplaced and to this date have not been found.
Where learned: GREECE
Keyword(s): AILMENT ; SICKNESS ; unexplained
James Callow Keyword(s): amulet, talisman
Subject headings: | Favorites PROSE NARRATIVE -- Witch Shaman BELIEF -- Witch Shaman BELIEF -- Curse |
Date learned: 00001943CA
MY STEP-FATHER KEEPS TWO SILVER DOLLARS IN HIS
POCKET TO KEEP FROM BEING POOR.
James Callow Keyword(s): talisman ; WEALTH
Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Measure of quality Monetary systemMoneyWealth |
Remedy - Animal
Whoever carries the right eye of a wolf fastened inside his right sleeve, remains free from all injury.
Where learned: INDIANA ; VEEDERSBURG
Keyword(s): "NATURAL" REMEDY ; AMULET ; ANIMAL ; BELIEF ; CLOTHING ; CURE ; Injury ; MEDICAL ; PREVENTION ; talisman
James Callow Keyword(s): "NATURAL" REMEDY ; ANIMAL ; BELIEF ; REMEDY
Subject headings: |
PUT ASPHIDITY INTO SMALL CLOTH BAGS AND HANG FROM THE NECK.
Data entry tech comment:
Updated by TRD
Where learned: TENNESSEE ; COOKEVILLE
Keyword(s): AILMENT ; Asphidity ; Bag ; Cloth ; CURE ; NECK ; Necklace ; REMEDY ; talisman
Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Means of Causing or Avoiding Illness |
Date learned: 07-01-1973