Dr. James T. Callow publications
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The James T. Callow Folklore Archive
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BREAKING OF BREAD
DURING CHRISTMAS, BEFORE DINNER, THE FAMILIES GATHER TOGETHER AND
EACH MEMBER HAS A PIECE OF "ANGEL BREAD" (UNLEAVENED BREAD).
THEN EACH MEMBER BREAKS A PIECE OFF EACH OF THE OTHER MEMBER'S PIECE
OF "ANGEL BREAD" WHILE WISHING THEM THE BEST OF EVERYTHING FOR THAT
SEASON, FOLLOWED BY A KISS OR A HAND SHAKE. AFTER EVERYONE HAS
EXCHANGED, THE PIECES ARE EATEN.
Submitter comment:
IF A MEMBER IS OUT OF TOWN, THE OUT OF TOWNER SENDS A PIECE
OF "ANGEL BREAD" IN A GREETING CARD TO THE FAMILY FOR EXCHANGE.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; WARREN
Keyword(s): FOOD CUSTOM
Date learned: DATE NOT RECORDED BY COLLECTOR.
CUSTOM: JAPAN NEW YEAR'S
"OMOCHI" (RICE DOUGH) POUNDING IS STILL AN INTEGRAL PART OF NEW
YEAR'S CELEBRATION. IT IS THE MAKING OF THE OLDEST FOOD OF JAPAN
AND IN THE COUNTRY THE POUNDING IS DONE BY THE FEET OF SERVANTS
WHO SING THE FOLLOWING TRADITIONAL SONG AS THEY WORK:
"THE MOUSE IN THE HOUSE OF PLENTY"
WE ARE THE MESSENGERS OF THE GOOD-LUCK GOD,
THE MERRY MESSENGERS.
WE'RE A HUNDRED YEARS OLD, YET NEVER HAVE HEARD
THE FEARFUL CRY OF CAT;
FOR WE'RE THE MESSENGERS OF THE GOOD-LUCK GOD,
THE MERRY MESSENGERS.
Submitter comment:
WHEN IN JAPAN, INFORMANT USED TO WATCH "OMOCHI" POUNDING AT HER
FATHER'S ANCESTRAL HOME.
Data entry tech comment:
Informant and collector share the same surname.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; WARREN
Date learned: 08-01-1964
STAR BELIEF
A FALLING STAR MEANS THAT SOMEONE IS SELLING HIS SOUL TO THE DEVIL. IF YOU WISH TO SAVE THE SOUL, MAKE THE SIGN OF THE CROSS.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; WARREN
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Star BELIEF -- Sign Geometric figure Cross and its various modifications |
Date learned: 01-22-1970
FLOWER CUSTOM AND BELIEF
IF YOU RECEIVE FLOWERS FROM SOMEONE, DON'T THANK THEM. IF YOU DO, THE FLOWERS WON'T GROW. GOD SHOULD BE THANKED FOR CREATING THE FLOWERS AND MAKING THEM GROW.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; WARREN ; INFORMANT'S HOME
James Callow Keyword(s): PLANT
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Creator BELIEF -- Plant |
Date learned: 02-22-1970
BAD LUCK
IF YOU BORROW SALT, YOU SHOULD NEVER GIVE IT BACK.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; WARREN ; informant's home
| Subject headings: | Food Drink -- Flavoring BELIEF -- Mineral |
Date learned: 02-20-1970
WEDDING BELIEF
IN SMALL ITALIAN CITIES IT IS CONSIDERED
GOOD LUCK TO HAVE RAIN ON YOUR WEDDING DAY. IN LARGER ITALIAN CITIES IT IS CONSIDERED BAD LUCK WHEN IT RAINS.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; WARREN
Date learned: 09-00-1969
SUPERSTITION
WHEN TWO PEOPLE MEET AN OBSTACLE IF THEY GO DIFFERENT WAYS AROUND
IT THEY WILL HAVE AN ARGUMENT.
Data entry tech comment:
Updated by TRD
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; WARREN
Keyword(s): ARGUMENT ; BELIEF ; FIGHT ; FRIENDSHIP ; Obstacle ; Separate ; SUPERSTITION ; Teamwork ; Together
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Street Trip Relations between relatives, friends, host and guest Social class Rank |
Date learned: 01-00-1968
DEATH BELIEF
IF SOMEONE LEAVES, DO NOT SHUT THE GATE RIGHT AFTER HIM
OR HE WILL DIE SOON.
Data entry tech comment:
Updated by TRD
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; WARREN
Keyword(s): BELIEF ; CUSTOM ; DEATH ; Gate ; Guest ; Leave ; OMEN ; SUPERSTITION
| Subject headings: | Observation BELIEF -- Street Trip Relations between relatives, friends, host and guest Social class Rank |
Date learned: 01-00-1968
IF YOU RAISE YOUR HANDS TO YOUR PARENTS, WHEN YOU DIE YOUR
HANDS WILL COME OUT OF THE GROUND AND EVERYONE WILL STEP ON
THEM.
Data entry tech comment:
Updated by TRD
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; WARREN
Keyword(s): Aggression ; ANGER ; BELIEF ; BURIAL ; DEATH ; Parent ; Relationship ; SUPERSTITION ; THREAT
James Callow Keyword(s): FUNCTION ; PARENTAL RESPECT ; RETRIBUTION
| Subject headings: | Favorites BELIEF -- Body part Senses Hands, palms, fingernails BELIEF -- Street Trip Relations between relatives, friends, host and guest Social class Rank SPEECH -- Gesture |
Date learned: 01-00-1968
FIRE PREVENTION- ALLGAU, BAVARIA, GERMANY
IN ORDER TO PREVENT HOUSE FIRES, ALWAYS KEEP A PICTURE
OF ST. FLORIAN IN THE HOME.
Data entry tech comment:
Updated by TRD
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; WARREN
Keyword(s): Bavaria ; FIRE ; GERMAN ; Germany ; Patron ; Picture ; PRAYER ; PREVENTION ; Saint ; Saint Florian
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Religious hero BELIEF -- Fire |
Date learned: 11-17-1968
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EASTER EGGS
BEFORE THE DAYS OF STORE-PREPARED EASTER EGG DYE, THE EGGS WERE
COLORED BY SOAKING ONION SKINS IN WATER; THE WATER WOULD TURN YELLOW;
AND THE HARD-BOILED EGG WHEN PLACED IN THE WATER WOULD ALSO TURN
YELLOW.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; WARREN
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Spring Planting Easter eggs |
Date learned: 10-08-1968