Dr. James T. Callow publications
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The James T. Callow Folklore Archive
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CUSTOM: MOTHER'S DAY
IT'S CUSTOMARY TO WEAR A FLOWER ON MOTHER'S DAY, WHICH IS A SPECIAL
DAY SET ASIDE FOR MOTHER'S (SIC). THE FLOWERS MAY BE WORN EITHER
BY MAN OR WOMAN. A WHITE FLOWER IS WORN IF YOUR MOTHER IS DECEASED,
AND A RED OR PINK FLOWER IS WORN IF YOUR MOTHER IS ALIVE.
Submitter comment:
FLOWERS ON MOTHER'S DAY. BUT THE INFORMANT KNOWS OTHER PEOPLE OTHER
THAN HIS MOTHER WHO WEAR FLOWERS ON MOTHER'S DAY.
INFORMANT KNOWS THIS FROM HIS MOTHER WHO MADE IT A PRACTICE TO WEAR
Data entry tech comment: MOTHER'S DAY: SECOND SUNDAY IN MAY.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Death Funeral Burial CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- March 21 equinox to June 20 BELIEF -- Sign Color |
Date learned: 11-08-1971
TUC SOK TONI: TONY THE CRICKET
THERE ONCE WAS A CRICKET WHO HAD A MAGIC VIOLIN. WHEN HE PLAYED
IT, MIRACLES WOULD HAPPEN. BABIES WOULD STOP CRYING, CHILDREN
WOULD STOP FIGHTING AND EVERYONE WOULD BE HAPPY AND FORGET THEIR
CARES.
THE CRICKET WAS POOR IN MONEY, BUT RICH IN HAPPINESS UNTIL ONE DAY
THE FAIRY KING HEARD HIM PLAYING AND HE WAS SO DELIGHTED WITH THE
PLAYING THAT HE ORDERED THE CRICKET TO BE BROUGHT TO HIM. WHEN THE
CRICKET CAME BEFORE THE KING, HE ORDERED HIM TO BECOME THE COURT
MUSICIAN. AND SO THE CRICKET BEGAN TO PLAY. BUT NOW HE NO LONGER
PLAYED TO MAKE PEOPLE HAPPY, HE PLAYED FOR MONEY. PEOPLE FROM
ALL OVER THE WORLD WERE COMING TO THE PALACE TO HEAR HIM PLAY.
AND WITH THEM THEY BROUGHT MUCH GOLD TO GIVE TO THE CRICKET.
BUT AS TIME WENT ON THE MAGIC VIOLIN DID NOT WANT TO PLAY FOR
THESE PEOPLE. INSTEAD OF BEAUTIFUL MUSIC IT GAVE OUT TEARS WHEN
IT WAS PLAYED. THE KING NO LONGER HEARD THE BEAUTIFUL MUSIC, HE
TOOK THE VIOLIN AND SMASHED IT AND EXILED THE CRICKET FROM THE
PALACE.
THE CRICKET'S FAMILY TOOK HIM BACK, HAPPY TO HAVE HIM RETURN HOME
BUT THE CRICKET WAS SAD BECAUSE HE FELT HE WOULD NEVER PLAY A
VIOLIN AGAIN. HIS FAMILY BOUGHT HIM A NEW VIOLIN BUT HE WOULD
NOT PLAY IT BUT INSTEAD HE WENT OUT INTO THE FOREST AND CARVED HIS
OWN AS HE HAD DONE WITH THE FIRST VIOLIN. HE STARTED TO PLAY AND
IT SOUNDED WONDERFUL. HIS FAMILY AND GIRLFRIEND, ON HEARING HIM
PLAY, RAN OUT TO SEE HIM. HE COULD PLAY AGAIN BUT COULD HE WORK
MIRACLES FOR PEOPLE WITH HIS MUSIC? NOT FAR OFF IN THE WOODS HE
HEARD A BABY SCREAMING AND CRYING. NOTHING THE MOTHER COULD DO
WOULD CALM THE CHILD. HE CREPT CLOSE TO THE MOTHER AND CHILD AND
BEGAN TO PLAY HIS VIOLIN. IN NO TIME THE BABY BEGAN TO LAUGH AND
SMILE AND THE CRICKET KNEW THAT HE HAD REGAINED HIS POWER. "NEVER
AGAIN" SAID THE CRICKET, "WILL I PLAY FOR MONEY. I WILL PLAY TO
BRING HAPPINESS TO ALL."
THAT EVENING A GREAT CELEBRATION WAS HELD IN THE FOREST, FOR THE
CRICKET AND HIS GIRLFRIEND WERE MARRIED AND AS THE SAYING GOES
"BIZONY, MA IS ELNEK, HA MEG MEG NEM HALTAK" OR THEY ARE STILL
LIVING HAPPILY IF THEY HAVEN'T DIED YET. VEGE--THE END.
Submitter comment:
INFORMANT IS HUNGARIAN AND HER FAMILY HAS TOLD HER THE STORY
EVER SINCE SHE WAS BORN.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Animal Tale |
Date learned: 03-31-1971
THE TOWNS IN THE PHILIPPINES ARE NAMED AFTER SAINTS. WHEN THE FEAST
DAY OF THE TOWN PATRON OCCURS THEY HAVE A BIG FIESTA. A NINE DAY
NOVENA WHERE PEOPLE GO TO CHURCH AND PRAY AND HAVE DIFFERENT KINDS
OF PROGRAMS ARE PERFORMED BEFORE THE FEAST. THE PEOPLE GO TO
CHURCH IN PROCESSION. ALL HOUSES ARE OPENED DURING THE FESTIVAL SO
ONE CAN STOP IN AT ANY HOUSE AND BE WELCOMED AND HAVE WHATEVER THEY
WOULD LIKE TO EAT. EVEN THE VERY POOR FAMILIES SEND ( SPEND ? ) WHAT
LITTLE THEY HAVE FOR THE FEAST TO HAVE THEIR HOUSE OPEN TO ALL THOSE
WHO MIGHT WANT SOMETHING TO EAT.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Church CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Fixed DateFor specific dates, use the following system: BELIEF -- Religious hero |
Date learned: 11-00-1970
GEORGE EATS OLD GRAY RABBITS AND PAINTS HOUSES
YELLOW.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | ART CRAFT ARCHITECTURE -- MNEM |
Date learned: 11-27-1971
A RAT IN TOMMIES HOUSE MIGHT EAT TOMMIE'S ICE CREAM.
ANSWER: ARITHMETIC.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | ART CRAFT ARCHITECTURE -- MNEM |
Date learned: 11-27-1971
FESTIVAL OF THE ITALIANS OF JESSUP, PENN.
ONCE EACH YEAR THE CITIZENS OF JESSUP, PENNSYLVANIA DRESS AS
THEIR PATRON SAINTS AND HAVE A PROCESSION THROUGH THE TOWN.
Submitter comment:
THE INFORMANT'S BROTHER-IN-LAW IS AN ITALIAN-AMERICAN LIVING IN
JESSUP, PENNSYLVANIA AND PERSONALLY TOOK PART IN THE CEREMONY.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Fixed DateFor specific dates, use the following system: BELIEF -- Religious hero |
Date learned: 10-04-1967
TWIRP WEEK
TWIRP WEEK IS AN ANNUAL EVENT AT CENTRAL MICHIGAN UNIV. THE GIRLS
REVERSE ROLES WITH THE BOYS AND ARE ALLOWED TO ASK ANY BOY FOR A
DATE PROVIDING SHE PICKS HIM UP, PAYS ALL EXPENSES AND ESCORTS HIM
HOME. A SPECIAL WEEK OF EVENT IS SCHEDULED CLIMAXED BY A SADIE
HAWKINS DANCE.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
Keyword(s): SATURNALIA
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- School CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Marriage CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Festival |
Date learned: 07-00-1964
CINDERELLA NIGHT
CINDERELLA NIGHT IS A YEARLY EVENT AT CENTRAL MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY.
A YOUNG MAN MAY KEEP HIS DATE OUT ONE HALF HOUR PAST THE CURFEW
PROVIDING HE PAYS A PENNY FOR EACH MINUTE SHE IS LATE. THE MONEY
THEN GOES TO CHARITY.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- School CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Festival |
Date learned: 07-00-1964
POLISH PROVERB
WHOEVER GETS UP EARLY,
GOD GIVES HIM THE MOST.
KTO RANO STAJE,
TEMU PAN BOG DAJE.
Submitter comment: INFORMANT STRONGLY BELIEVES IN THIS PROVERB.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Proverb Proverb |
Date learned: 02-07-1971
THANKSGIVING AND CHRISTMAS FOOD DRIVES
IT IS AN ANNUAL CUSTOM FOR THE STUDENTS OF PAROCHIAL HIGH SCHOOLS IN
APPLETON, WISCONSIN TO SPONSOR A FOOD COLLECTION DRIVE FOR THE NEEDY
FAMILIES OF APPLETON DURING THE THANKSGIVING AND CHRISTMAS SEASONS.
Submitter comment: INFORMANT TOOK PART IN THESE DRIVES IN APPLETON, WISC.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 25 Christmas Also see F642, below. CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Autumn Fall Harvest Thanksgiving |
Date learned: 12-02-1967
NO BREAD
ON DEC. 13 ST. LUCY'S DAY THE PEOPLE OF ITALY DO NOT EAT ANYTHING
MADE FROM DOUGH, SUCH AS BREAD OR CAKES. THEY EAT WHOLE GRAIN.
DEC. 13 IS A HOLY DAY OF OBLIGATION IN ITALY.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- F121 Food Drink -- Plant food |
Date learned: 00-00-1968
EYE PROTECTION
MANY ITALIAN PEOPLE DON'T EAT WHEAT PRODUCTS ON ST. LUCY'S FEAST
DAY. THEY DO THIS SO THAT THEY WILL ALWAYS HAVE PROTECTION FOR
THEIR EYES FROM ST. LUCY. THEY CAN PREVENT EYE SICKNESS. THE
DATE FALLS ON THE 13TH OF DECEMBER.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- F121 Food Drink -- Plant food BELIEF -- Body part Senses BELIEF -- Means of Causing or Avoiding Illness |
Date learned: 10-20-1968
CUSTOM FESTIVAL
IN UKRAINE, ON ST. ANDREW'S DAY (NOV. 30), GIRLS MELT WAX AND SPILL
IT INTO WATER. THEN THEY FORETELL THEIR FUTURES FROM THE VARIOUS
ODD FORMS THE WAX CREATES ON THE WATER AS IT HARDENS.
Submitter comment:
INFORMANT RECEIVED INFORMATION FROM VARIOUS RELATIVES AND
ACQUAINTANCES IN UKRAINE.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- F113 BELIEF -- Use of Object |
Date learned: 10-07-1967
CUSTOM
ON ST. CATHERINE'S FEAST DAY EVERYONE MADE FUDGE.
Submitter comment: NOV. 25. NATIONALITY GROUP: FRENCH CANADIANS.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- F112 |
Date learned: 02-20-1971
CUSTOM FESTIVAL, MEMORIES OF HOMELAND GERMANY
HAREKIN IS A HOLIDAY THAT IS CELEBRATED EVERY YEAR ON NOVEMBER 11TH.
BEYOND BEING JUST A SINGLE DAY ACTIVITY, IT KIND OF BEGINS WHAT
THE GERMANS CALL A FIFTH SEASON NARREN WHICH MEANS CRAZY. THERE ARE
BIG PARADES AND FLOATS. UNUSUAL AS THIS MAY BE, THE DAY OFFICIALLY
BEGINS ON NOVEMBER 11TH, AT 11 MINUTES AFTER 11 O'CLOCK.
THE ORIGINATOR WAS COUNT TILL EULENSPEIGAL MANY YEARS AGO. THIS
IS DESCRIBED AS A CELEBRATION FOR CELEBRATION'S SAKE.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
Keyword(s): TRICKSTER
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- F111 CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Festival BELIEF -- Number |
Date learned: NO DATE INDICATED.
A CUSTOM IN ITALY VERY SIMILAR TO HALLOWEEN IS GIVING CANDY TO
CHILDREN ON ALL SOULS DAY.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
Keyword(s): GIFT GIVING
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- November 2 All SoulsDay of the Dead |
Date learned: 10-20-1968
CUSTOM FESTIVAL--ALL SOUL'S DAY
ON NOVEMBER 2, ALL SOUL'S DAY IS CELEBRATED IN MEXICO. CANDY SKULLS,
BONES, AND YELLOW MARIGOLDS ARE PUT ON GRAVES IN CEMETERIES.
ALSO, FRUITS AND FLOWER GARLANDS ARE PUT ON GRAVES, FOR BRINGING
CHEERS TO THE DEAD. FOOD AND DRINK ARE ALSO PUT FOR THE DEAD IN
THE HOUSE.
Submitter comment:
INFORMANT LEARNED OF THIS CUSTOM DURING HIS VISIT TO MEXI
IN 1968.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- November 2 All SoulsDay of the Dead CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Death Funeral Burial BELIEF -- Ghost Spirit Phantom Specter |
Date learned: 10-25-1971
POLISH PROVERB
WHEN THEY'RE CATCHING THE BIRD,
THEY SING TO HIM.
BUT WHEN THEY CATCH HIM,
THEN THEY PLUCK HIM.
JAK PTASZKA LAPAJA,
TO MU SPIEWAJA.
A JAK GO ZLAPAJA,
TO GO SKUBAJA.
Submitter comment:
INFORMANT USED TO SAY THIS PROVERB TO HER DAUGHTERS WHEN THEY WERE
BEING COURTED.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Proverb Proverb |
Date learned: 02-07-1971
ALL SOUL'S NIGHT
ON THE STRIKING OF MIDNIGHT OF ALL SOULS NIGHT ONE SHOULD NEVER BE
IN FRONT OF A CHURCH. IF ONE IS IN FRONT OF CHURCH IT IS BELIEVED
THAT ALL THE SOULS OF RELATIVES THAT HAVE DIED DURING THAT YEAR WILL
BE SEEN.
Submitter comment:
INFORMANT'S MOTHER USED TO TELL HER THIS WHEN SHE WAS A LITTLE GIRL
IN DETROIT, MI.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- November 2 All SoulsDay of the Dead BELIEF -- Ghost Spirit Phantom Specter BELIEF -- Death Funeral Burial |
Date learned: 03-28-1971
SUPERSTITION
ON THE EVE OF ALL SOUL'S DAY NO ONE WAS TO BE OUT LATE AT NIGHT,
ESPECIALLY AFTER MIDNIGHT BECAUSE THE SPIRITS WOULD BE ROAMING THE
EARTH AND WERE NOT TO BE DISTURBED OR THEY WOULD REVEAL THEMSELVES
AND FRIGHTEN YOU.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- November 1 All Saints BELIEF -- Ghost Spirit Phantom Specter |
Date learned: NO DATE INDICATED.