Dr. James T. Callow publications
Browse by
Questions or comments on this site? Please email davidsor@udmercy.edu.
The James T. Callow Folklore Archive
Your search for 5782 returned 64 results.
IT WAS TOLD TO ME BY MY MOTHER, THAT IF YOU HEAR A VOICE
CALLING YOU IT IS BEST TO GO AND FIND OUT IF THAT VOICE IS
FROM SOMEONE CALLING YOU OR IF IT IS JUST YOUR IMAGINATION,
FOR IT IS BELIEVED THAT IF IT IS YOUR IMAGINATION CALLING
AND YOU ANSWER IT IS A BAD SIGN.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; Lansing
| Subject headings: | Observation |
Date learned: 00001980S
THIS IS A SUPERSTITION THAT IS HELD IN MY FAMILY.IT IS
BELIEVED THAT ONE SHOULD BE EXTREMELY CAREFUL ABOUT
THROWING AWAY HAIR, BECAUSE IF RETRIEVED BY ONE WHO
KNOWS VOODOO A SPELL CAN BE PLACED ON THAT INDIVIDUAL.
Submitter comment:
I WAS TOLD THAT IN THE SOUTH VOODOO IS WIDELY BELIEVED IN
AND THAT THIS IS A WIDELY BELIEVED SUPERSTITION.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; Lansing
| Subject headings: | Charm / Enchantment / Conjuration BELIEF -- Body part Senses Hair, on head, mustache, widow's peak BELIEF -- Use of Object |
Date learned: 00001980S
SLEEPING BEAR DUNES
HOW THE SLEEPING BEAR DUNES (IN NORTHERN MICHIGAN) GOT THEIR
NAME: ONCE THERE WAS A GIANT BEAR AND HER TWO CUBS, AND THEY
HAD TO SWIM ACROSS LAKE MICHIGAN TO GET SOME FOOD BECAUSE THEY
WERE STARVING. THEY SWAM AND THEY SWAM, BUT IT WAS A LONG, LONG
WAY. SO ONE OF THE CUBS COULDN'T GO ANY FURTHER AND IT SANK TO
THE BOTTOM. BUT THE MAMA BEAR AND THE OTHER CUB KEPT ON SWIMMING.
FINALLY THE OTHER CUB TIRED AND SANK TO THE BOTTOM ALSO. WELL,
THE MAMA BEAR KEPT ON COMING AND SHE FINALLY MADE IT TO THE
MICHIGAN SHORE. SO SHE JUST LAID HERSELF DOWN TO WAIT FOR HER
CUBS. WELL, THE SAND CAME AND BLEW OVER HER AND SHE IS STILL
LIVING THERE TODAY, LOOKING OUT OVER THE LAKE FOR HER CUBS. AND
YOU CAN STILL SEE THOSE CUBS TODAY, ONLY THEY HAVE BEEN COVERED
BY LAND ALSO AND THEY NOW LOOK LIKE TWO ISLANDS. WHERE THAT
MOTHER BEAR LIES IS NOW CALLED THE SLEEPING BEAR SAND DUNES.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; Lansing
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Mammal PROSE NARRATIVE -- Formation PROSE NARRATIVE -- Explanation of a name |
Date learned: 11-01-1968
SLEEPING BEAR DUNES
HOW THE SLEEPING BEAR DUNES (IN NORTHERN MICHIGAN) GOT THEIR
NAME: ONCE THERE WAS A GIANT BEAR AND HER TWO CUBS, AND THEY
HAD TO SWIM ACROSS LAKE MICHIGAN TO GET SOME FOOD BECAUSE THEY
WERE STARVING. THEY SWAM AND THEY SWAM, BUT IT WAS A LONG, LONG
WAY. SO ONE OF THE CUBS COULDN'T GO ANY FURTHER AND IT SANK TO
THE BOTTOM. BUT THE MAMA BEAR AND THE OTHER CUB KEPT ON SWIMMING.
FINALLY THE OTHER CUB TIRED AND SANK TO THE BOTTOM ALSO. WELL,
THE MAMA BEAR KEPT ON COMING AND SHE FINALLY MADE IT TO THE
MICHIGAN SHORE. SO SHE JUST LAID HERSELF DOWN TO WAIT FOR HER
CUBS. WELL, THE SAND CAME AND BLEW OVER HER AND SHE IS STILL
LIVING THERE TODAY, LOOKING OUT OVER THE LAKE FOR HER CUBS. AND
YOU CAN STILL SEE THOSE CUBS TODAY, ONLY THEY HAVE BEEN COVERED
BY LAND ALSO AND THEY NOW LOOK LIKE TWO ISLANDS. WHERE THAT
MOTHER BEAR LIES IS NOW CALLED THE SLEEPING BEAR SAND DUNES.
Data entry tech comment: THE TWO CUBS ARE SAID TO HAVE FORMED THE NORTH AND SOUTH
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; Lansing
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Mammal PROSE NARRATIVE -- Formation PROSE NARRATIVE -- Explanation of a name |
Date learned: 11-01-1968
SLEEPING BEAR DUNES
HOW THE SLEEPING BEAR DUNES (IN NORTHERN MICHIGAN) GOT THEIR
NAME: ONCE THERE WAS A GIANT BEAR AND HER TWO CUBS, AND THEY
HAD TO SWIM ACROSS LAKE MICHIGAN TO GET SOME FOOD BECAUSE THEY
WERE STARVING. THEY SWAM AND THEY SWAM, BUT IT WAS A LONG, LONG
WAY. SO ONE OF THE CUBS COULDN'T GO ANY FURTHER AND IT SANK TO
THE BOTTOM. BUT THE MAMA BEAR AND THE OTHER CUB KEPT ON SWIMMING.
FINALLY THE OTHER CUB TIRED AND SANK TO THE BOTTOM ALSO. WELL,
THE MAMA BEAR KEPT ON COMING AND SHE FINALLY MADE IT TO THE
MICHIGAN SHORE. SO SHE JUST LAID HERSELF DOWN TO WAIT FOR HER
CUBS. WELL, THE SAND CAME AND BLEW OVER HER AND SHE IS STILL
LIVING THERE TODAY, LOOKING OUT OVER THE LAKE FOR HER CUBS. AND
YOU CAN STILL SEE THOSE CUBS TODAY, ONLY THEY HAVE BEEN COVERED
BY LAND ALSO AND THEY NOW LOOK LIKE TWO ISLANDS. WHERE THAT
MOTHER BEAR LIES IS NOW CALLED THE SLEEPING BEAR SAND DUNES.
Data entry tech comment: THE TWO CUBS ARE SAID TO HAVE FORMED THE NORTH AND SOUTH MANITOU
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; Lansing
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Mammal PROSE NARRATIVE -- Formation PROSE NARRATIVE -- Explanation of a name |
Date learned: 11-01-1968
LEGEND: WHY BURNT CHIPS ALWAYS FLOAT UP ALONG SHORE ON LAKE
SOMEWHERE AROUND THE 1920'S A MAN WHO WAS QUITE RICH SAILED IN HIS
YACHT BETWEEN BENTON HARBOR AND PORT HURON. HIS WIFE HAD DIED,
AND HE WAS VERY DESPONDENT. ONE NIGHT NEAR BENTON HARBOR, HIS
BOAT, WHICH HAD HE AND HIS THREE CREWMEN ABOARD, CAUGHT FIRE.
RESCUE EFFORTS FAILED AND THE BOAT FINALLY SANK OFF GLEN,
MICHIGAN. EVEN TODAY BURNT CHIPS STILL FLOAT UP ALONG THE SHORE
OF THE BIG LAKE.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; Lansing
Date learned: 11-00-1968
A HORSESHOE NAILED OPEN END UP OVER A DOOR IS
SUPPOSED TO BRING GOOD LUCK TO ALL WHO PASS UNDERNEATH.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; Lansing
James Callow Keyword(s): POSITION DIRECTION
| Subject headings: | ART CRAFT ARCHITECTURE -- Wall Partition Door Window BELIEF -- Good luck Horseshoe |
Date learned: 11-01-1968
QUEER THURSDAY
IN MY HIGH SCHOOL DAYS IN LANSING, MICHIGAN, IT WAS
THE CUSTOM TO LABEL ANYONE WHO WORE PURPLE ON A
THURSDAY AS A HOMOSEXUAL. MM
IT USED TO BE SAID THAT THURSDAY WAS THE QUEER DAY.
THAT IS, IT WAS THE DAY THAT WAS MORE OR LESS SET
ASIDE FOR HOMOSEXUALS. GUYS WOULD SOMETIMES DO
JOKINGLY SUCH NUTTY THINGS AS WALK DOWN THE STREET
HAND IN HAND, ETC.
Submitter comment:
THOUGH MY PARTICULAR EXPERIENCE WITH THIS CUSTOM WAS
IN LANSING, MICH., IT SEEMS TO BE A FAIRLY WIDESPREAD
CUSTOM.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; Lansing
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Measure of time Week Day Hour |
Date learned: NOT GIVEN
A CORN OF A PIG'S HOOF (LIKE A TOE NAIL) MIXED WITH SALT GRINDED
TOGETHER, AND IF PLACED ON BOILS AND BUMPS THEY WILL GO AWAY.
Submitter comment: CREOLE REMEDY FOR ACNE
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; Lansing
James Callow Keyword(s): ACNE
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Animal BELIEF -- Mineral |
Date learned: 00-00-1970
YOU ARE TRAPPED IN A ROOM, THE DOOR IS LOCKED,
YOU DO NOT HAVE ANY KEYS, ALL THAT IS IN THE ROOM IS A PIANO,
A CALENDAR, AND A BED, YOU MANAGE TO EAT FRUIT AND DRINK WATER,
HOW DO YOU GET OUT, AND WHERE DID YOU GET THE FOOD?
ANSWER: YOU GOT THE WATER FROM THE SPRINGS IN THE BED,
DATES FROM THE CALENDAR, AND A KEY FROM THE PIANO
TO OPEN THE LOCKED DOOR.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; Lansing
James Callow Keyword(s): PUNS
| Subject headings: | RIDDLE -- True Riddle |
Date learned: 00-00-1984
THIS IS A BELIEF IN MY FAMILY, THEY BELIEVE THAT BY KEEPING A
A PIECE OF RED CLOTH IN THEIR POSSESSION THEY ARE PROTECTED
FROM EVIL AND HARM, FOR THIS CLOTH SIGNIFIES THE SHROUD THAT
COVERED JESUS WHEN HE ROSE FROM DEATH AFTER DYING ON THE
CROSS.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; Lansing
Keyword(s): RED BELIEF
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Sign Color BELIEF -- Color |
Date learned: 00001980S
DODGE BALL
THE GAME IS CALLED DODGE BALL AND ANY NUMBER CAN PLAY. YOU
NEED A KICKBALL AND A GROUP OF KIDS. THE OBJECT OF THE
GAME IS NOT TO GET OUT. TO PLAY THE GAME A GROUP OF KIDS
SPLIT UP INTO TEAMS AND THE TEAM MEMBER WITH THE BALL
THROWS IT AT A PLAYER ON THE OTHER TEAM. IF THE PLAYER THAT
THE BALL IS THROWN AT IS HIT, THAT PLAYER IS OUT IF THE
PLAYER THAT IS THROWN AT CATCHES THE BALL, THE PLAYER ON
THE OPPOSING TEAM THAT THREW THE BALL IS OUT. AND THIS
GOES ON UNTIL ONLY ONE PLAYER FROM ONE OF THE TEAMS IS
LEFT AND THAT PLAYER'S TEAM IS THE WINNER.
Submitter comment:
THIS GAME HAS MANY DIFFERENT TITLES AND VERSIONS BUT THE
GENERAL WAY THE GAME IS PLAYED SEEMS TO BE THE SAME.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; Lansing
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Special Object or Implement |
Date learned: 00001980S
MY MOTHER ALWAYS TOLD ME THAT THE NIGHT BEFORE A TEST IF
I WANTED TO RETAIN THE KNOWLEDGE THAT I HAD STUDIED I SHOULD
TAKE MY BOOK OF THE SUBJECT THAT I WAS TO BE TESTED ON AND
PLACE THAT BOOK UNDER MY MATTRESS BEFORE I GO TO SLEEP, AND
THE KNOWLEDGE WOULD STAY WITH ME.
Submitter comment:
THE THING ABOUT THIS BELIEF IS THAT IT REALLY DID WORK: I
WOULD USUALLY REMEMBER ALL THE INFORMATION.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; Lansing
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Product or activity of man or animal BELIEF -- School BELIEF -- Magic of Speech, Sign, Color |
Date learned: 00001980CA
THUMB WRESTLING
THE GAME OF THUMB WRESTLING IS PLAYED BY TWO PLAYERS.
THE OBJECT OF THE GAME, LIKE IN REGULAR WRESTLING, IS
TO PIN YOUR OPPONENT. THIS IS HOW THE GAME IS PLAYED:
THE PLAYERS INTERLOCK FINGERS WITH THUMBS UP AND FREE,
THEY PLACE THEIR THUMBS TOGETHER, AND THEN WHEN THEY ARE
READY THEY PLACE THUMBS DOWN ON TOP OF THEIR OWN HANDS,
THEN DOWN ON THE OPPONENT'S HAND, AND THEN THEY BEGIN TO
THUMB WRESTLE, TRYING TO PIN THE OTHER PLAYER'S THUMB FOR
THREE SECONDS, WHEN THIS IS DONE THE MATCH IS OVER AND
THE PLAYER WHO HAS PINNED HIS OPPONENT WINS.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; Lansing
Keyword(s): THUMB GAMES
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Bodily Activity |
Date learned: 00001980CA
PRIVACY STATEMENT
THIS IS AN (A) AND (B) CONVERSATION SO YOU CAN (C) YOUR
WAY OUT.
Submitter comment:
THIS IS A SAYING USED TO DISPATCH A PERSON THAT IS BEING
NOSEY AND TRYING OF OVERHEAR A CONVERSATION THAT IS NOT
PRIVATE AND ONLY FOR THE PARTIES THAT ARE INVOLVED IN THE
CONVERSATION.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; Lansing
Keyword(s): PRIVATE CONVERSATION
| Subject headings: | SPEECH -- Formula |
Date learned: 00001970CA
JINGLE-BELLS ALTERNATE
JINGLE-BELLS BATMAN SMELLS JOKER LAID AN EGG
BATMOBILE LOST A WHEEL, JOKER GOT AWAY, HEY!
Submitter comment:
THIS VERSE IS SUNG OVER AND OVER AGAIN UNTIL THE SINGERS
WISH TO STOP AND WHEN THEY DO THEY SAY "HEY!" AT THE END.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; Lansing
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Good humor Jest Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Children |
Date learned: 00001970CA
KID TRICK
TO DO THIS TRICK YOU GO UP TO ANOTHER KID AND SAY
SOMETHING LIKE "WHAT IS THAT ON YOUR SHIRT AND YOU
POINT TO A PLACE ON THE SHIRT THAT IS JUST UNDER THEIR
CHIN, WHEN THEY LOOK DOWN YOU RAISE YOUR FINGER SO
THAT IT BRUSHES THEIR NOSE. AND THEN YOU SAY, "MADE YOU
LOOK YOU DIRTY CROOK; YOU STOLE YOUR MOTHER'S POCKETBOOK"
AND THAT ENDS THE TRICK.
Submitter comment:
THIS TRICK IS BEST PLAYED ON SOMEONE THAT DOES NOT
KNOW IT.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; Lansing
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Entertainment Diversion RIDDLE -- Riddle Question |
Date learned: 00001970CA
NAME GAME
FOR THE NAME GAME YOU GET TOGETHER A GROUP OF KIDS
AND PUT THEM IN A CIRCLE AND YOU TAKE THE NAME OF A KID,
REPLACE THE FIRST LETTER SOUND OF THE NAME WITH A B
SOUND, THEN REPLACE THE FIRST LETTER SOUND OF THE NAME
WITH AN F SOUND. LAST REPLACE THE FIRST LETTER SOUND OF
THE FIRST NAME WITH AN M SOUND. AND THERE IS A SONG TO HELP
YOU REMEMBER. HERE IS AN EXAMPLE USING THE NAME TOM:
TOM TOM BO (BOM) BANANA FANANA FOM (FOM) FE FI MO (MOM) TOM.
THIS METHOD CAN BE USED FOR ANY NAME.
Submitter comment:
ON A NOTE OF WARNING YOU MUST BE CAREFUL AS TO THE NAMES
THAT YOU CHOOSE, FOR SOME COME OUT LEWD.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; Lansing
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Mental Activity |
Date learned: 00001970CA
THERE IS AN OLD MYTH IN MY FAMILY THAT GOES LIKE THIS:IF
YOU ROCK AN EMPTY ROCKING CHAIR YOU ARE INVITING BAD LUCK
TO COME YOUR WAY, SO IF YOU DO THIS BY ACCIDENT YOU MUST
IMMEDIATELY SAY "BREAD AN' BUTTER" TO BREAK THE EFFECT.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; Lansing
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Number Emptiness, nothingness, zero BELIEF -- Bad luck Furniture (bed, table, chair, etc.) BELIEF -- Conversions Furniture (bed, table, chair, etc.) SPEECH -- Formula |
Date learned: 00001970CA
THIS ENTRY IS A TONGUE TWISTER GAME THAT I USED TO PLAY.
IN THIS GAME YOU ATTEMPT TO SAY THE PHRASE "RUBBER BABY
BUGGY BUMPERS" TEN TIMES IN SUCCESSION WITHOUT FLUBBING A
LINE IN THE PHRASE.
Submitter comment:
THIS GAME IS PERPETUAL IN THAT ONCE THE KIDS GET STARTED
ON IT THEY USUALLY DO NOT STOP UNTIL THEY ARE TIRED OF IT.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; Lansing
| Subject headings: | SPEECH -- Formula |
Date learned: 00001970CA