Dr. James T. Callow publications
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The James T. Callow Folklore Archive
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HOW MANGO-STEEN (A THAI FRUIT) WAS NAMED
"A 'FALANG' (WESTERNER) ASKED A THAI SALESWOMAN AT A THAI
FRUITMARKET WHAT THE NAME OF A FRUIT WAS. BECAUSE HE ONLY KNEW
MANGO (ANOTHER KIND OF FRUIT), HE ASKED IF THIS FRUIT WAS A MANGO
SINCE HE HAD NEVER ACTUALLY SEEN ONE. SHE REPLIED, 'NO. IT'S
CALLED "MUNG-KOOT."' HE MISUNDERSTOOD AND ASKED AGAIN IF IT WAS
A MANGO TO WHICH SHE REPLIED AS BEFORE. AFTER MANY EXCHANGES
AND FRUSTRATION, THE WOMAN REPLIED THAT IT'S CALLED 'MANGO-SOAN-
TEEN' WHICH MEANS 'MANGO-AT-THE-BOTTOM-OF-THE-FOOT.' THE NAME IS
STILL USED TODAY BUT IS SHORTENED TO 'MANGO-STEEN.'"
Submitter comment:
THE THAIS REFER TO THE FOOT AS THE LOWEST PART OF THE BODY. TO
USE IT WHEN REFERRING TO SOMETHING, AND ESPECIALLY SOMEONE, IS
CONSIDERED VERY IMPOLITE.
THIS IS A POPULAR STORY IN THAILAND.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT ; CAMPUS
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Explanation of a name PROSE NARRATIVE -- Tale |
Date learned: 02-00-1984
"COVER-THE-EYE-AND-HIDE" OR "HIDE-AND-SEEK"
"THIS IS A GAME PLAYED IN THAILAND. THE PERSON WHO IS 'IT' MUST
COUNT AND THEN LOOK FOR THOSE WHO ARE HIDING. WHEN THAT ONE SEES
SOMEONE, HE OR SHE WILL CALL OUT THEIR NAME AND THEY'RE 'IT'
UNLESS SOMEONE ELSE CALLS OUT THE NAME OF THE PERSON WHO WAS
ORIGINALLY 'IT.' THE ONE WHO CALLED OUT THEN RUNS AND TOUCHES
THAT PERSON AND HE OR SHE IS 'IT' AGAIN."
Submitter comment:
THE THAI LANGUAGE FOR THIS GAME IS "PID-AB" WHICH MEANS "COVER
THE EYES AND HIDE."
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT ; CAMPUS
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Hiding Searching |
Date learned: 01-00-1984
CHILDREN'S SONG
I'M BRINGING HOME A BABY BUMBLE BEE,
WON'T MY MOMMY BE SO PROUD OF ME!
I'M BRINGING HOME A BABY BUMBLE BEE,
OUCH! HE STUNG ME!
I'M SQUASHIN' UP MY BABY BUMBLE BEE,
WON'T MY MOMMY BE SO PROUD OF ME!
I'M SQUASHIN' UP MY BABY BUMBLE BEE,
OOOH, WHAT A MESS!
I'M LICKIN' UP MY BABY BUMBLE BEE,
WON'T MY MOMMY BE SO PROUD OF ME!
I'M LICKIN' UP MY BABY BUMBLE BEE,
BOY! I FEEL SICK!
I'M BARFING UP MY BABY BUMBLE BEE,
WON'T MY MOMMY BE SO PROUD OF ME!
I'M BARFING UP MY BABY BUMBLE BEE,
I SURE MADE A MESS!
I'M SWEEPING UP MY BABY BUMBLE BEE,
WON'T MY MOMMY BE SO PROUD OF ME!
I'M SWEEPING UP MY BABY BUMBLE BEE,
NOW MY MOMMY'S PROUD OF ME!
I FOUND ANOTHER BABY BUMBLE BEE...
Submitter comment:
THIS SONG IS A CIRCULAR, OR NEVER-ENDING SONG. THE CHILD
FINDS ANOTHER BEE, AND THE WHOLE CYCLE REPEATS. THIS SONG
IS MOST OFTEN SUNG AT GIRL SCOUT GATHERINGS AND ON THE WAY TO
CAMP. A SERIES OF GESTURES OFTEN ACCOMPANIES THE VERSES,
EACH GESTURE BEING AN IMITATION OF THE ACTS POINTED TO IN THE
SONG.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT ; CAMPUS
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Formula tale Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Children SPEECH -- Gesture |
Date learned: 00-00-1983
EASTER FOOD TRADITION
THE SATURDAY BEFORE EASTER, YOU TAKE A BASKET FILLED WITH COLORED
EGGS, BREAD, KABOSA, BUTTERLAMB, SALT AND PEPPER TO THE PRIEST WHO
WILL BLESS THE FOOD WITH HOLY WATER ALLOWING IT TO BE EATEN
ON EASTER.
Submitter comment: THIS ITEM WAS LEARNED IN WYANDOTTE, MICHIGAN
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT ; CAMPUS
| Subject headings: | 663 Holy Saturday CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Church Food Drink -- Typical menus for the various meals For meal hours, see F574.84. Special or festive meals BELIEF -- Prayer |
Date learned: CA00001960S
CHRISTMAS FOOD CUSTOM
AT CHRISTMAS, ONE SHOULD BREAK A PIECE OF WAFER AND SHARE IT WITH
FAMILY AND FRIENDS.
Submitter comment: ITEM WAS LEARNED IN WYANDOTTE, MICHIGAN
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT ; CAMPUS
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Street Trip Relations between relatives, friends, host and guest Social class Rank CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20 Oplatki |
Date learned: CA00001960S
HOLIDAY DINING CUSTOM
FOR A HOLIDAY, IF AN UNEVEN GROUP OF PEOPLE SIT AT THE TABLE, YOU
SHOULD LEAVE AN EMPTY PLACE SETTING.
Submitter comment: THE ITEM WAS LEARNED IN WYANDOTTE, MICHIGAN
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT ; CAMPUS
Date learned: CA00001960S
CANOPY BED CUSTOM FROM POLAND
IN 1844, DAVE CAMERON'S GREAT-GREAT GRANDMOTHER ARRIVED IN NEW YORK
FROM POLAND WITH HER HUSBAND AND CAME IN CONTACT WITH
HER FIRST CANOPY BED. SHE IMMEDIATELY STARTED THE FAMILY TRADITION
OF PLACING TWO SHEETS ABOVE THE BED TO HANG DOWN AND FORM A CAGE-
LIKE SLEEPING AREA. THE CUSTOM WAS PASSED DOWN THROUGH TO CAMERON'S
MOTHER WHO CEASED THE CUSTOM AFTER CANOPY BEDS WENT OUT OF FASHION.
Submitter comment:
CANOPY BED CUSTOM WAS COLLECTED ON THE UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT CAMPUS
BUT IT WAS LEARNED IN ROYAL OAK, MICHIGAN.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT ; CAMPUS
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Custom |
"HI, BOB" DRINKING GAME
A DRINKING GAME CALLED "HI BOB" INVOLVES A GROUP WATCHING RE-RUNS
OF A BOB NEWHART SHOW. EVERY TIME SOMEONE SAYS "HI" ON THE SHOW,
EVERYONE MUST TAKE A SIP OF BEER. EVERY TIME SOMEONE SAYS "HI BOB",
THE ENTIRE CAN MUST BE FINISHED. THE PERSON LEFT STANDING AFTER
THE HALF-HOUR SHOW IS OVER IS DECLARED THE WINNER.
Submitter comment:
"HI, BOB" WAS COLLECTED ON THE UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT CAMPUS, BUT
IT IS BELIEVED TO HAVE ORIGINATED ON CALIFORNIA CAMPUSES.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT ; CAMPUS
| Subject headings: | Favorites Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Bodily Activity Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Wit Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Special Object or Implement |
Date learned: CA00001970S
ENGAGEMENT CEREMONY
FAMILY GATHERS, IN EITHER HOME OF THE COUPLE THAT IS GETTING MARRIED.
THE CLOSEST FRIENDS AND RELATIVES ARE INVITED. PRIEST BLESSES
THE RINGS AND THEY ARE EXCHANGED. CELEBRATION PROCEDES WITH DRINKING,
AND LAUGHTER.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT ; CAMPUS
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Marriage Engagement |
NEVER EAT RICE ON SUNDAY BECAUSE IT IS DISRESPECTFUL TO GOD.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT ; CAMPUS
| Subject headings: | Food Drink -- Plant food Cereal BELIEF -- Creator BELIEF -- Measure of time WeekDayHour |
Date learned: 03-00-1982
A PREGNANT WOMAN SHOULD NOT LOOK AT ANYONE WHO IS MASQUERADING
OR HER CHILD WILL TURN OUT TO LOOK LIKE THAT PERSON.
Submitter comment:
THE INFORMANT SAID THAT "MASQUERADING" IS WHEN THE PEOPLE OF THE TOWN
GET DRESSED UP TO PARTICIPATE IN A PARADE, OR IF THEY DRESS IN
COSTUMES AT A PARTY OR ON A HOLIDAY.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT ; CAMPUS
| Subject headings: | Favorites CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Birth CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Typical Elements of a Festive Pattern BELIEF -- Means of Causing or Avoiding Illness |
Date learned: 03-00-1982
IF YOU WHISTLE AT NIGHT, YOU ARE INVITING SNAKES INTO YOUR HOME.
Submitter comment:
THE INFORMANT TOLD ME THAT IT IS DANGEROUS TO HAVE SNAKES IN YOUR
HOME IN AFRICA BECAUSE MANY ARE POISONOUS.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT ; CAMPUS
| Subject headings: | Favorites BELIEF -- Animal BELIEF -- Product or activity of man or animal BELIEF -- Measure of time WeekDayHour |
Date learned: 03-00-1982
WHEN EATING LAMB OR GOAT'S MEAT, ONLY THE MEN ARE ALLOWED TO EAT THE
ANIMAL HEAD; THE WOMEN CAN ONLY EAT THE LOWER JAW BONE.
Submitter comment:
THE INFORMANT TOLD ME THAT IT WAS A TREAT TO EAT AN ANIMAL'S
HEAD, AND THAT EATING LAMB AND GOAT IS COMMON IN AFRICA.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT ; CAMPUS
James Callow Keyword(s): SEXISM
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Street Trip Relations between relatives, friends, host and guest Social class Rank CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Measure of time Eating For menu, see N222. |
Date learned: 03-00-1982
IF YOUR LEFT EYE BEGINS TO TWITCH, IT MEANS YOU WILL RECEIVE
GOOD NEWS.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT ; CAMPUS
James Callow Keyword(s): POSITION DIRECTION
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Body part Senses BELIEF -- Body part Senses Eyes, evil eye BELIEF -- Good luck |
Date learned: 03-00-1982
IF A NNUNU BIRD FLIES BY YOUR HOUSE, IT MEANS THAT SOMEONE IS
GOING TO DIE.
Submitter comment: A NNUNU BIRD IS NOT A COMMON BIRD IN AFRICA.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT ; CAMPUS
| Subject headings: | Observation BELIEF -- Bird BELIEF -- Death Funeral Burial |
Date learned: 03-00-1982
AT FUNERAL BURIALS, THROW MONEY ON TOP OF THE CASKET AND THE GHOST
OF THE PERSON WILL NOT COME BACK TO HAUNT YOU BECAUSE HE WILL
BE SATISFIED WITH THE GIFT.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT ; CAMPUS
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Death Funeral Burial BELIEF -- Ghost Spirit Phantom Specter BELIEF -- Death Funeral Burial |
Date learned: 03-00-1982
JUMP ROPE RHYME
FUDGE FUDGE FUDGE
BOOM BOOM BOOM
WE ARE CALLING ON THE JUDGE
BOOM BOOM BOOM
MAMMA HAD A NEWBORN BABY
NOT A GIRL, BOOM
NOT A BOY, BOOM
JUST AN ORDINARY BABY, BOOM
WRAP HIM UP IN TISSUE
SEND HIM DOWN THE ESCALATOR
FIRST FLOOR SPLITS, BOOM BOOM BOOM
SECOND FLOOR SPLITS, BOOM BOOM BOOM
THIRD FLOOR SPLITS, BOOM BOOM BOOM
FORTH FLOOR SPLITS, BOOM BOOM BOOM, ETC.
Submitter comment:
INFORMANT TOLD ME THAT SHE USED TO SING THIS ON THE STREETS OF
PHILADELPHIA WHEN SHE WAS EIGHT YEARS OLD.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT ; CAMPUS
James Callow Keyword(s): COUNTING
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Game Verse Game Verse |
Date learned: 03-00-1982
DO NOT SEW OR CUT ON SUNDAY BECAUSE IT IS THE SABBATH.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT ; CAMPUS
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Measure of time WeekDayHour BELIEF -- Measure of time Working |
Date learned: 03-00-1982
ON NEW YEAR'S DAY, ALL THE RELATIVES VISIT. THE KIDS SHOOT OFF
FIRECRACKERS AND EACH CHILD GETS A PRETZEL ON A STICK FOR GOOD LUCK.
Submitter comment: INFORMANT DID THIS AS A CHILD IN GERMANY.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT ; CAMPUS
James Callow Keyword(s): GIFT
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- January 1 New Year's CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Street Trip Relations between relatives, friends, host and guest Social class Rank BELIEF -- Good luck Food and drink |
Date learned: 03-00-1982
ON NEW YEAR'S DAY, THE FIRST TO STEP ACROSS THE PORCH MUST BE A
MALE OR YOU WILL HAVE BAD LUCK ALL YEAR LONG.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT ; CAMPUS
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- January 1 New Year's BELIEF -- Measure of time Year BELIEF -- Bad luck Time (year, season, week, hour, etc.) Occasion Event |
Date learned: 03-00-1982