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 34 returned 22195 results.
SUPERSTITION
CROSSED FINGERS ON EACH HAND RESULTS IN BAD LUCK.
Submitter comment:
THE INFORMANT REASONS THAT SINCE CROSSING TWO FINGERS ON ONE
HAND RESULTS IN GOOD LUCK, DOING THIS WITH ANOTHER HAND MUST
RESULT IN BAD LUCK.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT ; CLASSROOM
James Callow Keyword(s): OPPOSITES CONTRAIETY
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Body part Senses BELIEF -- Sign Geometric figure Cross and its various modifications BELIEF -- Bad luck SPEECH -- Gesture |
Date learned: 02-12-1979
Claddaugh
The claddaugh is an Irish symbol of Love, Friendship and
Loyalty. It looks like two hands holding a heart, with a crown upon
the heart. The hands are friendship, the heart is love, the crown
is loyalty. This symbol is traditionally upon an Irish wedding
ring. This ring was created by a seafarer who had docked in the
town of Claddaugh, Ireland. While in port, he met a young maiden
and fell in love. He was in deep despair at the thought of leaving
her behind, so he went into the hills and designed and forged a
ring with this symbol upon it. He gave it to the maiden as a
symbol of his love, loyalty and friendship. Today this ring is
given upon the engagement of a couple and is worn with the heart
facing away from the woman. Upon their marriage, the ring is
turned around, with the heart facing the woman, indicating her
commitment (or his commitment, as this ring is also given as a
wedding ring to the man) to her husband.
Submitter comment: Claddaugh is pronounced klad-awe.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; Woman in an Irish import store ; Farmington Hills
James Callow Keyword(s): Claddagh
| Subject headings: | Favorites PROSE NARRATIVE -- Product or activity of man or animal CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Marriage BELIEF -- Marriage |
Date learned: 00-00-1991
BUGLING
NO SUMMER CAMP WOULD BE COMPLETE WITHOUT A BUGLER TO
WAKE THE CAMP. THIS CHORE FELL UPON ME TO SALUTE THE
COLORS IN THE MORNING AND RETIRE THEM AT EVENING.
WHEN OUR BOYS WOULD PLAY A NEIGHBORING CAMP IN A
BASEBALL GAME, THE BUGLE WOULD SERVE AS AN INCENTIVE
AND A FIRE FOR GREATER EFFORTS.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; MEMPHIS ; CAMP SAINT MARY
James Callow Keyword(s): FLAG
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Entertainment Diversion |
POLISH PROVERB
DIABLI TO WIEDZA. (POLSIH)
THE DEVILS KNOW IT. (TRANSLATION)
Submitter comment:
THIS IS USED IN REFERENCE TO SOME KNOWLEDGE NOBODY KNOWS. MY FATHER
KNOWS THIS FROM POLAND.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DEARBORN
Keyword(s): SUPERNATURAL
James Callow Keyword(s): SECRECY?
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Devil Demon PROVERB -- Proverbial Metaphor |
Date learned: 11-17-1967
SUPERSTITION
KNOCKING ON WOOD RESULTS IN GOOD LUCK.
Submitter comment:
WOOD IS THOUGHT TO BE A GOD. AND TO KNOCK ON THE GOD IS TO RENDER HIS
FAVOR.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT ; CLASSROOM
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Gods BELIEF -- Plant BELIEF -- Good luck |
GAME
THIS GAME IS AN ADAPTATION OF THE GAME OF FOOTBALL, PLAYED ON A
TABLE OR DESK WITH A PIECE OF PAPER FOLDED SEVERAL TIMES TO MAKE A
RIGHT TRIANGLE SHAPE, WITH THE SIDES ABOUT TWO INCHES LONG. THE
'FOOTBALL' IS PUSHED ALONG THE SURFACE OF THE TABLE BY HITTING IT
WITH THE PLAYER'S HAND, EACH PLAYER HITTING IT ONCE AT A TIME IN
ROTATION. A TOUCHDOWN IS SCORED BY HAVING THE FOOLTBALL HANG OVER
THE OPPOSITE EDGE WITHOUT FALLING OFF. A FIELD GOAL MAY BE ATTEMPTED
AFTER AN OPPONENT KNOCKS THE BALL OFF THE TABLE THREE TIMES WITHOUT
EITHER PLAYER SCORING. FIELD GOALS OR EXTRA POINTS ARE MADE BY
KNOCKING THE BALL THROUGH THE UP-RAISED HANDS OF THE OPPONENT. I
LEARNED THIS GAME WHILE I WAS IN GRADE SCHOOL AND HAVE FOUND PEOPLE
WHO ARE FAMILIAR WITH IT AT PLACES I'VE WORKED AND AT THE UNIVERSITY
OF DETROIT CAMPUS. I HAVE PLAYED IT DURING LUNCH PERIOD AND STUDY
HALL IN HIGH SCHOOL, DURING LUNCH BREAK AT WORK, AND AT THE U-D
RATHSKELLAR.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; SAGINAW
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Special Object or Implement |
Date learned: CA00001973
HORSE
HORSE IS A GAME PLAYED WITH A BASKETBALL AND HOOP BY TWO OR MORE
PERSONS. EACH PERSON TAKES A SHOT IN ROTATION FROM ANYWHERE ON THE
COURT. IF A PERSON MAKES HIS SHOT, EACH SUCCEEDING PLAYER MUST MAKE
THE SAME TYPE OF SHOT FROM THE SAME POSITION UNTIL SOMEONE MISSES OR
THE ROTATION COMES BACK TO THE ORIGINAL SHOTMAKER. IF A PLAYER
MISSES A FOLLOWUP SHOT, HE IS ASSIGNED A LETTER FROM THE WORD HORSE,
FIRST AN 'H', THEN AN 'O', ETC., UNTIL THE PLAYER MISSES FIVE SHOTS
TO SPELL OUT THE WORD HORSE, WHEREUPON HE IS OUT OF THE GAME. THE
LAST REMAINING PLAYER WINS THE GAME. THIS WAS A POPULAR GAME I
LEARNED WHILE I WAS GROWING UP, AND WAS PLAYED IN BACKYARDS, AND
SCHOOL GYMS, AND ON PLAYGROUNDS.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; SAGINAW
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Special Object or Implement |
Date learned: CA00001967
CHRISTMAS CUSTOM-HOLY SUPPER
SOME UKRANIANS (UKRAINIANS) ON CHRISTMAS EVE (DEC. 24) EAT NO FOOD
UNTIL THE HOLY SUPPER. THE HOLY SUPPER CONSISTS OF A TWELVE COURSE
DINNER (TWELVE APOSTLES) WITH NO MEAT AND DAIRY PRODUCTS. CLOVES
OF GARLIC ARE ON EACH PLATE, THIS IS TO KEEP AWAY ILLNESS. THE
FIRST DISH IS A WHOLE GRAIN WITH HONEY AND POPPY SEEDS. ALL
TWELVE DISHES MUST BE TASTED AT LEAST.
Submitter comment:
INFORMANT'S FRIEND SMENA RAKOVSKEY PRACTICED THIS CUSTOM.
Data entry tech comment:
Updated by TRD
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
Keyword(s): ABSTINENCE FROM DAIRY PRODUCTS ; ABSTINENCE FROM MEAT ; CHRISTMAS ; CUSTOM ; FOOD ; holiday ; Vegetarian
| Subject headings: | 122 Christmas 686 Properties attributed to specific numbers or numerals individually. 686 Seconds / Twice / Two |
Date learned: 10-25-1971
TAUNT
LITTLE CHILDREN WILL TRY TO TEASE THEIR FRIENDS WITH THE FOLLOWING; MM
QUESTION - WHAT DID YOU HAVE FOR BREAKFAST?
ANSWER - PEA GREEN SOUP MM
QUESTION - WHAT DID YOU HAVE FOR LUNCH?
ANSWER - PEA GREEN SOUP MM
QUESTION - WHAT DID YOU HAVE FOR DINNER?
ANSWER - PEA GREEN SOUP MM
QUESTION - WHAT DID YOU DO ALL NIGHT?
ANSWER - PEA GREEN SOUP
Submitter comment:
THE COLLECTOR FIRST HEARD THIS IN 1976 FROM A YOUNGER SISTER. IT
IS A CATCH QUESTION EMPHASIZING REPETITION TO EMBARRASS THE UNWARY.
PEA GREEN SOUP IS USED IN TWO DIFFERENT CONTEXTS - FIRST AS A NOUN
AND THEN AS A VERB. PEE IS USED AS A SLANG WORD FOR URINATE.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; USA ; SOUTHGATE
James Callow Keyword(s): CATCH ; SLANG: PEE FOR URINATE
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Entertainment Diversion SPEECH -- Formula |
Date learned: 10-00-1980 ; 09-00-1976
ALBATROSS
IT IS BAD LUCK FOR AN ALBATROSS TO FOLLOW A SHIP. IF SHE DOES,
SHE MUST BE SHOT WITH A GUN ARMED WITH SILVER BULLETS.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; ALMA
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Bird BELIEF -- Mineral BELIEF -- Bad luck P882.32 |
Date learned: 03-09-1970
TEDDY BEAR.
TEDDY BEAR, TEDDY BEAR TURN AROUND,
TEDDY BEAR, TEDDY BEAR, TOUCH THE GROUND
TEDDY BEAR, TEDDY BEAR
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Game Verse Game Verse |
MY ANCESTRY
AS A CHILD I WAS ALWAYS TOLD BY MY FATHER AND GRANDFATHER
THAT OUR FAMILY WAS DESCENDED FROM ONE OF THE ANCIENT IRISH
KINGS.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Secular hero |
On Devil's Night, scoop cow manure into a bag, put it on the
porch of someone that you don't like, set it on fire, ring the
doorbell, then hide to watch them get a shoe full of manure while
trying to stomp out the fire.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
James Callow Keyword(s): Prank
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- F103 CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Entertainment Diversion |
Date learned: 00-00-1987
PROVERB
COLD HANDS WARM HEART.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; SAINT CLAIR SHORES
Keyword(s): ELLIPSIS
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Body part Senses Hands, palms, fingernails PROVERB -- Proverbial Apothegm Maxim |
Date learned: 01-20-1971
MACKEY'S IRISH POTATO SOUP
BOIL FOR THREE HOURS - ONE HAM BONE IN THREE QUARTS OF
WATER. REMOVE BONE AND ADD; 8-10 POTATOES DICED FINE,
4 STALKS OF CELERY DICED FINE, 1 GRATED CARROT,
3 SPRIGS OF FRESH PARSLEY DICED FINE, 1/2 TEASPOON
OF CELERY SALT, 1 TEASPOON OF TABLE SALT, 1/4 TEASPOON
FRESH PEPPER, 1/4 POUND OF BUTTER. SIMMER TWO MORE
HOURS WITH THE LID ON, STIRRING FREQUENTLY.
Submitter comment:
UPON SERVING, THE COOK ALWAYS HAS A LITTLE SAYING
WHICH GOES LIKE THIS. "WE'VE GOT SOME GOOD NEWS
AND SOME BAD NEWS. FIRST THE BAD NEWS. ALL
WE HAVE FOR DINNER IS POTATO SOUP. NOW FOR THE GOOD NEWS.
THERE IS PLENTY OF IT."
Where learned: HOME ; MICHIGAN ; WARREN
Keyword(s): IRISH RECIPE
| Subject headings: | Food Drink -- Mixed preparation in liquid |
Proverb
Don't keep all your eggs in one basket.
Submitter comment:
From - Uncertain
Data entry tech comment:
Motifs added by TRD
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; GROSSE POINTE
Keyword(s): Aphorism ; Apothegm ; Basket ; Eggs ; Gamble ; Maxim ; PROVERB ; VERSE
| Subject headings: | PROVERB -- Proverbial Metaphor |
Proverb
Don't count your chickens before they hatch.
Submitter comment:
From - Uncertain
Data entry tech comment:
Motifs added by TRD
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; GROSSE POINTE
Keyword(s): Aphorism ; Apothegm ; Chickens ; Egg ; Eggs ; GREED ; Greedy ; Hatch ; Maxim ; PROVERB ; VERSE
| Subject headings: | PROVERB -- Proverbial Metaphor |
FOOD CUSTOM
IF SOMEONE IN YOUR FAMILY IS AWAY, IF YOU SET A PLATE OF FOOD
FOR THEM THEY WILL RETURN DURING THE MEAL.
Data entry tech comment:
Updated by TRD
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT ; 409 SOUTH QUAD
Keyword(s): Absence ; FAMILY ; FOOD ; Meal
| Subject headings: | Food Drink -- Service Table furnishing and decoration BELIEF -- Home |
Date learned: 03-02-1972
Jump-rope Rhyme
MABLE, MABLE
SET THE TABLE.
DON'T FORGET THE RED HOT PEPPER.
Submitter comment:
ON THE WORD "PEPPER," THE ROPE IS TURNED FASTER AND FASTER TILL THE JUMPER MISSES.
Data entry tech comment:
Informant and collector share the same surname and place of residence.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; HAMTRAMCK ; informant's home
Keyword(s): CHARACTER ; SPEED-JUMP
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Game Verse Game Verse |
Date learned: 10-11-1971
IF YOUR RIGHT HAND ITCHES YOU WILL PAY OUT MONEY.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | Spirit / Mind / Body BELIEF -- Body part Senses Hands, palms, fingernails |
Date learned: 11-29-1970