Dr. James T. Callow publications
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The James T. Callow Folklore Archive
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POLISH CHRISTMAS EVE CUSTOMS
ON CHRISTMAS EVE THE POLISH HAVE A HUGE MAIN SUPPER. THIS SUPPER
USUALLY CONSISTS OF ELEVEN DIFFERENT FOODS NONE OF WHICH MAY BE
MEAT. ALOT OF VEGETABLES ARE EATEN AT THIS MEAL INCLUDING
CABBAGE, MUSHROOMS, BEET SOUP AND DUMPLINGS. ALSO AT THIS MEAL A
SQUARE WAFER, WHICH HAS BEEN BLESSED IS PASSED AROUND THE TABLE.
EACH PERSON WISHING THE PERSON TO HIS SIDE, WELL, WHILE TAKING
A PIECE OF IT.
Data entry tech comment:
Updated by TRD
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; HARPER WOODS
Keyword(s): CHRISTMAS ; CUSTOM ; FOOD ; holiday
| Subject headings: | 122 Christmas CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 24 Christmas Eve F122.82 BELIEF -- Number P686.1.11 |
Date learned: 10-22-1971
NOT GIVEN
WHEN YOU ARE INVITED TO A PERSON'S HOME FOR DINNER, NEVER GO EMPTY-
HANDED. IF YOU BRING A GIFT OF FLOWERS OR FOOD, SUCH AS CANDY,
YOUR FRIEND WILL ALWAYS HAVE GOOD FORTUNE.
Submitter comment:
INFORMANT FAITHFULLY PRACTICES THIS CUSTOM. SHE DOES NOT KNOW,
HOWEVER, WHY FLOWERS OR FOOD ARE CONSIDERED BEARERS OF GOOD
FORTUNE.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Street Trip Relations between relatives, friends, host and guest Social class Rank |
BAD LUCK, SUPERSTITION
BAD THINGS HAPPEN IN THREES (3'S) ESPECIALLY DEATHS
IF ONE MEMBER IN FAMILY DIES, TWO MORE WILL DIE SOON.
Submitter comment:
MATERNAL GRANDMOTHER OF INFORMANT REALLY BELIEVED
THIS AND IF SOMEONE DIED SHE WOULD BEGIN TO
WAIT FOR TWO MORE DEATHS NO MATTER HOW
MUCH TIME LAPSED BETWEEN DEATHS.
Where learned: HOME ; MICHIGAN ; DETROIT ; TOLD AT
| Subject headings: | 686 Thirds / Thrice / Three / Triple BELIEF -- Death Funeral Burial |
POLISH PROVERB
WITHOUT WORK, THERE IS NO CAKE.
BEZ PRACY, NIEMA KOLACZY.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | PROVERB -- Proverbial Metaphor |
Date learned: 03-08-1970
RIDDLE
Q: WHAT HAS MANY EYES BUT CANNOT SEE?
A: A POTATOE.
Data entry tech comment: 4 DUPLICATES IN U OF D FOLKLORE 5 X 8 CARD FILES.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; LETTER ; DETROIT ; TOLD IN
Keyword(s): EATABLES AND DRINKS (A) ; PARTS OF THE BODY (Q) ; PRIVATIONAL
James Callow Keyword(s): VEGETABLE
| Subject headings: | RIDDLE -- True Riddle |
POLISH PROVERB
WITHOUT GOD, YOU WILL NOT PASS THE THRESHOLD.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
Keyword(s): HEAVEN
| Subject headings: | PROVERB -- Proverbial Apothegm Maxim |
Date learned: 03-08-1970
O-I-C
I'M IN A 10DER MOOD TODAY
AND FEEL POETIC 2
4 FUN I'LL JUST -- OFF A LINE
AND SEND IT OFF 2 U.
I'M SORRY U HAVE BEEN 6 SO LONG
DON'T BE DISCONSOL8
BUT BEAR YOUR ILLS WITH 42DE
AND THEY WON'T SEEM SO GR8.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
Keyword(s): DIGITAL SPELLING QUATRAIN ILLNESS ; RHYME: ABCB ; SICK
| Subject headings: | 730 Lyrical Verse |
Date learned: 00-00-1965
YOU CAN'T PLEASE THEM WALKING OR RIDING. THIS IS A STORY. ONE
DAY A MAN WAS WALKING HIS HORSE THROUGH TOWN ON A VERY HOT DAY.
ALL THE TOWNS PEOPLE EXCLAIMED " WHAT A STUPID MAN! WHY DOESN'T
HE RIDE THAT HORSE AS HOT AS THIS DAY IS?" SO AT THAT, THE MAN
BEGAN TO RIDE THE HORSE. HE SOON APPROACHED ANOTHER TOWN WHERE
THE TOWNS PEOPLE BEGAN TO EXCLAIM "WHAT A STUPID MAN. THAT POOR
HORSE SHOULD NOT BE HAULING THAT LAZY MAN AROUND IN THIS HEAT!"
YOU CAN'T PLEASE THEM WALKING OR RIDING!!!!!
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Jest Anecdote |
DETERMINING SEX OF UNBORN CHILD.
IF PREGNANT WOMAN SLEEPS ON HER LEFT SIDE, SHE WILL
HAVE A BOY.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; SAGINAW
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Birth |
Date learned: 00-00-1965
Custom: Holiday
ON CHRISTMAS EVE EACH MEMBER OF THE FAMILY LIGHTS A BAYBERRY
CANDLE AND THEN MAKES A WISH. IF THE CANDLES ARE ALLOWED TO
BURN TO THE ENDS THEN THE WISH WILL COME TRUE.
Submitter comment:
THIS IS A CUSTOM CARRIED OUT IN THE INFORMANT'S FAMILY FOR
SEVERAL GENERATIONS.
Data entry tech comment:
Updated and Motifs added / 02-28-2011 / TRD
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; GROSSE POINTE
Keyword(s): Bayberry ; Candle ; CUSTOM ; FAMILY ; Herb ; holiday ; PLANT ; RELIGION ; RELIGIOUS ; SYMBOL ; WISH
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 24 Christmas Eve F122.2 CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20 Lights and candles |
Superstition: Baseball
NEVER MENTION A NO-HITTER TO A PITCHER DURING THE GAME.
Submitter comment:
HEARD IT ON T.V.
Data entry tech comment:
Motifs added by TRD 12.2.2010
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT ; ASSUMED
Keyword(s): BAD LUCK ; BASEBALL ; BASEBALL STADIUM ; CHANCE ; CUSTOM ; Fan ; FATE ; jinx ; LUCK ; No-Hitter ; Shutout ; SPORTS ; SUPERSTITION
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Entertainment Diversion BELIEF -- Entertainment Diversion BELIEF -- Fate Destiny Luck Chance |
Date learned: NOT GIVEN
FOOD
ON CHRISTMAS EVE ELEVEN DIFFERENT DISHES ARE PREPARED. THESE ARE
TRADITIONAL POLISH FOODS USUALLY LEFT UP TO THE DECISION OF THE
HOSTESS AS TO WHAT WILL BE SERVED. THE ONLY DISH WHICH MUST BE
SERVED IS THAT OF ANGEL BREAD.
Data entry tech comment:
Updated by TRD
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; HAMTRAMCK
Keyword(s): CHRISTMAS ; CUSTOM ; FOOD ; holiday ; POLISH ; tradition
| Subject headings: | 122 Christmas CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 24 Christmas Eve F122.82 BELIEF -- Number P686.1.11 |
Date learned: 03-21-1971
FISHY
I WISH I WAS A FISHY IN THE BROOK/I WISH I WAS A FISHY IN THE BROOK/
FOR I'D SWIM IN MY NUDIE/ WITHOUT A BATHING SUITIE/ OH, I WISH I WAS
A FISHY IN THE BROOK }
Where learned: MICHIGAN
Keyword(s): ENVELOPE STRUCTURE ; FEMININE RHYME IMPERFECT RHYME ; HUMOROUS RHYME ; REPETITION FIRST PERSON ; RHYME: AABBA
| Subject headings: | 730 Lyrical Verse |
LITTLE BAR OF SOAP
I WISH I WAS A LITTLE BAR OF SOAP/ I WISH I WAS A LITTLE BAR OF SOAP
FOR I'D SLIPPIE AND I'D SLIDDIE/ DOWN EVERYBODY'S HIDDY/ OH, I WISH
I WAS A LITTLE BAR OF SOAP}
Where learned: MICHIGAN
Keyword(s): BATHTUB VERSE ; ENVELOPE STRUCTURE ; FEMININE RHYME NEOLOGISM ; REPETITION FIRST PERSON ; RHYME: AABBA
| Subject headings: | 730 Lyrical Verse |
Date learned: 10-02-1965
CAR FOR SALE
A PERSON BOUGHT THAT CAR AND EVERY TIME HE CLOSED THE WINDOWS
THE STENCH INSIDE THE CAR WOULD BE SO STRONG YOU COULDN'T GET IN
THE CAR--LIKE ON A WARM DAY. THIS STILL HAPPENED YEARS AFTERWARDS.
Submitter comment:
I, THE COLLECTOR, TOLD THEM ABOUT THE CAR WHICH THE OWNER COULD NOT
SELL BECAUSE A PERSON WHO HAD DIED IN IT WAS LEFT IN IT FOR SOME
TIME AND THE ODOR REMAINED. IT PROMPTED THE FOLLOWING:
HEARD THIS IN DETROIT, MICHIGAN
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | ART CRAFT ARCHITECTURE -- Means of transportation Vehicle propelled by mechanical or other force on land BELIEF -- Death Funeral Burial |
Date learned: 05-11-1965
TELEPHONE CATCHES
I ONCE HEARD OF A COUPLE OF KIDS WHO WOULD CALL THEIR
LOCAL GROCERY STORE AND CARRY ON THE FOLLOWING
CONVERSATION:
THEY WOULD FIRST SAY, "I'D LIKE TO REGISTER A COMPLAINT
ON ONE OF YOUR PRODUCTS I BOUGHT THE OTHER DAY."
WHEN THE STORE MANAGER OR WHOEVER ANSWERED THE PHONE
ASKED WHICH PRODUCT THEY WERE COMPLAINING ABOUT, THEY
WOULD ANSWER, "YOUR CHICKEN ASSEMBLY KIT," AND HANG
UP THE PHONE LAUGHING.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; SAGINAW
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Entertainment Diversion |
Date learned: 03-27-1971
CAR FOR SALE
A PERSON BOUGHT THAT CAR AND EVERY TIME HE CLOSED THE WINDOWS
THE STENCH INSIDE THE CAR WOULD BE SO STRONG YOU COULDN'T GET IN
THE CAR--LIKE ON A WARM DAY. THIS STILL HAPPENED YEARS AFTERWARDS.
Submitter comment:
I, THE COLLECTOR, TOLD THEM ABOUT THE CAR WHICH THE OWNER COULD NOT
SELL BECAUSE A PERSON WHO HAD DIED IN IT WAS LEFT IN IT FOR SOME
TIME AND THE ODOR REMAINED. IT PROMPTED THE FOLLOWING:
HEARD THIS IN DETROIT, MICHIGAN
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | ART CRAFT ARCHITECTURE -- Means of transportation Vehicle propelled by mechanical or other force on land BELIEF -- Death Funeral Burial |
Date learned: 05-11-1965
CAR FOR SALE
A PERSON BOUGHT THAT CAR AND EVERY TIME HE CLOSED THE WINDOWS THE
STENCH INSIDE THE CAR WOULD BE SO STRONG YOU COULDN'T GET IN THE
CAR--LIKE ON A WARM DAY. THIS STILL HAPPENED YEARS AFTERWARDS.
Submitter comment:
I, THE COLLECTOR, TOLD THEM ABOUT THE CAR WHICH THE OWNER COULD NOT
SELL BECAUSE A PERSON WHO HAD DIED IN IT WAS LEFT IN IT FOR SOME
TIME AND THE ODOR REMAINED. IT PROMPTED THE FOLLOWING:
HEARD THIS IN DETROIT, MICHIGAN
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | ART CRAFT ARCHITECTURE -- Means of transportation Vehicle propelled by mechanical or other force on land BELIEF -- Death Funeral Burial |
Date learned: 05-11-1965
MEMORIES OF HOMELAND GERMANY ( : ) HOLY WEEK CUSTOMS
IN GERMANY, BEGINNING ON HOLY THURSDAY AND LASTING UP TO EASTER
SUNDAY THERE IS NO DANCING, PARTIES OR POPULAR MUSIC PERMITTED.
EVEN ON THE RADIO FOR THIS THREE DAY PERIOD THE ONLY TYPE OF MUSIC
PERMITTED ARE SELECTIONS BY MOZART, BACH ( , ) ETC.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT ; BEAUTY SHOP ; MICHIGAN, ASSUMED
Keyword(s): MUSIC
| Subject headings: | 663 Holy Thursday CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Spring Planting Easter Sunday CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Spring Planting F663.30 |
Date learned: 03-00-1971
WILL THE SUN EVER GET COLD? YES, IN THE YEAR 2050 EVERYTHING
WILL REVERSE. SUMMER WILL BRING SNOW AND WINTER WILL BRING
WARMT H.
Submitter comment: VERY RELIGIOUS, THIS IS WRITTEN IN THE BIBLE
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Sun BELIEF -- Measure of time Year BELIEF -- Measure of time Season |