Dr. James T. Callow publications
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The James T. Callow Folklore Archive
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A POLISH SONG: WAY OVER THERE, NEAR THE WOODS
WAY OVER THERE NEAR THE WOODS
SOMETHING FLASHES FROM AFAR.
A BAND OF GYPSIES
BUM STAREE RAREE (ETC., THREE TIMES)
A GYPSY DOESN'T SOW
A GYPSY DOESN'T PLOW
ARE STARTING A FIRE.
WHERE E'ER HE LOOKS
THERE HE WILL SETTLE
(REFRAIN)
A GYPSY IS WITHOUT WATER.
A GYPSY IS WITHOUT A COTTAGE,
A GYPSY IS HAPPY,
ALTHOUGH HE ISN'T RICH.
Submitter comment:
THIS SONG I KNOW FROM CHILDHOOD FROM MY PARENTS. THERE ARE MANY
SONGS AND TALES ABOUT GYPSIES IN POLISH FOLKLORE
AS THE GYPSY WAS, AND IS, A COMMON SIGHT IN POLAND.
Data entry tech comment:
Updated by TRD
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DEARBORN
Keyword(s): Folk Muysic ; Lyrics ; MUSIC ; POLAND ; POLISH ; RHYME ; SONG ; Tune
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Admiration Praise Adulation |
Date learned: 11-28-1967
A POLISH SONG: O MY ROSEMARY PLANT, BURST INTO BUD
O MY ROSEMARY PLANT, BURST INTO BUD,
O MY ROSEMARY PLANT, BURST INTO BUD.
I WILL GO TO MY GIRL,
I WILL SEE THE ONE GIRL AND WOO HER NOW.
I WILL GO TO MY GIRL,
I WILL SEE THE ONE GIRL
AND WOO HER NOW.
AND IF SHE SHOULD ANSWER, "I LOVE YOU NOT,"
UHLANS ARE RECRUITING
SHARPSHOOTERS ARE MARCHING.
I WILL JOIN THEM.
THEY'LL GIVE ME A ROAN HORSE, SURE-FOOTED, FLEET,
AND A SHARP-EDGED SABRE,
AND A SHARP EDGED SABRE,
FIXED TO MY SIDE.
THEY'LL GIVE ME A CANTEEN, WITH VODKA FILLED,
THEN I'LL NOT BE YEARNING
THEN I'LL NOT BE YEARNING
FOR MY GIRL.
WE WILL GO OUT OF THE TRENCHES
WITH FIXED BAYONETS
THE BAYONETS WILL PIERCE ME
DEATH WILL KISS ME--BUT NOT YOU.
Submitter comment:
THIS IS A SOLDIER SONG OF WORLD WAR I. HARRIET PAWLAWSKA TRANSLATED
1-4. MY FATHER ADDED 5. THE MUSIC WAS TRANSCRIBED BY GRACE ENGEL.
Data entry tech comment:
Updated by TRD
Scan of music in progress
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DEARBORN
| Subject headings: | Favorites Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Sorrow Unhappiness |
Date learned: 11-28-1967
WORMS
TAKE TINY LEAVES OF PEPPERMINT, WASH THEM, THEN MASH THEM UP WITH A
LIITLE VINEGAR. THEN ADD TWO CLOVES GARLIC, MASH, STIR AND COVER.
THEN SET ON A WINDOW LEDGE IN THE MOONLIGHT OVERNIGHT.
IT FERMENTS AND EVERYTHING
SETTLES TO THE BOTTOM. TAKE A TEASPOONFUL OF TOP MIXTURE ON AN EMPTY
STOMACH 3 TIMES DURING THE DAY, ONCE BEFORE EACH MEAL, AND IT WILL
CURE THE WORMS.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT ; COLLECTORS HOME
Keyword(s): MOON
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Method of Curing |
Date learned: 09-21-1969
BLEEDING HOST
IF YOU BITE THE CONSECRATED HOST, IT WILL BLEED, FOR IT IS CHRIST.
Data entry tech comment:
There are several other cards in archive similar to this.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; Flint
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Religious hero BELIEF -- Church |
Date learned: 00-00-1970
Entry filtered.
CHARLIE CHAPLIN WENT TO FRANCE,/ TO TEACH THE LADIES HOW TO DANCE,/
WITH A HEEL AND A TOE, AROUND WE GO./ SALUTE TO THE CAPTAIN,/ BOW TO
THE QUEEN,/ TOUCH THE BOTTOM OF THE DIRTY SUBMARINE.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT ;
Keyword(s): ACTION-RHYME ; CHARACTER
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Game Verse Game Verse |
Date learned: 11-00-1968
CUSTOM
FOR CHRISTMAS EVE, THE FAMILY HAS AN ODD NUMBER OF DISHES FOR
CHRISTMAS EVE DINNER. THIS DINNER IS CALLED WIGILIA.
Data entry tech comment:
Updated by TRD
Where learned: HOME ; MICHIGAN ; DEARBORN HEIGHTS ; TOLD AT
Keyword(s): CHRISTMAS ; CUSTOM ; FOOD ; holiday
| Subject headings: | 122 Christmas |
Date learned: 02-22-1970
NEW YEAR'S CUSTOM
AT NEW YEAR'S, LITHUANIAN AMERICANS HAVE THE CUSTOM OF
COVERING THEIR ENTIRE TABLE WITH FOOD, SO THAT NOT ONE SPOT OF
THE TABLE CLOTH IS SHOWING.
Submitter comment:
THIS IS SUPPOSED TO ENSURE THAT THEY WILL HAVE ENOUGH FOOD
FOR THE ENTIRE YEAR TO COME.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT ; informant's home
Date learned: 01-30-1971
NEW YEAR'S CUSTOMS AND CELEBRATIONS
SEVERAL DAYS BEFORE THE NEW YEAR THE CHINESE WILL
PREPARE A PASTRY. THIS IS PREPARED BY THE METHOD OF
STEMMING. IF CHILDREN ASK IF THE PASTRY IS DONE
BEFORE IT IS FULLY COOKED, THE PEOPLE BELIEVE
THAT THE PASTRY WILL NEVER BE FULLY COOKED.
Submitter comment:
INFORMANT LEARNED THIS IN TAIWAN.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT ; 4001 W MCNICHOLS ; LANGUAGE DEPARTMENT
Keyword(s): FOOD CUSTOM ; SPEECH TABU ; STEAMING FOOD
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20 CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Winter Food Drink -- Pastry Sweet Dessert |
Date learned: 02-02-1971
OMEN
IF THE PALM OF YOUR HAND IS ITCHY, IT IS A
SIGN THAT YOU ARE GOING TO RECEIVE SOME MONEY.
Submitter comment: LEARNED FROM HER MOTHER.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT ;
| Subject headings: | Observation |
Date learned: 12-01-1967
FIRST COMPANY
INFORMANT AND HER NEIGHBORS BELIEVE THAT ANY GUESTS ON THE
FIRST DAY OF A NEW YEAR WHO ENTER BY ONE DOOR AND
LEAVE BY ANOTHER WILL FORETELL BY THIS ACTION THAT MANY
GUESTS (MORE THAN USUAL) WILL VISIT THE HOUSE IN THE
ENSUING YEAR. THE MAJORITY OF THESE VISITORS WOULD BE MERELY
ACQUAINTANCES PEOPLE NOT TOO CLOSE TO THE FAMILY. SO THE
HOUSE IS CURSED TO BEING SOMETHING LIKE A TRAIN STATION.
CROWDS OF IMPERSONAL PEOPLE WILL COME AND GO, FEW
BRINGING WITH THEM THE WARMTH OF REAL FRIENDSHIP.
Data entry tech comment:
Informant and collector share same surname and place of residence.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; FRASER
BETTER SLEEP
YOU WILL SLEEP BETTER IF THE HEAD OF YOUR BED POINTS NORTH.
Submitter comment:
LEARNED FROM HER AUNT IN GRAND MARAIS IN HER CHILDHOOD. (HER
BED HEAD POINTS NORTH, INCIDENTALLY.)
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT ; GRAND MARAIS
James Callow Keyword(s): POSITION DIRECTION
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Measure of time Sleeping |
Date learned: 01-04-1964
BELIEF
IF YOU MOVE TO A NEW HOME AT
THE END OF THE WEEK, YOU WON'T
BE THERE LONG.
Submitter comment:
THE INFORMANT LEARNED THIS WHILE LIVING IN
NORTH DAKOTA IN THE 1940'S
Where learned: MICHIGAN
| Subject headings: | Observation |
Date learned: 09-00-1965
COUNTING OUT
IBBITY, BIBBITY, SIBBITY, SAB, IBBITY, BIBBITY, CANOBA.
ON THE "CANOBA," THE PERSON'S HAND WHO IS TOUCHED ON THAT
SYLLABLE IS TAKEN OUT, AND THE RHYME IS CONTINUED WITH THE
REMAINING HANDS UNTIL THERE ARE NO HANDS LEFT. THE
PERSON WHOSE HAND IS THE LAST TO REMAIN IS IT FOR WHATEVER
GAME YOU ARE PLAYING.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; GRAND RAPIDS
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Game Verse Game Verse |
CHRISTMAS
ON CHRISTMAS EVE, HAY WAS PUT ON THE DINNER
TABLE AND THE CLOTH PUT OVER THE HAY. IN THE
HAY WAS PUT SOME COIN MONEY FOR EACH PERSON
SO THEY WOULD NOT BE BROKE IN THE COMING YEAR.
Data entry tech comment:
Informant and collector share same surname.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT ; TOLD AT COLLECTOR'S HOME
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 24 Christmas Eve F122.4 CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 24 Christmas Eve Christmas CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20 Straw |
Date learned: 03-10-1970
WHEN AT THE DINNER TABLE OR WHEN HANDLING
SILVERWARE, IF SOMEONE DROPS A FORK
THEY CAN EXPECT A FEMALE VISITOR THAT DAY.
Where learned: MICHIGAN
| Subject headings: | Observation |
Date learned: 00-00-1967
THE GAME MUMBLEY PEG
PARTS: A BUCK KNIFE OR ANY KNIFE WITH AT
LEAST A THREE-INCH BLADE.
NUMBER OF PLAYERS: TWO ONLY
OBJECT OF GAME: TO MAKE OPPONENT PLAYER EITHER LOSE HIS BALANCE
OR BE UNABLE TO REACH THE KNIFE.
RULES: TWO PEOPLE STAND ABOUT FOUR FEET AWAY FROM ONE ANOTHER
AND FACE EACH OTHER.
ONE PLAYER GOES FIRST. HE TRIES TO THROW THE KNIFE ABOUT A FOOT TO
THE LEFT OR RIGHT OF THE SECOND PLAYER,S RIGHT OR LEFT FOOT.
THE SECOND PLAYER PLACES HIS FOOT NEXT TO THE KNIFE.
THIS CAUSES HIS FEET AND LEGS TO SHIFT OPEN.
THE SECOND PLAYER THEN THROWS THE KNIFE NEAR THE FIRST PLAYER,S FOOT.
HE MUST ALSO MOVE HIS FOOT NEXT TO THE KNIFE.
THIS GOES ON UNTIL ONE PLAYER FALLS FROM OVER EXTENDING HIS LEG REACH
OR IS UNABLE TO GRASP THE KNIFE FOR ANOTHER TURN.
Submitter comment:
THIS GAME WAS USUALLY PLAYED OUTSIDE ON THE GRASS.
THE PLAYERS USUALLY WORE COWBOY BOOTS TO PROTECT THIER FEET
FROM A BAD THROW.
PLAYERS CAN ALSO KEEP A POINT RECORD OF MATCHES.
BETTING ON THIS GAME IS ALSO COMMON.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; BIRMINGHAM
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- C562 C562.1 |
Entry filtered.
GOOD LUCK FROM A DEAD SPIRIT WHEN YOU PLAY A NUMBER
IF YOU PUT A GLASS OF WATER UNDER YOUR BED IT WILL MAKE YOUR DEAD
GRANDMOTHER COME BACK TO YOU. HER SPIRIT WILL COME TO YOU AND
BRING YOU GOOD LUCK. IT HAS BEEN KNOWN TO HAPPEN BECAUSE A LADY
GOT RICH THAT WAY. YOU PICK OUT THE NUMBER WHICH YOU WANT TO
COME OUT. AND PUT IT INTO THE GLASS OF WATER. THE SPIRIT OF A
DEAD RELATIVE WILL COME TO GET A TASTE OF THE WATER AND THANK YOU
BY MAKING THE NUMBER COME OUT. THIS WAS PASSED ON TO ME BY MY
GRANDMOTHER. SHE CAME FROM THE SOUTH.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
James Callow Keyword(s): GAINING WEALTH ; GAMBLING: PLAYING THE NUMBERS
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Ghost Spirit Phantom Specter BELIEF -- Number |
Date learned: 10-00-1974
RIDDLE
Q: WHAT KEY IS THE HARDEST TO TURN?
A: A DONKEY.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT ; PLAYGROUND
Keyword(s): ANIMAL (A) ; HARDWARE (Q) ; METAPHORICAL NONOPPOSITIONAL
| Subject headings: | RIDDLE -- Riddle Question |
Date learned: NOT GIVEN BY COLLECTOR