Dr. James T. Callow publications
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BELIEF
KNIVES ARE NEVER PASSED DIRECTLY TO A PERSON, THEY ARE PLACED
ON A TABLE AND THE OTHER PERSON PICKS IT UP FROM THERE.
Where learned: DETROIT
| 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. |
BELIEF
SANDDOLLARS GOT THEIR DESIGN ON GOOD FRIDAY. IT IS SAID THAT THE
SANDDOLLAR WAS AFFECTED BY THE CRUCIFICTION, WHICH IS THE REASON
FOR THE FIVE HOLES IN ITS SURFACE, AND THE ETCHING OF AN EASTER
LILY AROUND THEM.
Where learned: DETROIT
James Callow Keyword(s): CRUCIFIXION ; SYMBOLS OF CHRIST'S WOUNDS
| Subject headings: | 663 Good Friday BELIEF -- Fish |
Date learned: CA00001974
WHY GYPSIES MUST STEAL
AT THE SITE OF JESUS' CRUCIFIXION, THERE WERE GYPSIES ALL AROUND.
ONE OF THE GYPSIES RAN UP TO THE CROSS AND STOLE ONE OF THE NAILS
HOLDING JESUS TO THE CROSS. JESUS THANKED THE GYPSIE, AND THIS IS
WHY GYPSIES MUST STEAL.
Where learned: DETROIT
James Callow Keyword(s): CRUCIFIXION
| Subject headings: | 663 Holy Thursday |
WHY PEACOCKS' FEATHERS HAVE AN EYE IN THEM.
DURING THE CRUCIFICTION, PEACOCKS WANDERED BELOW THE CROSS, PECKING
AT THE BODIES ON THE CROSSES. DROPS OF BLOOD FELL ON TO THEIR
FEATHERS. THESE STAINS BECAME THE EYES ON THE PEACOCKS' FEATHERS.
Where learned: DETROIT
James Callow Keyword(s): CRUCIFIXION
| Subject headings: | 663 Good Friday PROSE NARRATIVE -- Bird |
Date learned: 03-00-1980
IF YOU SING IN THE MORNING, YOU'LL CRY AT NIGHT.
Submitter comment:
MY INFORMANT, MUCH ANNOYED AT MY HABIT OF SINGING
AROUND THE KITCHEN BEFORE BREAKFAST, USED TO RECITE THIS
LITTLE VERSE TO ME ALMOST EVERY MORNING, ALTHOUGH,
PERSONALLY, I STILL CAN'T FIND ANY TRUTH IN IT.
WHERE MY INFORMANT HEARD THIS LITTLE SAYING IS
UNCERTAIN.
Where learned: HOME ; MICHIGAN ; DETROIT ; SAINT JOSEPH
| Subject headings: | PROVERB -- Proverbial Apothegm Maxim |
Date learned: 00-00-1961
STAJENKA
EVERY CHRISTMAS IT IS CUSTOMARY FOR POLISH FAMILIES TO DISPLAY
FIGURINES OF CHRIST'S NATIVITY UNDER THEIR CHRISTMAS TREES. BESIDES
STATUES OF JOSEPH, MARY, AND THE INFANT JESUS, SHEPHERDS, SHEEP,
WISE MEN, AND CAMELS ARE PLACED UNDER THE TREE. OFTEN A WHOLE
VILLAGE, INCLUDING HOUSES, FARMS, ANIMALS, AND PEOPLE, IS
CONSTRUCTED. THE NATIVITY DISPLAY IS REFERRED TO AS THE STAJENKA.
Submitter comment:
DISPLAYING THE STAJENKA UNDER THE CHRISTMAS TREE IS A COMMON
PRACTICE FOR THE INFORMANT.
Where learned: DETROIT
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20 Christmas Season See F645.2 for Advent Season. CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20 Manger scenes |
POLISH CHRISTMAS TRADITION
WHEN CHRISTMAS EVE DINNER IS READY, FAMILY MEMBERS AND GUESTS
THAT WILL SHARE THE MEAL KNEEL AND LISTEN WHILE THE MOTHER OF
THE HOUSEHOLD READS THE GOSPEL ACCOUNT OF JESUS' BIRTH. THE
GOSPEL IS ALWAYS LUKE 2:1-14. MM
CHRISTMAS EVE SUPPER BEGINS AFTER THE FIRST STAR APPEARS. THE
SIGHTING OF THE STAR IS ANNOUNCED BY THE YOUNGEST MEMBER OF THE
FAMILY.
Submitter comment:
NOTICE THE RECURRING EMPHASIS ON THE YOUNGEST FAMILY MEMBER
(SEE SQ 771820-8). ALSO, THE COLLECTOR IS UNAWARE OF ANY
FAMILIES THAT SCHEDULE DINNER TO BEGIN AFTER THE FIRST STAR
APPEARS. MOST FAMILIES EAT WHENEVER THEY CHOOSE.
Where learned: DETROIT
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 24 Christmas Eve CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Street Trip Relations between relatives, friends, host and guest Social class Rank |
Date learned: CA00001890S ; 01-13-1980
OPLATEK
OPLATEK (ALSO CALLED 'ANGEL BREAD') IS A RECTANGULAR WAFER
MADE FROM THE SAME INGREDIENTS THAT HOSTS ARE. EACH FAMILY MEMBER
OR GUEST THAT IS SHARING THE CHRISTMAS EVE DINNER RECEIVES A WAFER.
AFTER BREAKING OFF A PIECE OF THEIR OWN OPLATEKS, THE INDIVIDUALS
SHARING THE MEAL PASS THEIR OPLATEKS TO THE PERSON SEATED NEXT TO
THEM. THIS CONTINUES UNTIL EACH PERSON HAS SHARED HIS WAFER OF
OPLATEK WITH EVERY OTHER PERSON PRESENT AT THE DINNER TABLE.
Submitter comment:
SHARING OPLATEK IS A SIGN OF MUTUAL LOVE, FORGIVENESS, AND BEST
WISHES.
Where learned: DETROIT
James Callow Keyword(s): POLISH
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 24 Christmas Eve Oplatki CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 24 Christmas Eve Oplatki CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20 Oplatki |
Date learned: CA00001890S ; 01-13-1980
POLISH CHRISTMAS TRADITION
ONE EXTRA PLACE IS SET AT THE CHRISTMAS EVE DINNER TABLE FOR
CHRIST. USUALLY, A GUEST IS SEATED AT THIS PLACE.
Submitter comment:
THE EXTRA PLACE IS SET FOR CHRIST BECAUSE OF THE BELIEF THAT
CHRIST WANDERS THE STREETS ON CHRISTMAS EVE JUST AS MARY AND JOSEPH
WANDERED THROUGH BETHLEHEM LOOKING FOR A PLACE TO STAY ON
THE FIRST CHRISTMAS EVE.
Where learned: DETROIT
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 24 Christmas Eve Table setting and clearing BELIEF -- Religious hero |
Date learned: CA00001890S ; 01-13-1980
POLISH CHRISTMAS TRADITION
THE CHRISTMAS EVE MEAL CONSISTS OF SEVEN TO TWELVE COURSES.
BORSCH IS SERVED AS THE SOUP. BAKED AND STUFFED PIKE IS THE
MAIN DISH; HOWEVER, ANY FISH MAY BE SUBSTITUTED. A POPPY
SEED ROLL COVERED WITH RUM FROSTING IS DESERT.
Submitter comment:
IT APPEARS THAT THE POLISH-AMERICAN'S CHRISTMAS EVE MEAL HAS
BECOME AMERICANIZED. PIKE HAS BEEN PUSHED OFF THE MENU BY TURKEY.
AND POPPY SEED ROLLS HAVE BEEN REPLACED BY PUMPKIN PIES OR OTHER
STANDARD AMERICAN FOODS.
Where learned: DETROIT
James Callow Keyword(s): LOCALIZATION
Date learned: CA00001890S ; 01-13-1980
POLISH CHRISTMAS TRADITION
PRIOR TO SETTING THE CHRISTMAS EVE DINNER TABLE, ONE STRAND OF HAY
FOR EVERY PERSON SHARING THE MEAL IS PLACED IN THE CENTER OF THE
TABLE UNDER THE TABLE CLOTH. THE STRANDS ARE OF VARYING LENGTHS.
AFTER DINNER, EVERYONE MAKES A WISH AND PULLS A STRAND OF HAY
OUT FROM UNDERNEATH THE TABLECLOTH. THE INDIVIDUAL WHO PULLS OUT
THE LONGEST STRAND OF HAY WILL OBTAIN HIS WISH BEFORE THE END OF
THE NEW YEAR.
Submitter comment:
THOUGH THE WISHES AREN'T GUARANTEED, CHILDREN AS WELL AS SOME
ADULTS EXPECT THEM TO COME TRUE.
Where learned: DETROIT
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Special Object or Implement CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 24 Christmas Eve BELIEF -- Measure of time Year BELIEF -- Prayer |
Date learned: CA00001890S ; 01-13-1980
POLISH CHRISTMAS TRADITION
AFTER MAKING THE CHRISTMAS WISH, THE FAMILY MEMBERS AND GUESTS THAT
WERE PRESENT FOR THE CHRISTMAS EVE MEAL SING POLISH CHRISTMAS
CAROLS. THEN THE GROUP GATHERS AROUND THE CHRISTMAS TREE SO THAT
THE MOTHER OF THE HOUSEHOLD MAY DISTRIBUTE THE CHRISTMAS PRESENTS.
WHEN THE MOTHER DISTRIBUTES THE GIFTS, SHE STARTS WITH THE YOUNGEST.
Submitter comment:
NOTICE THE EMPHASIS WHICH IS PLACED ON BEING THE YOUNGEST IN POLISH
CHRISTMAS TRADITION. THE YOUNGEST PERSON SIGHTS THE FIRST
STAR (SQ 771820-2) AND IS ALSO THE FIRST PERSON TO RECEIVE PRESENTS.
Where learned: DETROIT
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 24 Christmas Eve CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Street Trip Relations between relatives, friends, host and guest Social class Rank |
Date learned: CA00001890S ; 01-13-1980
PASTERKA
FAMILY MEMBERS GO TO CHURCH AT MIDNIGHT FOR THE CHRISTMAS MASS
CALLED PASTERKA. UPON RETURNING HOME, THE FAMILY EATS A BREAKFAST
OF HAM WITH HORSERADISH ON PUMPERNICKLE BREAD.
Submitter comment:
PASTERKA MEANS THE SHERPHERDS' MASS.
THE BREAKFAST MENU IS OFTEN REVISED TO INCLUDE BACON AND EGGS OR
OTHER FOODS THE FAMILY ENJOYS.
Where learned: DETROIT
James Callow Keyword(s): POLISH
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 24 Christmas Eve Food Drink -- Typical menus for the various meals For meal hours, see F574.84. Special or festive meals |
Date learned: CA00001890S ; 01-13-1980
SWIENCONKA
ON HOLY SATURDAY MORNING, SAMPLES OF THE FOOD WHICH WILL BE SERVED
AT BREAKFAST ON EASTER SUNDAY ARE TAKEN TO CHURCH TO BE BLESSED.
FOODS INCLUDED IN THE EASTER BASKET ARE COLORED EASTER EGGS, BREAD,
KIELBASA, HAM, SALT AND PEPPER, AND BARANEK (BUTTER SHAPED LIKE A
LAMB.) THE FOOD IS COOKED BEFORE IT IS BLESSED AND SERVED COLD ON
EASTER MORNING.
Submitter comment:
SOME FAMILIES ADD COFFEE CAKES AND SWEET ROLLS TO THE SWIENCONKA
BASKET. THE INFORMANY'S FAMILY PRACTICES THIS CUSTOM MINUS
THE SWEET ROLLS AND COFFEE CAKE.
Where learned: DETROIT
James Callow Keyword(s): POLISH
| Subject headings: | 663 Holy Saturday Food Drink -- Typical menus for the various meals For meal hours, see F574.84. Special or festive meals BELIEF -- Prayer |
Date learned: CA00001890S ; 01-13-1980
PACZKI DAY
PACZKI DAY IS THE POLISH EQUIVALENT OF MARDI GRAS. ON THE TUESDAY
BEFORE ASH WEDNESDAY, POLISH FAMILIES ATTEMPT TO COMPENSATE FOR THE
GOODIES AND SNACKS THAT THEY'LL SACRIFICE DURING LENT. SO POLISH
PEOPLE EAT UP ALL THE PACZKI THEY POSSIBLY CAN.
Submitter comment:
PACZKI ARE JELLY DONUTS. USUALLY, WOMEN BAKE DONUTS FOR
DAYS JUST TO PROVIDE A LARGE SELECTION ON PACZKI DAY.
Where learned: DETROIT
| Subject headings: | 663 Ash Wednesday |
Date learned: CA00001890S ; 01-13-1980
DYNGUS DAY
ON EASTER MONDAY, YOUNG BOYS TAKE THE BRANCHES OF PUSSYWILLOWS
(DYNGUS) AND SWITCH YOUNG GIRLS WITH THE BRANCHES.
Submitter comment:
SOME FAMILIES PAY THE BOYS SO THE BOYS WILL NOT SWITCH THEIR
DAUGHTERS. SOME FAMILIES PAY THE BOYS TO SWITCH THEIR
DAUGHTERS. SOME FAMILIES HAVE GIVEN UP THIS PRACTICE.
PERSONALLY, THE INFORMANT HAS GIVEN UP THIS PRACTICE. HOWEVER, AS
OF 1980, SHE KNOWS OF INDIVIDUALS WHO PERSIST IN SWITCHING
YOUNG GIRLS.
Where learned: DETROIT
James Callow Keyword(s): POLISH
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Spring Planting Easter Monday Dyngus |
Date learned: CA00001890S ; 01-13-1980
POLISH SALUTATIONS
1. "IDZCIE Z BOGEM" (GO WITH GOD)
"ZOSTANCIE Z PONEN JEZUSEM" (STAY WITH GOD) MM
2. "NIECH BEDZIE POCHWALONY JEZUS CHRYSTUS" (PRAISED BE JESUS
CHRIST)
"NA WIEKI WIEKOW, AMEN" (FOREVER AND EVER, AMEN)
Submitter comment:
THE FIRST STATEMENT IS THE GREETING. THE SECOND STATEMENT
IS A RESPONSE TO THE GREETING: CO
1. THIS SALUTATION IS SAID BY MOTHERS WHEN THEY THEY SEND THEIR
FAMILIES OFF TO SCHOOL OR TO WORK IN THE MORNING. CO
2. THIS SALUTATION IS SAID BY THE FAMILY MEMBERS WHEN THEY RETURN
HOME. OFTEN GUESTS SAY THIS GREETING WHEN ARRIVING AT THEIR
HOST'S HOME.
Where learned: DETROIT
| Subject headings: | SPEECH -- Formula |
Date learned: CA00001890S ; 01-13-1980
PROPRAWINI
THE DAY AFTER A WEDDING, THE FAMILY AND FRIENDS OF THE BRIDE
AND GROOM ASSEMBLE AT THE HOME OF THE BRIDE'S PARENTS TO EAT THE
FOOD LEFT-OVER FROM THE WEDDING RECEPTION. BESIDES EATING LEFT-
OVERS THE FAMILY AND FRIENDS USE THIS TIME TO RESTORE ORDER AND
TO CLEAN UP THE DEBRIS ASSOCIATED WITH A WEDDING RECEPTION.
Submitter comment:
ACTUALLY, PROPRAWINI IS NOTHING MORE THAN A FUNCTIONAL WAY TO GET RI
OF LEFT-OVERS. PERHAPS THAT'S WHY IT IS SUCH A COMMON PRACTICE.
Where learned: DETROIT
James Callow Keyword(s): POLISH
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Marriage |
Date learned: CA00001890S ; 01-13-1980
"TEMU DALA"
TU TU MYSKA ZROBILA JAYKO
(HERE A LITTLE MOUSE LAID AN EGG)
GROWN-UP PUTS HIS INDEX FINGER IN THE PALM OF A BABY'S HAND. MM
TEMU DALA
(GAVE SOME TO HIM)
GROWN-UP SAYS THIS FOUR TIMES, ONCE ON EACH OF THE BABY'S FOUR
FINGERS. MM
TEMI NIC NIE DALA
(THIS ONE GOT NOTHING)
THE GROWN-UP SAYS THIS WHILE HOLDING THE BABY'S THUMB MM
POSIED, POSIED, POSIED
(HE WENT, WENT, WENT)
THE GROWN-UP'S HAND CRAWLS UP THE BABY'S ARM MM
A TEMI TEPEK URWALA
( AND PULLED OFF ITS HEAD)
THE GROWN-UP TICKLES THE BABY
Submitter comment:
EVERY BABY THAT HAS COME IN CONTACT WITH MY FAMILY HAS PLAYED
THIS GAME. FURTHERMORE, EVERY BABY, INCLUDING MYSELF, ENJOYED
THE GAME. THOUGH I'M CONVINCED THE GROWN-UPS ENJOY IT MORE.
Where learned: DETROIT
Date learned: CA00001890S ; 01-13-1980
POLISH CUSTOM FOR A NEW HOUSE
THE FIRST THINGS TO ENTER A NEW HOUSE ARE A TABLE, A CROSS, AND
SOME HOLY WATER.
Submitter comment:
BRINGING THE TABLE INSURES THAT THE FAMILY WILL NEVER BE WITHOUT
FOOD. THE CROSS, REPRESENTATIVE OF RELIGION, GUARANTEES A BLESSED
LIFE. THE HOLY WATER REMOVES EVIL FROM THE HOUSE.
Where learned: DETROIT
James Callow Keyword(s): SYMBOLS
Date learned: 01-13-1980