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The James T. Callow Folklore Archive
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FIXED DATE FESTIVAL
CHILDREN CAN BE VERY CRUEL, AND ONE OF THE THINGS THE
CHILDREN BACK HOME DO IS TO GO OUT ON ST. STEPHEN'S
DAY (DEC. 26) WITH BIG NOVELTY STOCKS AND HUNT DOWN
A LITTLE BIRD CALLED THE WREN. THEY KILL THE BIRD
AND PUT THE CORPSE IN THE MIDDLE OF A HOLLY WREATH,
AND DECORATE IT WITH RIBBONS AND COLORED PAPERS AND
THINGS, AND THEY GO AROUND FROM DOOR TO DOOR SINGING
SONGS AND COLLECTING MONEY FOR THE FUNERAL.
Submitter comment:
THE ABOVE IS A QUOTE FROM A RECORD OF IRISH FOLK
SONGS THAT MIKE HEARD AT A FRIEND'S HOME. IT IS AN
INTRODUCTION TOLD BY THE SINGERS TO EXPLAIN THE
MEANING BEHIND ONE OF THE SONGS. THIS SONG WAS ONE
OF THE SONGS THE CHILDREN SANG AS THEY CARRIED THE
DEAD WREN.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 26 Boxing Day St. Stephen's Day |
Date learned: 09-29-1971
IN A LITTLE ITALIAN CITY THERE LIVED A VERY POOR
MAN. ALL HE OWNED WAS AN OLD BICYCLE OF WHICH HE WAS
VERY PROUD. ONE DAY HE WENT TO A SMALL GROCERY
STORE TO BUY SOME VEGETABLES AND WHEN HE CAME
BACK, HE FOUND HIS BICYCLE ALL BROKEN INTO LITTLE
PIECES--PROBABLY SOME EVIL BOY DECIDED TO PLAY A
BAD JOKE ON HIM. THE MAN BEGAN TO CRY. AT THAT
TIME, A FUNERAL PROCESSION ARRIVED AND THE MAN JOINED THE
RELATIVES OF THE DEAD WOMAN, CRYING SO PITIFULLY THAT
A FRIEND OF THE DEAD WOMAN STOPPED HIM AND SAID,
"COME ON NOW, SHE WAS OLD AND DECREPIT, YOU KNOW."
TO THAT THE MAN REPLIED, "YES, BUT SHE STILL HAD
TWO PEDALS AND A HANDLE-BAR!"
Submitter comment:
THE ABOVE IS AN EXAMPLE OF THE FUNNY STORIES CHILDREN
TELL IN ITALY. I REMEMBER HEARING AND TELLING ONE
SIMILAR TO THIS WHEN I WAS YOUNGER.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
James Callow Keyword(s): TRANSLATION---ITALIAN VERSION ON 5 X 8 CARD.
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Stupid man or woman |
Date learned: 10-06-1971
FESTIVAL
MANY HOUSEHOLDS, INCLUDING OURS, KEEP FRUIT CAKE ON HAND FOR THE
XMAS (CHRISTMAS) SEASON.
Submitter comment:
CHILDHOOD
Data entry tech comment:
Updated by TRD
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DEARBORN
Keyword(s): Cake ; CHRISTMAS ; CUSTOM ; FESTIVAL ; FOOD ; FRUIT ; Fruitcake ; holiday ; tradition
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20 Pastry |
Date learned: NOT RECORDED
CLAIRVOYANT
ONE NIGHT, A FEW MONTHS AGO, AFTER FINISHING WORK AT VALENTE'S, KAYE MUNDT AND MARTY RAPP WENT TO A
NEAR-BY BAR TO HAVE A BEER OR TWO. AFTER A WHILE,
MARTY GOT TO TALKING WITH TWO WOMEN WHO WERE SITTING
NEAR THEM. SOMETIME LATER, MARTY DECIDED IT WAS TIME
FOR HIM TO GO, AND LEFT KAYE TO FINISH THE CONVERSATION,
WHICH HE DID.
KAYE NOTICED THAT ONE WOMAN DID MOST OF THE TALKING,
WHILE THE OTHER REMAINED, FOR THE MOST PART, QUIET
AND RESERVED. SO HE ASKED WHY.
THE TALKATIVE WOMAN SAID THAT HER FRIEND WAS A
CLAIRBOYANT AND ASKED IF KAYE WANTED A DEMONSTRATION.
KAYE SAID HE WAS GAME, SO THE LADY GOT STARTED.
FIRST, SHE ASKED HIM HIS NAME. FROM THAT SHE TOLD HIM
THINGS ABOUT HIMSELF THAT AS KAYE PUT IT, "I DON'T
EVEN TELL PEOPLE THESE THINGS."
KAYE WAS AMAZED BY THIS, BUT HE FIGURED HE WOULD TEST HER
ONE LAST TIME, SO HE ASKED WHAT HE DID THE SUNDAY BEFORE.
THE LADY THOUGHT A MINUTE AND REPLIED THAT SHE SAW HIM
FALLING. HE HAD DONE SOMETHING HE HAD NEVER DONE
BEFORE AND SOMETHING MOST MEN WOULD NOT DO. KAYE JUST
SAT THERE SPEECHLESS. FOR HE HAD GONE PARACHUTING THAT
SUNDAY AND IT WAS THE FIRST HE HAD TRIED IT.
KAYE DIDN'T SAY WHAT HAPPENED AFTER THAT, JUST THAT
HE WENT HOME AGHAST AND AMAZED.
TO THIS DAY, KAYE STILL WONDERS ABOUT THAT INCIDENT AT
THE BAR. HE HOLDS THAT THAT WAS ONE OF THE STRANGEST
THINGS HE HAS EVER SEEN.
Submitter comment:
TO THIS DAY, KAYE HASN'T GOT OVER HIS MEETING WITH THAT
QUIET LADY IN THE BAR. SHE DIDN'T MAKE ONE MISTAKE
IN TELLING HIM ABOUT HIMSELF, HE SAID.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Witch Shaman |
Date learned: 10-15-1971
CLAIRVOYANT
ONE NIGHT, A FEW MONTHS AGO, AFTER FINISHING WORK AT VALENTE'S, KAYE MUNDT AND MARTY RAPP WENT TO A
NEAR-BY BAR TO HAVE A BEER OR TWO. AFTER A WHILE,
MARTY GOT TO TALKING WITH TWO WOMEN WHO WERE SITTING
NEAR THEM. SOMETIME LATER, MARTY DECIDED IT WAS TIME
FOR HIM TO GO, AND LEFT KAYE TO FINISH THE CONVERSATION,
WHICH HE DID.
KAYE NOTICED THAT ONE WOMAN DID MOST OF THE TALKING,
WHILE THE OTHER REMAINED, FOR THE MOST PART, QUIET
AND RESERVED. SO HE ASKED WHY.
THE TALKATIVE WOMAN SAID THAT HER FRIEND WAS A
CLAIRBOYANT AND ASKED IF KAYE WANTED A DEMONSTRATION.
KAYE SAID HE WAS GAME, SO THE LADY GOT STARTED.
FIRST, SHE ASKED HIM HIS NAME. FROM THAT SHE TOLD HIM
THINGS ABOUT HIMSELF THAT AS KAYE PUT IT, "I DON'T
EVEN TELL PEOPLE THESE THINGS."
KAYE WAS AMAZED BY THIS, BUT HE FIGURED HE WOULD TEST HER
ONE LAST TIME, SO HE ASKED WHAT HE DID THE SUNDAY BEFORE.
THE LADY THOUGHT A MINUTE AND REPLIED THAT SHE SAW HIM
FALLING. HE HAD DONE SOMETHING HE HAD NEVER DONE
BEFORE AND SOMETHING MOST MEN WOULD NOT DO. KAYE JUST
SAT THERE SPEECHLESS. FOR HE HAD GONE PARACHUTING THAT
SUNDAY AND IT WAS THE FIRST HE HAD TRIED IT.
KAYE DIDN'T SAY WHAT HAPPENED AFTER THAT, JUST THAT
HE WENT HOME AGHAST AND AMAZED.
TO THIS DAY, KAYE STILL WONDERS ABOUT THAT INCIDENT AT
THE BAR. HE HOLDS THAT THAT WAS ONE OF THE STRANGEST
THINGS HE HAS EVER SEEN.
Submitter comment:
TO THIS DAY, KAYE HASN'T GOT OVER HIS MEETING WITH THAT
QUIET LADY IN THE BAR. SHE DIDN'T MAKE ONE MISTAKE
IN TELLING HIM ABOUT HIMSELF, HE SAID.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Witch Shaman |
Date learned: 10-15-1971
GOBLIN BELIEF
IN THE SEWERS, UNDER VALENTE'S MENS FORMAL WEAR INC., IN DETROIT,
THERE LIVES 'MAX,' A MALEVOLENT CREATURE OF UNDETERMINANT FORM.
HE IS, THOUGH, KNOWN TO HAVE LONG ARMS AND GRASPING FINGERS WHICH
HE PUTS TO VARIED AND VILE USES. MOST OF THE ACCIDENTS AND
CALAMITIES ARE ATTRIBUTED TO HIM.
Submitter comment:
NO ONE AT VALENTE'S REALLY BELIEVES IN MAX. WE ALL JUST
ACKNOWLEDGE HIS EXISTENCE AS SOMETHING OF A PRIVATE JOKE OR GAME.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Fairy Elf Goblin Gnome |
GAME, POPE PUFF
WHILE HOLDING A DRINK WITH ONE FINGER AND THUMB THE PLAYER MUST
RECITE: HERE'S TO POPE PUFF WHO IS WITH US FOR THE FIRST TIME
TONIGHT.AFTER SAYING THIS THE PLAYER MUST TAKE ONE DRINK FROM THE
GLASS.HE MUST THEN TAP THE GLASS ONCE ON THE TABLE.THE PLAYER MUST DO
A SERIES OF TAPS WHICH GOES AS FOLLOWS.WITH ONE FINGER OF EACH HAND
HE MUST TAP THE TOP OF THE TABLE, THE BOTTOM OF THE TABLE AND ONCE ON
EACH THIGH.HE MUST THEN TAP EACH FOOT ONCE ON THE FLOOR FOLLOWED BY
STANDING UP AND SITTING BACK DOWN IN HIS CHAIR.THE PLAYER MUST THEN
PICK UP THE GLASS WITH TWO FINGERS AND THUMB AND RECITE:HERE'S TO
POPE PUFF PUFF WHO IS WITH US FOR THE SECOND TIME TONIGHT.UPON
COMPLETION THE PLAYER TAKES TWO DRINKS AND TAPS THE GLASS TWICE ON
THE TABLE.THE FINGER TAPPING IS REPEATED BUT TWO FINGERS WITH TWO
TAPS FROM EACH IS REQUIRED.EACH FOOT IS TAPPED TWICE AND THE PLAYER
STANDS UP AND SITS BACK DOWN TWICE.UPON COMPLETION THE PLAYER PICKS
UP HIS GLASS WITH THREE FINGERS AND THUMB AND RECITES:HERE'S TO POPE
PUFF PUFF PUFF WHO IS WITH US FOR THE THIRD AND FINAL TIME THIS
EVENING
THE PLAYER MUST NOW TAKE THREE DRINKS FROM THE GLASS MAKING SURE TO
COMPLETLY FINISH THE REMAINING CONTENTS.HE MUST NOW TAP THE GLASS
THREE TIMES ON THE TABLE AND FOLLOW WITH THE FINGER TAPS USING THREE
FINGERS ON EACH HAND.THREE TAPS WITH EACH FOOT IS GIVEN FOLLOWED BY
STANDING UP AND SITTING DOWN THREE TIMES.AFTER COMPLETING ALL THIS,
THE PLAYER MUST TURN HIS GLASS UP-SIDE-DOWN ON THE TABLE AND THEN
BACK TO THE NORMAL POSITION WHILE SAYING, ONCE A POPE ALWAYS A POPE
AM I A POPE?ALL THE PLAYERS IN THE GAME NOW INSPECT THE TABLE FOR
LIQUID THAT MAY HAVE BEEN LEFT IN THE GLASS.IF ANY IS FOUND THE
PLAYER MUST REPEAT THE ENTIRE CHANT.ALSO IF A MISTAKE IS MADE
ANYWHERE ALONG THE WAY, THE PLAYER MUST REFILL HIS GLASS AND START
AGAIN FROM THE BEGINNING.
Submitter comment:
THIS GAME IS USUALLY PLAYED WITH A NUMBER OF PLAYERS WHOOSE GLASSES
ARE FILLED WITH AN ALCHOLIC BEVERAGE. COMPLETING THE CHANT THE FIRST
TIME
IS VERY RARE AND THE PLAYERS USUALLY ALL END UP INTOXICATED.IF YOU
THINK PLAYING THE GAME IS DIFFICULT, YOU SHOULD TRY KEYPUNCHING IT
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; FARMINGTON
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Memory |
LUCK
THE THIRD PERSON TO LIGHT A CIGARETTE FROM THE
SAME MATCH WILL DIE IN A WHORE HOUSE.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; Flint
| Subject headings: | 686 Thirds / Thrice / Three / Triple |
Date learned: 00-00-1970
IF YOU'RE TELLING A LIE, CROSS YOUR FINGERS BEFORE YOU
SAY IT AND IT WON'T BE A LIE.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; FARMINGTON
Date learned: 11-29-1969
A LIBYAN BELIEF
FOR THE ARAB PEOPLES, THE SIGN OF THE GREATEST INSULT
IS TO BE SHOWN THE SOLES OF ANOTHER'S SHOES. FOR AN
EXAMPLE, THE AMERICAN PEOPLE WOULD HAVE TO BE
CAREFUL NOT TO CROSS THEIR LEGS EITH THEIR SHOW
SOLES SHOWING. THIS IS BECAUSE, FOR THE ARABS, THE
SOLE OF A SHOE IS THE LOWEST THING BECAUSE IT
TOUCHES THE GROUND, WHICH IS REGARDED AS THE LOWEST
DIRTIEST AND MOST DISGUSTING THING.
Where learned: HOME ; MICHIGAN ; FARMINGTON
| Subject headings: | SPEECH -- Derision Scorn |
Date learned: 11-29-1969
IN GREAT BRITAIN, IF A PERSON HOLDS A FIST AT YOU AND PUTS
THE THUMB STRAIGHT UP IN THE AIR, HE IS SAYING THAT
YOU'RE OK OR A GOOD GUY.
Submitter comment: SERIOUS MOOD CONCERNING THIS.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; FARMINGTON
| Subject headings: | SPEECH -- All right O.K. |
Date learned: 09-26-1972
ACT YOUR AGE NOT YOUR SHOE SIZE.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; FARMINGTON
Keyword(s): COMEBACK
| Subject headings: | SPEECH -- Formula |
Date learned: 03-00-1971
PLACE
FRAIDY CELLAR = BASEMENT
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; FARMINGTON
| Subject headings: | SPEECH -- Place |
Date learned: 10-00-1969
PREDICTION OF BABY'S FUTURE
MY SISTER TOLD ME THAT IF A BABY WAS BORN WITH A
TOOTH, HE WOULD BE A SCHOLAR.
Submitter comment: TOLD TO INFORMANT BY HIS SISTER, MRS. LA MOUNTAIN.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; BLOOMFIELD HILLS
| Subject headings: | Observation BELIEF -- Birth |
Date learned: 00001940-1950
PREDICTION OF BABY'S SEX
THE PREGNANT MOTHER LAYS DOWN ON HER BACK. THEN YOU
TAKE EITHER A NEEDLE OR A PENCIL HUNG ON A STRING
AND HOLD IT OVER HER NAVEL. IF IT GOES IN A CIRCLE
IT WILL BE A GIRL. IF IT GOES BACK AND FORTH, IT
WILL BE A BOY.
Submitter comment:
TOLD TO INFORMANT BY HER NEIGHBOR IN WAYNE, MICHIGAN,
CAROL PROUGH.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; BLOOMFIELD HILLS
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Birth BELIEF -- Birth BELIEF -- Use of Object |
Date learned: 00-00-1961
TRUTH IS STRANGER THAN FICTION.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; FARMINGTON
| Subject headings: | PROVERB -- Proverbial Apothegm Maxim |
Date learned: 02-00-1971
SHE'S SO BUSY, SHE DOESN'T KNOW WHETHER SHE'S
ON FOOT OR HORSEBACK.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; FARMINGTON
| Subject headings: | PROVERB -- Proverbial Phrase |
Date learned: 09-29-1968
THERE WAS ONCE A GIRL TRAINING TO BE A NURSE. SHE
HAD ENTERED A CLASS ON DISSECTING CADAVERS AND
FELT QUEASY ABOUT TAKING THE COURSE, WHICH WAS RE-
QUIRED. OTHER TRAINEES WHO HAD REALIZED HER FEAR,
HAD PLANNED A PRACTICAL JOKE. THEY CUT AN ARM OFF
OF ONE OF THE CADAVERS AND REPLACED HER LAMP'S
PULLCORD WITH IT. LAMPS IN THOSE DAYS DAYS
UTILIZED A PULLCORD TO TURN THEM ON AND OFF. THEIR
INTENTIONS WERE SIMPLY TO INNOCENTLY SHOCK THE GIRL
AS SHE ENTERED HER ROOM AND TURNED THE LIGHT ON.
AS THE GIRLS AWAITED TO HEAR THE VICTIM'S REACTION
NOTHING HAPPENED AND THEY BEGAN TO WORRY. SO THEY
ENTERED HER ROOM, ONLY TO FIND IT EMPTY WITH A
GURGLING NOISE RISING FROM BENEATH THE BED. IN-
VESTIGATING, THEY FOUND THE STUDENT HUDDLED UNDER
THE BED GNAWING AT THE ARM, HAVING GONE MAD.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; FARMINGTON
| Subject headings: | Favorites PROSE NARRATIVE -- Physically handicapped Deformed CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Entertainment Diversion |
Date learned: CHILDHOOD
THERE WAS ONCE A GIRL TRAINING TO BE A NURSE. SHE
HAD ENTERED A CLASS ON DISSECTING CADAVERS AND
FELT QUEASY ABOUT TAKING THE COURSE, WHICH WAS RE-
QUIRED. OTHER TRAINEES WHO HAD REALIZED HER FEAR,
HAD PLANNED A PRACTICAL JOKE. THEY CUT AN ARM OFF
OF ONE OF THE CADAVERS AND REPLACED HER LAMP'S
PULLCORD WITH IT. LAMPS IN THOSE DAYS DAYS
UTILIZED A PULLCORD TO TURN THEM ON AND OFF. THEIR
INTENTIONS WERE SIMPLY TO INNOCENTLY SHOCK THE GIRL
AS SHE ENTERED HER ROOM AND TURNED THE LIGHT ON.
AS THE GIRLS AWAITED TO HEAR THE VICTIM'S REACTION
NOTHING HAPPENED AND THEY BEGAN TO WORRY. SO THEY
ENTERED HER ROOM, ONLY TO FIND IT EMPTY WITH A
GURGLING NOISE RISING FROM BENEATH THE BED. IN-
VESTIGATING, THEY FOUND THE STUDENT HUDDLED UNDER
THE BED GNAWING AT THE ARM, HAVING GONE MAD.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; FARMINGTON
| Subject headings: | Favorites PROSE NARRATIVE -- Physically handicapped Deformed CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Entertainment Diversion |
Date learned: CHILDHOOD
PUT A DANDELION UNDER YOUR CHIN AND IF YOUR CHIN
TURNS YELLOW, IT MEANS EITHER THAT YOU LIKE
BUTTER OR YOU'RE IN LOVE.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; FARMINGTON
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Body part Senses Chin BELIEF -- Plant BELIEF -- Use of Object |
Date learned: CHILDHOOD