Dr. James T. Callow publications
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The James T. Callow Folklore Archive
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PROVERBIAL METAPHOR
NOBODY LOVES A WET DOG
Data entry tech comment: NOT TO BE TAKEN LITERALLY, I'M SURE.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; OSCODA
James Callow Keyword(s): ADVICE: NEGATIVE ; ANIMAL ; OBSERVATION ; SYMBOL
| Subject headings: | PROVERB -- Proverbial Metaphor |
Date learned: NOT GIVEN
CUSTOM
"ENRYO" IS A FORM OF SOCIAL CUSTOM OF POLITENESS WHICH JAPANESE
MUST PRESERVE IN THEIR INTER-PERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS. THE INDIVIDUAL
IS NOT PERMITTED TO INDULGE HIS REAL DESIRE. AT A DINNER, ETC.
WHILE ETIQUETTE FORCES THE HOST TO URGE HIS GUEST NOT TO DO "ENRYO"
(TO ACCEPT ANOTHER CAKE OR SERVING), THE GUEST IN TURN IS BOUND TO
DO "ENRYO" AND REFUSE THE OFFER ALTHOUGH HE MAY BE DYING TO INDULGE
HIMSELF.
Submitter comment: INFORMANT LEARNED THE ABOVE WHILE GROWING UP IN JAPAN.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; WARREN
Keyword(s): HOST GUEST POLITENESS ETIQUETTE
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Street Trip Relations between relatives, friends, host and guest Social class Rank |
Date learned: 08-01-1964
IF YOU STEP OVER A PERSON YOU SHOULD STEP BACK OVER THEM.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; LIBRARY ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; WARREN ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | Favorites CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Street Trip Relations between relatives, friends, host and guest Social class Rank |
Date learned: 10-08-1965
CUSTOM
"GIRI" IS ONE OF THE MAJOR FORMS OF SOCIAL CUSTOM WHICH IS BASIC TO
THE JAPANESE SOCIAL STRUCTURE. ROUGHLY MEANING "MORAL OBLIGATION"
IT BINDS THE INDIVIDUAL WHO HAS INCURRED ANY DEBT TO DISCHARGE
THIS NO MATTER THE COST OR ELSE BRING DIRE SHAME UPON HIMSELF
AND HIS FAMILY NAME. IT GOES HAND IN HAND WITH "ON" (MORAL AND
MATERIAL INDEBTEDNESS) AND MAINTAINS A RIGID HOLD ON JAPANESE
SOCIAL BEHAVIOR. THIS IS WHY JAPANESE ARE RELUCTANT TO HELP OTHERS
OUT OR ARE RELUCTANT TO ACCEPT HELP BECAUSE THEY ARE AWARE OF THE
SOCIAL IMPLICATIONS: OF PLACING OTHERS IN MORAL OR MATERIAL DEBT
TO THEMSELVES, OR OF BEING PLACED IN SUCH AN UNCOMPROMISING AND
RIGID SITUATION. TO GIVE FREELY BECAUSE ONE WANTS TO IS NOT THE
CUSTOM IN JAPAN (AS IT IS HERE IN AMERICA).
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; WARREN
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Street Trip Relations between relatives, friends, host and guest Social class Rank BELIEF -- Mammal |
Date learned: 08-01-1964
CUSTOM
IT IS A JAPANESE CUSTOM, WHEN VISITING FRIENDS, TO ALWAYS BRING A
GIFT, NO MATTER HOW SMALL OR HUMBLE. IT IS USUALLY WRAPPED IN
SPECIAL TRADITIONAL "GIFT" PAPER OF RED AND WHITE, TIED WITH AN
"ONOSHI". THIS IN TURN IS WRAPPED IN THE FAMILY "FUROSHIKI" WHICH
IS A SQUARE SILK PIECE (COTTON OR SILK).
Submitter comment: INFORMANT LEARNED THE ABOVE WHILE GROWING UP IN JAPAN.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; WARREN
| Subject headings: | Favorites CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Street Trip Relations between relatives, friends, host and guest Social class Rank |
Date learned: 09-01-1964
ST. STEPHEN'S DAY
AMONG THE HUNGARIAN PEOPLE, ST. STEPHEN'S DAY, THE DAY AFTER
CHRISTMAS, IS HIGHLY CELEBRATED. THERE IS ABUNDANT FOOD AND DRINK
AND LOTS OF DANCING AND LAUGHTER.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; WARREN
Keyword(s): ST. STEPHEN'S DAY
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 26 Boxing Day St. Stephen's Day |
Date learned: 10-08-1968
CUSTOM
CUSTOM TO CELEBRATE BOYS' DAY (NOW CALLED CHILDREN'S DAY), ON MAY
5TH. ON THIS DAY A COLORFUL CLOTH CARP IS FLOWN FROM THE FAMILY
POLE IN THE GARDEN, SINCE THE CARP SYMBOLIZES THE STRENGTH AND
PERSEVERANCE OF THE CARP AS IT STRUGGLES UP STREAM AGAINST THE
DOWNWARD CURRENT.
Submitter comment: INFORMANT LIVED IN JAPAN WHILE SHE WAS GROWING UP.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; WARREN
Keyword(s): FISH ; FLAG OR BANNER
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- May 5 BELIEF -- Celestial Body |
CUSTOM
CUSTOM IN JAPAN TO CELEBRATE "GIRLS' DAY" OR DOLL FESTIVAL ON
MARCH 3. THE HISTORY OF THIS CUSTOM EMBRACES JAPANESE FOLKLORE,
HISTORY, CUSTOM, ETC. IT STEMS FROM THE BEGINNINGS OF SHINTOISM AT
WHICH TIME A SINFUL PERSON SOUGHT OUT PURIFICATION BY BATHING IN A
STREAM. AS TIME PASSED, HOWEVER, THE WEALTHY AND LAZY BEGAN TO
SEND SUBSTITUTES. LATER STILL, INANIMATE OBJECTS (RELATED TO HUMAN
LIFE) WERE USED AND FINALLY, TWO PAPER DOLLS, SYMBOLIZING THE MALE
AND FEMALE MEMBERS OF AN ENTIRE FAMILY, WERE ADOPTED UNIVERSALLY AS
THE SYMBOL OF PURIFICATION. THEY ARE KNOWN AS "KAMIBINA" AND ARE
ALWAYS DISPLAYED WITH THE TRADITIONAL DOLLS SET EVERY JAPANESE
GIRL OWNS, AND WHICH SHE ALWAYS TAKES WITH HER WHEN SHE MARRIES.
MARCH 3 WAS CHOSEN BECAUSE IT SYMBOLIZED THE TRANSITION FROM
WINTER'S DARKNESS OF SIN INTO THE LIGHT AND HOPE OF SPRING.
THE DOLLS REPRESENT THE IMPERIAL COURT: EMPEROR AND EMPRESS,
COURT LADIES, MUSICIANS, VARIOUS ATTENDANTS, AND MINIATURE
FURNITURE AND HOUSEHOLD IMPLEMENTS. THEY ARE ARRANGED IN
HIERARCHICAL ORDER, ON 5 SHELVES COVERED WITH RED (FESTIVAL
COLOR) CLOTH. FOOD OFFERINGS ARE PLACED ON THE LOWEST SHELF.
Submitter comment: INFORMANT CELEBRATED THE ABOVE WHILE GROWING UP IN JAPAN.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; WARREN
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- March 3 CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20 F642.9 |
Date learned: 08-01-1964
BALDNESS
THERE IS A BELIEF AMONG SOME ITALIANS THAT ON MARCH 1ST A PERSON
MUST WASH HIS HAIR TO AVOID BALDNESS. IF A PERSON DOESN'T WASH
IS ( HIS ) HAIR HE WILL GO BALD FOR SURE.
Submitter comment:
THE INFORMANT IS FROM A TRADITIONAL ITALIAN FAMILY WHICH FIRMLY
BELIEVES IN THIS.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; WARREN
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- March 1 |
(TAG YOU'RE IT)
LONG AGO AN OLD INDIAN CHIEF NAMED CRAZY HORSE HAD
SIX SONS, AND ALL BUT THE YOUNGEST HAD BECOME CHIEFS.
THE OLD MAN FELT THAT NOW WAS THE TIME FOR HIS
YOUNGEST SON TO BECOME A CHIEFTAN. HE HAD TO CHOOSE
A QUEST FOR HIS SON TO PROVE HIMSELF WORTHY OF BEING
MADE A CHIEF. THE MORE DANGEROUS THE QUEST, THE MORE
GLORY FOR BOTH THE SON AND THE OLD MAN. SINCE THIS WAS
HIS FAVORITE SON, THE OLD CHIEF THOUGHT OF THE MOST
DANGEROUS MISSION HE COULD FOR HIM. "GO AND FIND THE
SLEEPING MONSTER AND BRING BACK PROOF THAT YOU HAVE
SEEN IT." NOW RUNNING DEER, THE CHIEF'S SON TO WHOM
THIS QUEST WAS ASSIGNED WAS A LITTLE WORRIED, FOR THE
DOZEN PREVIOUS MEN SENT OUT TO FIND THE SLEEPING
MONSTER HAD NEVER COME BACK. BUT HE ACCEPTED HIS
FATHER'S WILL AND WENT OFF AFTER THE BEAST.
HIS JOURNEY TOOK HIM INTO THE SACRED BLACK HILLS,
AND AFTER THE SECOND DAY OF TRAVELLING IN THIS MYSTERIOUS
LAND, HE HEARD THE SOUND OF SNORING, THE SLEEPING
MONSTER. FOR FIVE DAYS HE FOLLOWED THE SOUND OF THE
SNORING, TILL NOW IT SOUNDED LIKE THUNDER. HIS
JOURNEY TOOK HIM TO THE BASE OF A HIGH CLIFF-LIKE
MOUNTAIN. HE CLIMBED THE MOUNTAIN. THE TRIP WAS
DIFFICULT, FOR HE HAD TO FOLLOW NARROW PATHS, CLIMB
SHEER CLIFFS AND WAS OFTEN FORCED TO USE HIS ROPE
TO PULL HIMSELF UP BODILY.
AT THE TOP OF THE MOUNTAIN HE FOUND A SMALL HOLE JUST BIG
ENOUGH FOR HIM TO CRAWL THROUGH. THE SOUND COMING FROM
THE HOLE WAS DEAFENING. HE ENTERED THE CAVE AND FOUND
THAT HE HAD TO CONTINUE CRAWLING ON HIS HANDS AND KNEES
FOR ABOUT SIXTY FEET, WHERE THE TUNNEL SUDDENLY WIDENED
AND HE WAS ABLE TO STAND UP. HE WALKED FOR ABOUT A HALF
HOUR WHEN HE CAME UPON A LAKE, OR RATHER A LARGE POND IN
THE CENTER OF THE MOUNTAIN. HE COULD JUDGE THE SIZE AND
DEPTH OF THE LAKE WELL, BECAUSE THE MOUNTAIN HE WAS IN
WAS ONCE A VOLCANO AND A LARGE HOLE IN THE CEILING
LIGHTED THE WHOLE OF THIS CHAMBER. THE LAKE WAS ABOUT
SIXTY FEET WIDE AND ABOUT TEN FEET DEEP. ON THE OTHER
SIDE OF THE LAKE WAS A HUGE DOORWAY, 10 FEET HIGH AND
EIGHT FEET WIDE. RUNNING DEER DIVED INTO THE LAKE AND
SWAM ACROSS. HE SLOWLY OPENED THE DOOR AND THERE HE SAW
--WHAT THE HECK IS THAT THING ANYWAY? THERE SLEEPING
IN FRONT OF HIM WAS THIS HUGE ELEPHANT-LIKE CREATURE. IT HAD
A LARGE TRUNK, WEBBED FEET, AND WAS COVERED WITH SCALES.
RUNNING DEER SAID, "WELL I SAW IT, SO GOOD-BYE," THEN HE
REALIZED THAT NO ONE WOULD BELIEVE WHAT HE SAW. HE NEEDED
PROOF. HE DECIDED TO CUT OFF ONE OF THE LARGE GREEN
SCALES AND HOPES THAT HE DOES NOT CUT A NERVE AND AWAKEN
THE MONSTER. HE TOOK OUT HIS KNIFE AND BEGAN CUTTING THE
SCALE. HE HAD ONLY ANOTHER FRACTION OF AN INCH TO GO,
WHEN THE CREATURE SCREAMED IN PAIN. HE HAD CUT A NERVE.
HE PULLED OFF THE SCALE, RAN OUT OF THE DOOR, AND SWAM
ACROSS THE LAKE. HE FIGURED THAT A CREATURE AS LARGE AS
THAT COULD NOT SWIM WELL AND THAT NOW HE WAS SAFE. THE
CREATURE BURST THROUGH THE DOOR AND RAN TO THE EDGE OF THE
POND. THE BOY LAUGHED AT HOW HE OUT-SMARTED THE CREATURE,
WHEN SUDDENLY IT BEGAN TO SPRAY THE WATER FROM THE LAKE OUT
THROUGH THE HOLD IN THE ROOF AT A FANTASTIC RATE. THE
WATER LEVEL DROPPED A FOOT EACH TIME HE SPRAYED. IT USED
ITS TRUNK LIKE A SUPER ELEPHANT'S NOSE. THE BOY WAS NO
LONGER LAUGHING. HE RAN THROUGH THE TUNNEL. HE ARRIVED
AT THE SPOT WHERE HE HAD TO CRAWL AND FINALLY BEGAN TO
BREATHE EASIER. A CREATURE LIKE THAT COULD NEVER FIT
THROUGH THE HOLE OR THIS PART OF THE RUNNEL. IT WAS TOO
NARROW FOR IT. BUT THE CREATURE WAS ALSO PART MOLE AND
SOON IT WAS BURROWING RIGHT BEHIND THE BOY. THE BOY
BEGAN TO CLIMB DOWN THE CLIFF; HE FELT THAT THE CREATURE
COULD NEVER MANAGE THE NARROW PATHS. ABOVE HIM THE
MONSTER BEGAN TO FOLLOW HIM, FOR IT WAS ALSO PART MOUNTAIN
GOAT. THE BOY REACHED THE BOTTOM OF THE CLIFF ONLY TO
DISCOVER THAT HIS HORSE WAS MISSING. HE WOULD HAVE TO
OUT-RUN THE BEAST. HE RAN AND RAN; BEHIND HIM HE COULD
HEAR THE CREATURE GAINING WITH EVERY STEP. EVEN THOUGH
THE BOY WAS FASTER THAN THE CREATURE, HE COULD NOT OUT-
DISTANCE THE MONSTER FOR IT WAS NOT PART, BUT ALL, ENDURANCE.
FINALLY, AFTER MILES OF RUNNING, THE BOY COLLAPSED. HE FELL
TO THE GROUND AND SAW THE CREATURE COMING ONLY YARDS AWAY.
HE PRAYED TO THE GREAT SPIRIT TO PREPARE A TEEPEE IN THE
HAPPY HUNTING GROUND FOR IT WAS ABOUT TO RECEIVE A NEW
TENANT. FINALLY DONE PRAYING, HE CLOSED HIS EYES. THE
CREATURE REACHED OUT AND SAID "TAG, NOW YOU'RE IT."
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; CAMP OHIYESA ; ESCANABA
| Subject headings: | 6677 Formula Tale |
Date learned: NOT GIVEN
PENTECOST SUNDAY
ON PENTECOST SUNDAY THE UKRANIANS CELEBRATE SPECIAL SERVICES FOR
THE DEAD, CALLED "PARASTAS" AT EACH GRAVE, WHICH HAS BEEN
SPECIALLY DECORATED WITH FLOWERS AND WREATHS.
Data entry tech comment:
Informant and collector are the same person.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; WARREN
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Death Funeral Burial CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Spring Planting Pentecost |
Date learned: 10-00-1970
PENTECOST SUNDAY
ON PENTECOST SUNDAY, "ZELENYJ SVIATA" (GREEN HOLIDAY), THE
UKRANIANS DECORATE THEIR HOUSES WITH GREEN TREE BRANCHES TO
SYMBOLIZE REBIRTH: OF NATURE (SPRING) AND SPIRITUAL THROUGH THE
HOLY GHOST.
Data entry tech comment:
Informant and collector are the same person.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; WARREN
Keyword(s): FERTILITY
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Spring Planting Pentecost |
Date learned: 10-00-1970
THE MONDAY AFTER EASTER IS CALLED "POLYVANIJ PONEDILOK" OR WATERING
MONDAY AMONG THE UKRAINIANS. IT IS CUSTOMARY FOR PEOPLE, USUALLY
THE YOUNG, TO SPILL WATER AT EACH OTHER. IF A YOUNG MAN SPILLS WATER
ON HIS GIRL FIRST, HE WILL BE HEAD OF THE FAMILY; IF SHE GETS HIM
FIRST, SHE WILL BE HEAD.
Data entry tech comment:
Informant and collector are the same person.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; WARREN
Keyword(s): DYNGUS DAY ; WATER
| Subject headings: | 870 CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Spring Planting Easter Monday Dyngus BELIEF -- Marriage |
Date learned: 10-00-1970
AMONG UKRAINIANS IT IS CUSTOMARY TO EAT A CEREMONIAL EASTER BREAKFAST
AFTER RESURRECTION SERVICES. BEFORE BREAKFAST BEGINS, THE FATHER
CUTS THE SPECIALLY BLESSED EASTER EGG AND GIVES A PIECE TO EACH
MEMBER OF HIS FAMILY, FROM OLDEST TO YOUNGEST. WHILE DOING THIS HE
SAYS TO EACH ONE--"LET THE MERCIFUL GOD GRANT THAT WE STILL BE
TOGETHER ALIVE AND WELL FOR MANY MORE EASTERS TO COME."
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; WARREN
Keyword(s): FAMILY UNITY ; FOOD CUSTOM
Date learned: 10-00-1970
BREAKING OF BREAD
DURING EASTER, BEFORE DINNER, THE FAMILIES GATHER TOGETHER AND EACH
MEMBER HAS A PIECE OF "ANGEL BREAD" (UNLEAVENED BREAD). THEN EACH
MEMBER BREAKS A PIECE OFF OF EACH OF THE OTHER MEMBERS' PIECE(S)
OF "ANGEL BREAD" WHILE WISHING THEM THE BEST OF EVERYTHING FOR THAT
SEASON, FOLLOWED BY A KISS OR A HANDSHAKE. AFTER EVERYONE HAS
EXCHANGED, THE PIECES ARE EATEN.
IF A MEMBER IS OUT OF TOWN, THE OUT OF TOWNER SENDS A PIECE OF "ANGEL
BREAD" IN A GREETING CARD TO THE FAMILY FOR EXCHANGE.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; WARREN
Keyword(s): FAMILY UNITY ; FOOD CUSTOM
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Spring Planting Easter Sunday Food Drink -- Typical menus for the various meals For meal hours, see F574.84. Special or festive meals SPEECH -- Gesture |
Date learned: DATE NOT RECORDED BY COLLECTOR
SALUTATION
THE UKRAINIAN TRADITIONAL GREETING FOR THE EASTER SEASON IS
"KHRYSTOS VOSKRES" (CHRIST IS RISEN) TO WHICH THE REPLY IS, "VOISTYNO
VOSKRES" (HE IS RISEN INDEED). THIS SALUTATION SUPERCEDES (SIC) ALL
FROM EASTER MORNING TO ASCENSION DAY.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; WARREN
Keyword(s): RITUAL SPEECH
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Spring Planting Easter Sunday CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Spring Planting Ascension Day |
Date learned: 10-00-1970
EASTER SATURDAY
THE UKRAINIANS BLESS BASKETS CONTAINING: A SPECIAL EASTER BREAD
"PASKA", MEAT, EGGS, CHEESE, BUTTER, SALT, HORSERADISH AND
SPECIALLY PAINTED EASTER EGGS, IN CHURCH ON EASTER SATURDAY, IN A
SPECIAL CEREMONY. A LIGHTED CANDLE IS PUT BY EACH BASKET.
(ORIGINALLY, AND IN SOME CHURCHES EVEN NOW, THE CEREMONY TOOK PLACE
BEFORE SUNRISE EASTER SUNDAY. WEATHER PERMITTING, THIS CEREMONY IS
PERFORMED OUTSIDE.)
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; WARREN
Keyword(s): FOOD CUSTOM ; SWIECZONKA
| Subject headings: | 663 Holy Saturday CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Spring Planting Easter eggs CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Spring Planting Easter Sunday BELIEF -- Prayer |
Date learned: 10-00-1970
GOOD FRIDAY CUSTOM
ALWAYS EAT HOT CROSS BUNS ON GOOD FRIDAY.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; WARREN
Keyword(s): FOOD CUSTOM
| Subject headings: | 663 Good Friday |
Date learned: 03-24-1970
PALM SUNDAY
IT IS A UKRAINIAN CUSTOM ON THE SUNDAY BEFORE EASTER (CALLED
WILLOW "SHUTKOVA" OR FLOWER "KVITNA" SUNDAY "NEDILA") TO TAP
PEOPLE WITH THE PUSSY WILLOW BRANCHES RECEIVED IN CHURCH AND SAY
"IT IS NOT I HITTING YOU, ITS THE PUSSY WILLOW; A WEEK FROM TODAY
IS EASTER"
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; WARREN
Keyword(s): RELIGIOUS CUSTOM
| Subject headings: | 663 Palm Sunday CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Spring Planting Tuesday |
Date learned: 10-00-1970
LENTEN FAST--RUSSIAN
DURING THE FORTY DAYS BEFORE EASTER, THE RUSSIAN PEOPLE WERE NOT
ALOWED TO EAT MEAT, FISH, MILK OR CREAM. THEY WERE ONLY
ALLOWED TO EAT VEGETABLES SUCH AS POTATOES, SAURKRAUT ( SAUERKRAUT ),
ETC.
NOTE: TOLD TO MY MOTHER BY HER NEIGHBOR MRS. MARY YASHIN
WHO GREW UP IN SARATOV, RUSSIA.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; WARREN
Keyword(s): FOOD CUSTOM ; SELF-SACRIFICE
| Subject headings: | 663 Lent |
Date learned: 10-10-1968