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The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

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CHINESE FESTIVAL

THE MOON FESTIVAL IS A MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL. IT TAKES
PLACE ON THE FIFTEENTH DAY OF THE EIGHTH MOON.
AT NIGHT SOME FARMERS WILL MAKE OFFERINGS TO THE MOON
IN EXCHANGE FOR A GOOD HARVEST IN THE COMING YEAR.
FRIENDS WILL GIVE EACH OTHER "MOONCAKES" AND CHILDREN
WILL LIGHT THEIR LANTERNS.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; BIRMINGHAM

Subject headings: CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- September 23 equinox to December 20 Also used for Advent.
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Autumn Fall Harvest Thanksgiving

Date learned: 02-24-1968

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THE BOYS I PLAYED BASEBALL WITH AND I, OFTEN DUPED
A NEW PLAYER INTO BELIEVING THAT THERE WERE LEFT-
HANDED AND RIGHT-HANDED BASEBALL BATS. I NOTED THE
SAME JOKE IN AAA PROFESSIONAL BASEBALL IN CHATANOOGA,
TENNESSEE IN 1958 PLAYED ON A MUCH OLDER FELLOW.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT ; BIRMINGHAM ; TENNESSEE ; CHATANOOGA

Subject headings: PROSE NARRATIVE -- Lie Tall tale
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Foundation rite Laying of cornerstone

Date learned: 12-00-1971 ; 00-00-1958 ; 00001950S

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AT OLIVET COLLEGE, THE HAZING OF ADELPHIC FRATERNITY
PLEDGES WAS SUPPOSEDLY THE MIDWEST'S ROUGHEST. SOME
OF HELL NIGHT'S PRANKS:
BLINDFOLDED PLEDGE PICKS UP BANANA IN TOILET.
BLINDFOLDED PLEDGE HAS ENCASED SHAVER (ELECTRIC)
DRAWN OVER DIFFERENT HAIRY PARTS OF BODY AND HAIR IS
DROPPED TO SIMULATE ACTUAL SHAVING.
BLINDFOLDED, EATING ALLUM-STUFFED PICKLES, OLIVES, ETC.
FORCING REGURGITATION.
BLINDFOLDED, NUDE PLEDGE STANDING IN SIX INCHES OF ICE
WATER HAS HOT WAX DRIPPED ON HIM.
SINGING FRATERNITY AND SCHOOL SONGS IN UNDERPANTS AND
SHOES ONLY (SNOW ON GROUND) IN FRONT OF GIRL'S DORM.
HAVING TO RECITE PLEDGE RULES IN ORDER WHILE LAYING
NUDE IN SIX INCHES OF ICE WATER, WHILE FRAT MEMBERS
DROPPED RAW EGGS FROM BALCONY INTO MOUTH OF RECITER.
THERE ARE MORE, BUT THEY'RE SADISTIC, SOME CAUSING
THREE OUT OF APPROXIMATELY 30 TO QUIT.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT ; BIRMINGHAM ; TENNESSEE ; CHATANOOGA

Subject headings: PROSE NARRATIVE -- Lie Tall tale
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Initiation rite Hazing

Date learned: 12-00-1971 ; 00-00-1958 ; 00001950S

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GERMAN CUSTOM

EAT HERRING AT NEW YEAR'S EVE, YOU'LL HAVE GOOD LUCK ALL
YEAR. GERMAN.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; BIRMINGHAM

Subject headings: CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 31 New Year's Eve
Food Drink -- Typical menus for the various meals For meal hours, see F574.84. Special or festive meals
BELIEF -- Good luck
BELIEF -- Good luck

Date learned: 10-30-1967

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EVIL AVERTING CUSTOM

IF YOU EAT BLACK EYED BEANS AND HOMINY GRITS ON NEW YEAR'S
DAY, YOU WON'T HAVE ANY BIG PROBLEMS ALL YEAR.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; BIRMINGHAM

Subject headings: CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- January 1 New Year's
Food Drink -- Typical menus for the various meals For meal hours, see F574.84. Special or festive meals

Date learned: 02-07-1968

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SWEDISH CUSTOM

MELT PIECES OF SILVER IN A PAN AND TELL FORTUNES BY THE
FORMS THE SILVER TAKES.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; BIRMINGHAM

Subject headings: CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 31 New Year's Eve
BELIEF -- Use of Object
BELIEF -- Use of Object
BELIEF -- Fate Destiny Luck Chance

Date learned: 10-01-1967

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PEOPLE MAKE NEW YEAR RESOLUTIONS TO HAVE A GOOD AND
NOURISHING YEAR. THIS IS DONE ON NEW YEAR'S EVE,
JUST BEFORE MIDNIGHT.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; BIRMINGHAM

Subject headings: CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 31 New Year's Eve
BELIEF -- Use of Object
BELIEF -- Fate Destiny Luck Chance

Date learned: 03-21-1971

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DECORATING THE CHRISTMAS TREE ON CHRISTMAS EVE.

Submitter comment: FAMILY PRACTICE.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; BIRMINGHAM

Subject headings: CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 24 Christmas Eve
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20 Christmas tree

Date learned: 11-14-1967

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CHRISTMAS CUSTOM--BEFORE CHRISTMAS

THE FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT SOMEONE PUTS ALL
THE NAMES OF EACH MEMBER OF THE FAMILY IN A
HAT. THEN EACH PERSON PICKS A NAME. NOW
FOR THE NEXT FOUR WEEKS THIS PERSON IS
"KRIS KRINGLE" TO THE PERSON HE PICKED.
DURING ADVENT YOU DO NICE THINGS AND GIVE
LITTLE GIFTS, I.E., MAKING THEIR BED FOR
THEM, GIVING THEM CANDY. BUT THIS IS ALWAYS
DONE ANONIMOUSLY. THEN ON CHRISTMAS EVE
WE HAVE A PARTY AND YOU GIVE ONE LAST PRESENT
TO YOUR PERSON, WHO YOU HAVE BEEN HELPING AND
REVEAL THAT YOU'RE HIS "KRIS.."

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; BIRMINGHAM

Subject headings: CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20 Gifts, gift giving at Christmas
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- September 23 equinox to December 20 Also used for Advent.

Date learned: NOT GIVEN

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BEFORE CHRISTMAS

THE FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT WE PUT OUR ADVENT WREATH
IN THE CENTER OF OUR DINNER TABLE. EACH NIGHT UNTIL
CHRISTMAS, WE LIGHT THE CANDLES (ONE THE FIRST WEEK,
TWO THE SECOND, ETC.) BEFORE DINNER AND SING THE
FIRST VERSE OF THE SONG "O COME, O COME, IMMANUEL."
THEN WE SAY GRACE. WE LEAVE THE CANDLES LIGHTED ALL
DURING THE MEAL.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; BIRMINGHAM

Subject headings: 645 September 23 Equinox to December 20
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20 Songs, caroling

Date learned: NOT GIVEN

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BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION

IF THE CELEBRANT BLOWS OUT ALL THE CANDLES IN ONE
BREATH, HIS WISH WILL COME TRUE.

Submitter comment: FAMILY PRACTICE.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; BIRMINGHAM

Subject headings: CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Private birthday or anniversary

Date learned: 11-14-1967

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CHINESE FESTIVAL

"THE MAIDEN'S FESTIVAL" FALLS ON THE SEVENTH DAY OF THE
SEVENTH MOON (AUTUMN). IT IS JUST LIKE YOUR ST.
VALENTINE'S DAY. THE FESTIVAL IS CELEBRATED WITH
MAGNIFICENT DISPLAYS OF NEEDLEWORK.
THE UNMARRIED GIRLS WILL OFFER JOSS STICKS AND FRUITS
TO THE GODDESS VEGA. IT IS BELIEVED THAT THE GODDESS
WILL BLESS THEM AND GRANT THEM GOOD AND DEVOTED
HUSBANDS.

Data entry tech comment: CHI HAI, FESTIVAL OF THE MILKY WAY--SPICER, "THE BOOK
KC[ OF FESTIVALS," P. 79, KATHY LOESER.
CN[ KNUFF, JEAN

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; BIRMINGHAM

Subject headings: CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Movable Date

Date learned: 02-24-1968

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CHINESE FESTIVAL

"HUNGRY GHOSTS FESTIVAL" IS HELD ON THE SECOND HALF OF
THE SEVENTH MOON (AUTUMN). PEOPLE WILL BURN PAPER
MONEY, PAPER FURNITURE, PAPER HOUSES, AND ALL SORTS OF
DAILY UTENSILS MADE OF PAPER TO THEIR DEAD RELATIVES,
SO THAT THEY WILL HAVE COMFORTS IN THE UNDERWORLD.
IT IS ALSO SAID THAT PEOPLE SHOULD NOT GO OUT LATE AT
NIGHT BECAUSE AT THAT TIME THE GHOSTS ARE RELEASED FROM
THEIR UNDERWORLD TO THE EARTH TO RECEIVE THEIR OFFER-
INGS, OFFERED BY THEIR RELATIVES.

Data entry tech comment: CHUNG YUAN, FESTIVAL OF THE DEAD--SPICER, "BOOK OF
KC[ FESTIVALS," P. 80--KATHY LOESER.
KC[ 14TH DAY OF 7TH MOON--U. S. CHINESE
KC[ 15TH DAY OF 7TH MOON--KATHY LOESER
CN[ KNUFF, JEAN

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; BIRMINGHAM

Subject headings: CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Movable Date

Date learned: 02-24-1968

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CHINESE FESTIVAL

"THE CHINESE NEW YEAR" IS CELEBRATED ON THE FIRST DAY OF
THE FIRST MOON. IT IS A TIME OF PARTY GIVING, FAMILY
REUNION, AND GENERAL MERRIMENT. THE TRADITIONAL GREETING
IS "KUNG HEI FAT CHOY." ON THIS OCCASION, WE HAVE
TO WEAR NEW CLOTHES, SHOES, AND HAVE FLOWERS AND FRUITS
IN OUR HOME, WHICH WE BELIEVE WILL BRING PROSPERITY
AND GOOD LUCK TO THE FAMILY.

Data entry tech comment: ALWAYS BETWEEN JANUARY 21 AND FEBRUARY 19--K. LOESER.
CK SPRING
CN[ KNUFF, JEAN

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; BIRMINGHAM

Subject headings: CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- January 1 New Year's
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Winter

Date learned: 02-24-1968

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CHANUKAH

IN THE JEWISH HOLIDAY OF CHANUKAH (FEAST OF LIGHTS)
A CANDLE IS LIT EACH DAY FOR EIGHT CONSECUTIVE DAYS,
AND SMALL GIFTS ARE EXCHANGED EACH DAY.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; BIRMINGHAM

Subject headings: CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Winter

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CHINESE FESTIVAL

"CHEUNG CHAU BUN FESTIVAL" IS A RELIGIOUS CARNIVAL ON
THE ISLAND OF CHEUNG CHAU (AN ISLAND A FEW SEA MILES
FROM HONG KONG). IT USUALLY LASTS FOUR DAYS TOWARDS
THE LATTER PART OF THE THIRD MOON, GENERALLY IN EARLY MAY.
THERE WILL BE FLOAT PROCESSIONS, LION DANCES, BRIGHT
LIGHTS AND GAUDY DECORATIONS. THE HIGHLIGHT OF THE
FESTIVAL IS THE "ASSAULT OF THE BUN HILLS." THE
HILLS UP TO SIXTY FEET HIGH ARE BUILT ENTIRELY OUT OF
PINK SUGAR BUNS, THOUSANDS OF THEM.
THESE BUNS ARE BLESSED AND THOSE WHO EAT THEM,
ESPECIALLY THE CHILDREN, WILL BE CLEVER AND GROW UP
TALL AND MUSCULAR.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; BIRMINGHAM

Subject headings: CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- May
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Spring Planting

Date learned: 02-24-1968

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CHINESE FESTIVAL

"THE BIRTHDAY OF TIN HAU, WHO IS THE PATRON GODDESS OF
FISHER FOLK, IS HONOURED ON THE 23RD DAY OF THE THIRD
MOON (SPRING). THE FISHERMEN GATHER AT TIN HAU'S
GREAT TEMPLE AND BURN JOSS STICKS AND THE SMALL
PIGS WILL BE ROASTED AND IS OFFERED TO THE GODDESS,
TIN HAU. AFTER THE OFFERINGS, THERE WILL BE LION DANCES
AND THE ROASTED PIGS WILL BE DIVIDED.
IT IS BELIEVED THAT THOSE WHO HAVE EATEN THE ROASTED
PIGS THAT HAVE BEEN OFFERED TO TIN HAU, WILL BE BLESSED
BY HER, AND SHE WILL ALSO PROTECT THE FISHERMEN FROM
STORMS AND GRAND THEM PLENTY OF FISH.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; BIRMINGHAM

Subject headings: CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- May
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Spring Planting
BELIEF -- Sign or prediction through Rituals
BELIEF -- Control Prevention Provocation Protection P892.25

Date learned: 02-24-1968

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SUGARING-OFF CUSTOM

THIS CEREMONY TAKES PLACE AT THE END OF THE MAPLE
SYRUP SEASON UP IN NORTHERN MICHIGAN. ALL THE PEOPLE
FROM THE TOWN GATHER AROUND A LARGE BIN OF BOILING
MAPLE SAP. THE CHILDREN TAKE BOWLS FULL OF SNOW AND
POUR THE SYRUP ON IT, WHICH MAKES THE SNOW HARD LIKE
MAPLE CANDY. THE ADULTS BRING MOLDS FROM HOME AND
POUR THE SYRUP INTO THEM. THIS MAKES SUGAR CANDY
FIGURES. THESE ARE SAVED AND STORED FOR THE COMING
YEAR. SONGS ARE SUNG WHILE EVERYONE IS WORKING.

Data entry tech comment: ENCYCLOPEDIA BRITANNICA: "THE USUAL MAPLE SYRUP SEASON
KC[ IS MID-JANUARY IN THE MORE SOUTHERN STATES AND ENDS IN
KC[ MID-APRIL IN THE NORTHERN STATES, LASTING FOUR TO SIX
KC[ WEEKS IN EACH PLACE."--KATHY LOESER.
CN[ ALLSTON, JUDY

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; BIRMINGHAM

Subject headings: CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Spring Planting

Date learned: 09-24-1965

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EASTER CELEBRATION

THE COLORING OF EGGS AND PLACING OF THEM IN A
BASKET.

Submitter comment: FAMILY PRACTICE.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; BIRMINGHAM

Subject headings: CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Spring Planting Easter eggs
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Spring Planting Easter baskets

Date learned: 10-25-1967

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