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The James T. Callow Folklore Archive
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HAUNTED CHURCH
ON ALL SOUL'S DAY IN THE EVENING, A WOMAN WAS WALKING
BY A CHURCH THAT
WAS ALL LIT UP. SHE WENT IN TO PRAY. SHE HEARD A NOISE AND LOOKED UP
AND SAW A LOT OF PEOPLE WALKING AROUND. SHE KNEW SOME OF THE PEOPLE
BUT THEY HAD DIED A YEAR AGO. A FRIEND CAME AND TOLD HER SHE WAS NOT
WELCOME THERE, BUT TO GET AWAY SHE HAD TO WRAP HER COAT AROUND HER
SHOULDERS AND RUN OUT. SHE DID SO BUT THE SPIRITS GRABBED HER COAT.
THE NEXT DAY SHE TOLD THE PRIEST THE STORY. THEY WENT TO THE CEMETERY
AND FOUND HER COAT SHREDDED ALL OVER THE GRAVES.
James Callow comment:
COMPARE "THE VANISHING HITCHHIKER"
CN[ FOERSTNER, SCOTT 701049
C1[ 16714 FISCHER RD
C2[ LAKEWOOD, OHIO 14410
DNC[ 1,389
******************** C FILE 1 ********************
Where learned: OHIO ; CLEVELAND
Date learned: 11-25-1973
BEDTIME PRAYER
IN GOTT'S NAMEN, SCHLAFEN GINGEN,
VIERTEHN ENGEL MIT MIR GINGEN
ZWEI ZU KOPF, ZWEI ZU FUSSE,
ZWEI ZU MEINER RECHTE SEITE,
ZWEI ZU MEINER LINKE SEITE,
ZWEI ZU MICH DECKEN,
ZWEI ZU MICH WECKEN,
ZWEI ZU MICH WEISEN,
IN DIE HIMMLICH PARADIESEN.
GOING TO SLEEP IN GOD'S NAME,
WITH FOURTEEN ANGELS GOING WITH ME,
TWO AT MY HEAD, TWO AT MY FEET,
TWO AT MY RIGHT SIDE,
TWO AT MY LEFT SIDE,
TWO TO COVER ME,
TWO TO WAKE ME,
TWO TO SHOW ME INTO
THE HEAVENLY PARADISE.
Submitter comment:
INFORMANT TELLS THAT THIS PRAYER HAS BEEN HANDED DOWN IN HER FAMILY
FROM MOTHER TO CHILD FOR MANY GENERATIONS.
Where learned: OHIO ; CLEVELAND
James Callow Keyword(s): INITIAL ITERATION GERMAN
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Belief Belief |
Date learned: 09-10-1972
MY OLDER BROTHER WAS BORN IN AUSTRIA-HUNGARY IN 1905 RIGHT BEFORE
MY PARENTS CAME TO THIS COUNTRY. HE WAS JUST A FEW MONTHS OLD AND
BECAME DEATHLY ILL. AN OLD GYPSY WOMAN HEARD ABOUT HIS SICKNESS
AND CAME TO SEE MY MOTHER AND ASKED HER IF SHE WANTED MY BROTHER TO
GET WELL AND LIVE. MY MOTHER ANSWERED "YES." THE OLD GYPSY TOLD
HER THAT SHE COULD NOT INTERFERE WITH WHATEVER SHE WANTED TO DO AND
MUST LEAVE THE BABY WITH HER IN ONE ROOM OF THE HOUSE ALL NIGHT LONG
AND THAT THE BABY WOULD BE ALL RIGHT THE NEXT MORNING, BUT THAT
NEITHER MY MOTHER OR DAD SHOULD TRY TO FIND OUT WHAT SHE DID, OR
BOTHER HER THROUGH THE NIGHT REGARDLESS OF WHAT THEY MIGHT HEAR.
MY PARENTS AGREED. THAT NIGHT THEY HEARD MANY VOICES, A LOT OF
MOANING AND MANY STRANGE NOISES, THOUGH THEY DID NOT TRY AND FIND
OUT WHAT WAS GOING ON. THE NEXT MORNING THE OLD GYPSY WOMAN CAME
OUT OF THE BEDROOM WITH MY BROTHER AND HE WAS WELL AND PERFECTLY
ALL RIGHT.
Where learned: OHIO ; CLEVELAND
| Subject headings: | Favorites PROSE NARRATIVE -- Witch Shaman PROSE NARRATIVE -- B439 BELIEF -- Curer |
Date learned: 09-10-1972
MALIGNANT WIND
IN AUSTRIA-HUNGARY, IN MY PARENTS HOME VILLAGE, THERE WAS A CROSS-
ROADS WITH A SIGNPOST THAT GAVE DIRECTIONS TO LARGE NEIGHBORING
TOWNS. PEOPLE WOULD NEVER GO THERE AROUND SUNSET OR DURING THE
NIGHT BECAUSE OF WHAT THEY DESCRIBED AS A TERRIFIC WIND THAT WOULD
BUFFET YOU, TEAR YOUR CLOTHES, KNOCK YOU DOWN, GIVE YOU BRUISES,
ETC. ONE EVENING THE VILLAGE PRIEST WAS RETURNING FROM VISITING
A SICK PERSON OUT IN THE FOREST AND APPROACHED THE CROSSROADS JUST
AFTER SUNSET. WHEN HE REACHED THEM, A HUGE WIND THREW HIM DOWN,
AND PHYSICALLY INJURED HIM. THE PRIEST ONLY SURVIVED BY CRAWLING
TO THE SIGNPOST AND HANGING ON. THE PEOPLE FOUND HIM BADLY INJURED
THE NEXT MORNING, STILL CLINGING TO THE POST. AFTER HE RECOVERED
HE WENT TO THE CROSSROADS NEAR SUNSET WITH SOME OF THE VILLAGERS.
THEY HAD A LARGE WOODEN CRUCIFIX THAT THEY SET UP NEXT TO THE SIGN-
POST. THE PRIEST WAS BLESSING THE CRUCIFIX AND THE ROADWAYS WHEN
THE STRONG WIND CAME UP AND TRIED TO TEAR THE CRUCIFIX DOWN AND
HURT THE PEOPLE. BUT AS IT STARTED SHAKING THE CRUCIFIX IT SUDDENLY
DIED OUT. NO ONE WAS EVER BOTHERED AGAIN.
Where learned: OHIO ; HUNGARY ; AUSTRIA ; CLEVELAND
Date learned: 09-10-1972
MY MOTHER WOULD TELL OF A NEW MOTHER IN THEIR TOWN IN AUSTRIA-
HUNGARY WHOSE NEW-BORN BABY CRIED CONTINUOUSLY AND WOULD NEVER BE
QUIET. THE NEW MOTHER WAS BECOMING VERY UPSET AND NERVOUS BY ALL
THE SCREAMING AND CRYING AND CRYING AND CARRYING-ON. AN OLD GYPSY
HEARD THE SCREAMING ONE DAY AND CAME UP TO THE HOUSE TO ASK IF THE
MOTHER WANTED THE BABY TO BE QUIET AND CRY ONLY WHEN HUNGRY OR WET,
AND THAT THE OLD GYPSY COULD STOP THE GENERAL CRYING. THE MOTHER
SAID YES AND WAS TOLD THAT SHE WOULD HAVE TO LEAVE THE OLD WOMAN
ALONE WITH THE BABY FOR A WHILE. THE MOTHER LEFT THE OLD WOMAN WITH
THE BABY IN THE HOUSE AND WENT OUTSIDE TO WAIT. A WHILE LATER THE
OLD GYPSY WOMAN CAME OUT WITH THE BABY AND THE BABY WAS QUIET AND
CONTENTED. THE MOTHER ASKED WHAT SHE HAD DONE WITH THE BABY, AND
THE GYPSY REPLIED THAT SHE HAD TAKEN SPIT AND RUBBED IT ON THE
BABY'S EYES WHILE SAYING SOME WORDS AND THAT THE BABY WOULD NOW BE
FINE. IT WAS JUST AS SHE SAID AND AFTER THAT THE BABY ONLY CRIED
WHEN IT WAS HUNGRY OR NEEDED TO BE CHANGED.
Data entry tech comment:
Updated by TRD
Where learned: OHIO ; HUNGARY ; AUSTRIA ; CLEVELAND
| Subject headings: | Favorites PROSE NARRATIVE -- B439 BELIEF -- Curer |
Date learned: 09-10-1972
IN THE TOWN THAT MY PARENTS CAME FROM IN AUSTRIA-HUNGARY, THE CHURCH
WAS HAUNTED AND PEOPLE BELIEVED THAT NO ONE COULD GO IN THERE AFTER
SUNSET. IF YOU WERE PASSING BY IN THE EVENING YOU COULD HEAR ALL
SORTS OF STRANGE NOISES AND MOANINGS, EVEN SCREAMS. ONE WOMAN SAID
THAT SHE DIDN'T BELIEVE THE STORIES AND THAT SHE MEANT TO GO IN
THERE ONE EVENING AND SEE FOR HERSELF. SHE DID GO IN THERE ONE
NIGHT AFTER MIDNIGHT AND WAS NEVER SEEN AGAIN. THE NEXT MORNING
ALL OF HER CLOTHING WAS FOUND ON THE FLOOR OF THE CHURCH.
Where learned: OHIO ; CLEVELAND
| Subject headings: | Favorites PROSE NARRATIVE -- Product or activity of man or animal BELIEF -- Product or activity of man or animal |
Date learned: 09-10-1972
IF A CHILD CONTINUALLY MISBEHAVES, THREATEN TO SELL HIM TO THE
GYPSIES WHO LIKE TO BUY CHILDREN AND MISTREAT THEM.
Where learned: OHIO ; CLEVELAND
James Callow Keyword(s): FUNCTION
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- B439 CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Street Trip Relations between relatives, friends, host and guest Social class Rank |
Date learned: 09-10-1972
GOOD FRIDAY CUSTOMS
ON GOOD FRIDAY IT IS CUSTOMARY TO KEEP SILENT AND QUIET BETWEEN THE
HOURS OF NOON AND THREE IN THE AFTERNOON, BECAUSE THESE WERE THE
HOURS THAT CHRIST HUNG UPON THE CROSS. IN GENERAL ONE SHOULD NOT
BE TOO ACTIVE THE WHOLE DAY.
Submitter comment: INFORMANT STILL OBSERVES THIS CUSTOM.
Where learned: OHIO ; CLEVELAND
| Subject headings: | 663 Good Friday |
Date learned: 09-10-1972
PALM SUNDAY BELIEFS AND CUSTOMS
WHATEVER WEATHER YOU HAVE ON PALM SUNDAY, YOU WILL HAVE ON THE
SUCCESSIVE SIX SUNDAYS. IF IT RAINS ON PALM SUNDAY, THEN YOU WILL
HAVE RAIN THE NEXT SIX SUNDAYS, ETC.
Where learned: OHIO ; CLEVELAND
Date learned: 09-10-1972
IF YOU KEEP A BLESSED CRUCIFIX ABOVE EACH DOORWAY THAT IS AN OUTSIDE
ENTRANCE TO YOUR HOME, EVIL WILL NEVER BE ABLE TO ENTER.
Submitter comment:
INFORMANT SAYS SHE STILL KEEPS A BLESSED CRUCIFIX OVER HER OUTSIDE
DOORS.
Where learned: OHIO ; CLEVELAND
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Sign Geometric figure Cross and its various modifications |
Date learned: 09-10-1972
WHEN YOU GO INTO A NEW CHURCH, ONE THAT YOU HAVE NEVER BEEN IN
BEFORE, YOU SHOULD MAKE A WISH AND SAY A HAIL MARY, AN OUR FATHER
AND A GLORY BE. YOUR WISH WILL BE GRANTED
Where learned: OHIO ; CLEVELAND
| Subject headings: | 686 Properties attributed to specific numbers or numerals individually. CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Church BELIEF -- Prayer |
Date learned: 09-10-1972
WATCH OUT FOR PEOPLE WHOSE EYEBROWS MEET ABOVE THEIR NOSE, ESPECIALLY
IF THEIR HAIR IS DARK. THESE PEOPLE HAVE THE EVIL EYE AND CAN MAKE
YOU SICK OR GIVE YOU BAD LUCK IF THEY STARE AT YOU.
Where learned: OHIO ; CLEVELAND
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Body part Senses BELIEF -- Curse BELIEF -- Color |
Date learned: 09-10-1972
IF A PERSON DREAMS ABOUT SNAKES, ESPECIALLY IF THE PERSON IS
TANGLED UP WITH THEM, IT MEANS THAT SOMEONE DESIRES EVIL AND HARM
FOR HIM.
Where learned: OHIO ; CLEVELAND
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Dreams P841.61 BELIEF -- Dreams Untamed varieties |
Date learned: 09-10-1972
IF A PERSON DREAMS ABOUT A WEDDING, IT MEANS THAT THERE WILL BE A
DEATH OF SOMEONE CLOSE.
Where learned: OHIO ; CLEVELAND
James Callow Keyword(s): CONTRAST
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Marriage BELIEF -- Death Funeral Burial BELIEF -- Dreams Dreams about weddings, funerals, and other crucial moments of life |
Date learned: 09-10-1972
IF A PERSON DREAMS ABOUT A DEATH, THEN THERE WILL SOON BE A WEDDING.
Where learned: OHIO ; CLEVELAND
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Marriage BELIEF -- Death Funeral Burial BELIEF -- Dreams Dreams about weddings, funerals, and other crucial moments of life |
Date learned: 09-10-1972
HOLY THURSDAY
CALLED GREEN THURSDAY; WAS THE CUSTOM TO EAT SPINACH, EITHER RAW
OR COOKED, TO ENSURE GOOD LUCK THROUGH THE YEAR; EATEN ALONG WITH
BREADED PORK CHOPS.
Where learned: OHIO ; CLEVELAND
| Subject headings: | 663 Holy Thursday Food Drink -- Typical menus for the various meals For meal hours, see F574.84. Special or festive meals BELIEF -- Good luck P881.4 |
Date learned: 09-10-1972
AFTER THE BIRTH OF THE CHILD, DEPENDING ON WHO HE OR SHE RESEMBLES
MOST, THAT WAS THE STRONGER PARTNER IN LOVE.
Where learned: OHIO ; CLEVELAND
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Body part Senses BELIEF -- Product or activity of man or animal BELIEF -- Birth BELIEF -- Marriage |
Date learned: 09-10-1972
MY MOTHER AND FATHER WERE WALKING WITH MY BROTHER WHEN HE WAS A BABY.
IT WAS ABOUT SUNSET AND NEXT TO A CEMETERY, SUDDENLY MY FATHER
NOTICED THAT SOMEONE ALL IN BLACK WAS FOLLOWING THEM. MY FATHER
TOLD MY MOTHER NOT TO TURN AROUND BUT TO KEEP WALKING. BUT MY
MOTHER WAS CURIOUS AND KEPT TRYING TO SEE OUT OF THE CORNER OF HER
EYE. WHATEVER IT WAS, IT KEPT COMING CLOSER AND CLOSER AND THEY
COULD FEEL A PRESENCE OF EVIL. MY MOTHER HANDED MY BROTHER TO MY
FATHER JUST AS THEY WERE BEING OVERTAKEN. SHE OPENED HER PURSE AND
GRABBED A CRUCIFIX THAT SHE ALWAYS CARRIED AS SHE WAS VERY
SUPERSTITIOUS.
SHE TURNED AROUND WITH THE CRUCIFIX IN HER HAND AND CON-
FRONTED THE FIGURE IN BLACK AS IT WAS JUST A FEW FEET FROM THEM.
AS SOON AS SHE DID SO THE FIGURE DISAPPEARED INTO THIN AIR. MY
MOTHER BELIEVED THAT IT WAS THE DEVIL THAT WAS FOLLOWING THEM.
Submitter comment: INFORMANT SAYS THIS HAPPENED TO HER MOTHER IN CLEVELAND IN 1906
Where learned: OHIO ; CLEVELAND
| Subject headings: | Favorites PROSE NARRATIVE -- Devil Demon BELIEF -- Sign Geometric figure Cross and its various modifications |
Date learned: 09-10-1972
WHEN ANSWERING THE PHONE FOR MY COUSIN'S HOUSEHOLD GOODS MOVING
COMPANY IN CLEVELAND, OHIO ABOUT 1966, THE PERSON ON THE LINE SAID:
"HELLO. DO YOU MOVE EVERYTHING?" I ANSWERED YES, AND THE PERSON
SAID, "GOOD, WELL HOW ABOUT MOVING MY BOWELS."
Where learned: OHIO ; DETROIT ; CLEVELAND
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Entertainment Diversion SPEECH -- Formula |
Date learned: 09-26-1972