Dr. James T. Callow publications
Browse by
Questions or comments on this site? Please email davidsor@udmercy.edu.
The James T. Callow Folklore Archive
Your search for 599 returned 720 results.
YANKEE DOODLE WENT TO TOWN
STUCK A FEATHER IN HIS CROWN
CALLED HIM MACCARONI.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; WARREN
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Ill humor Ridicule Mockery Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Children |
Date learned: DATE NOT RECORDED BY COLLECTOR.
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 |
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
PRE-LENTEN TREAT -- HUNGARIAN
ON THE TUESDAY BEFORE ASH WEDNESDAY, ALL THE HUNGARIAN MOTHERS
IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD WOULD MAKE DOZENS OF JELLY DOUGHNUTS FOR
THEIR FAMILIES AND FRIENDS.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; WARREN
Keyword(s): RELIGIOUS CUSTOM
| Subject headings: | 663 Mardi Gras CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Spring Planting Easter Season CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Spring Planting Palm Sunday |
Date learned: 10-10-1968
SHROVE TUESDAY CUSTOM -- RONRIED, ALLGOW-BAVARIA, GERMANY
ON SHROVE TUESDAY, ALL THE LITTLE CHILDREN IN RONRIED WOULD GO
THROUGH THE TOWN KNOCKING ON DOORS AND RECITING THE FOLLOWING
VERSE FOR PENNIES:
WEABER WEABER WURK
MORGEN KOMMT DER TURK
DER TURK DER KOMMT VON OBENRA
UND SIEHT DEM WEBER D. HOSERA
ICH KO
DA HERR VON BODENSEE
ICH KAB KEINE GANZE HOSE MEHR
A GANZE HOSE MUSS I HAM
SONST MUSS ICH FAST NACH SPRECHEGAN
ICH KO
DAKER VON WEISSENHORN
ICH HAB MEIN WEIB IM BETT VERLOREN
ICH HAB SIE GSUCHT IM GANZEN HAUS,
JETZT IST DIE HEX ZUM SCHORNSTEIN NAUS.
WER SIE FIND UND NICHT MEHR BRINGT,
DER KRIEGT EIN RECHT GUT TRINKGELDGSCHENKT.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; WARREN
Keyword(s): RELIGIOUS CUSTOM
| Subject headings: | 663 Mardi Gras Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Custom Festival C840.663 CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Spring Planting Easter Season CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Spring Planting Palm Sunday |
Date learned: 09-27-1968
WEDDING DANCE CUSTOM
IT IS A CZECHOSLOVALKAN CUSTOM THAT AT THE WEDDING RECEPTION ALL THE
ADULT MALES SHOULD DANCE WITH THE BRIDE. BUT TO DANCE WITH HER, THE
MAN HAS TO PAY HER A DOLLAR, WHICH HE SHOULD PIN TO HER DRESS. AT
THE END OF THE NIGHT SHE IS COVERED WITH MONEY.
Submitter comment:
ITEM NOT TOLD IN INFORMANT'S WORDS. THIS CUSTOM DIDN,T HAVE A
SPECIFIC REASON' BUT IT,S PROBABLY TO HELP THE NEWLYWEDS ON THEIR
WAY. AT A WEDDING THE INFORMANT ATTENDED A GROUP OF MEN REFUSED
TO DANCE WITH THE BRIDE. THIS WAS NOT RECEIVED WARMLY.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; WARREN
James Callow Keyword(s): FUNCTION
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Marriage Paying for dance |
Date learned: 00-00-1970
ETHNIC BELIEF
THERE IS A CEMETERY BEHIND ASSUMPTION GROTTO CHURCH IN NORTHEAST
DETROIT AND IT HAS A GROTTO IN IT. THE GROTTO SUPPOSEDLY LOOKS LIKE
LOURDES. ON AUGUST 16, THE FEAST OF THE ASSUMPTION, ITALIANS FROM
ALL OVER THE CITY WALK TO THE GROTTO TO PRAY AND TO ASK FOR MIRACLES
I DON'T KNOW WHY IT SEEMS TO BE JUST ITALIANS. THERE ARE CRUTCHES
AND BRACES ON THE WALL OF THE GROTTO THAT WERE LEFT BEHIND BY PEOPLE
WHO WERE SUPPOSED TO HAVE BEEN CURED. NOW I GUESS THE PEOPLE USE
TRANSPORTATION TO GET THERE' BUT THEY DIDN,T USED TO.
Submitter comment: THE INFORMANT SEEMED TO BELIEVE PEOPLE HAD BEEN CURED AT THE GROTTO.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; WARREN
Date learned: 11-00-1975