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The James T. Callow Folklore Archive
Your search for 5893 returned 133 results.
Ethnic: Hungarian
Hungarian Wedding:
The informant recalls that on her wedding day, when she returned to her new mother-in-law's home, she was greeted by the mother and asked to recite the "Our Father." When she came to the part "Give us this day our daily bread..." the mother handed her a loaf of bread saying "no matter how poor you may become, always remember that you will still have a loaf of bread." This is a common Hungarian Custom.
Data entry tech comment:
Motifs added by TRD
James Callow comment:
Original BN [S570] crossed out. Replaced with current classification
Where learned: PENNSYLVANIA ; PITTSBURGH
Keyword(s): CUSTOM ; ETHNIC ; FAMILY ; FOOD ; HUNGARIAN ; MARRIAGE ; POVERTY ; PRAYER ; WEDDING
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Marriage |
Ethnic: Yugoslavian
Engagement:
In Yugoslavia, parents still arrange any marriages. Thus, whenever a horn is heard blowing, everyone knows that an engagement has been decided. Often, the young people involved may be the last ones to know.
Data entry tech comment:
Motifs added by TRD
James Callow comment:
Original BN [F533] crossed out. Replaced with current classification
Where learned: PENNSYLVANIA ; PITTSBURGH
Keyword(s): Arranged Marriages ; COURTSHIP ; DATING ; Engagement ; ETHNIC ; Horn ; MARRIAGE ; Weddings ; Yugoslavia
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Marriage |
Ethnic: Belgium
Homework Law:
In Belgium, where 51/2 days of school per week is the rule, there is a law which limits the amount of homework to 2 hours per day for any student.
Data entry tech comment:
Motif added by TRD
James Callow comment:
Original BN [F574.5, F574.82] crossed out. Replaced with current classification
Where learned: HOME ; PENNSYLVANIA ; PITTSBURGH
Keyword(s): Belgium ; EDUCATION ; ETHNIC ; Homework ; Law ; SCHOOL ; Student
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- School |
Custom
Slate:
When the informant was of grade-school age, it was mandatory to come to school with a slate and a sponge wet enough to last for the whole day.
Data entry tech comment:
Motifs added by TRD
James Callow comment:
Original BN [M243] crossed out. Replaced with current classification
Where learned: HOME ; PENNSYLVANIA ; PITTSBURGH
Keyword(s): CUSTOM ; EDUCATION ; Learning ; Objects ; SCHOOL ; TOOLS
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- School |
Custom
Bicycling:
In Belgium, where bicycles and bicycle racing is still very popular, it is very common to see people walking beside very nicely decorated bikes during a parade. Decorations could consist of colored paper, ribbons, or roses which might be interwoven in the spokes of the wheels, etc. This custom is continued for the spectacle and unique designs which appear.
Submitter comment:
Recorded on Tape.
Data entry tech comment:
Motifs added by TRD
James Callow comment:
Original BN [M247.6] crossed out and replaced with F536.
The word Bicycling is written across the top of the entry.
Where learned: PENNSYLVANIA ; RESIDENCE ; PITTSBURGH
Keyword(s): ADORNMENT BEAUTIFICATION ; Belgium ; Bicycle ; Bicycling ; CUSTOM ; Decorate ; ETHNIC ; Parade ; Ribbons ; Roses
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Entertainment Diversion |
Custom
Chimney Sweep:
In Belgium, or Europe for that matter, each house usually had two or more chimneys. Since they needed cleaning periodically, chimney sweeps were common. Some of these were employed by the cities for the purpose. But, in each case, it was good practice to give the sweeper a good tip, for if you didn't he would play tricks on you. For instance, he might come back to clean your chimney at a future date, but not tell you. Then you would be unprepared and the soot would come into the house because you didn't close the soot door in time.
Submitter comment:
Recorded on Tape
Data entry tech comment:
Motifs added by TRD
James Callow comment:
Original BN [M848] crossed out and replaced with F534
Where learned: PENNSYLVANIA ; PITTSBURGH
Keyword(s): BUSINESS ; Chimney Sweep ; CUSTOM ; Gratuity ; OCCUPATIONS: CHIMNEY SWEEPING ; PRACTICAL JOKE ; TIPPING ; WORK
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Work Commerce Business |
THE GREEN WEENIE
PITTSBURGH SPORT FANS TRUSTED IN THE GREEN WEENIE
TO PUT A HEX ON THE OPPOSING BASEBALL TEAM.
THIS ORIGINATED WHEN BOB PRINCE, LOCAL SPORTSCASTER
JOKINGLY SUGGESTED THAT HE WOULD APPLY THE GREEN WEENIE
TO THE GIANTS AFTER THEY HAD A 9 RUN LEAD
IN THE LAST INNING. THE PIRATES WON THAT GAME AND A SURPRISING
NUMBER MORE WHEN THE WEENIE WAS MENTIONED.
Where learned: PENNSYLVANIA ; PITTSBURGH
| Subject headings: | Charm / Enchantment / Conjuration |
Date learned: 00-00-1967
SAYING
A GREEN CHRISTMAS MAKES A FULL GRAVEYARD.
Submitter comment:
INFORMANT HEARD THIS FROM HIS MOTHER WHO SAID THE SAYING WAS USED IN
DUNDEE, SCOTLAND WHERE SHE LIVED UNTIL SHE WAS AROUND 30 YEARS OLD.
INFORMANT'S MOTHER CAME TO AMERICA IN 1912, THREE YEARS AFTER
INFORMANT WAS BORN.
Where learned: PENNSYLVANIA ; PITTSBURGH
| Subject headings: | Observation CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 25 Christmas Also see F642, below. BELIEF -- Weather sign or control |
Date learned: 10-02-1971
Ethnic: Belium
Funeral:
In Belgium, during funeral processions, the children would carry boquets or wreaths of flowers which they had picked.
Submitter comment:
Recorded on tape
Data entry tech comment:
Motifs added by TRD
Where learned: PENNSYLVANIA ; PITTSBURGH
Keyword(s): Belgium ; BURIAL ; CHILDREN ; CUSTOM ; DEATH ; ETHNIC ; FLOWERS ; Funeral ; RESPECT
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Death Funeral Burial |
Custom: Death
Funeral:
During a funeral, at the Mass at the Offertory, any of the people who wished to show their respects and show everyone else present of their sympathy, would walk down the aisle around the casket, leave a token and leave. Many people would leave the ceremonies immediately afterward to return to their businesses. But everyone had known that he had take time to pay his respects to the deceased.
Data entry tech comment:
Motifs added by TRD
James Callow comment:
Original BN [S600] crossed out and replaced with current classification
Written in bottom left corner: [Belgian?]
Where learned: PENNSYLVANIA ; PITTSBURGH
Keyword(s): BURIAL ; Casket ; DEATH ; Funeral ; Offering ; RESPECT
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Death Funeral Burial |
Ethnic: Belgium
Solemn Communion:
In Belgium, at the age of 12, there would be a Solemn Communion. Although they had made their First Communion at the age of 7, at this time, the children would assemble in Church to renew their Baptismal vows. there were weeklong preparations for the event. Girls wore white gowns, much in the manner of a bridal outfit. There would be a three day celebration. On the first day, the parents and godparents gathered at the child's home. The second day saw the cousins and other immediate relatives there. And on the third day, the neighbors and friends joined in the activities.
Submitter comment:
See also F5444
Data entry tech comment:
Motifs added by TRD
Where learned: PENNSYLVANIA ; PITTSBURGH
Keyword(s): Belgium ; CHILDREN ; CHURCH ; Communion ; Community ; ETHNIC ; FAMILY ; RELIGION ; RELIGIOUS
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Church |
THERE AIN'T THAT MUCH WALKING IN THE WHOLE WIDE WORLD.
Submitter comment:
THE INFORMANT HEARD THIS USED IN AUGUSTA, GEORGIA, FREQUENTLY
BETWEEN 1969 AND 1971 AS A REPLY TO A QUESTION OR COMMAND. IF
AN INDIVIDUAL WAS ASKED OR TOLD TO DO SOMETHING WHICH HE FELT
TO BE AN IMPOSSIBLE TASK OR, AT THE TIME, WAS TOO LAZY TO DO,
THE INDIVIDUAL WOULD REPLY THE ABOVE. OTHER TERMS WERE
SOMETIMES SUBSTITUTED FOR WALKING, SUCH AS: THINKING, DOING.
Where learned: PENNSYLVANIA ; PITTSBURGH
Keyword(s): COMEBACK
| Subject headings: | SPEECH -- Formula |
Date learned: 10-02-1971
GHOST HILL
MY INFORMANT WORKED AT CAMP SEMECONON OUTSIDE BUTLER, PENNSYLVANIA
ONE SUMMER AND TOLD ME OF THIS OLD LADY THAT LIVED ON TOP OF THIS
VERY HIGH HILL WITH HER BROTHER WHO WAS ALSO AGED. ON THE WAY TO
THIS OLD LADY'S LOG CABIN THERE WAS AN OLD GRAVE YARD JUST OFF THE
PATH ABOUT 3/4 UP THE HILL. SOME OF THE TOMBSTONES WERE DATED IN
THE LATE 1700'S. THE OLD LADY WOULD TALK ABOUT HOW THE SPIRITS
OF THE PEOPLE BURIED IN THIS GRAVEYARD WOULD START YELLING AND EVEN
FIGHTING AMONG THEMSELVES. THE LADY SEEMED TO BELIEVE IN WHAT SHE
WAS SAYING AND EVERY TIME MY INFORMANT WOULD ASK HER BROTHER ABOUT
THESE THINGS, HE WOULDN'T SAY A WORD AND SEEMED TO GET FRIGHTENED
WHENEVER THE SUBJECT WAS BROUGHT UP.
Where learned: PENNSYLVANIA ; PITTSBURGH
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Ghost Spirit Phantom Specter PROSE NARRATIVE -- Product or activity of man or animal ART CRAFT ARCHITECTURE -- Cemetery |
Date learned: 11-07-1968
GHOST HILL
MY INFORMANT WORKED AT CAMP SEMECONON OUTSIDE BUTLER, PENNSYLVANIA
ONE SUMMER AND TOLD ME OF THIS OLD LADY THAT LIVED ON TOP OF THIS
VERY HIGH HILL WITH HER BROTHER WHO WAS ALSO AGED. ON THE WAY TO
THIS OLD LADY'S LOG CABIN THERE WAS AN OLD GRAVE YARD JUST OFF THE
PATH ABOUT 3/4 UP THE HILL. SOME OF THE TOMBSTONES WERE DATED IN
THE LATE 1700'S. THE OLD LADY WOULD TALK ABOUT HOW THE SPIRITS
OF THE PEOPLE BURIED IN THIS GRAVEYARD WOULD START YELLING AND EVEN
FIGHTING AMONG THEMSELVES. THE LADY SEEMED TO BELIEVE IN WHAT SHE
WAS SAYING AND EVERY TIME MY INFORMANT WOULD ASK HER BROTHER ABOUT
THESE THINGS, HE WOULDN'T SAY A WORD AND SEEMED TO GET FRIGHTENED
WHENEVER THE SUBJECT WAS BROUGHT UP.
Where learned: PENNSYLVANIA ; PITTSBURGH
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Ghost Spirit Phantom Specter PROSE NARRATIVE -- Product or activity of man or animal ART CRAFT ARCHITECTURE -- Cemetery |
Date learned: 11-07-1968
THE DRIVERLESS CAR
THIS IS A STORY ABOUT THIS YOUNG FELLA WHO WAS HITCH HIKING ON A
LONELY COUNTRY ROAD IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT. IT WAS RAINING AND
COLD AND NO CARS HAD PASSED IN OVER AN HOUR. THE BOY LOOKED DOWN
THR ROAD AND SAW THE HEADLIGHTS OF AN APPROACHING CAR. THE CAR WAS
GOING REAL SLOW. IT WOULD STOP NOW AND THEN AND THEN START GOING
REAL SLOW. WHEN FINALLY THE CAR GOT TO THE BOY IT STOPPED. THE
BOY LOOKED IN AND SAW THAT THERE WAS NO ONE DRIVING. WELL IT WAS
RAINING AND COLD AND THE BOY WAS TIRED SO THE BOY GOT INSIDE THE CAR
THEN THE CAR STARTED TO GO REAL SLOW. THE BOY DIDN'T KNOW WHAT TO
MAKE OF IT BUT FIGURED IT WAS BETTER THAN BEING OUT IN THE COLD RAIN
SO HE SAID TO THE EMPTY DRIVER'S SEAT NEXT TO HIM, "DROP ME OFF AT
THE NEXT TOWN." THE CAR KEPT ON GOING REAL SLOW AND ABOUT AN HOUR
LATER CAME TO A TOWN AND STOPPED IN FRONT OF A HOTEL. THE BOY GOT
OUT OF THE CAR. ALL OF A SUDDEN A MAN ALL BEAT OUT AND SOAKING WET
CAME UP TO HIM OUT OF NO WHERE AND SAYS, "IT SURE IS A TERRIBLE NIGH
OUT." "IT SURE IS," SAID THE BOY. "YOU KNOW," SAYS THE MAN, "I RAN
OUT OF GAS AND I'VE BEEN PUSHING THIS CAR ALL THE WAY FROM THE LAST
TOWN BACK THERE." THE BOY JUST SMILED BACK AT THE MAN AND SAID AS H
TURNED AND WALKED AWAY, "THANKS FOR THE RIDE."
Where learned: PENNSYLVANIA ; PITTSBURGH
Keyword(s): SURPRISE ENDING CARS DRIVING MYSTERY
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Man |
Date learned: 11-07-1968
STRANGE LIGHT
JUST OUTSIDE PITTSBURG THERE REMAINS THE RUINS OF A LARGE COLONIAL
MANSION AND SOME STABLES. THE FAMILY THAT HAD LIVED THERE WERE
VERY RICH YET THE ENTIRE FAMILY WAS KILLED ONE BY ONE BY A STRANGE
EPIDEMIC THAT SWEPT THROUGH THE HOUSE. AS A MEMBER WOULD DIE HE
WOULD BE BURIED THIRTY YARDS BEHIND THE MANSION IN A SMALL WOODED
AREA. THE ENTIRE FAMILY WAS BURIED THERE AND OVER THIS ENTIRE
BURIAL AREA WAS PLACED A MOSAIC PATIO. IF ON PASSING THIS SPOT AT
NIGHT YOU WILL SEE A GLOWING, BLUE LIGHT COMING FROM THIS MOSAIC
PATIO.
Where learned: PENNSYLVANIA ; PITTSBURGH
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Product or activity of man or animal |
Date learned: 11-07-1968
HAUNTED HOUSE
THERE IS A 200 YEAR OLD COLONIAL HOUSE STANDING OUTSIDE OF PITTSBURG
PENN., WHERE IT IS SAID THAT GEORGE WASHINGTON SPENT SOME TIME THERE
SINCE HIS FAMILY OWNED SOME LAND NEAR THIS MANSION. A TEENAGE
GIRL LIVES THERE AND STATES THAT THE HOUSE IS HAUNTED COMPLAINING
OF STRANGE NOISES. SHE HAS DONE A COUPLE OF TERM PAPERS ON THE
SUBJECT OF THIS HAUNTED HOUSE FOR THE HIGHSCHOOL SHE ATTENDS. SHE
HAS HER CLAIMS AND THE OTHER GIRLS ALSO SAY THAT THEY HEARD STRANGE
NOISES WHILE THEY WERE THERE.
Where learned: PENNSYLVANIA ; PITTSBURGH
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Product or activity of man or animal BELIEF -- Secular hero |
Date learned: 11-07-1968
SUPERSTITION
ALWAYS CLEAR YOUR PLATE OR IT WILL RAIN TOMMORROW.
Where learned: PENNSYLVANIA ; PITTSBURGH
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Measure of time Eating For menu, see N222. BELIEF -- Cloud Fog Mist Rain Hail Ice Snow Frost Dew |
Date learned: 00-00-1965
SUPERSTITION
ALWAYS LEAVE THRU THE SAME DOOR YOU ENTERED OR BAD LUCK WILL COME
Submitter comment: MY GRANDMOTHER IS VERY PARTICULAR ABOUT THIS SUPERSTITION. SHE WILL EVEN BE SURE TO DO THIS IN STORES
Where learned: PENNSYLVANIA ; PITTSBURGH
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Street Trip Relations between relatives, friends, host and guest Social class Rank BELIEF -- Fate Destiny Luck Chance |
Date learned: 00-00-1965
THE PITTSBURG ORANGUTAN
ABOUT TWO YEARS AGO, THERE WAS A STORY GOING AROUND THE
HIGH SCHOOLS IN PITTSBURG ABOUT A FIGHTING ORANGUTAN.
THE ORANGUTAN WAS SUPPOSED TO BE BROUGHT TO A NEARBY
SHOPPING CENTER WHERE A CONTEST WAS TO BE HELD.
ANYONE WHO COULD REMAIN IN THE CAGE WITH THE ORANGUTAN
FOR TEN SECONDS WOULD WIN ONE HUNDRED DOLLARS. THE
RUMOR SPREAD FOR ABOUT TWO WEEKS AND THE DAY CAME FOR
THE CONTEST. SEVERAL HUNDRED YOUTHS SHOWED UP AT THE
SHOPPING CENTER, BUT THE ORANGUTAN NEVER MADE IT.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT ; PITTSBURGH
Keyword(s): ANIMALS
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Mammal |
Date learned: 11-18-1968