Dr. James T. Callow publications
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The James T. Callow Folklore Archive
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NEW SEAMAN ON SHIP
"CHARLIE NOBLE'S LEAVE PAPERS"
SOMEONE FROM THE PERSONNEL OFFICE WILL GO TO SEE A
NEW SEAMAN (USUALLY THE PETTY OFFICER DOES THIS).
HE'LL TELL THE NEW SEAMAN "CHARLIE NOBLE'S LEAVE
PAPERS ARE READY TO BE PICKED UP AT THE PERSONNEL
OFFICE." CHARLIE NOBLE IS IN HIS DIVISION SO HE
HAS TO FIND HIM. THE NEW SEAMAN LOOKS ALL OVER
AND NEVER FINDS CHARLIE, WHO DOESN'T EXIST OF COURSE.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; HAZEL PARK
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- F535 CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Initiation rite Hazing |
Date learned: NOT GIVEN
Proverb
Behind every great man there is a great woman.
Submitter comment:
From - Uncertain
Data entry tech comment:
Motifs added by TRD
James Callow comment:
Original BN [V300] crossed out. Replaced with current classification.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; GROSSE POINTE ;
Keyword(s): Aphorism ; Apothegm ; gender ; Man ; Maxim ; POWER ; PROVERB ; VERSE ; Woman
| Subject headings: | PROVERB -- Proverbial Metaphor |
Proverb
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
Submitter comment:
From - Uncertain
Data entry tech comment:
Motifs added by TRD
James Callow comment:
Original BN[V300] crossed out. Replaced with current classification.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; GROSSE POINTE
Keyword(s): Aphorism ; Apothegm ; CURE ; Maxim ; Ounce ; Pound ; PREVENTION ; PROVERB ; VERSE ; WEIGHT
| Subject headings: | PROVERB -- Proverbial Metaphor |
FOOD
AT CHRISTMAS, HIS MOTHER GETS A BREAD OF WAFER
FORM AND MAKEUP -- IT IS SOLD AT THE CHURCH
AND THIS IS SHARED BY THE FAMILY -- PASSING IT AMONG
AND WISHING EACH OTHER LUCK FOR THE COMING YEAR.
Submitter comment:
THIS IS DONE AT INFORMANT'S HOME EVERY YEAR.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT T.V. STUDIO
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20 Oplatki CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20 Church |
Date learned: 09-24-1970
Proverb
Don't let your right hand know what your left hand is doing.
Submitter comment:
From - Uncertain
James Callow comment:
Original BN [V300] crossed out. Replaced with current classification.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; GROSSE POINTE
Keyword(s): Aphorism ; Apothegm ; Hand ; LEFT ; Maxim ; PROVERB ; RIGHT ; VERSE
| Subject headings: | PROVERB -- Proverbial Metaphor |
THE CLADDOUGH RING
AN IRISH ENGAGEMENT RING IS CALLED A CLADDOUGH RING, A HEART HELD
IN TWO HANDS UNDER A CROWN. WHEN WORN ON THE LEFT HAND IT
SYMBOLIZES THAT THERE IS SOMEONE SPECIAL IN YOUR LIFE. WHEN WORN
ON THE RIGHT HAND WITH THE HEART FACING YOU, IT MEANS THAT THERE
IS SOMEONE THAT YOU ARE ESPECIALLY FOND OF, AND WORN ON THE
RIGHT HAND WITH THE HEART FACING OUT IT MEANS THAT YOUR HEART
IS STILL OPEN.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; LIVONIA
James Callow Keyword(s): POSITION DIRECTION ; SYMBOLS
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Marriage |
Date learned: CA02001980
ON BOARD A NAVAL VESSEL, IT IS BAD LUCK TO WALK UP
A LADDER ON THE PORT SIDE OR DOWN ON THE AFT
SIDE OF THE SHIP.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; ALMA
James Callow Keyword(s): POSITION DIRECTION
| Subject headings: | ART CRAFT ARCHITECTURE -- Means of transportation Water craft or boat propelled by human, wind, mechanical or other force BELIEF -- Death Funeral Burial BELIEF -- Bad luck Objects |
Date learned: 03-09-1970
IT IS NOW CONSIDERED VERY BAD LUCK TO RECEIVE ORDERS
ABOARD THE U.S.S. ORISKANY (CALLED THE BIG O), FOR
SAILORS FEEL SHE IS A DEATH SHIP.
Data entry tech comment: BECAUSE OF THE NAME? O RISK ANY?
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; ALMA
| Subject headings: | ART CRAFT ARCHITECTURE -- Means of transportation Water craft or boat propelled by human, wind, mechanical or other force BELIEF -- Death Funeral Burial BELIEF -- Bad luck Objects |
Date learned: 03-09-1970
DECORATING ON CHRISTMAS EVE
DECORATING OF THE HOME AND CHRISTMAS TREE ON CHRISTMAS EVE IT IS THE
OFFICIAL STARTING OF THE CHRISTMAS SEASON.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; LIVONIA
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 24 Christmas Eve |
Date learned: CA02001980
IT IS CONSIDERED VERY GOOD LUCK FOR PORPOISES TO
FOLLOW A SHIP.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; ALMA
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Good luck Animals |
Date learned: 03-09-1970
NIGHTGOWNS
THE MOTHER OF THE BRIDE ALWAYS BUYS HER DAUGHTERS NIGHT GOWN FOR HER
WEDDING NIGHT. IT IS CONSIDERED AN INSULT IF ANYONE ELSE BUYS IT.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; LIVONIA
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Marriage |
Date learned: CA02001980
HOPECHESTS
IN AN ITALIAN FAMILY WHEN A GIRL IS BORN HER HOPE CHEST IS STARTED
FOR HER ON THAT VERY DAY
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; LIVONIA
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Birth CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Marriage CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Private birthday or anniversary |
Date learned: CA02001980
SNIPE HUNTING
SNIPE HUNTING: A CHILDREN'S GANE OF CHASING A SMALL FURRY ANIMAL
THAT ONLY EXISTS IN THEIR MINDS, BUT
THEY CAN SPEND HOURS LOOKING FOR ONE
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; LIVONIA
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Hiding Searching |
Date learned: CA02001980
THERE IS A TRADITIONAL NAVY CUSTOM PLAYED ON ALL NEW CREW
MEMBERS. A CIRCLE OF SAILORS SURROUNDS A MEDIUM SIZE BOX
WITH A SMALL HOLE CUT IN THE TOP. WHEN THE UNSUSPECTING
VICTIM APPROACHES AND QUESTIONS THE PURPOSE OF THE BOX,
HE IS INFORMED THAT IT CONTAINS A SEA BAT, AND THAT HE
SHOULD PEER INTO THE HOLE TO SEE IT. UPON DOING THIS, HE IS
STRUCK FROM THE REAR RESOUNDINGLY WITH A HEAVY DECK BROOM.
WHEN HE SCREECHES IN PAIN, THE MEN INFORME HIM THAT HE HAS
JUST BEEN BIT BY A "SEA BAT."
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; ALMA
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Initiation rite Hazing |
Date learned: 03-09-1970
HOLY MEDALS
THE HANGING OF A HOLY MEDAL OVER THE FRONT DOOR
GIVES A BLESSING TO ALL WHO ENTER
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; LIVONIA
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Good luck |
IT IS A TRADITIONAL CUSTOM IN THE NAVY WHILE ON BOARD SHIP
AND CROSSING THE EQUATOR THAT THE NEW CREW MEMBERS
CROSSING FOR THE FIRST TIME MUST "KISS KING NEPTUNE'S BELLY,"
THAT IS, THEY MUST FRENCH KISS THE NAVEL OF THE CAPTAIN OF
THE SHIP.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; ALMA
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Initiation rite Hazing |
Date learned: 03-09-1970
IT IS AN OLD NAVAL CUSTOM THAT ALL MEN CROSSING THE EQUATOR
FOR THE FIRST TIME MUST CRAWL THROUGH THE GARBAGE CHUTE.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; ALMA
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Initiation rite Hazing |
Date learned: 03-09-1970
ST. BRIDGET'S CROSS
THE HANGING OF ST BRIDGET'S CROSSOVER THE FRONT DOOR
INSURES GOOD LUCK TO ALL WHO LIVE THERE
Submitter comment:
ST BRIDGET'S CROSS IS AN IRISH CUSTOM
DESIGNED AND FASHIONED FROM FRESH GREEN REEDS AND IS BLESSED
MUCH THE SAME WAY AS PALMS
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; LIVONIA
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Sign Geometric figure Cross and its various modifications BELIEF -- Good luck |
Date learned: CA02001980
SINGING AT THE DINNER TABLE IS BAD LUCK
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; LIVONIA
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Product or activity of man or animal BELIEF -- Measure of time Eating For menu, see N222. BELIEF -- Bad luck |
ANOTHER FAVORITE PASTIME OF THE SEASONED PETTY OFFICERS IS
TO SEND THE YOUNG RECRUITS TO THE STORE ROOM FOR "DECK DRAIN
PULLERS" OR FOR "AIR HOOKS," BOTH OF WHICH SERVE THE SAME
NON-EXISTENT PURPOSE.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; ALMA
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Initiation rite Hazing |
Date learned: 03-09-1970