Dr. James T. Callow publications
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The James T. Callow Folklore Archive
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PRACTICAL JOKE AND PRANK: TONGUE HOLDER
IF YOU WANT TO EMBARRASS SOMEONE, HAVE THEM HOLD THEIR TONGUE
WHILE SAYING THE FOLLOWING: MM
MY DADDY WORKS IN A SHIPYARD PITCHING ASHES. MM
THE RESULT WILL SOUND LIKE: MM
MY DADDY WORKS IN A SHITYARD PINCHING ASSES.
Submitter comment:
THIS PRANK WAS FIRST HEARD BY THE COLLECTOR IN 1970. IT
IS A PLAY ON WORDS AND HAS THE OPPOSITE EFFECT AS A PRETENDED
OBSCENE RIDDLE. IT IS SIMILAR TO A TONGUE TWISTER IN THAT A
DIFFERENT SENTENCE FROM THE ORIGINAL IS PRODUCED. THIS CAUSES
EMBARRASSMENT TO THE UNKNOWING.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; USA ; SOUTHGATE
| Subject headings: | SPEECH -- Phonology Phonetics SPEECH -- Formula |
Date learned: 10-00-1980 ; 00-00-1970
TAUNT
LITTLE CHILDREN WILL TRY TO TEASE THEIR FRIENDS WITH THE FOLLOWING; MM
QUESTION - WHAT DID YOU HAVE FOR BREAKFAST?
ANSWER - PEA GREEN SOUP MM
QUESTION - WHAT DID YOU HAVE FOR LUNCH?
ANSWER - PEA GREEN SOUP MM
QUESTION - WHAT DID YOU HAVE FOR DINNER?
ANSWER - PEA GREEN SOUP MM
QUESTION - WHAT DID YOU DO ALL NIGHT?
ANSWER - PEA GREEN SOUP
Submitter comment:
THE COLLECTOR FIRST HEARD THIS IN 1976 FROM A YOUNGER SISTER. IT
IS A CATCH QUESTION EMPHASIZING REPETITION TO EMBARRASS THE UNWARY.
PEA GREEN SOUP IS USED IN TWO DIFFERENT CONTEXTS - FIRST AS A NOUN
AND THEN AS A VERB. PEE IS USED AS A SLANG WORD FOR URINATE.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; USA ; SOUTHGATE
James Callow Keyword(s): CATCH ; SLANG: PEE FOR URINATE
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Entertainment Diversion SPEECH -- Formula |
Date learned: 10-00-1980 ; 09-00-1976
PRACTICAL JOKE AND PRANK
TWO PRACTICAL JOKES THAT ARE PLAYED AT PAJAMA PARTIES WITH THE
LIGHTS OUT INVOLVES THE UNSUSPECTING PERSON GETTING HIS FACE DIRTY.
THE FIRST INVOLVES PUTTING A GLASS OF WATER OVER A FLAME. THE
FORTUNE TELLER TELLS THE PERSON TO RUB UNDER THE GLASS WITH THEIR
FINGERS AND THEN RUB THEIR FINGERS ONTO THEIR FACE. WHEN THE
LIGHTS GO ON, HE DISCOVERS HIS FACE FULL OF SOOT. THE SECOND ONE
INVOLVES TAKING A QUARTER AND OUTLINING IT WITH A PENCIL. THIS
CAUSES SOME OF THE LEAD TO STAY ON THE OUTSIDE OF THE QUARTER ON
THE RIDGES. THE UNSUSPECTING PERSON IS TOLD TO ROLL THE QUARTER ON
HIS FACE AND HE WILL GET A WISH. OF COURSE, WHEN HE LOOKS IN THE
MIRROR, HE HAS LINES PENCILLED ALL OVER.
Submitter comment:
THE COLLECTOR FIRST HEARD THIS PRANK IN TAYLOR, MICH. IN 1970. IT
WAS ACCOMPANIED BY A DRAMATIC AND LONG SESSION OF FORTUNE TELLING.
OF COURSE, ONLY ONE PERSON COULD BE DUPED PER SESSION SINCE ALL
OTHERS WOULD BE IN ON IT AND WATCHING EAGERLY.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; USA ; SOUTHGATE
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Entertainment Diversion BELIEF -- Prayer |
Date learned: 10-00-1980 ; 00-00-1970
JUMP-ROPE RHYME
THE FOLLOWING IS A JUMP ROPE RHYME ACCOMPANIED BY DIFFERENT ARM AND
LEG MOVEMENTS. MM
NOT LAST NIGHT, BUT THE NIGHT BEFORE
TWENTY FOUR ROBBERS CAME KNOCKING AT MY DOOR.
AS I STEPPED OUT, THEY STEPPED IN
AND THIS IS WHAT THEY SAID TO DO. MM
LADY, LADY TURN AROUND.
LADY, LADY TOUCH THE GROUND.
LADY, LADY TIE YOUR SHOE.
AND THIS IS WHAT THEY SAID TO DO.
Submitter comment:
THE COLLECTOR HEARD OF THIS FIRST IN 1970 AS A CHILD IN TAYLOR,
MICHIGAN. IT MAY BE A VARIATION OF TANGLETALK SINCE THERE ARE
CONTRADICTORY STATEMENTS. THIS IS AN ACTION RHYME WHICH REQUIRES
THE JUMPER TO PERFORM SIMPLE TASKS WHILE JUMPING. THE OPENING
SECTION IS A PLAIN RHYME WHICH THE JUMPER SIMPLY CHANTS A RHYME
TO THE RHYTHM OF HER JUMPING.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; USA ; SOUTHGATE
Date learned: 10-00-1980 ; 00-00-1970
PASTIME
THE FOLLOWING IS A VERSE SUNG AND PLAYED BY YOUNG CHILDREN. IT IS
ASSOCIATED WITH VARIOUS HAND MOTIONS WHICH ARE PLAYED AGAINST A
SECOND PERSON'S BACK. MM
GOING ON A TREASURE HUNT
X MARKS THE SPOT.
DOT, DOT, DASH, DASH, QUESTION MARK.
POKE HER HERE,
POKE HER THERE.
CLIMBING UP THE LADDER,
STEP BY STEP,
GUSHING THROUGH THE MUD.
COOL OCEAN BREEZE.
TIGHT SQUEEZE.
AND NOW YOU HAVE THE CHILLS.
Submitter comment:
THIS VERSE WAS FIRST HEARD BY THE COLLECTOR IN 1976 FROM A GRADE
SCHOOL AGE SISTER. THIS IS USUALLY CONSIDERED A PASTIME. HOWEVER,
WHEN THE OBJECT IS TO GIVE THE PERSON THE CHILLS, A GOAL IS
ESTABLISHED AND SUCCESS DEPENDS ON ITS ACHIEVEMENT. THE HAND
MOTIONS CORRELATE TO THE LINES SUNG. HERE, GUSHING IS AN EXAMPLE
OF AN ONOMATOPEIA.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; USA ; SOUTHGATE
James Callow Keyword(s): ONOMATOPEIA: GUSHING
Date learned: 10-00-1980 ; 06-00-1976
WEDDING SHOWER CUSTOMS AND SUPERSTITIONS
AT WEDDING SHOWERS, THE RIBBONS AND BOWS ARE COLLECTED FROM THE
GIFTS AND SAVED BY MAKING A SLIT IN A PAPER PLATE AND INSERTING
THEM INTO PLACE. WHEN THE BRIDE-TO-BE OPENS HER GIFTS, SHE SHOULD
NOT BREAK, CUT OR TEAR THE RIBBONS. THE NUMBER SHE BREAKS IS AN
INDICATOR OF THE NUMBER OF CHILDREN SHE WILL CONCEIVE. A
VARIATION IS THE NUMBER OF BOWS BROKEN IS EQUAL TO THE NUMBER OF
YEARS SHE WILL WAIT TO HAVE HER FIRST BABY.
Submitter comment:
THE CUSTOM OF SAVING RIBBONS WAS FIRST HEARD BY THE COLLECTOR IN
1976. IT IS A RITE OF PASSAGE CEREMONY IN WHICH THE BRIDE-TO-BE
CHANGES FROM SINGLE TO MARRIED LIFE. HERE TWO VARIATIONS CAN BE
ILLUSTRATED. EACH IS DIFFERENT ALTHOUGH THE MAIN IDEA IS SIMILAR.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; USA ; SOUTHGATE
Date learned: 06-00-1978 ; 10-00-1976
PURPOSE OF CONSUMPTION
WHEN I WAS LITTLE, MY PARENTS TOLD ME THAT THE REASON EVERYBODY
EAT EGGS AND DRINK MILK IS TO PLEASE THE CHICKEN AND THE COW. WE
LIVED NOT FAR FROM THE COUNTRY STORE WHERE THERE WERE CHICKENS
AND A COW, SO I WOULD EAT ALL MY BREAKFAST. IF NOT I WOULD DUCK
DOWN IN THE CAR SO THE ANIMALS WOULD NOT SEE ME. "THE CHICKEN
WOULD CRY IF HE KNEW."
Where learned: SOUTH CAROLINA ; EDGEFIELD
| Subject headings: | Food Drink -- Special Form and PurposeObject of Bodily Consumption |
Date learned: DATE NOT RECORDED BY COLLECTOR
SAMPLERS AS ART
SAMPLERS ORIGINALLY WERE DONE BY YOUNG GIRLS AGED 6-16, WHO WERE
LEARNING GENERAL NEEDLEWORK. THE SAMPLER WAS A SAMPLE OF THEIR
WORK AND WAS DONE AND DESIGNED AS THEY PROGRESSED. MOST OF THESE
TYPES OF SAMPLERS, DATED FROM 1500 THROUGH 1800, HAVE THE ALPHABET
BECAUSE THEY WERE LEARNING TO READ AT THE SAME TIME. SKILL WITH
THE NEEDLE WAS MORE HIGHLY PRIZED THAN LITERACY AMONG WOMEN. SOME
OF THE TYPICAL SAMPLERS HAD THIS VERSE ON THEM:
"WHEN I WAS YOUNG AND IN MY PRIME,
THIS IS HOW I SPENT MY TIME."
Submitter comment:
THE PERSON'S NAME AND DATES WERE PUT UNDER IT. AS A HOBBY, I HAVE
COPIED SOME SUCH SAMPLERS, AS THEY WOULD HAVE DONE THEM, BY THE
THREAD-COUNT OF THE LINEN AS THEY WORKED, NOT BY A PRE-DRAWN
DESIGN. I SELL MY COPIES AND TEACH OTHERS HOW TO DESIGN SAMPLERS
AND TRANSFER PATTERNS.
Where learned: SOUTH CAROLINA ; EDGEFIELD
| Subject headings: | ART CRAFT ARCHITECTURE -- M327 M327.4 |
Date learned: DATE NOT RECORDED BY COLLECTOR
CRAFTS-COLOR AND DESIGN
MY MOTHER HAS BEEN DOING NEEDLEWORK AND VARIOUS CRAFTS, AS TAUGHT
TO HER BY HER MOTHER AND GRANDMOTHER, ALMOST ALL HER LIFE. UNDER
THE NAME OF "HERITAGE ARTS" SHE PAINTS COATS-OF-ARMS AND
RESEARCHES FAMILY HISTORY TO AUTHENTICATE EACH COAT-OF-ARMS.
SEVERAL YEARS AGO SHE DID A COAT-OF-ARMS ON A QUILT FOR THE LANGLE
FAMILY. OTHER UNIQUE CREATIONS OF HERS ARE CREWEL EMBROIDERED
COATS-OF-ARMS ON VELVET, MADE INTO A PILLOW OR TO COVER A KNEELING
BENCH. SHE ALSO RESEARCHES, DESIGNS, AND TRANSFERS PATTERNS TO BE
DONE IN CROSS-TICH.
Where learned: SOUTH CAROLINA ; EDGEFIELD
| Subject headings: | ART CRAFT ARCHITECTURE -- Color Design |
Date learned: 06-00-1972
TOY
TWIRLING BUTTON: DOUBLE A FOUR-FEET STRING WITH A LARGE BUTTON
WITH EYES TIED IN IT. PUT THE END LOOP OF THE STING AROUND A FINGER
ON EACH HAND AND TWIRL THE BUTTON AND STRING AROUND MANY TIMES.
NOW THE BUTTON AND STRING SHOULD TWIRL BY THEMSELVES IF YOU PULL
YOUR HANDS LIKE A YOYO WHICH USES ONE HAND.
Submitter comment: THIS TOY WAS ALSO MADE FOR DEBBIE CHILDRESS IN BELFAST, TENN.
Where learned: SOUTH CAROLINA ; EDGEFIELD
| Subject headings: | ART CRAFT ARCHITECTURE -- Toy |
Date learned: 00001950S
TOYS
TO MAKE A CHEAP GLUE THAT WILL NOT HURT ANYTHING THAT IT HAPPENS
TO BE USED ON, MIX FLOUR AND WATER TO THE PROPER CONSISTANCY. ADD
WATER SO IT WON'T HARDEN.
Where learned: SOUTH CAROLINA ; EDGEFIELD
| Subject headings: | ART CRAFT ARCHITECTURE -- Toy |
Date learned: 00001950S
TOYS FOR LITTLE KIDS
EARRINGS: TAKE A ROASTED PEANUT IN THE SHELL, AND BARELY OPEN ONE
END, JUST ENOUGH TO PUT IT ON A GIRL'S EAR FOR AN EARRING.
Where learned: SOUTH CAROLINA ; EDGEFIELD
| Subject headings: | ART CRAFT ARCHITECTURE -- Toy |
Date learned: 00001950S
CRAFT-FINISHED PRODUCT
JOGGLING BOARD: IS A LONG (ABOUT 20 FT) BOARD PLACED ON TWO
ROCKERS THAT ALLOW IT TO JOGGLE OR ROCK WHEN A PERSON SITS ON IT
OR PUSHES IT FROM SIDE TO SIDE. THE ONE AT MY HOME IN EDGEFIELD,
S.C., IS THE ONLY I'VE EVER SEEN. IT IS ABOUT 70 YEARS OLD, AND
HAND MADE FROM HEART PINE. THE MAIN BOARD IS ABOUT 2 FEET WIDE
AND 1 INCH THICK--ITS SIZE MAKING IT UNIQUE. THE JOGGLING BOARD
WAS MADE TO BE USED ON THE LARGE PORCHES OF THE COLONIAL TYPE
HOME.
Where learned: SOUTH CAROLINA ; EDGEFIELD
| Subject headings: | ART CRAFT ARCHITECTURE -- Finished Product |
Date learned: DATE NOT RECORDED BY COLLECTOR
FESTIVAL ON FIXED DATE
IN EDGEFIELD COUNTY, S.C., EVERY YEAR THE NEGROES CELEBRATE THE
FOURTH OF JULY WITH A CARNIVAL AND AN ALL DAY PINIC. THIS HAS
BEEN DONE FOR YEARS AND IS SO IMPORTANT TO THE NEGROES THAT WHITE
EMPLOYERS LET THEM OFF FOR THE DAY, EVEN IF IT'S THE ONLY
VACATION THE NEGRO WILL GET ALL YEAR. THE CELEBRATION IS KNOWN
AS "THE FOURTH" AND BY NO OTHER NAME.
Submitter comment:
MOST OF THE NEGROES ARE UNAWARE OF THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE FOURTH
OF JULY AS A NATIONAL HOLIDAY. THE TERM IS ONLY USED TO DENOTE
THE LOCATION OF THE CELEBRATION.
Data entry tech comment: SPELLING ERRORS WERE CORRECTED
Where learned: SOUTH CAROLINA ; EDGEFIELD
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Fixed DateFor specific dates, use the following system: SPEECH -- Vocabulary of Special Group |
Date learned: DATE NOT RECORDED BY COLLECTOR
WORD SPELLING
MISSISSIPPI: M I DOUBLE-S I
DOUBLE-S I
HUMP BACK, HUMP BACK I
Submitter comment:
THIS WAS POPULAR WHEN I WAS A FOURTH GRADER.
VARIATION OF THIS ON PAGE 27 OF "JUMP ROPE RHYMES".
Where learned: SOUTH CAROLINA ; EDGEFIELD
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Riddle True Riddle |
Date learned: DATE NOT RECORDED BY COLLECTOR
SPELLING VERSE
CHICAGO: CHICKEN IN THE CAR,
THE CAR WON'T GO.
Submitter comment:
MY HOMETOWN DIALECT DOES NOT PRONOUNCE THE "R" ON CAR, MAKING
THIS PHRASE MORE LIKE CHICAGO THAN IT LOOKS.
VARIATION OF THIS ON PAGE 27 OF "JUMP ROPE RHYMES".
Where learned: SOUTH CAROLINA ; EDGEFIELD
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Riddle True Riddle |
Date learned: DATE NOT RECORDED BY COLLECTOR
RIDDLE TO IDENTIFY CORAL SNAKE
YELLOW ON RED, DO NOT DREAD.
BLACK ON YELLOW, KILLA FELLA.
Submitter comment: AS TOLD BY MY SEVENTH GRADE SCIENCE TEACHER.
Where learned: SOUTH CAROLINA ; EDGEFIELD
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Riddle RIDDLE -- True Riddle |
Date learned: DATE NOT RECORDED BY COLLECTOR
VERSE ON SAMPLER
"OUR LIVES ARE ALBUMS WRITTEN THROUGH,
WITH GOOD OR ILL, WITH FALSE OR TRUE;
AND AS THE BLESSED ANGELS TURN,
THE PAGES OF OUR YEARS,
GOD GRANT THEY READ THE GOOD WITH SMILES,
AND BLOT THE ILL WITH TEARS."
Submitter comment:
THIS VERSE WAS ON A SAMPLER I COPIED ON LINEN BY THE ORIGINAL
THREAD-COUNT METHOD OF CROSS-STITCH EMBROIDERY. THE ORIGINAL
SAMPLER WAS DATED 1912. THIS VERSE CAN ALSO BE FOUND ON PAGE 72
OF BRUNVAND "THE STUDY OF AMERICAN FOLKLORE", AS A SENTIMENTAL
VERSE IN AN AUTOGRAPH ALBUM.
Where learned: SOUTH CAROLINA ; EDGEFIELD
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Art Craft Architecture ART CRAFT ARCHITECTURE -- Weaving material For costuming in dance or drama, see C484. Flax Hemp Jute |
Date learned: DATE NOT RECORDED BY COLLECTOR
JUMP ROPE RHYME
EENY, MEENY, MINEY, MO,
CATCH (A NIGGA) BY THE TOE.
(OLD HITLER)
(A RABBIT)
IF HE HOLLERS, LET HIM PAY
FIFTEEN DOLLARS EVERY DAY.
OR
IF HE HOLLERS, LET HIM GO. (OR, DON'T LET GO)
EENY, MEENY, MINEY, MO.
OPTIONAL: O U T SPELLS OUT GOES YOU.
YOU OLD DIRTY DISH-RAG YOU. (DEBBIE CHILDRESS, TENN.)
Submitter comment:
THIS VERSE WAS USED TO COUNT OFF TO SEE WHICH ONES WOULD TURN THE
ROPE; AND WAS A COUNTING OUT RHYME FOR OTHER GAMES.
Where learned: SOUTH CAROLINA ; EDGEFIELD
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Game Verse Game Verse |
Date learned: DATE NOT RECORDED BY COLLECTOR
JUMP ROPE RHYME
CINDERELLA DRESSES IN YELLOW,
WENT DOWNTOWN TO SEE HER FELLA.
ON THE WAY HER GIRDLE BUSTED.
HOW MANY MEN WERE DISGUSTED.
ONE--TWO--THREE---------
Where learned: SOUTH CAROLINA ; EDGEFIELD
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Game Verse Game Verse |
Date learned: DATE NOT RECORDED BY COLLECTOR