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 ROSEVILLE returned 222 results.
No Nuthin
This was a little game my grandmother played with me, and with
my children. When a special day was coming, and she had purchased
the gift for your special day, she would pose this question to you.
Would you like to know what I bought for you? Of course a young
child does, so the response was, "Yea!" Then she would smile and
hug you and say, "A no nuthin with a whistle on the end." A very
confused child then would respond, "What is that?" Grandma would
reply, "I guess you'll have to wait to find out. But, do you want
to know what color it is?" Of course a child will respond, "Yes!"
Grandma would very seriously say, "Well, it's sky-blue pink."
Submitter comment:
It has been many years since my grandmother was alive, but this
little ditty is still repeated by me and my children, and I'm sure
it will continue with my own grandchildren.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; ROSEVILLE
James Callow Keyword(s): GIFT GIVING
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Game Pastime SPEECH -- Formula |
Date learned: 00001950S
Who Gives?
Who gives this woman to be wed?
Her mother and I.
We gave her dawn
And gave her grace.
We stamped our images
Upon her face.
We gave her books,
And calmed her fears.
We gave her faith.
We gave her prayer.
And now in solemn troth
We swear,
We cannot give,
Only share.
Submitter comment:
This was recited to me by my grandmother just prior to my
wedding.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; ROSEVILLE
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Lyrical Verse C730.345 CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Marriage |
Date learned: 00001970S
Proverbial Saying
A dimple in your cheek,
Many hearts you will seek.
A dimple in your chin,
Many hearts you will win.
Submitter comment:
My grandmother used to tell me this because I have a dimple in
my chin, and did not like it.
Data entry tech comment:
Motifs added by TRD
James Callow comment:
Puckett, Ohio, no. 12841: "A dimple on the chin, /
Many lovers you will win." -- Irish - Dutch - German informant.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; ROSEVILLE
Keyword(s): Apothegm ; Cheek ; Dimple ; LOVE ; Maxim ; PROVERB
| Subject headings: | Favorites Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Lyrical Verse BELIEF -- Body part Senses BELIEF -- Marriage |
Date learned: 00001950S
St. Nicholas
My grandmother told me how the St. Nicholas legend began after
I told her I no longer believed in Santa. She said that moms and
dads aren't really lying to their children about Santa, that if you
have love in your heart you are Santa and that's what moms and dads
do. Originally, many, many years ago there was a kindly, wealthy
old gent, Nicholas. He had much wealth, but no children to whom to
distribute it. In his small village there were many poor families.
When he heard of a very lovely girl who could not marry her young
man because her parents had no dowry for her, he decided to help.
On the eve of Christ's birth, he approached the maiden's home.
Finding the window open, he tossed a bag full of coins into the
home. When the young maiden and her family discovered the small
bag, they used it as the girl's dowry. He saw what pleasure it had
brought the couple and the family and continued to help the poor
each Christmas Eve.
The townspeople found out who was doing such kind deeds and called
him Saint Nicholas (Santa Claus) from that day forward. Moms and
dads everywhere from then on assumed the role of Santa Claus with
their children.
Submitter comment:
She told me this story in such a loving way, that I was
prompted to tell my children the same story when they asked about
the "reality" of Santa Claus.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; ROSEVILLE
James Callow Keyword(s): RATIONALIZATION
| Subject headings: | Favorites PROSE NARRATIVE -- Religious hero |
Date learned: 00001960S
White toed sox
A good luck charm to ward off bad gremlins, was socks with
white toes. The Irish say that these socks will keep a person from
being tripped by "little people."
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; ROSEVILLE
James Callow Keyword(s): Apotropaic clothing
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Fairy Elf Goblin Gnome BELIEF -- Color BELIEF -- Good luck |
Date learned: 00001969S
IRISH AND POLISH FUNERAL CUSTOMS
BOTH SIDES OF MY FAMILY HANDLE FUNERALS ESPECIALLY
POST FUNERAL ACTIVITY IN THE SAME MANNER. THE FUNERAL
IS ALWAYS FOLLOWED BY A SEMI-FESTIVE BANQUET WITH PLENTY
OF BEER AND LIQUOR. REGARDLESS OF THE AGE OF THE
DECEASED OR THE MANNER OF DEATH, IT IS ALWAYS THE SAME.
THE BODY IS NO LONGER LAID OUT AT HOME THOUGH AND THE
BANQUET HELD IN A RENTED HALL. FOR ABOUT AN HOUR, I
SUPPOSE, UNTIL EVERYBODY GETS THERE, WE DO NOTHING BUT
DRINK. THEN WE EAT, USUALLY THE SAME FARE WE WOULD
FIND AT A WEDDING. LATELY CATERERS HAVE BEEN EMPLOYED
FOR THE FOOD, WHEREAS WOMEN OF THE FAMILY OR NEIGHBORS
USED TO FURNISH THE FOOD. THE LAST FUNERAL I ATTENDED
WAS A 9:00 A.M. MASS. WE GOT TO THE HALL ABOUT 11:00
A.M. WE LEFT THE HALL AT 5:30 P.M. WE SPENT THE
AFTERNOON AS IF WE WERE AT A WEDDING, EXCEPT THERE WAS
NO DANCING. IF THERE HAD BEEN DANCING, THERE WOULD
HAVE BEEN NO WAY FOR AN INTRUDER TO KNOW WE WERE HAVING
A FUNERAL BANQUET.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; ROSEVILLE
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Death Funeral Burial |
Date learned: NOT GIVEN
AS THE CORTEGE ARRIVES AT THE GRAVE SITE, THE CASKET IS
PLACED IN POSITION TO BE LOWERED. EACH PARTICIPANT IS
GIVEN A SINGLE FLOWER FROM THE VARIOUS BASKETS BROUGHT
FROM THE FUNERAL PARLOR. AFTER THE PRIEST GIVES A
BLESSING THE FUNERAL DIRECTOR THANKS EVERYBODY FOR
THEIR COOPERATION AND THEN IF THE DECEDENT IS POLISH,
THE "VITI KROWLEVA" IS SUNG. (THAT IS A PHONETIC
SPELLING). THE "VITI," AS IT IS CALLED, IS THE POLISH
VERSION OF "HAIL HOLY QUEEN." IT IS A CHARMING,
HAUNTING, PLEADING MELODY WHICH USUALLY PRODUCES MUCH
WAILING AND FAINTING AMONG THOSE CLOSE TO THE DECEDENT.
THE "VITI" HAS BEEN DISCOURAGED IN RECENT YEARS FOR
SEVERAL REASONS; IT PRODUCES TOO MUCH EMOTIONAL IMPACT,
LEADING AS I SAID TO FAINTING AND SOMETIMES HYSTERIA; THE
WOMEN WHO USUALLY BEGIN THE SONG HAVE DIED OFF AND THE
YOUNGER GENERATION OF WOMEN WHO MIGHT KNOW THE SONG ARE
RELUCTANT TO BEGIN SINGING; VERY FEW MEMBERS OF MY
GENERATION KNOW ENOUGH OF THE WORDS TO JOIN IN. AFTER
THE "VITI" HAS ENDED AND THE WOMEN ARE REVIVED, THE
GUESTS FILE PAST THE CASKET AND DEPOSIT THE SINGLE
FLOWER UPON IT. OPPOSITE THE BEREAVED, THE PALLBEARERS
STAND UNTIL ALL HAVE LEFT, THEN THEY DEPOSIT THEIR
FLOWER AND THEIR GRAY GLOVES ON THE CASKET.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; ROSEVILLE
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Death Funeral Burial |
Date learned: NOT GIVEN
POLISH WEDDING CUSTOM
WHEN THE TIME APPROACHES FOR THE BRIDE AND GROOM TO
LEAVE THE HALL, A SERIES OF EVENTS TAKE PLACE.
TRADITIONALLY, THE COUPLE LEAVE AT MIDNIGHT BUT THE
TIME VARIES FROM GENERATION TO GENERATION. THE GUESTS
FORM A LARGE CIRCLE ON THE DANCE FLOOR AND THE MEN TAKE
TURNS DANCING WITH THE BRIDE. THEY ALL ATTACH A BILL
OF SOME DENOMINATION, USUALLY A FIVE OR TEN, TO THE
BRIDE'S DRESS. AFTER ALL THE MEN HAVE HAD THEIR TURN,
A BRIDESMAID REMOVES ALL THE BILLS. A CHAIR IS THEN
PLACED IN THE CENTER OF THE CIRCLE AND THE BRIDE SITS
DOWN WHILE ALL THE PEOPLE SING A TRADITIONAL POLISH
BALLAD, WHICH, IF THE BRIDE CAN UNDERSTAND POLISH,
USUALLY RESULTS IN THE BRIDE GUSHING FOR TEARS.
A BUCKET IS THEN PLACED UNDER HER CHAIR AND SOME LIQUID
IS SPILLED ON THE FLOOR. THE WEDDING ATTENDANTS THEN
WALTZ AROUND THE CHAIR. THE BRIDES VEIL IS REMOVED
AND SHE IS LED TO THE STAGE WHERE SHE TURNS HER BACK TO
THE GUESTS AND THROWS HER BOUQUET TOWARD A GROUP OF
SINGLE GIRLS. THE GROOM THEN (THROWS) A GARTER TOWARD
A GROUP OF YOUNG SINGLE MEN. THE CAKE IS THEN CUT AND
SHORTLY AFTER, THE BRIDE AND GROOM DISAPPEAR. THE
NEXT DAY A PARTY IS HELD AT THE HOME OF THE BRIDE'S
PARENTS. MOST OF THE PRINCIPAL GUESTS ARRIVE AND
HOLD ANOTHER CELEBRATION WITH USUALLY MORE DRINKING
AND EATING THAN ON THE PREVIOUS DAY. THIS POST
WEDDING ACTIVITY IS CALLED, PHONETICALLY, POPALAVEENI.
ORIGINALLY, I.E., IN POLAND, IT WAS A THREE DAY
CELEBRATION.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; ROSEVILLE
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Marriage Reception |
Date learned: NOT GIVEN
GERMAN CUSTOM
A TRADITIONAL NEW YEAR'S EVE SUPPPER IN THIS GERMAN FAMILY
IS HERRINGS AND ROE. ANYONE WHO HAPPENS TO DROP IN ON
THAT EVENING HAS TO PARTAKE OF THESE DISHES OR THEY WILL
HAVE BAD LUCK FOR THE NEXT YEAR. THE PLATTER IS PASSED
AROUND AND WHILE THE OLDER MEMBERS OF THE FAMILY TAKE
GENEROUS PORTIONS, THE YOUNGER ONES MERELY TAKE ENOUGH
TO PARTAKE IN THE TRADITION, WHICH IS SAID TO GUARANTEE
GOOD LUCK AND PARTICULARLY PROSPERITY FOR THE COMING YEAR.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; ROSEVILLE
Date learned: 00-00-1967
YOU MUST WEAR BRAND NEW CLOTHES, NEVER WORN, ON NEW
YEAR'S DAY OR YOU'LL BE POOR THE REST OF THE YEAR.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; ROSEVILLE
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- January 1 New Year's |
Date learned: 02-15-1970
RED LIGHT--GREEN LIGHT
I REMEMBER PLAYING THIS GAME IN NEW YORK WHEN I WAS IN
GRADE SCHOOL CALLED "RED LIGHT--GREEN LIGHT." THE DEAL
WAS THAT ALL THE KIDS WOULD LINE UP IN ABOUT 3 OR 4
DIFFERENT LINES AND ONE KID WOULD BE FACED THE OTHER
WAY ABOUT A MEDIUM SIZED DRIVEWAY DISTANCE AWAY.
THE SINGLE KID WOULD CALL OUT "RED LIGHT" OR "GREEN
LIGHT." IF HE SAID RED LIGHT, THE PLAYERS COULD NOT MOVE.
IF HE SAID "GREEN LIGHT," THEY COULD PROCEED FORWARD
DOWN THE DRIVEWAY TOWARDS THIS KID. THE KID WHO WOULD
REACH THE SINGLE KID WOULD THEN BE THE NEXT CALLER OF
"RED LIGHT" OR "GREEN LIGHT."
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; NEW YORK ; ROSEVILLE
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Bodily Activity |
Date learned: 03-03-1970
HANDSLAPPING GAME
A GAME FOR TWO PARTICIPANTS. ONE PERSON HAS HIS
HANDS PALMS UP. THE OTHER HAS HIS HANDS RESTING
PALMS DOWN ON TOP THE OPPONENT'S HANDS.
AT ANY TIME, THE PERSON WITH HIS HANDS PALMS UP OR ON
THE BOTTOM TRIES TO HIT HIS OPPONENT'S HANDS. HE
KEEPS GOING UNTIL HE MISSES HITTING THE OTHER'S
HAND, IN WHICH CASE, IT IS THE OPPONENT'S TURN.
THE GAME CONTINUES UNTIL ONE OR BOTH PARTICIPANTS
HANDS ARE TOO SORE.
Submitter comment: INFORMANT FINDS THIS GAME ENJOYABLE, DEMANDING SKILL.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; ROSEVILLE
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Athletic sport and exercise Gymnastics |
Date learned: 10-04-1971
KICK THE CAN
TAKE A CAN, KICK IT HIGH, AND WHILE FLYING, ALL
THE PLAYERS HIDE EXCEPT "IT" WHO KICKED THE CAN.
"IT" HAS TO FIND EVERYBODY. IF HE DIDN'T, HE
REMAINED "IT."
Submitter comment:
THIS IS A GAME PLAYED IN NEW YORK IN THE 1930S BY THE
INFORMANT.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; NEW YORK ; ROSEVILLE
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Special Object or Implement |
Date learned: 02-19-1970 ; 00001930S
WHEN DRIVING IN A CAR, EVERY TIME YOU SPOT A
VOLKSWAGON, SAY "BEAVER" AND YOU GET 50 POINTS.
IF YOU SPOT A CARMEN GHIA, SAY "BEAVER" FIRST AND
YOU GET 100 POINTS. SEE WHO HAS MOST POINTS AT
THE END OF TRIP.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; ROSEVILLE
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Game Pastime |
Date learned: 00-00-1965
BLONDIE AND DAGWOOD WENT TO TOWN./BLONDIE BOUGHT AN EVENING GOWN./
DAGWOOD BOUGHT A PAIR OF SHOES./ SONNY BOUGHT THE EVENING NEWS. AND
IN IT THEY READ: CLOSE YOUR EYES AND COUNT TO TEN/ IF YOU MISS YOU
MUST TAKE THE END.
Submitter comment: THE INFORMANT IS A 10 YEAR OLD GIRL.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; ROSEVILLE
Keyword(s): CHARACTER ; ENDURANCE ; Jump
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Game Verse Game Verse |
Date learned: 02-27-1967
DUMM, DUM DOE, DOE CATCH ME IF YOU CAN/ I CAN JUMP FASTER THAN ----
CAN.
Submitter comment:
THE INFORMANT, MY TEN YEAR OLD DAUGHTER, LEARNED THESE
PATTERS FROM HER OLDER SISTER AND NEIGHBORHOOD FRIENDS.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; ROSEVILLE
Keyword(s): CALL-RHYME
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Game Verse Game Verse |
Date learned: 02-27-1967
FUDGE, FUDGE, CALL THE JUDGE/ MOMMA HAS A NEW BORN BABY. IT'S NOT A
GIRL, IT'S NOT A BOY/ IT'S JUST AN ORDINARY BABY./ WRAP IT UP IN
TISSUE PAPER./ SEND IT DOWN THE ELEVATOR.
( A RECITAL OF FLOORS BEGINS.)
NOW UNTIL THE FLOOR WHICH COINCIDES WITH THE JUMPERS BIRTHDAY.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; ROSEVILLE
Keyword(s): CHARACTER ; ENDURANCE ; Jump
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Game Verse Game Verse |
Date learned: 02-27-1967
JUMP ROPE PATTER
POSTMAN} POSTMAN} DO YOUR DUTY.
HERE COMES MISS AMERICA, THE BEAUTY.
SHE CAN DO THE RHUMBA.
SHE CAN DO THE SPLITS.
SHE WEARS DRESSES UP TO HER HIPS.
Submitter comment:
THE INFORMANT, MY TEN YEAR OLD DAUGHTER LEARNED THESE PATTERS
FROM HER OLDER SISTERS AND FROM FRIENDS IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; ROSEVILLE
Keyword(s): PLAIN-JUMP
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Game Verse Game Verse |
Date learned: 02-27-1967
BAD LUCK TO SEE MOON OVER LEFT SHOULDER.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; ROSEVILLE
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Moon BELIEF -- Bad luck |
Date learned: 10-08-1965
NEVER PUT SHOES ON A BED. THIS WOULD CAUSE BAD LUCK.
Submitter comment: THIS IS ANOTHER OF INFORMANT'S MOTHER'S SAYINGS.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; ROSEVILLE
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Bad luck Furniture (bed, table, chair, etc.) BELIEF -- Bad luck Clothing (dress, hat, shoes, suit, etc.) |
Date learned: 01-25-1970