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The James T. Callow Folklore Archive
Your search for STERLING returned 190 results.
EVERY APRIL 24TH, WE CELEBRATE SAINT GEORGE'S DAY IN GREECE.
SAINT GEORGE IS ONE OF THE PATRON SAINTS OF GREECE. ON THIS
DAY, WE CELEBRATE HIS DESTROYING THE DRAGON. SAINT GEORGE
WAS ORIGINALLY AN ARCHANGEL, THIS IS ONE OF GOD'S CHIEF ANGELS.
THE DRAGON REPRESENTS THE EVILNESS OF SATAN; SO TO COMMEMORATE
THIS EVENT, THE OLDEST MALE CHILD OF EACH TOWN OR VILLAGE
IS DRESSED IN LIGHT CHAIN MAIL, AND ARMED WITH A FAKE SWORD.
AN ADULT FROM THE VILLAGE, NORMALLY THE MAYOR, IS DRESSED AS
THE DRAGON. THEY RE-ENACT THE FIGHT THAT OCCURRED, WITH SAINT
GEORGE WINNING. THIS PERFORMANCE IS FOLLOWED BY A HUGE
FEAST, WHICH THE WOMEN OF THE VILLAGE PREPARE.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; Sterling Heights ; WHERE I LEARNED THIS
| Subject headings: | DRAMA -- Religious DRAMA -- Secular CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- April 24 |
Date learned: 00-00-1958
GINGER WATER IS GIVEN TO CHILDREN ON HOT DAYS. IT DOES NOT GIVE
THEM CRAMPS IF THEY RUN AND PLAY. YOU NEED A PITCHER OF ICE COLD
WATER; THIS IS YOUR BASE. INTO THE WATER YOU ADD THREE TABLESPOONS
OF SUGAR, ONE FOURTH OF A CUP OF BROWN SUGAR, TWO TABLESPOONS OF
CRUSHED GINGER, TWO SQUEEZES OF LEMON JUICE, AND SIX MEDIUM ICE
CUBES. STIR THIS SLOWLY, CHILL AND SERVE. IT SEEMS TO SWEETLY
WARM UP A CHILD'S STOMACH.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; Sterling Heights ; WHERE I LEARNED THIS
| Subject headings: | Food Drink -- N412 BELIEF -- Means of Causing or Avoiding Illness |
Date learned: 00-00-1979
CERAMIC PRESENTS FOR GRANDMA
WHEN MY GRANDPARENTS LIVED IN TOLEDO, OUR FAMILY USED TO MAKE
ABOUT FIVE TO TEN TRIPS DOWN THERE EVERY YEAR FROM DETROIT,
AND IT WAS SORT OF AN "UNWRITTEN LAW" THAT WE WOULD STOP AT THE
OHIO CHINA COMPANY NEAR THE TOLEDO CITY LIMITS AND BUY SOME SMALL
CERAMIC FIGURE FOR MY GRANDMOTHER. SHE COLLECTED THESE FIGURES,
SUCH AS ANIMALS AND STATUES, AS A HOBBY.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; Sterling Heights
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Street Trip Relations between relatives, friends, host and guest Social class Rank |
Date learned: NOT GIVEN
QUEER PARADE
ALL HOMOSEXUALS CONGREGATE IN DOWNTOWN DETROIT ON HALLOWEEN NIGHT
FOR A PARADE.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; Sterling Heights
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- October 31 Halloween |
Date learned: NO DATE INDICATED.
FEET
DON'T EVER PUT YOUR SHOES ON THE TABLE OR YOU'RE GOING TO HAVE SORE
FEET.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; Sterling Heights
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Means of Causing or Avoiding Illness |
Date learned: 02-07-1972
A CASE OF CRUELTY
INFORMANT TOLD ME THAT HIS GRANDFATHER WOULD PUNISH HIS AUNT WHEN
SHE WAS A LITTLE GIRL (ABOUT 1930) BY CHAINING HER TO THE WALL
WHENEVER SHE WAS DISOBEDIENT.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; Sterling Heights
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Street Trip Relations between relatives, friends, host and guest Social class Rank |
Date learned: NOT GIVEN
WHEN A WOMAN TURNS OF AGE (NINETEEN YEARS OLD), SHE IS ALLOWED
TO WEAR A RING. A MAIDEN OF TENDER YEARS CAN NOT DO THIS.
MY MOTHER WAS GIVEN A SMALL TURQUOISE AND DIAMOND RING FOR THIS
SPECIAL OCCASION.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; Sterling Heights ; WHERE I HEARD THIS
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Maturity |
Date learned: 00-00-1959
COLD REMEDY FROM GREECE
THIS IS A TYPE OF HOMEMADE ELIXIR. YOU NEED A COFFEE CUP.
POUR IN A FOURTH OF A CUP OF WHISKEY, A THIRD OF A CUP OF HONEY,
THE HONEY SHOULD BE HEATED, A THIRD OF A CUP OF HOT TEA, AND TWO
TABLESPOONS OF LEMON JUICE. THIS YOU MIX VIGOROUSLY WITH A SPOON.
TO THIS YOU ADD A PINCH OF NUTMEG, TWO TEASPOONS OF SUGAR, AND
A CINNAMON STICK TO STIR IT WITH. THIS ACTUALLY DOES COAT THE
THROAT, BUT EVEN IF IT DID NOT, THE WHISKEY IS ENOUGH TO MAKE
YOU NOT CARE!
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; Sterling Heights ; WHERE I LEARNED THIS
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Remedy |
Date learned: 00-00-1976
MY MOTHER ALWAYS TELLS ME THAT TO BE TOO HAPPY
MEANS THAT SOMETHING BAD WILL HAPPEN TO YOU TO
BALANCE THE MEASURE. SO IF THINGS ARE GOING RIGHT,
COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS, BUT DON'T BE TOO VOCAL, OR
SOMETHING BAD IS SURE TO OCCUR!!!
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; Sterling Heights
James Callow Keyword(s): COMPENSATION CYCLICAL THINKING
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Fate Destiny Luck Chance |
Date learned: 09-00-1985
HALLOWEEN IS CELEBRATED MUCH THE SAME IN GREECE AS IT IS
IN THE UNITED STATES, EXCEPT IN THE UPPER PENNISULA. ARTA, AS
IT IS CALLED, FEARS ALL HALLOWS EVE. PEOPLE DO NOT LEAVE THEIR
HOMES FOR FEAR THAT SPIRITS WILL OVERTAKE THEM AND DESTROY THEM.
THIS IS THE ONE NIGHT OF THE YEAR THAT PERSONS FROM ARTA BELIEVE
SPIRITS ROAM FREE. THESE SPIRITS CAN BE RESTORED TO LIFE IF
THEY CAN FIND A LIFE TO REPLACE THEM IN THE LAND OF THE DEAD.
GOAT'S BLOOD IS PAINTED ON EVERY FRONT DOOR IN THE SIGN OF
A CROSS TO WARD AWAY THESE EVIL SPIRITS. A LARGE MEAL IS
EATEN THAT NIGHT, FOR THE VILLAGERS BELIEVE THAT THE SPIRITS
CANNOT LIFT A LIVING PERSON AND CARRY HIM OFF IF HE IS FILLED
WITH FOOD.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; Sterling Heights ; WHERE I FIRST HEARD THIS
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- October 31 Halloween BELIEF -- Ghost Spirit Phantom Specter |
Date learned: 00-00-1948
"UFO"
I WAS SETTING UP MY TELESCOPE FOR A NIGHT OF NOT UNUSUAL
OBSERVATION. SUDDENLY, THERE IN THE DEEP BLUE, NORTHERN SKY,
I SPOTTED A TWINKLING STAR-LIKE IMAGE. I QUICKLY
ROTATED MY SCOPE AND AIMED. THERE IT IS....A STRANGE
UNIDENTIFIABLE FLYING OBJECT. "UFO!" I EXCLAIMED. YEAH,
THAT'S WHAT I'LL CALL IT.......A "UFO!"
IT WAS A SILVERY BALL WITH A BAR STICKING OUT. IT LOOKED
LIKE A TOOTSIE-POP SUCKER. IN THE MIDDLE OF THE BAR WAS A
RED LIGHT. AT THE END WAS A WHITE LIGHT. THE ENTIRE ALIEN
VESSEL DRIFTED FROM WEST TO EAST AND SLOWLY ROTATED, AS
SEEN BY THE REVOLVING BAR. IN TIME, IT DRIFTED OUT OF
SIGHT, NEVER TO BE SEEN AGAIN.
Submitter comment:
JAMES KEPT A LOG AND DREW A PICTURE OF HIS SIGHTING. HE
SAID THAT IT COULD NOT HAVE BEEN A HELICOPTER, AIRPLANE,
NOR SATELLITE. HE ALSO CLAIMED TO BE THE FIRST TO COIN
THE PHRASE "UFO." THEREFORE, IT IS HARD TO TELL IF HE
IS REALLY SERIOUS.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; Sterling Heights ; IN EMPTY RESERVOIR BEHIND HOME
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Celestial Body PROSE NARRATIVE -- Explanation of a name SPEECH -- Folk etymology |
A FEW SAYINGS
OH YES, I CAN REMEMBER MANY SUPERSTITIONS. AH
YOU SHOULDN'T PART IF THERE'S A POST OR TREE;
NEVER SIT UNDER AN ARCHWAY AT A FUNERAL HOME;
IF YOU PUT SALT ON A BIRD'S TALE IT WON'T MOVE;
IF THE POCKET OF A PALLBEARER IS TORN HE WILL DIE
THE NEXT DAY.
Submitter comment:
SHE WAS ZIPPING THEM RIGHT OFF THE TOP OF HER
HEAD!!
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; Sterling Heights ; IN HER HOUSE
Date learned: 00001930S
IF YOU EAT LOTS OF CHOCOLATE WHEN YOU ARE PREGNANT, YOUR
CHILD WILL HAVE DARK BROWN HAIR. SHE TOLD ME THIS DURING MY
AUNT'S PREGNANCY; MY AUNT CRAVED CHOCOLATE, AND SURE ENOUGH.
MY COUSIN HAS DARK, SHINY BROWN HAIR.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; Sterling Heights ; WHERE I FIRST HEARD THIS
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Birth |
Date learned: 00-00-1975
THIS PARODY GOES TO THE "JINGLE BELLS" TUNE. IT GOES, "JINGLE BELLS,
BATMAN SMELLS, ROBIN LAID AN EGG; BATMOBILE LOST A WHEEL, AND
JOKER GOT AWAY." IT IS REPEATED MANY TIMES, BUT USUALLY FOUR.
MY FRIENDS AND I PICKED THIS JINGLE UP FROM SOME OF THE OLDER KIDS.
WE THOUGHT IT WAS FUNNY, SO IT BECAME "OUR" SONG. TO THIS DAY
WHEN I VISIT MY OLD FRIENDS DURING THE HOLIDAYS, WE STILL WILL
BREAK INTO SONG.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; Sterling Heights ; WHERE I FIRST HEARD THIS
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Good humor Jest |
Date learned: 00-00-1974
SEE SEE MY PLAYMATE
THIS SONG WAS SUNG WHILE PLAYING A GAME:
SEE SEE MY PLAYMATE
COME OUT AND PLAY WITH ME
AND BRING YOUR DOLLY SWEET
CLIMB UP MY APPLE TREE
SLIDE DOWN MY RAINBOW
INTO MY CELLAR DOOR
AND WE'LL BE JOLLY FRIENDS
FOR EVER MORE, MORE, MORE.
Submitter comment: SHE LEARNED THE SONG WHILE SHE WAS A CHILD.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; Sterling Heights ; WHILE GROWING UP
Keyword(s): PLAYMATE
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Children |
Date learned: 00001970'S
THIS WAS AT MY GRANDMOTHER'S HOUSE ON THE EAST SIDE
OF DETROIT. WHENEVER THERE WAS A THUNDERSTORM SHE WOULD
SING CHRISTIAN SONGS AND WALK THROUGH THE HOUSE. I DON'T
REMEMBER EXACTLY WHAT THE SONGS WERE. SHE WALKED THROUGH
THE HOUSE CARRYING LIT PALM LEAVES WHICH WERE BLESSED
ON PALM SUNDAY. LATER, MY MOTHER WOULD LIGHT CANDLES.
TO THIS DAY, AUNT JUDY (SISTER) IS PETRIFIED OF STORMS AND
STILL LIGHTS CANDLES.
Submitter comment: THE BURNING WAS SUPPOSED TO KEEP EVIL FROM HAPPENING.
Where learned: HOME ; MICHIGAN ; Sterling Heights
Keyword(s): LIGHTNING
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Lightning Thunder |
Date learned: 00001940S
IN THE FACTORY WHERE I WORKED THIS SUMMER, ONE WOULD
GESTURE A NEED TO VISIT THE LAVATORY AND FOR THE
HELPER AT THE OTHER END OF THE MACHINE TO WATCH IT
IN HIS ABSENCE BY: (1) IMITATING THE MOVEMENT OF
UNZIPPING HIS PANTS AND (2) POINTING HIS INDEX AND
MIDDLE FINGERS OF ONE HAND AT HIS EYES AND THEN BACK
TO THE MACHINE.
Where learned: Sterling Heights ; MICHIGAN, ASSUMED
| Subject headings: | 602 Body Parts CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Work Commerce Business CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Measure of time Routine activity SPEECH -- Instructions Directions |
Date learned: NOT GIVEN
BELIEF
IF YOU GIVE SOMEBODY A PIN (A PIECE OF JEWELRY) FOR A GIFT, ALSO
GIVE A PENNY OR YOU'LL BREAK UP THE FRIENDSHIP.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; Sterling Heights
Keyword(s): GIFT PENNY FRIENDSHIP
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Street Trip Relations between relatives, friends, host and guest Social class Rank |
Date learned: 02-07-1972
Song: Parody
FOUND A PEANUT
FOUND A PEANUT
FOUND A PEANUT JUST NOW
JUST NOW I FOUND A PEANUT
FOUND A PEANUT JUST NOW.
CRACKED IT OPEN
CRACKED IT OPEN
CRACKED IT OPEN JUST NOW
JUST NOW CRACKED IT OPEN
CRACKED IT OPEN JUST NOW.
FOUND IT ROTTEN
FOUND IT ROTTEN
FOUND IT ROTTEN JUST NOW
JUST NOW FOUND IT ROTTEN
FOUND IT ROTTEN JUST NOW.
ATE IT ANYWAY
ATE IT ANYWAY
ATE IT ANYWAY JUST NOW
JUST NOW I ATE IT ANYWAY
ATE IT ANYWAY JUST NOW
GOT SICK
GOT SICK
GOT SICK JUST NOW
JUST NOW I GOT SICK
GOT SICK JUST NOW.
CALLED A DOCTOR
CALLED A DOCTOR
CALLED A DOCTOR JUST NOW
JUST NOW I CALLED A DOCTOR
CALLED A DOCTOR JUST NOW.
SAID I WOULDN'T DIE
SAID I WOULDN'T DIE
SAID I WOULD'T DIE JUST NOW
JUST NOW HE SAID I WOULDN'T DIE
SAID I WOULDN'T DIE JUST NOW.
DIED ANYWAY
DIED ANYWAY
DIED ANYWAY JUST NOW
JUST NOW I DIED
DIED ANYWAY JUST NOW.
WENT TO HEAVEN
WENT TO HEAVEN
WENT TO HEAVEN JUST NOW
JUST NOW I WENT TO HEAVEN
WENT TO HEAVEN JUST NOW.
PLAYED THE HARP
PLAYED THE HARP
PLAYED THE HARP JUST NOW
JUST NOW I PLAYED THE HARP
PLAYED THE HARP JUST NOW.
BROKE A STRING
BROKE A STRING
BROKE A STRING JUST NOW
JUST NOW I BROKE A STRING
BROKE A STRING JUST NOW.
WENT DOWN
WENT DOWN
WENT DOWN JUST NOW
JUST NOW I WENT DOWN
WENT DOWN JUST NOW
SHOVELED COAL
SHOVELED COAL
SHOVELED COAL JUST NOW
JUST NOW I SHOVELED COAL
SHOVELED COAL JUST NOW.
BURNT MY FINGER
BURNT MY FINGER
BURNT MY FINGER JUST NOW
JUST NOW I BURNT MY FINGER
BURNT MY FINGER JUST NOW.
THE END
Data entry tech comment:
PROBABLY TO THE TUNE OF " MY DARLING CLEMENTINE "
Updated / 02-24-2011 / TRD
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; STERLING
Keyword(s): CHIASMUS ; COAL ; DEATH ; Doctors ; FOOD ; HARP ; HEAVEN ; HELL ; MUSIC ; NUT ; Peanut ; REPETITION ; SATIRE ; SHOVELING
| 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.
"THE COOKIE JAR SONG"
DAD: "MOMMY STOLE A COOKIE FROM THE COOKIE JAR."
MOM: "WHO, ME?"
FAMILY: "YES YOU!"
MOM: "COULDN'T BE!"
FAMILY: "THEN WHO?"
MOM: "DADDY STOLE A COOKIE FROM THE COOKIE JAR!"
DAD: "WHO, ME?"
Submitter comment:
THIS SONG CAN CONTINUE ON UNTIL THE FAMILY
DECIDES TO STOP SINGING. IT CAN BE STARTED BY
ANY MEMBER, AND IS TOSSED RANDOMLY FROM PERSON TO PERSON
DEPENDING ON THE PREVIOUSLY CHOSEN STEALER'S PREFERENCE.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; Sterling Heights ; WHERE I LEARNED ITEM AS A BOY
Keyword(s): SNACK
James Callow Keyword(s): QUESTION AND ANSWER DIALOGUE
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Good humor Jest |
Date learned: 00001960S