Dr. James T. Callow publications
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The James T. Callow Folklore Archive
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SUPERSTITION
IT IS BAD LUCK TO TURN A LOAF OF BREAD UPSIDE DOWN ON A TABLE.
Submitter comment:
JULIE LEARNED THIS FROM HER GRANDMOTHER WHO BELIEVED IT AND PRACTICED
IT. SHE DOES NOT BELIEVE IT HERSELF.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT ; CAMPUS
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Home BELIEF -- Bad luck |
Date learned: CA00001968
IT IS BAD LUCK TO HAVE A BIRD FLY IN THE HOUSE, USUALLY
AN OMEN OF DEATH.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT ; MICHIGAN, ASSUMED ; PIZZERIA
| Subject headings: | Observation BELIEF -- Death Funeral Burial BELIEF -- Bad luck Animals |
Date learned: 03-21-1968
WEDDING CUSTOM
WHEN GUESTS AT A WEDDING RECEPTION CLINK SILVERWARE AGAINST THEIR
GLASSES, THE BRIDE AND GROOM MUST STOP WHAT THEY ARE DOING AND KISS.
THE GUESTS CONTINUE CLINKING THEIR GLASSES UNTIL THEY DO.
Submitter comment:
I LEARNED THIS AT A WEDDING IN CLEVELAND, OHIO IN AUGUST, 1977. MOST
OF THE GUESTS AS WELL AS THE BRIDE AND GROOM SEEMED FAMILIAR WITH THE
CUSTOM AND IT WAS PRACTICED FREQUENTLY DURING THE MEAL. MY SISTER,
RUTH DURAND, WITNESSED THE SAME CUSTOM AT SEVERAL OTHER WEDDINGS IN
THE CLEVELAND AREA.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT ; CAMPUS
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Marriage Glassware tapping |
SUPERSTITION
WHEN UNWRAPPING GIFTS AT A WEDDING SHOWER THE AMOUNT OF RIBBONS YOU
BREAK IS THE AMOUNT OF CHILDREN YOU WILL HAVE.
Submitter comment:
I LEARNED THIS IN MAPLE HEIGHTS, OHIO, A SUBURB OF CLEVELAND, AT THE
WEDDING SHOWER OF A FRIEND. SHE ALREADY KNEW THE SUPERSTITION AND
APPARENTLY BELIEVED IT SOMEWHAT. SHE CAREFULLY UNWRAPPED HER GIFTS
AND BROKE TWO RIBBONS SAYING THAT'S HOW MANY CHILDREN SHE WANTED TO
HAVE.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT ; CAMPUS
| Subject headings: | Observation BELIEF -- Birth BELIEF -- Marriage Breaking of BELIEF -- Use of Object |
BLUE-EYED PEOPLE ARE MORE LOGICAL THAN BROWN-EYED
PEOPLE. BROWN-EYED PEOPLE LIVE BY THEIR HEARTS.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | Observation BELIEF -- Body part Senses Eyes, evil eye BELIEF -- Color |
Date learned: 02-10-1968
SUPERSTITION
WHEN MY GRANDMOTHER GAVE A SET OF KNIVES AS A GIFT TO OUR FAMILY
SHE MADE MY DAD GIVE HER A NICKEL. SHE SAID IT WAS BAD LUCK TO GIVE
KNIVES AWAY. YOU HAVE TO SELL THEM.
Submitter comment:
JULIE'S GRANDMOTHER HAD A FAIRLY STRONG BELIEF IN THE TRUTH OF THIS
SUPERSTITION. JULIE'S FATHER DIDN'T REALLY THINK IT WOULD BE BAD
LUCK TO ACCEPT THE KNIVES WITHOUT GIVING ANY MONEY BUT GAVE HER A
NICKEL ANYWAY. JULIE FEELS HER GRANDMOTHER IS A LITTLE SUPERSTITIOUS
AND WHEN ASKED IF SHE WOULD ASK FOR MONEY IN EXCHANGE FOR A GIFT OF
KNIVES REPLIED "NO}" RATHER INDIGNANTLY.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT ; CAMPUS
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Street Trip Relations between relatives, friends, host and guest Social class Rank BELIEF -- Bad luck P882.18 |
VERSE
I EAT MY PEAS WITH HONEY.
I'VE DONE IT ALL MY LIFE.
IT MAKES THE PEAS TASTE FUNNY,
BUT IT KEEPS THEM ON THE KNIFE.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT ; CAMPUS
| Subject headings: | 730 Lyrical Verse |
Date learned: 09-00-1971
BAD LUCK (COLLECTOR'S TITLE)
IN JAPAN, IT IS BELIEVED THAT THE NUMBER "4" BRINGS BAD LUCK.
Submitter comment: THE INFORMANT LEARNED THIS WHILE HE WAS IN VIET NAM.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT ; CAMPUS
Keyword(s): VIETNAM
| Subject headings: | 686 Fourths / Quarters BELIEF -- Fate Destiny Luck Chance |
Date learned: 10-27-1969
FEMININE OPINION
A HOUSE WITHOUT A WOMAN AND FIRELIGHT IS LIKE A BABY WITHOUT A SOUL
OR SPIRIT.
Submitter comment:
USED BY MARY TO DESCRIBE WHAT SHE THOUGHT OF MY DORM ROOM AT U OF D
MOSTLY BECAUSE OF A COMPLETE LACK OF DECORATION.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT ; CAMPUS
Keyword(s): VAGUE OF WOMEN
| Subject headings: | PROVERB -- Proverbial Comparison |
Date learned: 00-00-1968
BELIEF
IF YOU STEP ON A CRACK, YOU BREAK YOUR MOTHER'S BACK.
Where learned: UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Belief Belief BELIEF -- Body part Senses |
Date learned: 00001950S AND 00001960S
POLISH CUSTOM -- SHROVE TUESDAY
ON THE TUESDAY BEFORE ASH WEDNESDAY, IT IS A CUSTOM IN MISS GALL'S
FAMILY (POLISH) TO MAKE A LARGE BATCH OF DONUTS AND TO EAT
THEM ALL BEFORE ASH WEDNESDAY. THIS DAY IS CALLED PONCHKI DAY.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT ; RATHSKELLER
Keyword(s): DOUGHNUT ; PACZKI ; RELIGIOUS CUSTOM
| Subject headings: | 663 Mardi Gras CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Spring Planting Easter Season CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Spring Planting Palm Sunday |
Date learned: 02-27-1968
UNWRITTEN RULE OF RUGBY.
THE HOMETEAM MUST THROW A PARTY AFTER THE GAME WHICH
ALWAYS INCLUDES BEER AND MAYBE FOOD.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT ; CAMPUS
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Special Object or Implement |
Date learned: 03-00-1982
MILT FAMEY
MILT FAMEY WAS A MAJOR LEAGUE PITCHER FOR THE BOSTON BEANS. HE HAD
BEEN WITH THE TEAM FOR 4 YEARS AND HAD NEVER PITCHED A GAME. THE
REASON FOR THIS WAS THAT JOE "LEFTY" SLINGER WAS ALSO WITH THE TEAM.
HE WAS THE WINNINGEST PITCHER IN THE MAJORS, PITCHING EVERY GAME FOR
THE BEANS. NEEDLESS TO SAY, MILT WAS GETTING PRETTY DISCOURAGED AND
HE TOOK TO DRINKING WHILE SITTING ON THE BENCH. HE AVERAGED ABOUT A
CASE OF BEER A GAME. HIS FIFTH YEAR FOR THE BEANS WAS NO DIFFERENT
THAN THE FIRST FOUR. LEFTY WAS PITCHING FLAWLESSLY AND MILT WAS
BECOMING AN ALCOHOLIC. THEN IT HAPPENED. IT WAS THE SEVENTH GAME OF
THE WORLD SERIES WITH THE BEANS LEADING 3 TO 0 OVER THE SMALLVILLE
GIANTS IN THE BOTTOM OF THE NINTH. THE GIANTS WERE AT BAT WITH ONE
OUT. THE NEXT BATTER LINED ONE RIGHT AT LEFTY. IT HIT HIM IN THE HAND
AND AFTER MAKING THE PUTOUT LEFTY COLLAPSED AND HAD TO BE CARRIED
OFF THE FIELD, SUFFERING A BROKEN HAND. IT WAS MILT'S BIG CHANCE TO
PROVE HIMSELF. UNFORTUNATELY, HE WAS STILL SITTING ON THE BENCH
DRINKING BEER AND THROWING THE EMPTY CANS OUT ON THE FIELD ALONG THE
THIRD BASE LINE. AFTER REALIZING WHAT HAD HAPPENED, HE STUMBLED OUT
ONTO THE FIELD TO THE PITCHER'S MOUND AND SHOUTED TO THE CATCHER TO
BRING 'EM ON. THE FIRST BATTER STEPPED UP AND MILT LEFT GO WITH HIS
FIRST PITCH WHICH SAILED THROUGH THE AIR ABOUT 15 FEET ABOVE THE
BATTER'S HEAD, AS DID THE NEXT 3 PITCHES. THE NEXT 2 BATTERS ALSO
GOT ON BASE THIS WAY. NOW THINGS WERE GETTING CLOSE. THE BASES WERE
LOADED WITH THE WINNING RUN AT THE PLATE. MILT KNEW HE HAD BETTER
START THROWING STRIKES SOON AND HE DID SO ON THE NEXT PITCH. THERE
WAS A LOUD CRACK AND THE BALL SAILED OUT OF THE PARK FOR A GAME
WINNING HOMERUN. AS THE BASERUNNERS ROUNDED THIRD THEY WERE BEGINNING
TO KICK THROUGH ALL OF MILT'S EMPTY BEER CANS. ONE OF THEM ASKED
WHERE ALL THE EMPTY CANS HAD COME FROM AND ANOTHER REPLIED "THAT'S
THE BEER THAT MADE MILT FAMEY WALK US".
Submitter comment:
THIS STORY WAS TOLD WITH A GREAT AMOUNT OF HAND AND ARM MOVEMENT.
WOULD COME UNDER C1400-C1599 IN SHAGGY DOG INDEX (PUNCH LINE FROM
ADVERTISING). - J. T. CALLOW
Where learned: UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT DORMS
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Product or activity of man or animal PROSE NARRATIVE -- Formula tale SPEECH -- Gesture |
Date learned: 00-00-1971
RIDDLE
IT SPINS AROUND BUT IS NOT SPINNING A WHEEL; IT CAN WALK A
ROPE BUT IS NOT A MONKEY.
-- A SPIDER.
Submitter comment: HEARD THIS IN DORMITORY
Where learned: HOME ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; TOLD AT
Keyword(s): ROPE FOR WEB
| Subject headings: | RIDDLE -- Riddle Question |
Date learned: 11-27-1967
RIDDLE
WHAT'S GREEN AND FLIES?
SUPER TURTLE.
Submitter comment: HEARD FROM HIS BROTHER.
Where learned: UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; STUDENT UNION
| Subject headings: | RIDDLE -- Riddle Question |
Date learned: 12-01-1967
FORMULA SPEECH
IF SOMEPLACE SHOULD BE EASY TO FIND, YOU SAY, "THAT'S
DUCK SOUP."
Where learned: UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; STUDENT UNION
| Subject headings: | SPEECH -- Formula |
Date learned: 11-21-1969
FORMULA SPEECH
IF YOU HAVE AN EASY POOL SHOT, YOU SAY, "THAT'S A LEAD
PIPE."
Data entry tech comment: SEE: LEAD PIPE CINCH.
Where learned: UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; STUDENT UNION
| Subject headings: | SPEECH -- Formula |
Date learned: 11-21-1969
WHEN GREEKS DANCE, THEY JOIN HANDS WITH THEIR HANDKERCHIEFS,
TO SHOW THAT EVERYONE IS FRIENDS AND WELCOME IN EACH
OTHER'S HOMES.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Function Purpose Theme |
IF YOU CUT YOUR HAIR ON YOUR BIRTHDAY, IT WILL BE A BAD YEAR.
Where learned: UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; STUDENT UNION ; TOLD IN
Keyword(s): TABU
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Product or activity of man or animal |
IT IS A UKRAINIAN CUSTOM TO MIX POPPIES AND WHEAT TOGETHER AT
CHRISTMAS TIME. THEN TAKE THE MIXTURE IN A SPOON AND THROW IT IN THE
AIR AND TRY TO CATCH IT. IF YOU CATCH IT, YOU WILL HAVE GOOD LUCK.
Where learned: UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; NORTH QUAD ; DORMS ; TOLD IN
Keyword(s): FOOD CUSTOM ; PREDICTION
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20 Predictions CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20 Single dishes BELIEF -- Fate Destiny Luck Chance |
Date learned: 02-07-1971