Dr. James T. Callow publications
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The James T. Callow Folklore Archive
Your search for New Orleans returned 102 results.
A bird in your house means death will hit your family, or
someone close to you may die.
Where learned: LOUISIANA ; New Orleans
| Subject headings: | Observation BELIEF -- Bird BELIEF -- Death Funeral Burial |
Date learned: 00-00-1970
If your foot is swept over by a broom, you should spit on the
broom, and throw salt over your left shoulder, in order not to go
to jail.
Where learned: LOUISIANA ; New Orleans
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Mineral BELIEF -- Product or activity of man or animal BELIEF -- Conversions SPEECH -- Gesture |
Date learned: 00-00-1970
Keep your table fixed and it will bring you good luck.
Where learned: LOUISIANA ; New Orleans
| Subject headings: | Food Drink -- Service Table furnishing and decoration BELIEF -- Measure of time Eating For menu, see N222. BELIEF -- Good luck |
Date learned: 00-00-1966
KING CAKE
IN NEW ORLEANS IN THE SEVERAL WEEKS BEFORE THE MARDI
GRAS SEASON BEGINS, AT THE END OF JANUARY, KING CAKE
PARTIES ARE HELD THROUGH MARDI GRAS. THE KING CAKE
IS PREPARED BEFORE HAND. THIS CONSISTS OF A FROSTED
BREAD PASTRY WITH A SMALL TOY DOLL IN THE INSIDE.
THE PERSON AT THE PARTY WHO RECEIVES THE PIECE WITH
THE DOLL INSIDE, IS OBLIGATED TO HOLD THE NEXT PARTY.
Submitter comment:
MY SISTER ATTENDED SOME OF THESE PARTIES AND ENJOYED
THEM VERY MUCH.
Where learned: LOUISIANA ; New Orleans
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Entertainment Diversion |
Y'ALL, YOUS, YOU GUYS.
Submitter comment:
EACH OF THESE IS LOCAL SAYINGS FROM DIFFERENT PARTS OF THE COUNTRY.
Y'ALL COMES FROM THE SOUTH, YOUS IS COMMON IN THE UPPER PENINSULA AND
YOU GUYS IS COMMON IN THE MIDWEST.
Where learned: LOUISIANA ; New Orleans
| Subject headings: | SPEECH -- Vocabulary |
LUKE THE SPOOK
A BOY AND GIRL WERE ON THEIR WAY HOME FROM A
DATE WHEN THEIR CAR RAN OUT
OF GAS IN THE WOODS. THE BOY TOLD THE GIRL TO LOCK THE DOOR WHILE
HE GOT SOME GAS. HE SAID TO BE SURE THE DOORS WERE LOCKED BECAUSE MMTHESE ARE THE WOODS WHERE LUKE THE SPOOK LIVES.
AN HOUR PASSED AND THE
BOY DID NOT RETURN. IT WAS SILENT EXCEPT
FOR THE NOISE OF A BRANCH BANGING
ON THE ROOF OF THE CAR. ANOTHER HOUR WENT BY WHEN A MOTORIST STOPPED
NEXT TO THE CAR AND KNOCKED ON THE WINDOW.
THE GIRL OPENED THE DOOR AND THE
MOTORIST POINTED TO WHAT THE GIRL THOUGHT
WAS A BRANCH. HER BOYFRIEND'S
THROAT HAD BEEN SLIT AND HE WAS HANGING
UPSIDE DOWN FROM A TREE AND HIS
BLOOD WAS DRIPPING ON THE ROOF OF THE CAR.
Submitter comment:
I HAVE HEARD MANY VARIATIONS OF THIS STORY
SINCE I MOVED TO MICHIGAN FROM
NEW ORLEANS AND EACH OF THESE SEEMS TO BE LOCALIZED. IN NEW ORLEANS
IT WAS IN THE WOODS, UP HERE IT WAS IN AN ALLEY.
IN NEW ORLEANS IT WAS THE
BLOOD ON THE ROOF, UP HERE IT WAS HIS RING SCRAPING THE ROOF, BUT THE
GENERAL STORYLINE WAS THE SAME.
Where learned: LOUISIANA ; New Orleans
| Subject headings: | Favorites PROSE NARRATIVE -- Human Being PROSE NARRATIVE -- Formation |
Date learned: 00001960S
MARY MCINTOSH
AT MIDNIGHT ON HALLOWEEN GO INTO A ROOM ALONE AND STAND IN FRONT OF A
MIRROR. NEXT SAY MARY MCINTOSH 10 TIMES WITH
YOUR EYES CLOSED. THEN STAMP
YOUR RIGHT FOOT 10 TIMES. NOW OPEN YOUR EYES AND IN THE MIRROR YOU
WILL SEE HOW MARY MCINTOSH DIED. SHE STABBED HERSELF IN THE HEAD.
Submitter comment: THIS WAS TOLD TO ME IN NEW ORLEANS IN THE 1960'S.
Where learned: LOUISIANA ; New Orleans
| Subject headings: | 686 First / Once / One / Newness Spirit / Mind / Body Observation Favorites CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- October 31 Halloween |
Date learned: 00001960S
ZULU PARADE -- A PART OF MARDI GRAS
THE ZULU KREWE (PRONOUNCED "CREW") IS THE ONLY NEGRO KREWE. IT WAS
ORGANIZED IN 1929 BUT WAS NOT RECOGNIZED UNTIL THE LAST FEW YEARS.
RATHER THAN A SET ROUTE, THEY PARADE FROM BAR TO BAR. THEY THROW
COCONUTS PAINTED WITH FACES, OR RATHER THEY USED TO.
NOW, IN ORDER TO GET ONE OF THESE MOST PRIZED FAVORS ONE
USUALLY HAS TO PAY A SUM OF FIVE DOLLARS OR SO TO ONE OF THE KREWE
MEMBERS TO BE GIVEN ONE.
Where learned: LOUISIANA ; New Orleans
| Subject headings: | 663 Mardi Gras CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Spring Planting After all |
Date learned: 02-00-1971
KREWE OF TUCK -- A PART OF MARDI GRAS
THIS IS A GROUP OF LOYOLA UNIVERSITY STUDENTS WHO HAVE A GREAT MOCK
PARADE -- A PARODY OF THE REGULAR CARNIVAL KREWES.
THE DESTINATION OF THIS KREWE IS THE "FRIAR TUCK'S" BAR NEAR
THE UNIVERSITY WHERE THE "BALL" IS HELD.
Where learned: LOUISIANA ; New Orleans
| Subject headings: | 663 Mardi Gras CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Spring Planting After all |
Date learned: 02-00-1971
KING CAKE -- A PART OF MARDI GRAS
THE FIRST BALL OF MARDI GRAS IS ON THE TWELFTH NIGHT. TRADITIONALLY
THE QUEEN AND HER ATTENDANTS WERE DETERMINED BY THE KING CAKE.
THIS IS A SWEET CAKE MADE IN A RING WITH DIFFERENT COLOR SUGARS
ON THE TOP. INSIDE ARE A CERTAIN NUMBER OF SILVER BEANS AND ONE
GOLD BEAN. THE GIRL WHO GOT THE GOLD BEAN WAS THE QUEEN OF THE
BALL, AND THOSE WHO GOT THE SILVER BEANS WERE ATTENDANTS.
NOW IT IS PLANNED WHO WILL GET WHICH BEANS, BUT THE CAKE
IS STILL A PART OF THE MARDI GRAS FESTIVAL.
Where learned: LOUISIANA ; New Orleans
| Subject headings: | 663 Mardi Gras CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Spring Planting After all |
Date learned: 02-00-1971
UNMASKING
NO ONE IS ALLOWED TO WEAR A MASK AFTER SIX O'CLOCK P.M. ON THE
TUESDAY BEFORE ASH WEDNESDAY, MARDI GRAS DAY.
Data entry tech comment:
KEYPUNCHER HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO ATTEND THE 1976 MARDI GRAS
CELEBRATION IN NEW ORLEANS AND CAN REPORT THAT THIS CUSTOM IS
NOW DISREGARDED BY A GREAT MANY CARNIVAL PARTICIPANTS.
INSTEAD OF SIX OCLOCK P.M. BEING THE THE TIME OF UNMASKING,
TWELVE MIDNIGHT, THE ACTUAL BEGINNING OF ASH WEDNESDAY AND THE
LENTEN SEASON SEEMS NOW TO BE THE UNMASKING HOUR, AS WELL AS
THE FORMAL ENDING OF ALL CELEBRATIONS.
Where learned: LOUISIANA ; New Orleans
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Spring Planting After all |
Date learned: 02-00-1971
MASKERS
THE MASKERS ARE THE KREWE MEMBERS WHO RIDE THE FLOATS AND DANCE AT
THE BALLS. THEY WEAR FLESH COLORED PLASTIC FACES AND GLITTERY SATIN
COSTUMES. THEY ARE HATTED AND WIGGED SO IDENTIFICATION IS NEARLY
IMPOSSIBLE. THEY CARRY SMALL LAUNDRY BAG LIKE PURSES TO MATCH
THEIR COSTUMES WITH SMALL GIFTS INSIDE WHICH THEY GIVE TO EACH
LADY THEY DANCE WITH JUST BEFORE SHE IS RETURNED TO HER SEAT.
Where learned: LOUISIANA ; New Orleans
| Subject headings: | 663 Mardi Gras |
Date learned: 02-00-1971
MARDI GRAS PARADES
PARADES FOLLOW THEIR OWN PRESCRIBED ROUTES OF ABOUT ONE AND A HALF
MILES THROUGH THE CITY. THE PARADES WHICH ARE FOLLOWED BY BALLS
TERMINATE AT THE AUDITORIUM AROUND 9 ( 9:00 ) P. M. ON THE NIGHT OF
THE BALL. FROM THE FLOATS DOUBLOONS AND PLASTIC BEAD NECKLACES ARE
THROWN TO THE CROWDS LINING THE PARADE ROUTE. FLAMBEAU BEARERS ARE
PICANNINY NEGRO TYPES WITH RAGS IN THEIR HAIR AND WHO CARRY TORCHES
AND DANCE ALONG WITH THE PARADE. THE QUEEN AND HER COURT RIDE ON
ONE OF THE FLOATS. BANDS AND VARIOUS MINSTRELS PROVIDE THE MUSIC.
Where learned: LOUISIANA ; New Orleans
| Subject headings: | 663 Mardi Gras |
Date learned: 02-00-1971
BOEUF GRAS
A FATTED OX, PART OF THE PRE LENTEN FESTIVITIES OF THE REX
--THE EARLIEST KREWE OF THE MARDI GRAS. IT IS THE SYMBOL OF THE LAST
FLESH MEAT EATEN BEFORE THE LENTEN AUSTERITY.
Where learned: LOUISIANA ; New Orleans
Keyword(s): FEASTING BEFORE FASTING
| Subject headings: | 663 Mardi Gras |
Date learned: 02-00-1971
KREWE
THIS IS THE GENERIC TERM FOR CARNIVAL ORGANIZATIONS. THERE ARE
66, REX IS THE OLDEST AND CELEBRATED ITS 100TH
PARADE AND BALL THIS YEAR. SOME GROUPS
SPONSOR ONLY A PARADE OR BALL BUT MANY HAVE BOTH. THE MARDI GRAS
LASTS FROM 12TH NIGHT TO THE TUESDAY BEFORE ASH WEDNESDAY.
Where learned: LOUISIANA ; New Orleans
Keyword(s): FEASTING BEFORE FASTING
| Subject headings: | 663 Mardi Gras 663 Ash Wednesday CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- January 6 Twelfth Day Epiphany |
Date learned: 02-00-1971
MARDI GRAS SOUVENIERS
ONE 8 X 10 ENVELOPE CONTAINING BEADS, DOUBLOONS, AND BACCHUS BOGUS,
A RECENT SOUVENIER FROM THE KREWE OF BACCHUS; SQ731458-2
Submitter comment:
SOUVENIRS AND FAVORS USED AT THE MARDI GRAS SELDOM HAVE ANY
IDENTIFICATION WITH THE EVENT OR THE CITY. _THEY ARE USUALLY
COSTUME JEWELERY THAT IS AVAILABLE THROUGH ANY NOVELTY OR DIME
STORE. SIX LOCAL WHOLESALERS WILL SELL THIS MERCHANDISE BY THE
GROSS IF YOU INSIST.
BUT DO NOT BECOME ANGRY WHEN YOU DISCOVER YOU COULD
HAVE BOUGHT THE SAME ITEM IN YOUR HOME TOWN. DURING MARDI GRAS TIME
YOU WILL OFTEN SEE ELEGANT LADIES STUMP, PUSH, OR FIGHT WITH
A GROUP OF SMALL BOYS FOR A WORTHLESS GLASS BEAD NECKLACE THROWN FROM
A FLOAT. IF THE INCIDENT ABOUT THE SCRAMBLE FOR BEADS SEEMS SILLY,
YOU SHOULD SEE THE PEOPLE FIGHT AND I DO MEAN FIGHT FOR DOUBLOONS.
THESE DOUBLOONS ARE SOUVENIER COINS MADE ESPECIALLY FOR EACH KREWE
YEAR. THEY ARE NOW BECOMING COLLECTORS' ITEMS, ESPECIALLY THE REX
DOUBLOONS.
SO MANY BATTLES HAVE BEEN FOUGHT ON CANAL STREET ON MARDI GRAS,
THAT YOU JUST WOULD NOT BELIEVE IT. BROKEN FINGERS, JAWS, AND HEADS
ARE ALL PART OF THE QUEST FOR THE ULTIMATE SOUVENIERS. WHY, I DO NOT
KNOW. I GUESS IT IS THE SPRIT OF MARDI GRAS.
Where learned: LOUISIANA ; New Orleans
| Subject headings: | 663 Mardi Gras |
Date learned: 02-11-1975
SECOND LINE
THIS IS AN INSTRUMENTAL. THE MUSIC GIVES THE IMPRESSION
OF A SNAPPY MARCH.
Submitter comment:
THE 'SECOND LINE ' IS NOT ONLY A SONG, BUT A DANCE OR STRUT.
IT IS VERY POPULAR AMONG BLACKS IN NEW ORLEANS. THIS STRUT
IS NOT ONLY PERFORMED DURING THE MARDI GRAS SEASON, IT IS
PERFORMED AT THE END OF LAMOST EVERY DANCE, WHITE OR BALCK.
WHEN YOU HEAR THE BLAST OF THE TRUMPETS, IT IS LIKE CALLING
ALL THE PEOPLE TO THE DANCE FLOOR. YOUNG AND OLD ALIKE
CANNOT BEAR TO SIT WHILE THIS TUNE IS PLAYING.
IT IS ALWAYS THE LAST DANCE OF THE BALL. THE SECOND
LINE TUNE IS ALSO PLAYED AFTER A JAZZ FUNERAL, BUT THEY
USUALLY REMEMBER THE SONG 'WHEN THE SAINTS GO MARCHING IN.'
ON MARDI GRAS DAY YOU WILL SEE THE INDIANS DOING THE
'SECOND LINE DANCE' TO THEIR CHANTS AND TO THE MUSIC THAT
THEY MAKE.
THE TUNE ITSELF CAN BE PLAYED AT A RELATIVELY SLOW TEMPO FOR
THE PRESENTATIONS OF THE MEMBERS OF THE CLUB GIVING
THE BALL. THE TEMPO IS QUICKENED FOR THE FINALAE OF THE BALL.
THE SECOND LINE DANCE IS KNOWN BY MANY WHITES IN NEW ORLEANS,
BUT IT IS BASICALLY A TRADITION OF THE BLACKS THERE.
Where learned: LOUISIANA ; New Orleans
James Callow Keyword(s): INTERRACIALISM, NOT RACISM
Date learned: 02-11-1975
'IF EVER I CEASE TO LOVE '
DURING THE MARDI GRAS PERIOD, THE STREETS AND BUILDINGS ARE
GAILY DECORATED WITH THE OFFICIAL MARDI GRAS COLORS OF
PURPLE, GREEN, AND GOLD. THE MUSIC WHICH IS THE OFFICIAL
MARDI GRAS SONG IS 'IF EVER I CEASE TO LOVE'.
Submitter comment:
THIS IS AN INSTRUMENTAL. IT HAS THE QUALITY OF A MARCH.
EVEN THOUGH IT IS THE OFFICIAL MARDI GRAS SONG, MOST PEOPLE
DON'T LIKE IT. IT IS BORING, FORMAL AND IT LACKS LUSTER.
Where learned: LOUISIANA ; New Orleans
James Callow Keyword(s): COLOR ; CONTRAST
| Subject headings: | 663 Mardi Gras |
Date learned: 02-11-1975
SOMEBODY GOT SOUL, SOUL, SOUL (MARDI GRAS SONG)
I SEWED , SEWED, ALL NIGHT LONG.
SOMEBODY GOT SOUL, SOUL, SOUL
SAID MARDI GRAS MORNING GONNA BRING NEW DAWN
TIL SOMEBODY GOT SOUL, SOUL, SOUL CHANT
ODO LIKE YOU WANNA, DO LIKE YOU KNOW
HEY JAK E MA FINO ANYWHERE YOU GO
OH TAKE ME DOWN, DOWNTOWN
SAY TAKE ME DOWN, DOWNTOWN
SAID MARDI GRAS MORNING GONNA HAVE MY FUN
OH OH DON'T YA'LL WORRY AND DON'T YA'LL RUN
JUST DO WHAT YOU WANNA ON MARDI GRAS
PIPE LUNIE MA DUKE CREE AYE LUSTILLE
I WEAR MY FEATHERS WITH A HEART OF STEEL
I WON'T BOW DOWN, I DON'T KNOW HOW
SAID I WON'T BOW DOWN ON THE DIRTY GROUND
HEY JAK E MA FINO MA HO TAN DEY
OH TELL ME BOYS WHAT THEM INJUN SAY
I DIE, KILL AWAY
HA DIE, KILL AWAY
HA KIDDIE FAY HAKO HA HO NA NAE
SAY EARLY IN THE MORNING THE SUN DON'T SHINE
OH THE WILD MAGNOLIAS GONNA BE ON TIME
OH THEY RUNNING UP AND THEY RUNNING DOWN
GONNA RUN THAT GANG ALL OVER TOWN
OH MEET EVERYBODY ON A HUNDRED AND ONE
SAID A HUNDRED AND TWO GONNA MEET EM TOO?
TAKE ME DOWN, DOWNTOWN
SAID MARDI GRAS YA'LL WANT TO HAVE FUN
CREE AYE LA JON, LA DU CREE AYE
WE THEM INJUNS HOLLERING ON MARDI GRAS
OH TAKE ME DOWN, DOWNTOWN
SAY TAKE ME DOWN, DOWNTOWN
HEY EARLY IN THE MORNING GONNA HAVE MY FUN
SAID DO LIKE YOU OUGHTA, DO LIKE YOU KNOW
SAID MEET THEM BOYS ANYWHERE YOU GO
SOMEBODY
SOMEBODY GOT
SOMEBODY GOT SOUL
SOMEBODY GOT SOUL, SOUL
SOMEBODY GOT SOUL, SOUL, SOUL
SAID JAK E MA FINO MA HO TAN DEY
I'M AN INJUN BOY ON A HOLIDAY
DON'T YA'LL WORRY BOY, DON'T YA'LL RUN
SAID MEET EVERYBODY ON MARDI GRAS
COME TO NEW ORLEANS ON MARDI GRAS
SAID ASK ANYBODY WHERE THE INDIAN FROM
OH THEY'RE FROM UPTOWN WON'T BOW DOWM
OH THEY'RE FROM UPTOWN, THEY DON'T KNOWN HOW
THEY GONNA MEET EVERYBODY ON MARDI GRAS
MAGNOLIA GONNA SEW ALL NIGHT
OH NOW DON'T YOU WORRY BOY, DON'T YOU RUN
SOMEBODY GOT SOUL, SOUL, SOUL
OH SOMEBODY GOT SOUL, SOUL, SOUL
Submitter comment:
THIS IS ANOTHER CHANT (IN) WHICH THE INDIAN TELLS
THE PEOPLE ABOUT HIS
FEELINGS ON MARDI GRAS DAY. HE BEGINS BY TELLING ALL HIS LISTENERS
HOW LONG AND HARD HE HAS BEEN WORKING ON HIS COSTUME; EVEN UNTIL
THE BREAK OF DAY ON MARDI GRAS DAY.
NOW HE IS READY TO HIT THE STREETS AND HIS DESTINATION IS
DOWNTOWN BECAUSE THE INDIANS GET TOGETHER IN THE UPTOWN PART OF THE
CITY. HE IS EXPLAINING THAT HE IS GOING TO DO EXACTLY WHAT HE
WANTS TO ON THIS DAY AND INVITES EVERYONE TO DO THE SAME.
HE THEN GOES ON TO TELL HOW PROUD HE IS ABOUT HIS OUTFIT
BY SAYING 'I WEAR MY FEATHERS WITH A HEART OF STEEL',' I WON'T BOW
DOWN, I WON'T BOW DOWN'. HE TELLS YOU THAT EARLY IN THE MORNING
BEFORE THE SUN IS OUT, THE INDIAN GROUP, THE WILD MAGNOLIAS, ARE
UP AND READY TO GO. THEY ARE PREPARED TO RUN THEIR FOLLOWERS, THE
CROWDS OF PEOPLE WHO COME TO SEE THEM, ALL OVER TOWN. HE IS ALSO
GUARANTEEING THE PEOPLE THAT THEY ARE GOING TO HAVE A GOOD TIME.
HE EVEN CONVEYS A MESSAGE TO THE TOURISTS THAT THEY SHOULD ASK
WHERE TO FIND THE INDIANS ON MARDI GRAS DAY.
Where learned: LOUISIANA ; New Orleans
| Subject headings: | 663 Mardi Gras |
Date learned: 03-14-1975
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