Dr. James T. Callow publications
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The James T. Callow Folklore Archive
Your search for OAK PARK returned 88 results.
MOURNING PERIOD
WHENEVER SOMEONE DIES, IT IS CUSTOMARY FOR THEIR MATE
(HUSBAND OR WIFE) TO WEAR SOMETHING BLACK FOR ONE FULL
YEAR.
Submitter comment:
INFORMANT SAID MANY ARMENIANS STILL HOLD TO THIS CUSTOM.
INFORMANT ACTUALLY OBSERVED THIS CUSTOM AFTER THE DEATH
OF HER HUSBAND.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; OAK PARK
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Death Funeral Burial |
Date learned: 03-18-1972
MOURNING PERIOD
THERE IS A SEVERE 40 DAY MOURNING PERIOD FOR THE
FAMILY OF THE DECEASED. THEY DO NOT LEAVE THE
HOME EXCEPT FOR NECESSITIES (FOOD, ETC.). THEY DO
NOT ENGAGE IN ANY ENTERTAINING ACTIVITIES (PARTIES,
WATCHING T. V.) (UNTIL) AFTER THE MOURNING PERIOD IS
OVER, THEN A DINNER IS GIVEN FOR THE FAMILY OF THE
DECEASED.
Submitter comment:
INFORMANT SAID THIS IS A CUSTOM STILL OBSERVED BY MANY
ARMENIANS.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; OAK PARK
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Death Funeral Burial |
Date learned: 03-18-1972
A FEAST
WHENEVER THERE IS A HOMECOMING (BOY COMES HOME FROM
MILITARY SERVICE, NEW BRIDE, ETC.) A LAMB IS KILLED
FOR A FEAST.
Submitter comment:
INFORMANT SAID THIS CUSTOM WAS OBSERVED IN THE OLD
COUNTRY (TURKEY).
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; OAK PARK
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Typical Elements of a Festive Pattern |
Date learned: 03-18-1972
DRESS
IF YOU WEAR YELLOW ON THURSDAY, IT MEANS YOU ARE
QUEER. IF YOU WEAR RED ON FRIDAY, IT MEANS YOU ARE
A WHORE.
Submitter comment:
THIS WAS A CUSTOM FOLLOWED DURING MY HIGH SCHOOL DAYS
1965-1968
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; OAK PARK
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- School CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Measure of time Week Day Hour |
Date learned: NOT GIVEN
"MOMMY, MOMMY" JOKE
"MOMMY, MOMMY" HOW COME I KEEP RUNNING AROUND IN CIRCLES?"
"SHUT UP OR, I'LL NAIL YOUR OTHER FOOT TO THE FLOOR"
Submitter comment:
INFORMANT SAID THAT MOMMY, MOMMY JOKES WERE POPULAR IN HIS
CLASS AT SCHOOL.
Data entry tech comment: CHAPTER 6 IN "WITCRACKS" BY ALVIN SCHWARTZ
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; OAK PARK
Keyword(s): ABSURD ; CHILD ; DIALOGUE ; HUMOR ; RUNNING
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Jest Anecdote |
Date learned: 02-02-1972
AUTOGRAPH FROM NADYNE ORLOFF
HE WALKED HER HOME WHEN THE NIGHT WAS DARK,
HE RAN AHEAD TO OPEN THE GATE.
SHE WANTED TO THANK HIM, BUT SHE DIDN'T KNOW HOW,
'CUZ HE WAS THE FARMER, AND SHE WAS THE COW/
Submitter comment:
ENTRY DATED 1963 IN AUTOGRAPH BOOK, KEPT IN OADK PARK, MICHIGAN
1963 - 1972
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; OAK PARK
Keyword(s): RHYME
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Narrative Verse Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Autograph Verse Wisecracks, gags, silly stories, insults |
Date learned: 00-00-1963
DUTCH TONGUE-TWISTER
"LIETJE LEERD LOTJE LOPEN IN DE LANGE LINDENLAAN".
TRANSLATED THE STORY IS THAT LIETJE IS TEACHING LOTJE
HOW TO WALK IN THE LONG LANE OF MAPLE TREES. LIETJE
AND LOTJE ARE TWO LITTLE GIRLS, PROBABLY SISTERS.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; OAK PARK
James Callow Keyword(s): ALLITERATION
| Subject headings: | SPEECH -- Formula |
Date learned: 04-00-1979
FORTUNE TELLING RICE BIRDS OF INDONESIA
IN INDONESIA A VENDER COME AROUND THE HOUSE WITH THREE
LITTLE RICE BIRDS IN A CAGE. HE WOULD ASK IF HE COULD
TELL YOUR FORTUNE FOR THE NEXT SEVEN YEARS. IF ALLOWED,
HE WOULD THROW RICE INTO THE CAGE OF BIRDS. IF THE BIRDS
ATE THE RICE, YOU WOULD HAVE SEVEN YEARS OF STARVATION, BE-
CAUSE EVERYTHING HAS BEEN EXHAUSTED. IF THEY DIDN'T EAT
ALL THE RICE, YOU WOULD HAVE SEVEN YEARS OF SUCCESS AND
GOOD LUCK. THE IDEA WAS TO GET THE VENDER AFTER HE HAS
BEEN TO ALL THE OTHER HOUSES, BY THAT TIME THE BIRDS WOULD
BE TOO FULL OF RICE, YOU COULD NOT HELP BUT GET GOOD LUCK.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; OAK PARK
James Callow Keyword(s): AUSPEXY ; HOMEOPATHIC
| Subject headings: | 686 Seven / Sevenths / Several Prophet / Seer / Soothsayer 870 Favorites BELIEF -- Bird BELIEF -- Good luck BELIEF -- Bad luck |
Date learned: 04-00-1979 ; 00001930-1950
SUPERSTITION
I ABSOLUTELY REFUSE TO WEAR OR HAVE ANYTHING TO DO WITH
THE NUMBER 13. THE ONE TIME I WAS "FORCED" TO WEAR IT, I
INJURED MY RIGHT SHOULDER.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; OAK PARK
| Subject headings: | 686 Specific number by specific number being described BELIEF -- Entertainment Diversion BELIEF -- Bad luck |
Date learned: CA00001966
INDONESIAN LEGEND
"KUNTIL ANAK", TRANSLATED IT IS THE "STEALER OF THE CHILD";
SHE IS AN OLD LADY WHO STEALS NEW BORN BABIES FROM OUT
OF THEIR CRIBS. SHE HAS A HOLE IN HER BACK, SHE LIVES IN
THE RUBBER TREES, AND HAS A VERY DISTINCTIVE LAUGH. IT
SOUNDS LIKE THAT OF A WITCH.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; OAK PARK
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Outlaw Criminal Bandit Pirate PROSE NARRATIVE -- Witch Shaman |
Date learned: 04-00-1979 ; 00001930-1950
SUPERSTITION
I HAVE A FRIEND, WHO WHEN WALKING TO THE PLATE IN BASEBALL,
WOULD ALWAYS WALK AROUND THE CATCHER AND THE UMPIRE.
HE WOULD NEVER WALK IN FRONT OF THEM. HE THOUGHT IT WAS
TO HIS BENEFIT TO SHOW SOME COURTESY.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; OAK PARK
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Entertainment Diversion SPEECH -- Gesture |
Date learned: 04-00-1979
SUPERSTITION
NO MATTER HOW I DID IN A COMPETITIVE SPORT, I STILL WANT
EVERYTHING WASHED. THINGS LIKE T-SHIRTS, SOCKS, UNDERWEAR
AND SOMETIMES THE WHOLE UNIFORM, MUST BE WASHED. MOST PEOPLE
WILL NOT WASH CERTAIN THINGS FOR FEAR THAT THEY WILL WASH
OUT THE GOOD SPIRITS. I WANT TO KEEP THOSE SPIRITS HAPPY
BY LOOKING GOOD ALL THE TIME.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; OAK PARK
James Callow Keyword(s): WASHING OF CLOTHES
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Devil Demon BELIEF -- Entertainment Diversion |
Date learned: CA00001972
SUPERSTITION
WHEN PUTTING ON MY SOCKS TO PLAY IN A SPORT, THE SOCK
WITH THE LABELLING GOES ON THE RIGHT FOOT. IF THE LA-
BELLING HAS FADED AWAY, THE BETTER CONDITIONED SOCK
GOES ON THE RIGHT FOOT. I'M RIGHT-HANDED AND I BELIEVE
THIS WILL BRING ME GOOD LUCK. RECENTLY, I HAVE STARTED
THIS TREND IN MY EVERYDAY MANNERISMS.
Submitter comment: I SEE THIS AS BRINGING ME GOOD LUCK.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; OAK PARK
James Callow Keyword(s): DRESSING ; POSITION DIRECTION
| Subject headings: | ART CRAFT ARCHITECTURE -- Dress HandsFeet BELIEF -- Entertainment Diversion BELIEF -- Good luck |
Date learned: CA00001973
SUPERSTITION
WHEN RUNNING ON AND OFF THE FIELD, LIKE MANY OTHER BALL
PLAYERS, I WILL NOT STEP ON THE CHALKED LINES. THIS
STEMS FROM THE SAYING "STEP ON A CRACK AND YOU BREAK
YOUR MOTHER'S BACK".
Submitter comment: I SEE THIS AS BRINGING ME GOOD LUCK.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; OAK PARK
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Belief Belief BELIEF -- Entertainment Diversion BELIEF -- Means of Causing or Avoiding Illness BELIEF -- Good luck SPEECH -- Gesture |
Date learned: 00001970'S
SUPERSTITION
WHEN RUNNING ON THE BASEBALL FIELD , I WILL MAKE SURE THAT
I STEP ON AT LEAST ONE OF THE BASES. IF THE TEAM IS COMING
ON THE FIELD FROM THE FIRST BASE SIDE, FIRST BASE
WILL BE STEPPED ON. FROM THE FIRST BASE SIDE, THIRD
BASE WILL BE STEPPED ON. BEING MOSTLY A SECOND BASE-
MAN, SECOND BASE WILL BE TAPPED.
Submitter comment: I SEE THIS AS BRINGING ME GOOD LUCK.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; OAK PARK
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Entertainment Diversion BELIEF -- Good luck SPEECH -- Gesture |
Date learned: 00001970'S
SUPERSTITION
WITH EVERYONE OF MY HOCKEY STICKS AND (AT TIMES) MY
BASEBALL BATS, I DRAW A LITTLE RELIGIOUS CROSS AT
THE UPPER PART OF THE STICK AND THE LOWER PART OF THE
BAT
Submitter comment:
SUTHERLAND IS NOT AN EXTREMELY RELIGIOUS PERSON.
HE DOES NOT ATTEND CHRUCH REGULARLY, BUT HE DOES NOT
QUESTION THE PRESENCE OF GOD.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; OAK PARK
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Special Object or Implement BELIEF -- Entertainment Diversion BELIEF -- Sign Geometric figure Cross and its various modifications |
Date learned: 00-00-1978
"AMERICAN TREAT"
IN THE NETHERLANDS, WHEN A GROUP GOES OUT AND EVERYONE PAYS
THEIR OWN EXPENSES, IT IS CALLED AN "AMERICAN TREAT". THE
SAME AS IN THE STATES THEY CALL IT GOING "DUTCH".
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; OAK PARK
| Subject headings: | Favorites CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Street Trip Relations between relatives, friends, host and guest Social class Rank PROVERB -- Blason Populaire |
Date learned: 04-00-1979 ; 00-00-1974
CELEBRATION OF A ROYAL BIRTH
IN THE NETHERLANDS, EVERYTIME THE QUEEN GIVES BIRTH,
THE CITIZENS GET BISQUICK WITH PINK DECORATIONS FOR A
GIRL. IF IT IS A BOY, THE WOULD GET BISQUICK WITH BLUE
DECORATIONS.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; OAK PARK
James Callow Keyword(s): GIFTS
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Street Trip Relations between relatives, friends, host and guest Social class Rank CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Birth |
Date learned: 04-00-1979
DUTCH VERSION OF HUMPTY DUMPTY
"HUMPTIE DUMPTIE ZAT OP HET HEK, HUMPTIE DUMPTIE BRAT ZIJN
NEK, ER WAS GEEN ENE TIMMERMAN, DIE HUMPTIE DUMPTIE MAKEN
KAN" ... TRANSLATED IT IS HUMPTY DUMPTY SAT ON A FENCE AND
BROKE HIS NECK, AND THERE WAS NOT ONE WOOD-CARVER WHO
COULD PUT HIM BACK TOGETHER AGAIN.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; OAK PARK
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Narrative Verse |
Date learned: 04-00-1979
DUTCH CHILDREN'S SONG
"IK ZAG TWEE BEREN BROODJES SMEREN, O DAT WAS A WOND-
ER DAT DIE BEREN SMEREN KONDEN. HI, HI, HI, HA, HA,
HA, STOND ER BIJ EN IK KEEK ERNA"... THE SONG IS OF A
PERSON WATCHING TWO BEARS SMEARING SMALL BREADS OR ROLLS
WITH BUTTER OR CHEESE. IT WAS A "WONDER" (WONDER) THAT
THE TWO BEARS COULD EVEN DO THIS. WHILE THIS WAS GOING
ON THE PERSON JUST STOOD AND LAUGHED.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; OAK PARK
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Children |
Date learned: 04-00-1979