Dr. James T. Callow publications
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The James T. Callow Folklore Archive
Your search for SAINT CLAIR returned 397 results.
( HOLY WEEK CUSTOMS )
SOME OF THE OLD WORLD CUSTOMS THAT ARE CELEBRATED BY
POLISH-AMERICANS, AND ARE A BIG PART OF OUR HERITAGE STEM FROM
OUR CATHOLIC FAITH. THE BIGGEST AND MOST IMPORTANT IS EASTER.
AT THE CONCLUSION OF HOLY THURSDAY SERVICES OUR ALTAR IS
STRIPPED OF ITS VESTMENTS AND IS LEFT BARE. THE TABERNACLE
IS LEFT OPEN AND THE SACREMENT REMOVED. AT THE SIDE ALTAR THE
SEPULCHRE IS PREPARED. AT 3:00 ON GOOD FRIDAY THE FIGURE OF
CHRIST WILL BE LYING IN THE TOMB. ON GOOD FRIDAY ( , )
BEGINNING AT 12:00 NOON ( , ) THE CHURCH IS FILLED TO CAPACITY
WITH WORSHIPPERS COMMENORATING ( COMMEMORATING ) CHRIST'S
CRUCIFIXION. THE CROSS IS CARRIED THROUGH THE AISLES COVERING
CHRIST'S FOOTSTEPS ON THE WAY TO CALVARY. AT 3:00, THE PRIEST
LEADS THE PROCESSION TO THE SEPULCHRE AND THE FIGURE OF CHRIST IS
UNCOVERED.
THE MORNING OF HOLY SATURDAY FINDS THE PEOPLE COMING TO THE CHURCH
TO RECEIVE HOLY WATER AND THORNS. IN POLISH HOMES YOU WILL FIND
A RECEPTACLE FOR HOLY WATER AT THE ENTRANCE OF THE BEDROOMS FROM
WHICH THE MOTHER BLESSES HER FAMILY WHILE THEY ARE ASLEEP AT
NIGHT. A VISIT IS PAID TO THE SEPULCHRE WHICH IS GUARDED BY
SOLDIERS. THE PARISHIONERS BRING EASTER LILIES TO ADORN CHRIST'S
TOMB. AT 1:00 WE BRING FOOD BASKETS TO THE CHURCH TO BE BLESSED,
WHICH WILL BE EATEN FOR BREAKFAST ON EASTER. THE FOOD CONSISTS OF
POLISH SAUSAGE (KIELBASA) ( , ) BUTTER SHAPED IN THE FORM OF A
LAMB WITH A RED RIBBON AROUND ITS NECK, SIGNIFYING CHRIST,
THE SLAIN LAMB. A SWEET BREAD MADE OF EGG AND SWEET RAISINS IS
BRAIDED INTO A LOAF, HORSERADISH AND COLORED EASTER ( EGGS ) ARE
ALSO IN THE BASKET.
EASTER MORNING AT 5:00 A.M. THE SUNRISE SERVICES BEGIN.
CHILDREN DRESSED IN WHITE ( , ) WEARING BLUE CAPES ( , ) COME IN
PROCESSION CARRYING FLOWERS. THEY ARE MET AT THE ALTAR BY THE
PRIEST AND WITH A TRUMPET FANFARE PROCEED TO THE TOMB. THERE
THEY FIND THE FIGURE OF CHRIST HAS BEEN REMOVED AND WHERE HE LAID
FLOWERS EN-MASSE. ARTIFICIAL SUNRAYS PROFUSE FROM THE TOMB, AND
THE SOLDIERS ARE GONE. CHRIST IS RISEN.
IN THE OLD COUNTRY EASTER MONDAY FINDS THE BOYS CHASING THEIR
GIRLS WITH LONG SWITCHES TO SWITCH THEIR LEGS. THEY IN TURN,
ARE CHASING THE BOYS WITH BUCKETS OF WATER.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; SAINT CLAIR SHORES
Keyword(s): DYNGUS DAY ; FOOD CUSTOM ; MUSIC ; RITUAL WHIPPING ; SWIECZONKA ; SYMBOL ; WATER
Date learned: 11-10-1971
BEFORE PRAYING FIVE TIMES A DAY, MOSLEMS WASH
THEIR HANDS, FEET AND FACE.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; SAINT CLAIR SHORES
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Church |
Date learned: 03-06-1970
OMENS
IF A GUEST ENTERS YOUR HOUSE BY ONE DOOR AND LEAVES BY ANOTHER
DOOR YOU WILL HAVE MORE GUESTS SOON.
Where learned: HOME ; SAINT CLAIR SHORES
| Subject headings: | Observation |
Date learned: 02-17-1970
OMENS
IF YOUR SLIP SHOWS, YOU WILL SEE YOUR BEAU.
Where learned: SAINT CLAIR SHORES
| Subject headings: | Observation |
Date learned: 02-17-1970
OMENS
IF THERE IS A STRING ON YOUR CLOTHING, IT MEANS THAT SOMEONE HAS
STRINGS ON YOU.
Where learned: SAINT CLAIR SHORES
| Subject headings: | Observation |
Date learned: 02-17-1970
CUSTOM
WHENEVER SOMEONE GIVES A SHARP OBJECT AS A GIFT IN HER FAMILY,
THE PERSON WHO RECEIVES THE SHARP OBJECT AS A GIFT GIVES THE GIVER
A PENNY TO SYMBOLIZE THAT THEIR FRIENDSHIP WILL NOT BREAK UP AS A
RESULT OF THE GIFT. THE SUPERSTITION, THAT GIVING A SHARP OBJECT
AS A GIFT WILL RESULT IN THE LOSS OF FRIENDSHIP, IS COUNTERACTED
BY THE PENNY.
Where learned: TOLD AT INFORMANTS HOME ; SAINT CLAIR
Keyword(s): GIFT FRIENDSHIP PENNY
| Subject headings: | Favorites CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Street Trip Relations between relatives, friends, host and guest Social class Rank |
Date learned: 02-27-1971
DON'T LOAN MONEY IN A GAMBLING GAME.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; SAINT CLAIR SHORES
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Entertainment Diversion |
Date learned: 02-17-1970
CIRCUS-SHOW BUSINESS STORY
A WEALTHY YOUNG MAN DISAPPEARED FROM HIS HOME AND HIS
INFLUENTIAL PARENTS HIRED NUMEROUS DETECTIVES TO LOCATE
HIM. FINALLY, AFTER SEVERAL YEARS, THEY FOUND HIM,
NOTIFIED THE PARENTS. THE PARENTS RUSHED TO THE
LOCATION AND FOUND THE BRIGHT YOUNG MAN EMPLOYED BY A
CIRCUS. HE WAS ASKED WHY HE LEFT HOME AND STATED HIS
EMPLOYMENT WITH THE CIRCUS WAS THE MOTIVE. HE LOOKED
FAR FROM BEING PROSPEROUS, SO THE PARENTS WERE CURIOUS.
THEY ASKED HIM THE NATURE OF HIS EMPLOYMENT BECAUSE
HE LOOKED LIKE A BUM, DIRTY, UNSHAVEN, DISAPPATED.
HE SAID EVER SINCE HE JOINED THE CIRCUS, HE HAS BEEN
EMPLOYED FEEDING THE ELEPHANTS. HIS PARENTS WERE
SHOCKED. THEY IMPLORED HIM TO COME HOME, LIVE IN THEIR
MANSION, DRIVE ANY OF THEIR SEVERAL LIMOSINES, BECOME AN
EXECUTIVE IN THE FAMILY BUSINESS, AND SHARE IN THE
FORTUNE THEY HAVE SET ASIDE FOR HIM. HE WAS AMAZED.
HE SAID, "GO BACK TO ALL THAT AND LEAVE SHOW BUSINESS?"
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; SAINT CLAIR SHORES
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Stupid man or woman |
Date learned: 01-15-1967
A SUNBATHER'S NIGHMARE
THERE WAS SUPPOSED TO BE A YOUNG WOMAN WHO WAS TAKING
A SUNBATH, WHEN AN ANT CRAWLED UP HER NOSE. WHILE SHE
WAS DOZING, THE ANT LAID EGGS IN THE GIRL'S SINUS
CAVITY. THE GIRL BECAME VERY AGITATED THE NEXT FEW
DAYS BUT DIDN'T KNOW WHY. FINALLY, THE ITCHING DROVE
HER OUT OF HER MIND AND WITH HER FINGERNAILS SHE
RIPPED THE SKIN OFF HER NOSE AND FOREHEAD.
HUNDREDS OF ANTS FELL OUT AND SHE WENT INSANE.
Submitter comment:
ONE SUMMER THERE WAS A STORY GOING AROUND IN MY
COMMUNITY ABOUT THE TERRIBLE THING WHICH HAD
HAPPENED TO A SUN BATHER THE PREVIOUS SUMMER. ST.
CLAIR SHORES IS SITUATED ON THE BANKS OF LAKE ST.
CLAIR, AND MANY OF THE RESIDENTS SWIM AT SEVERAL
OF THE BEACHES IT OFFERS. HOWEVER, IT WAS NEVER
MADE CLEAR WHETHER THIS INCIDENT HAPPENED IN ST.
CLAIR SHORES OR ELSEWHERE.
ORIGINAL SOURCE FORGOTTEN
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; SAINT CLAIR SHORES
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Tale |
Date learned: 00-00-1961
IF YOU COUNT THE NUMBER OF CARS IN A FUNERAL PROCESSION YOU WILL HAVE
THAT MANY YEARS TO LIVE.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; SAINT CLAIR SHORES
| Subject headings: | Observation BELIEF -- Death Funeral Burial BELIEF -- Measure of time Year BELIEF -- Number |
Date learned: CA00001975
INKA, BINKA, BOTTLE OF INK, THE CORK FELL OUT AND YOU STINK}
Submitter comment:
THIS COUNTING OUT RHYME WAS USED TO PICK WHO WOULD BE "IT" WHEN PLAY
ING SUCH GAMES AS TAG.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; SAINT CLAIR SHORES
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Game Verse Game Verse |
Date learned: CA00001970
CHRISTMAS EVE
A HUGE CELEBRATION WAS ALWAYS IN STORE CHRISTMAS EVE FOR EVERY
ITALIAN IN ITALY. A MORE JOYOUS OCCASION THAN THIS WAS NEVER
SEEN. BEFORE MIDNIGHT THE ONLY FOOD SERVED WAS FISH AND SEAFOOD.
AFTER 12 O'CLOCK--SAUSAGE, BEEF, PORK AND MEAT OF ALL DESCRIPTIONS
WAS THE ORDER OF THE DAY. THE CHILDREN WERE ALL GATHERED IN THE
ONE HOME WHERE THE CELEBRATION WAS TO BE HELD AND FROM EARLY
MORNING THE CHILDREN'S MOTHERS HAD BEEN AT THIS PARTICULAR HOME
COOKING FOR THE EVENING'S MEAL, A FULL DAY OF COOKING FOR
PERHAPS FIFTY PEOPLE OF A PARTICULAR FAMILY--AUNTS, UNCLES, COUSINS
AND OTHER RELATIVES. A JOYOUS OCCASION AND CERTAINLY A BELLY FULL
OF FOOD AND DRINK FOR THIS WAS THE CELEBRATION OF THE YEAR.
Data entry tech comment:
Updated by TRD
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; SAINT CLAIR SHORES
Keyword(s): CHRISTMAS ; CUSTOM ; FOOD ; holiday
| Subject headings: | 122 Christmas 122 Christmas |
Date learned: 10-31-1971
HOLY THURSDAY
HOLY THURSDAY IS COMMEMORATED BY A TRADITIONAL DINNER. THERE
IS SERVED CODFISH SOUP WITH HOMEMADE WHITE BREAD. THIS IS THE
ONLY MEAL ALLOWED DURING THE DAY. ALSO, IT IS TRADITIONAL THAT
THE FATHER OF THE FAMILY AND THE YOUNGEST CHILD BEGIN GRACE BEFORE
THE MEAL.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; SAINT CLAIR SHORES
Keyword(s): RELIGIOUS CUSTOM
| Subject headings: | 663 Holy Thursday CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Spring Planting F663.32 |
Date learned: 10-15-1969
IR YOU ARE UGLY WHEN YOU ARE BORN, YOU WILL BE BEAUTIFUL WHEN YOU
DIE AND IF YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL WHEN YOU ARE BORN, YOU WILL BE UGLY
WHEN YOU DIE.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; SAINT CLAIR SHORES
James Callow Keyword(s): CONTRAST
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Birth BELIEF -- Death Funeral Burial |
Date learned: 03-28-1980
WHEN A WOMAN IS PREGNANT SHE SHOULD NOT DRINK CREAM OR MILK IN HER
COFFEE BECAUSE, IF SHE DOES, HER BABY WILL HAVE BROWN BIRTH MARKS.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; SAINT CLAIR SHORES
AUTOGRAPH BOOK MATERIAL
YOURS TILL SATURN LOSES ITS RINGS
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; SAINT CLAIR SHORES
| Subject headings: | Z210 |
Date learned: 00-00-1965
BUCKLE MY SHOE
RAIN, RAIN, FALLING ON THE GROUND
RAIN, RAIN, FALLING ALL AROUND.
WE KNOW A GAME TO PLAY ON A VERY RAINY DAY.
1,2, BUCLKE MY SHOE
3,4, STOMP UPON THE FLOOR.
WE KNOW A GAME TO PLAY ON A VERY RAINY DAY
5,6, CLICK CLICK, CLICK,
7,8, STAKE, A STAKE, A STAKE
9,10, A BIG FAT HEN.
AND THAT IS ALL.
Submitter comment: INFORMANT SINGS THIS WITH HER PLAYMATES. THEY LEARNED IT IN SCHOOL.
Where learned: SAINT CLAIR SHORES
Keyword(s): BUCKLE MY SHOE
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Children |
Date learned: 08-11-1964
MOMMY, MOMMY, I SWALLOWED MY TOOTH BRUSH}
Submitter comment:
AS INFORMANT SAID THIS, HE GRABBED THE SKIN ON EITHER SIDE OF HIS
NECK AND PULLED IT IN OPPOSITE DIRECTIONS TO SIMULATE THE PRESENCE
OF A TOOTHBRUSH LODGED LENGTHWISE IN HIS THROAT.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; SAINT CLAIR SHORES
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Jest Anecdote SPEECH -- Gesture |
Date learned: 02-06-1980
Belief: Luck
Luck:
If someone wants your place at Bingo, take your chair with you or you won't win.
Data entry tech comment:
Motifs added by TRD
James Callow comment:
Original BN [P880] crossed out/replaced with current classifications.
Where learned: HOME ; MICHIGAN ; SAINT CLAIR SHORES
Keyword(s): Luck, Chance, Wagers, Bingo, Chair, Custom, Game, Entertainment
James Callow Keyword(s): LUCK
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Entertainment Diversion BELIEF -- Fate Destiny Luck Chance |
MOMMY, MOMMY, MY PIGTAILS ARE TOO TIGHT}
Submitter comment:
AS INFORMANT SAID THIS HE TOOK HIS INDEX FINGERS AND PULLED THE
OUTER CORNERS OF HIS EYES UNTIL THEY WERE NEARLY CLOSED.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; SAINT CLAIR SHORES
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Jest Anecdote SPEECH -- Gesture |