Dr. James T. Callow publications
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The James T. Callow Folklore Archive
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BURIED IN THE SAND
SOME BOYS DECIDED TO PULL A JOKE ON A FRIEND AT THE
BEACH AND GAVE HIM SOME SLEEPING PILLS IN A DRINK TO
PUT HIM TO SLEEP. THEN THEY BURIED HIM IN THE SAND
AND PUT RAGS OVER HIS FACE SO THAT HE COULD BREATH.
LATER, THEY RETURNED AND THE WAVES HAD REARRANGED
THE SAND AND THEY COULDN'T FIND THEIR FRIEND. THEY
LOOKED AND LOOKED, BUT HE COULDN'T BE FOUND AND
THEY SAY HE'S STILL THERE SOMEWHERE.
Where learned: BOSTON ; Massachusetts
James Callow Keyword(s): FATAL PRANK
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Product or activity of man or animal |
Date learned: 10-00-1967
Throw salt over your left shoulder when entering a new
dwelling.
Submitter comment:
The older folks in the family always told us: When we buy a
new house or are invited to spend the night at a friend's house,
before we go in we should throw some salt over our shoulder to
scare away any evil spirits that may be in the house.
Where learned: BOSTON ; Massachusetts
Date learned: 00-00-1976
LOOK FOR THE FASTBALL, AND YOU'LL HIT THE CURVE. LOOK FOR THE CURVE,
AND YOU WON'T HIT THE FASTBALL.
I HAD STRUCK OUT TWICE ON CURVE BALLS IN MY FIRST GAME IN THE PONY
LEAGUE. MISTER QUINN NOTICED MY FAULT AND CORRECTED ME. LOOK FOR THE
FASTBALL, AND YOU'LL HIT THE CURVE. LOOK FOR THE CURVE, AND YOU
WON'T HIT THE FASTBALL.
Where learned: BOSTON ; Massachusetts
Keyword(s): BASEBALL
James Callow Keyword(s): CHIASMUS ; IRONY
| Subject headings: | PROVERB -- Proverbial Phrase |
Date learned: 00-00-1955
DOG GHOST
THERE WAS A PATHWAY LEADING FROM INFORMANT'S MOTHER'S
HOUSE TO HER HOUSE (INFORMANT'S). SHE WAS ACCUSTOMED
TO GOING THROUGH THE PATHWAY AT ANY TIME DAY OR NIGHT.
ONE NIGHT SHE WAS RETURNING HOME WHEN SHE ENCOUNTERED
A HUGE SNOW WHITE DOG, ABOUT SIX FEET TALL ON ALL
FOUR LEGS, ACROSS THE PATHWAY. IT FRIGHTENED HER SO
BAD HER HAIR STOOD STRAIGHT UP ON HER HEAD. SHE RAN
HOME AFTER THE DOG DISAPPEARED. LATER SHE FELT THIS
WAS A WARNING NOT TO TRAVEL THE PATHWAY AT NIGHT, SO
SHE DIDN'T ANY MORE.
Submitter comment:
THIS WAS A TRUE TALE. TOLD BY MY MOTHER. IT
HAPPENED APPROXIMATELY 1935 IN WINSTON SALEM, NORTH
CAROLINA.
WOMAN FRIGHTENED BY A LARGE WHITE DOG. HER HAIR STANDS ON END, AND
SHE INTERPRETS APPEARANCE OF DOG AS GHOSTLY WARNING TO AVOID
THAT PATH
INFORMANT SAYS THIS IS TRUE; IT HAPPENED TO HER MOTHER IN 1935 IN
WINSTON-SALEM, NORTH CAROLINA
Where learned: WINSTON SALEM ; NORTH CAROLINA
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Ghost Spirit Phantom Specter |
Date learned: CA00001956 ; 00-00-1935
DOG GHOST
THERE WAS A PATHWAY LEADING FROM INFORMANT'S MOTHER'S
HOUSE TO HER HOUSE (INFORMANT'S). SHE WAS ACCUSTOMED
TO GOING THROUGH THE PATHWAY AT ANY TIME DAY OR NIGHT.
ONE NIGHT SHE WAS RETURNING HOME WHEN SHE ENCOUNTERED
A HUGE SNOW WHITE DOG, ABOUT SIX FEET TALL ON ALL
FOUR LEGS, ACROSS THE PATHWAY. IT FRIGHTENED HER SO
BAD HER HAIR STOOD STRAIGHT UP ON HER HEAD. SHE RAN
HOME AFTER THE DOG DISAPPEARED. LATER SHE FELT THIS
WAS A WARNING NOT TO TRAVEL THE PATHWAY AT NIGHT, SO
SHE DIDN'T ANY MORE.
Submitter comment:
THIS WAS A TRUE TALE. TOLD BY MY MOTHER. IT
HAPPENED APPROXIMATELY 1935 IN WINSTON SALEM, NORTH
CAROLINA.
WOMAN FRIGHTENED BY A LARGE WHITE DOG. HER HAIR STANDS ON END, AND
SHE INTERPRETS APPEARANCE OF DOG AS GHOSTLY WARNING TO AVOID
THAT PATH
INFORMANT SAYS THIS IS TRUE; IT HAPPENED TO HER MOTHER IN 1935 IN
WINSTON-SALEM, NORTH CAROLINA
Where learned: WINSTON SALEM ; NORTH CAROLINA
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Ghost Spirit Phantom Specter |
Date learned: CA00001956 ; 00-00-1935
EPIPHANY-JANUARY 6
FOR UKRAINIANS VARIOUS EVENTS ARE COMMEMORATED ON THIS
DAY WHICH IS ALSO CALLED "THEOPHANY" OR MANIFESTATION. IT
CELEBRATES THE BAPTISM OF CHRIST AND THEREFORE WATER IS
BLESSED IN THE CHURCHES. THE BLESSING FOLLOWS THE MASS
WHEN THE PRIEST SUBMERGES THREE SETS OF THREE LIGHTED
CANDLES. A CRUCIFIX IS ALSO MOVED THROUGH THE WATER IN
THE FORM OF A CROSS. THE PEOPLE FILL THEIR JARS WITH HOLY
WATER TO BRING HOME. EACH PERSON DRINKS SOME HOLY WATER
AND SOME IS POURED INTO THE HOLY WATER FONTS. IN THE WEEKS
FOLLOWING EPIPHANY, THE PASTOR VISITS THE HOMES OF HIS
PARISHONERS TO BLESS THEM. THE HOLY WATER IS ALSO USED FOR
BLESSING FARMS, CATTLE, AND CROPS. ON SPECIAL FEAST DAYS,
THE CHURCH ALSO BLESSES FRUIT, FLOWERS, AND FOOD. IT IS ALSO
USED IN THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE SACRAMENTS.
Submitter comment:
TO UKRAINIANS ALL BODIES OF WATER SUCH AS LAKES, RIVERS,AND
PONDS WERE CONSIDERED HOLY. THE BLESSING OF WATER IN THE
UKRAINE TOOK PLACE AT THE EDGE OF THE RIVER NOT IN THE
PARISH CHURCH.
Where learned: NEW YORK ; ROCHESTER
Keyword(s): THREE
Date learned: 00001950S
FEAST OF ST. GEORGE-APRIL 23 BYZANTINE RITE
THE USUAL PICTURE OF ST. GEORGE HAS HIM PICTURED ON A
HORSE, WITH A SPEAR IN HIS HAND. HE IS KILLING A DRAGON
WHICH IS SYMBOLIC OF PAGANISM. THE DEW OF THE FEAST DAY
IS CONSIDERED MIRACULOUS AND IF GATHERED BEFORE SUNRISE,
IT SHOULD HEAL ANY DISEASE OF THE EYES. ANOTHER COMMON
EVENT FOR THE DAY IS A PROCESSION AROUND THE FIELD WITH
RELIGIOUS SERVICES. THE PRAYERS ARE PETITIONS FOR A GOOD
HARVEST. ALSO ON THIS DAY, YOUNG GIRLS TRY TO PREDICT THEIR
MARRIAGE DATE. THEY ASK THE CUCKOO HOW LONG BEFORE THEY WILL
MARRY. IF THE CUCKOO STOPS COOING AT THE END OF THE QUESTION
SHE WILL MARRY BEFORE THE END OF THE YEAR. IF IT BEGINS
COOING, THE NUMBER OF TIMES IT SINGS WILL BE THE NUMBER OF
YEARS BEFORE HER MARRIAGE.
Submitter comment:
SOME OF THESE CUSTOMS ARE BEGINNING TO DIMINISH IN THE
UNITED STATES.
Where learned: NEW YORK ; ROCHESTER
Keyword(s): ANIMALS
| Subject headings: | Observation Favorites CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- April 23 CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Typical Elements of a Festive Pattern BELIEF -- Bird BELIEF -- Marriage BELIEF -- Measure of time Year BELIEF -- Measure of time WeekDayHour BELIEF -- Prayer BELIEF -- Number Counting beliefs BELIEF -- Remedy BELIEF -- Use of Object |
Date learned: 00001950S
PALM SUNDAY GREETING
FOR UKRAINIANS, THE PUSSY WILLOWS REPLACE THE PALM AND THE
DAY IS CALLED FLOWERY SUNDAY. AFTER THE BLESSING AND THE
DISTRIBUTION OF THE PUSSY WILLOWS, THE PEOPLE GENTLY TAP
ONE ANOTHER WITH THE PUSSY WILLOW. THEY SAY THIS VERY
TRADITIONAL PHRASE. I AM NOT HITTING YOU, THE PUSSY WILLOW
IS HITTING YOU, A WEEK FROM TODAY IS EASTER.
THE PUSSY WILLOWS ARE THEN TAKEN HOME. THEY ARE USED AS A
SACRAMENTAL AND PLACED BEHIND HOLY PICTURES ON A WALL OR
ARRANGED IN A VASE ON A TABLE OR DRESSER.
Where learned: NEW YORK ; ROCHESTER
Keyword(s): SWITCHING
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Spring Planting Ash Wednesday SPEECH -- Gesture |
Date learned: 00001950S
FEAST OF THE EXALTATION OF THE HOLY CROSS-SEPTEMBER 14
UKRAINIANS OF THE BYZANTINE RITE VENERATE THE CROSS IN A
SPECIAL MANNER ON THIS DAY. FLOWERS, USUALLY RED ROSES OR
CARNATIONS ARE ARRANGED ON A WIRE BACKING. THE CROSS IS THEN
PLACED ON TOP OF THE FLORAL ARRANGEMENT WITH A CHALICE PATEN
UNDER IT. A RED MATERIAL, SOMETIMES A PART OF THE PRIEST'S
VESTMENT, IS TIED AROUND THE BOTTOM OF THE CROSS AND THE STEMS
OF THE FLOWERS. IT IS CARRIED AROUND THE ALTAR BY THE PRIEST
BEFORE THE FIRST MASS OF THE DAY. THEN IT IS PLACED ON A
PILLOW ON THE TETRAPOD, A SMALL TABLE IN THE FRONT CENTER OF
THE CHURCH. THE CROSS AND THE FLORAL ARRANGEMENT UNDER IT
REMAIN THERE FOR A WEEK FOR VENERATION BY THE FAITHFUL. THE
CROSS IS KISSED UPON ENTERING AND EXITING THE CHURCH. AFTER
EACH SERVICE THE CONGREGATION SINGS THREE TIMES THE PHRASE
O LORD, WE ADORE THY CROSS AND GLORIFY THY HOLY RESURRECTION.
AFTER EACH SINGING, A PROFOUND BOW IS MADE BY THE PEOPLE.
MANY OF OUR OLDER WOMEN CONSIDER THE DEAD FLOWERS TO BE A
SACRAMENTAL AND ASK TO TAKE THEM HOME WHEN THE ARRANGEMENT
IS TAKEN APART. SOME KEEP THEM ON DRESSERS, IN PRAYER BOOKS,
AND IN THEIR BIBLES.
Submitter comment:
THE UKRAINIANS ALSO VENERATE THE CROSS IN A SIMILAR MANNER
ON THE THIRD SUNDAY OF LENT.
Where learned: NEW YORK ; ROCHESTER
Keyword(s): FLOWERS
| Subject headings: | 663 Lent 686 Thirds / Thrice / Three / Triple Favorites CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- September 14 CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Church CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Measure of time Week Day Hour BELIEF -- Plant SPEECH -- Religious |
Date learned: 00001950S
UKRAINIAN WHEAT DISH-KUTIA
A VERY IMPORTANT PART OF THE CHRISTMAS EVE SUPPER IS THE
KUTIA. THE WHEAT FOR THE KUTIA IS SOAKED OVERNIGHT AND THE
NEXT DAY IT IS BOILED UNTIL SOFT. THE COOK ADDS OTHER
INGREDIENTS WHICH VARY ACCORDING TO THE REGIONS. SOME ADD
ONLY HONEY WHICH HAS BEEN DILUTED INTO A WATERY SYRUP. OTHERS
ADD DILUTED HONEY, POPPY SEED, AND CHOPPED NUTS. BESIDES THE
VARYING INGREDIENTS, THE PLACE IT OCCUPIES IN THE MEAL ALSO
VARIES. IN SOME UKRAINIAN HOMES, THE KUTIA IS THE FIRST FOOD
EATEN BEGINNING IN ORDER FROM THE OLDEST MEMBER OF THE FAMILY
TO THE YOUNGEST. USUALLY ONLY A SPOONFUL IS TAKEN FROM THE
BOWL IN THE MIDDLE OF THE TABLE. OTHER UKRAINIANS USE THE
KUTIA AT THE END OF THE MEAL AS A DESSERT. IT WOULD HAVE
POPPY SEED AND NUTS WHEN USED AS A DESSERT. OFTEN IT WOULD
BE EATEN WITH HOMEMADE BAKED GOODS SUCH AS HONEY CAKE CALLED
MEDEVNUK OR POPPY SEED ROLL CALLED MAKEVNUK.
Where learned: NEW YORK ; ROCHESTER
Date learned: 00001950S
Jump Rope Rhyme
CINDERELLA DRESSED IN YELLA
WENT UPSTAIRS TO KISS A FELLA
HOW MANY KISSES DID SHE GET?
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; STERLING
Keyword(s): CHARACTER ; ENDURANCE JUMP
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Game Verse Game Verse |
Date learned: DATE NOT RECORDED BY COLLECTOR.
UKRAINIAN BLESSING OF FRUIT
THE FEAST OF THE TRANSFIGURATION ON AUGUST 6 IS CELEBRATED
IN THE BYZANTINE CHURCH WITH THE BLESSING OF FRUIT WHICH IS
AN ACT OF THANKSGIVING FOR THE PLENTIFUL HARVEST. FOLLOWING
THE MASS, THE PRIEST READS SPECIAL PRAYERS ASKING FOR A
BLESSING ON THOSE WHO PARTAKE OF THE FRUIT. HE THEN SPRINKLES
THE FRUIT WITH HOLY WATER. THE CUSTOM OF BRINGING THE FRUIT
VARIES WITH THE PARISHES. IN SOME PARISHES, THE PARISH BUYS
BUSHELS OF FRUIT AND FOLLOWING THE BLESSING IT IS DISTRIBUTED
TO THE PARISHONERS. IN OTHER PARISHES, EACH FAMILY BRINGS
A BASKET OR DISH OF FRUIT WHICH IS TAKEN HOME FOLLOWING THE
BLESSING.
Submitter comment:
THE BLESSED FRUIT IS THE FIRST FOOD EATEN WHEN THE FAMILY
RETURNS HOME.
Where learned: NEW YORK ; ROCHESTER
Date learned: 00001950S
SIGN OF THE CROSS
MANY UKRAINIAN WOMEN OFTEN USE THE SIGN OF THE CROSS IN
CONNECTION WITH FOOD. THEY MAKE THE SIGN OVER THE LOAVES
OF BREAD BEFORE PUTTING THEM INTO THE OVEN FOR BAKING.
MANY WOMEN ALSO MAKE THE SIGN ON THE BOTTOM OF A LOAF OF
BREAD BEFORE BEGINNING TO SLICE IT. THE UKRAINIANS DEPENDED
ON BREAD AS A MAIN PART OF THEIR DAILY FOOD. SINCE UKRAINE
WAS THE BREADBASKET OF EUROPE, THEIR GRATITUDE AND THEIR
ACCEPTANCE OF THIS PLENTY WAS EXPRESSED THROUGH THIS SIMPLE
RELIGIOUS GESTURE OF ACKNOWLEDGING THE UNIVERSAL PROVIDER.
Submitter comment:
I HAVE NEVER SEEN MY MOTHER SLICE A LOAF OF BREAD WITHOUT
MAKING A SIGN OF THE CROSS OVER THE BOTTOM OF THE LOAF.
Where learned: NEW YORK ; ROCHESTER
| Subject headings: | Favorites BELIEF -- Sign Geometric figure Cross and its various modifications SPEECH -- Gesture SPEECH -- Religious |
Date learned: 00001950S
UKRAINIAN WEDDING BREAD - KOROVAI
IN PLACE OF THE WEDDING CAKE AT THE RECEPTION, A LARGE
CIRCULAR BREAD IS BAKED AND PLACED ON THE BRIDAL TABLE.
THE TOP OF THE BREAD IS FANCILY BRAIDED. BIRDS MADE FROM
THE SAME SWEET BREAD DOUGH ARE ATTACHED TO THE TOP AND
SIDES OF THE BREAD. THIS SPECIAL BREAD CALLED KOROVAI IS
DISTRIBUTED TO THE GUESTS. SOME OF THE GUESTS WHO RECEIVE
A BIRD, KEEP THEM AS A REMEMBRANCE OF A SPECIAL DAY.
EVEN THOUGH THE WEDDING BREAD IS STILL BEING MADE, IT DOES
NOT ALWAYS REPLACE THE WEDDING CAKE ANY MORE.
Submitter comment:
MY SISTER WAS MAID OF HONOR AT A DETROIT WEDDING IN 1976.
THE BRIDE'S MOTHER HAD BAKED THE WEDDING BREAD AND MY
SISTER STILL HAS A BIRD FROM THAT WEDDING BREAD.
Where learned: NEW YORK ; ROCHESTER
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Marriage Reception Food Drink -- Typical menus for the various meals For meal hours, see F574.84. Special or festive meals |
Date learned: 00001950S
PROSE--RAINY DAY
AS I WAS SITTING IN MY WIGGLEWARY LOOKING THROUGH MY
WINKLEWARY, I SAW OL' UNGLE-BUNGLE-BAG COME CARRY OFF
MY WEE-TIG-TAG. I SAID IF I HAD MY FIDDEN-FADDEN,
I WOULD MAKE OL' UNGLE-BUNGLE-BAG DROP MY WEE-TIG-TAG.
WIGGLEWARY: ROCKING CHAIR. WINKLEWARY: WINDOW.
UNGLE-BUNGLE-BAG: HAWK. WEE-TIG-TAG: CHICKEN.
FIDDEN-FADDEN: GUN.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; TRAVERSE CITY ; ST
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Formula tale |
Date learned: 03-29-1970
JUMP ROPE
JOHNNY LIES OVER THE OCEAN
JOHNNY LIES OVER THE SEA
JOHNNY BROKE THE SUGAR BOWL
AND BLAMED IT ON ME
JOHNNY GOT A LICKIN HA, HA, HA.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; STERLING
Keyword(s): CHARACTER ; PLAIN-JUMP
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Game Verse Game Verse |
Date learned: NOT RECORDED
JUMP ROPE RHYME
POLIANNA POLIEE DO YOUR DUTY
HERE COMES (BLANK) THE AMERICAN BEAUTY
SHE CAN DO THE RUMBA (RHUMBA)
SHE CAN DO THE SPLITS
SHE CAN WEAR HER DRESS HIGH ABOVE HER HIPS.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; STERLING
Keyword(s): CHARACTER ; PLAIN-JUMP
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Game Verse Game Verse |
Date learned: NOT RECORDED
FUDGE FUDGE CALL THE JUDGE/ MA'S GOT A BRAND NEW BABY/ IT'S NOT A
BOY/ IT'S NOT A GIRL/ IT'S JUST AN ORDINARY BABY.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; STERLING
Keyword(s): CHARACTER ; PLAIN-JUMP
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Game Verse Game Verse |
Date learned: DATE NOT RECORDED BY COLLECTOR.
SAYING
I'M TURNING OVER A NEW LEAF
Keyword(s): STARTING A NEW CHAPTER IN LIFE BY MENDING MY WAYS
James Callow Keyword(s): RESOLUTION TO BEGIN ANEW
| Subject headings: | PROVERB -- Proverbial Phrase |
Date learned: 00001950'S
PROSE--RAINY DAY
AS I WAS SITTING IN MY WIGGLEWARY LOOKING THROUGH MY
WINKLEWARY, I SAW OL' UNGLE-BUNGLE-BAG COME CARRY OFF
MY WEE-TIG-TAG. I SAID IF I HAD MY FIDDEN-FADDEN,
I WOULD MAKE OL' UNGLE-BUNGLE-BAG DROP MY WEE-TIG-TAG.
WIGGLEWARY: ROCKING CHAIR. WINKLEWARY: WINDOW.
UNGLE-BUNGLE-BAG: HAWK. WEE-TIG-TAG: CHICKEN.
FIDDEN-FADDEN: GUN.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; TRAVERSE CITY ; ST
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Formula tale |
Date learned: 03-29-1970