Dr. James T. Callow publications
Browse by
Questions or comments on this site? Please email davidsor@udmercy.edu.
The James T. Callow Folklore Archive
Your search for UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT returned 2972 results.
EASTER CUSTOM
AMONG THIS MAN'S FAMILY, IT WAS CUSTOMARY TO HAVE THE CHILDREN PUT A
CARROT ON THE FRONT PORCH ON THE EVENING OF HOLY SATURDAY (THE DAY
BEFORE EASTER) SO THAT THE EASTER BUNNY WOULD HAVE SOMETHING TO EAT
WHEN HE CAME TO VISIT THE HOUSE.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT
Keyword(s): FOOD CUSTOM
| Subject headings: | 663 Holy Saturday Favorites CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Spring Planting Bunny BELIEF -- Mammal |
Date learned: 10-16-1971
OLD IRISH CUSTOM
IRISH MOTHERS THROW HOLY WATER ON THEIR KIDS WHEN THEY ARE
FIGHTING IN ORDER TO DRIVE OUT THE DEVIL. THE THROWING OF HOLY WATER
WAS SUPPOSED TO BE AN EXORCISM TO DRIVE THE RAGE(DEVIL) OUT OF
PEOPLE WHO WERE FIGHTING.
Data entry tech comment:
Updated by TRD
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; RENO HALL ; DETROIT
Keyword(s): CUSTOM ; DEVIL ; EVIL EYE ; Fighting ; Holy Water ; IRELAND ; Irish ; Relationship ; Sibling
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Custom BELIEF -- Street Trip Relations between relatives, friends, host and guest Social class Rank |
Date learned: 09-29-1968
EASTER CUSTOM ( HOLY SATURDAY )
ON HOLY SATURDAY, POLISH PEOPLE TAKE A BASKET OF FOOD TO THE CHURCH
TO BE BLESSED. THIS FOOD MUST INCLUDE SAUSAGE, BUTTER, EGGS, GARLIC,
SALT, FRESH BREAD AND CHEESE. THE PRIEST BLESSES THIS FOOD WHICH IS
THEN EATEN COLD FOR EASTER SUNDAY BREAKFAST.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT
Keyword(s): SWIECZONKA
| Subject headings: | 663 Holy Saturday CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Spring Planting Easter Sunday BELIEF -- Prayer |
Date learned: 10-15-1971
EASTER CUSTOMS
BASKETS FULL OF CANDY ARE PREPARE(D) THE DAY BEFORE EASTER AND ARE
TAKEN TO THE CHURCH TO BE BLESSED. A LITTLE PIECE OF EVERYTHING MUST
BE EATEN THAT DAY. ALSO, A LITTLE HORSERADISH MUST BE EATEN ON
EASTER.
Where learned: UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT
Keyword(s): FOOD CUSTOM ; SWIECZONKA
| Subject headings: | 663 Holy Saturday CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Spring Planting Easter Sunday |
Date learned: 11-00-1968
"BREAKING THE OPIATKEJ"
DURING THE HOLIDAYS OF CHRISTMAS AND EASTER, AN EMBOSSED PIECE OF
UNLEAVENED BREAD IS PASSED AROUND THE DINNER TABLE. EACH MEMBER,
STARTING WITH THE HEAD OF THE FAMILY, BREAKS OFF A PARTICLE AND
PARTAKES OF IT. THE OPIATKEJ IS SUPPOSED TO BRING GOOD LUCK AND
WELL-BEING TO THE FAMILY.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT
Keyword(s): FAMILY UNITY ; FOOD CUSTOM ; HEALTH ; LUCK
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20 CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Spring Planting Easter Sunday |
POLISH EASTER CUSTOM
A HARD-BOILED EGG OR EGGS IS PASSED FROM PERSON TO PERSON AND EACH
ONE TAKES A PIECE. THIS IS A POLISH EASTER CUSTOM.
Submitter comment: THIS IS A POLISH CUSTOM AND A FAMILY TRADITION.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT
Keyword(s): FAMILY UNITY ; FOOD CUSTOM
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Spring Planting Easter eggs CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Spring Planting Easter Sunday |
GRAFFITI
LOVE IS A FOUR-LETTER WORD.
Data entry tech comment:
INFORMANT ASSUMED TO BE THE COLLECTOR.
FOUR-LETTER WORDS WERE KNOWN AS SWEAR WORDS.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT ; COLLECTED IN LAVATORY
Keyword(s): EUPHEMISM RETORT
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Art Craft Architecture Art, Craft, Architecture |
Date learned: 00-00-1968
AN EASTER CUSTOM
ON EASTER MONDAY THE BOYS OF THE TOWN WOULD GO AROUND AND THROW
WATER ON THE HEADS OF THE YOUNG GIRLS OF THE TOWN AS A SIGN OF
FERTILITY.
Submitter comment:
HEARD FROM HER FATHER.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT ; STUDENT UNION
Keyword(s): DYNGUS DAY ; WATER
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Spring Planting Easter Monday Dyngus |
Date learned: 04-04-1967
POLISH CHRISTMAS CUSTOM
THE DINNER CONSISTS OF THIRTEEN COURSES, ALL OF WHICH ARE MEATLESS.
Data entry tech comment:
Updated by TRD
James Callow comment:
Christmas Day?
Where learned: UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; STUDENT UNION BUILDING
Keyword(s): ABSTINENCE FROM MEAT ; CHRISTMAS ; Course ; CUSTOM ; Dinner ; FOOD CUSTOM ; holiday ; Ingredients ; Meal ; Vegetarian
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20 Menus |
Date learned: 11-25-1969
POLISH EASTER MONDAY CUSTOM
EVERYONE GIVES FOOD TO EVERYONE ELSE FOR FERTILITY.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT ; STUDENT UNION BUILDING ; told at work
Keyword(s): EASTER GIFTS ; FOOD CUSTOM
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Spring Planting Easter Monday Dyngus |
Date learned: 11-25-1969
MAN SMART, WOMAN SMARTER
1. I SAY LET US PUT MAN AND WOMAN TOGETHER.
TO FIND OUT WHICH ONE IS SMARTER.
SOME SAY MAN BUT I SAY NO
THE WOMAN GOT MEN LIKE WE ALL KNOW.
CHORUS:
NOT ME. IT'S THE PEOPLE WHO SAY
THAT THE MEN ARE LEADING THE WOMEN ASTRAY.
BUT I SAY THAT THE WOMEN OF TODAY
ARE SMARTER THAN THE MEN IN EVERY WAY.
2. I SUPPORT A LITTLE GIRL INDEPENDENTLY
SHE SAID SHE WAS MAKING BABY FOR ME.
WHEN THE BABY BORN I WENT TO SEE.
THE EYES WERE BLUE, IT WAS A PORTUGUESE.
(CHORUS)
3. ADAM AND EVE LIVED IN PARADISE
THEY LAY ALL DAY. EVERYTHING WAS NICE.
TILL EVE MET THE SNAKE. PARADISE LOST.
SHE MADE ADAM WORK FROM THAT DAY ON.
(CHORUS)
4, METUSELEM SPENT ALL HIS LIFE IN JEST.
HE LIVED WITH ONE WOMAN NINE-HUNDRED YEARS
ONE DAY HE DECIDED TO HAVE SOME FUN.
HE NEVER LIVED TO SEE NINE-HUNDRED AND ONE.
(CHORUS)
Submitter comment:
CASSETTE TAPE AVAILABLE.
Data entry tech comment:
Informant and collector are the same person.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT ; THE UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DORMS
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Good humor Jest |
Date learned: 02-07-1972
BAD LUCK BELIEF
WHEN YOU STUMBLE, IT IS A WARNING OF MISFORTUNE TO COME.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | Observation |
Date learned: 03-29-1971
MISTLETOE HANGS IN THE ROOM WHEREUPON SOME MEMBERS OF
THE GROUP COMES AND KISSES SOMEBODY STANDING UNDER
THE MISTLETOE.
Submitter comment:
SHE SAID THAT SHE LEARNED IT "PROBABLY AT A
CHRISTMAS PARTY OF SOME RELATIVES WHEN (SHE) WAS VERY
SMALL."
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT ; COLLECTED AT UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20 Mistletoe and other greenery |
Date learned: 02-08-1967
MISTLETOE HANGS IN THE ROOM WHEREUPON SOME MEMBERS OF
THE GROUP COMES AND KISSES SOMEBODY STANDING UNDER
THE MISTLETOE.
Submitter comment:
SHE SAID THAT SHE LEARNED IT "PROBABLY AT A
CHRISTMAS PARTY OF SOME RELATIVES WHEN (SHE) WAS VERY
SMALL."
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT ; COLLECTED AT UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20 Mistletoe and other greenery |
Date learned: 02-08-1967
A BED HAS TO BE FACING NORTH AND SOUTH
THE BED HAS TO BE FACING NORTH AND SOUTH IN ORDER FOR
THE SPIRITS TO CIRCULATE PROPERLY
AROUND THE SLEEPING PERSON.
Submitter comment:
SHE LEARNED IT FROM HER GREAT-AUNT WHOSE NAME
IS JOSEPHINE SWITZER AND WHO IS EIGHTY-THREE YEARS OLD.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT ; COLLECTED AT UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT
| Subject headings: | Charm / Enchantment / Conjuration BELIEF -- Ghost Spirit Phantom Specter |
CHARLIE CHAPLIN WENT TO FRANCE,/ TO TEACH THE LADIES HOW TO DANCE,/
WITH A HEEL AND A TOE, AROUND WE GO./ SALUTE TO THE CAPTAIN,/ BOW TO
THE QUEEN,/ TOUCH THE BOTTOM OF THE DIRTY SUBMARINE.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT ;
Keyword(s): ACTION-RHYME ; CHARACTER
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Game Verse Game Verse |
Date learned: 11-00-1968
OMEN
IF THE PALM OF YOUR HAND IS ITCHY, IT IS A
SIGN THAT YOU ARE GOING TO RECEIVE SOME MONEY.
Submitter comment: LEARNED FROM HER MOTHER.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT ;
| Subject headings: | Observation |
Date learned: 12-01-1967
ROPE JUMPING RIME
MY MOTHE SENT ME TO THE STORE
AND TOLD ME WHAT TO BUY
(CAN'T REMEMBER THE INTERVAL)
I GAVE HIM BACK HIS PEACHES, I GAVE HIM BACK HIS PEARS,
I GAVE HIM BACK HIS FIFTY CENTS
AND KICKED HIM DOWN THE STAIRS.
Submitter comment:
INFORMANT LEARNED THIS IN HAMMOND, INDIANA GRADE SCHOOL)
(ED. NOTE: THIS IS AN EXTREMELY SWEETENED STORY VERY SIMILAR TO ONE
FOUND IN DEEP DOWN IN THE JUNGLE.)
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT ; FOLEY HALL
Keyword(s): CHARACTER ; PLAIN-JUMP
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Game Verse Game Verse |
Date learned: 03-30-1967
COMIC QUESTION--GRAFFITTI
WHY DO BLONDS HAVE MORE FUN?
YOU CAN FIND THEM IN THE DARK.
Submitter comment: IN MEN'S JOHN, U. OF D.
Where learned: UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; STUDENT UNION
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Jest Anecdote |
Date learned: 02-08-1967
PROM NIGHT
IT WAS THE NIGHT OF THE SENIOR PROM AND THE BOY WENT TO
PICK UP HIS DATE. HE WAS SITTING IN THE LIVING ROOM
TALKING TO THE PARENTS WHILE SHE WAS UPSTAIRS MAKING
THE FINAL TOUCHES. THEN SHE PROCEEDED TO COME DOWN
THE STAIRS. SHE HAD A STRAPLESS DRESS ON, AND AS SHE
WAS COMING DOWN SOMETHING SNAPPED AND THE FRONT OF
HER DRESS FELL, EXPOSING ONE OF HER BREASTS. THE GIRL
WAS EMBARRASSED TO TEARS AND THE BOY, NOT WANTING TO
ADD TO THE EMBARRASSMENT, TRIED TO AVOID HER PARENTS
FROM SEEING IT, SO, IN ORDER TO DIVERT THEIR
ATTENTION, HE SCREECHED "LOOK AT THAT" POINTING TO THE
FRONT LAWN AND NOT KNOWING-OR HAVING ANY IDEA WHATEVER-
THAT ANYTHING WAS THERE. THERE WERE TWO DOGS MATING
ON THE LAWN.
Submitter comment:
JOHN TOLD US THAT IT ACTUALLY HAPPENED TO ONE OF HIS
FELLOW GRADUATES AT A HIGH SCHOOL IN NEW JERSEY.
Where learned: UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; STUDENT UNION
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Tale |
Date learned: 10-00-1963