Dr. James T. Callow publications
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The James T. Callow Folklore Archive
Your search for CHICAGO returned 200 results.
DAY AFTER DYNGUS DAY
ON TUESDAY, THE GIRLS ARE GIVEN THE CHANCE TO DO SOME WHIPPING
WHENEVER THEY SEE BOYS.
Submitter comment:
SOME GIRLS IN MY MOTHER'S NEIGHBORHOOD OF CHESTNUT ST. AND MILWAUKEE
AVE. DID WHIP SOME BOYS, BUT SHE NEVER DID.
Where learned: ILLINOIS ; CHICAGO
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Spring Planting Easter Sunday CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Spring Planting Easter Monday Dyngus CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Spring Planting Easter Tuesday Revenge Day |
Date learned: 00-00-1930
NEW YEAR'S EVE PARTY
POLISH PEOPLE LOVE TO DRESS AND MORE ESPECIALLY SO IN THEIR PARTIES.
IT IS CUSTOMARY TO BRING FLOWERS OR A BOX OF CANDY TO THE HOSTESS.
WHEN THE PARTY HAPPENS TO BE A FIRST VISIT, IT IS A MUST. IT IS
NICE TO BRING A BOTTLE OF CHAMPAGNE OR SOME OTHER WINE ON NEW YEAR'S
EVE. FOR A SMALL GROUP OF SIX TO EIGHT PEOPLE, A LATE DINNER IS
PLANNED. AFTER THE DESSERT AND THE COFFEE, SWEET CHAMPAGNE IS
SERVED AROUND MIDNIGHT.
Submitter comment:
MY AUNT THINKS THAT PARTIES WHETHER BIG OR SMALL ARE A LOT OF FUN
WHEN POLISH PEOPLE CELEBRATE THEM.
Where learned: ILLINOIS ; CHICAGO
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 31 New Year's Eve Food Drink -- Food Food Drink -- Pastry Sweet Dessert Food Drink -- Drink Food Drink -- Alcoholic beverage Fermented |
Date learned: 00-00-1940
CURE FOR BOILS
COW MANURE PUT ON CHEESE CLOTH AND WRAPPED AROUND AN OPEN WOUND OR
BOIL WAS USED FOR HEALING.
Submitter comment:
THE BAD THING MY GRANDMOTHER FOUND OUT ABOUT THIS REMEDY FROM
CHICAGO WAS THAT ITS USE LED TO ISOLATION FOR AWHILE.
Where learned: ILLINOIS ; CHICAGO
| Subject headings: | Favorites BELIEF -- Remedy BELIEF -- Animal |
Date learned: 00-00-1920
SUPERSTITION
IF ONE OF MY BROTHERS FOOLED AROUND AT THE KITCHEN TABLE, MY FATHER
WOULD SAY THAT HE WOULD MARRY A CRAZY WIFE.
Submitter comment:
MY GRANDFATHER ALWAYS PREFERRED PEACE AND QUIET, AND THIS BELIEF
WAS PROBABLY USED TO ASSURE SILENCE.
Where learned: ILLINOIS ; CHICAGO
| Subject headings: | Observation BELIEF -- Physically handicapped Deformed BELIEF -- Street Trip Relations between relatives, friends, host and guest Social class Rank BELIEF -- Marriage |
Date learned: 00-00-1930
FEAST OF THE EPIPHANY
ON THIS DAY THE PRIEST AND THE ORGANIST VISIT THE HOMES, BLESS THEM
AND WRITE OVER THE DOORS THE INITIALS OF THE THREE WISE MEN IN THE
BELIEF THAT THIS WILL SPARE THEM MISFORTUNE.
Submitter comment:
THIS CUSTOM SEEMED TO DISAPPEAR AROUND THE 1940'S WHEN THE NEIGHBOR-
HOOD IN CHICAGO CHANGED WITH CRIME.
Where learned: ILLINOIS ; CHICAGO
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 6 Feast of St. Nicholas CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Church BELIEF -- Means of Causing or Avoiding Illness BELIEF -- Remedy |
Date learned: 00-00-1930
CANDLEMAS DAY
ON THIS DAY WHEN CHRISTMAS SEASON CLOSES, THE PEOPLE CARRY CANDLES
TO CHURCH. THE CANDLES ARE BLESSED FOR USE IN THEIR HOMES DURING
STORMS, SICKNESS, AND DEATH.
Submitter comment:
AFTER MY MOTHER WAS MARRIED IN 1939, THIS TRADITION ENDURED FOR ONLY
AWHILE BECAUSE PEOPLE MOVED AWAY.
Where learned: ILLINOIS ; CHICAGO
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- February 6 CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Church BELIEF -- Weather sign or control BELIEF -- Church BELIEF -- Prayer |
Date learned: 00-00-1940
CHRISTMAS DAYS (SEASON)
THIS IS THE MOST BELOVED AND BEAUTIFUL OF ALL OUR TRADITIONS.
RELATIVES USED TO CALL IT GODY IN POLISH WHICH MEANS CHRISTMAS DAYS.
IT IS A TIME OF GOOD WILL, LOVE, HARMONY, FORGIVENESS, AND PEACE.
Submitter comment:
GODY WAS ONE OF THE BEST TIMES THAT FRIENDS AND FAMILY GOT TOGETHER
TO CELEBRATE CHRIST'S BIRTH.
Where learned: ILLINOIS ; CHICAGO
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20 |
Date learned: 00-00-1930
CHRISTMAS EVE SUPERSTITION
CHRISTMAS EVE DINNER WAS A SEVEN, NINE, OR ELEVEN COURSE MEAL. IN
NO CASE MUST THERE BE AN ODD NUMBER OF PEOPLE AT THE TABLE. OTHER-
WISE, SOME OF THE FEASTERS WOULD NOT LIVE TO SEE ANOTHER CHRISTMAS.
Submitter comment:
MY GRANDMOTHER WASN'T A VERY FOND BELIEVER OF SUPERSTITIONS, BUT
SHE SAW TO IT THAT AN EVEN NUMBER OF GUESTS WERE PRESENT.
Where learned: ILLINOIS ; CHICAGO
Date learned: 00-00-1940
SUPERSTITION
DROP A KNIFE WHILE EATING AND A MAN WILL BE VISITING. DROP A SPOON
AND A LADY WILL COME.
Submitter comment:
DROPPING SILVERWARE IN OUR FAMILY WASN'T FOLLOWED BY GUESTS.
AT THE DOOR. BUT AT TIMES THERE WAS A COINCIDENCE.
Where learned: ILLINOIS ; CHICAGO
| Subject headings: | Observation BELIEF -- Street Trip Relations between relatives, friends, host and guest Social class Rank |
Date learned: 00-00-1940
SUPERSTITION
DON'T PUT SHOES ON TABLE BECAUSE IT WILL LEAD TO FAMILY ARGUMENTS.
Submitter comment:
SHOES PLACED ON THE KITCHEN TABLE UNDOUBTEDLY CAUSED ARGUMENTS BE-
CAUSE THAT WAS NO PLACE FOR THEM. BESIDES A SPANKING USUALLY
FOLLOWED THAT ACTION.
Where learned: ILLINOIS ; CHICAGO
| Subject headings: | Observation BELIEF -- Product or activity of man or animal BELIEF -- Street Trip Relations between relatives, friends, host and guest Social class Rank |
Date learned: 00-00-1940
CHRISTMAS EVE DINNER
THE HEAD OF THE FAMILY BEGINS THE DINNER BY FIRST DIVIDING ALTAR
BREAD CALLED OPLATEK AND GIVES EACH MEMBER A PIECE AS A COMMUNION
CELEBRATION OF GOOD HEALTH AND PEACE AMONG EACH OTHER. THE MEAL
CONSISTS OF CLEAR MUSHROOM SOUP OR BEET SOUP, BOILED CARP WITH EGG
SAUCE, STEWED CABBAGE WITH MUSHROOMS, DRIED PRUNES, POPPY SEED ROLL,
APPLE STRUDEL, AND DRIED FRUIT.
Submitter comment:
CHRISTMAS EVE IS A TIME WHEN FAMILIES ARE TOGETHER TO SHARE THEIR
HAPPINESS. THE BREAKING OF WAFER IS A SIGN OF PEACE AND GOOD
HEALTH TO EVERYONE.
Where learned: ILLINOIS ; CHICAGO
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 24 Christmas Eve Food Drink -- Typical menus for the various meals For meal hours, see F574.84. Special or festive meals |
Date learned: 00-00-1940
EASTER DAY
WE CELEBRATED JESUS' RISING BY HAVING A MEAL OF SMOKED HAM, HOME-
MADE SAUSAGE, AND HARD-BOILED EGGS. WE ALSO HAD SALT BREAD WITH
BUTTER, SMALL CHEESE CAKES AND A LAMB WHICH WAS CARVED OUT OF
BUTTER. WHEN OUR FRIENDS CAME OVER, WE GAVE THEM A QUARTER PIECE OF
EGG, AND THEN MY FATHER EXPRESSED GOOD WISHES TO THE FAMILY.
Submitter comment:
THE BLESSED FOODS OF HOMEMADE SAUSAGE AND HAM WERE ESPECIALLY
DELICIOUS ON EASTER.
Where learned: ILLINOIS ; CHICAGO
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Spring Planting Easter Sunday Food Drink -- Typical menus for the various meals For meal hours, see F574.84. Special or festive meals |
Date learned: 00-00-1940
BRIDAL DANCE
A TABLE WAS PUT IN THE CENTER OF THE HALL AND THE BRIDE SAT ALONG-
SIDE IT. ONE AT A TIME FAMILY AND FRIENDS WOULD COME UP TO HER AND
SHE WOULD DANCE WITH EACH GUEST ABOUT ONE CIRCULAR TURN. THEY WERE
OFFERED A DRINK OR A CIGAR BY THE BRIDE'S FATHER AND WOULD DROP SOME
MONEY ON THE TABLE FOR THE NEWLYWEDS.
Submitter comment:
IN POLISH WEDDINGS TODAY, RELATIVES AND FRIENDS ARE MANY FOR THE
BRIDE TO DANCE WITH EVERYONE. BUT THE COUPLE IS CONGRATULATED AT
THE HALL AND RECEIVE SOME GIFT.
Where learned: ILLINOIS ; CHICAGO
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Dance CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Marriage |
Date learned: 00-00-1940
SKY BLUE
THIS GAME I OFTEN PLAUED AFTER SCHOOL AND ON THE WEEKENDS WITH MY
FRIENDS. IT IS RELATED TO THE GAME HOPSCOTCH THAT IS PLAYED NOW.
IN IT PLAYERS THREW A ROCK INTO A SQUARE MARKED WITH A NUMBER, AND
PLAYERS HAD TO HOP THAT MANY TIMES. IF A LINE OF A SQUARE WAS
TOUCHED, THE PERSON WAS OUT OF THE GAME.
Submitter comment:
THIS GAME ORIGINATED IN CHICAGO, AND IT WAS PLAYED QUITE OFTEN AS A
PASTIME BY MY AUNT.
Where learned: ILLINOIS ; CHICAGO
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Special Object or Implement |
Date learned: 00-00-1940
WEDDING BELIEF
IF A PIECE OF WEDDING CAKE IS PLACED UNDER A GIRL'S PILLOW, SHE WILL
DREAM OF HER FUTURE SPOUSE.
Submitter comment:
REGARDLESS OF WHAT MY GRANDMOTHER HEARD ABOUT PUTTING CAKE UNDER
A PILLOW IN CHICAGO, SHE THOUGHT IT BETTER FOR THE CAKE TO BE IN
THE FRIDGE THAN CRUMBS TO BE IN THE BED.
Where learned: ILLINOIS ; CHICAGO
James Callow Keyword(s): REFRIGERATOR
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Marriage BELIEF -- Dreams |
Date learned: 00-00-1940
SUPERSTITION
IF A PAINTING FALLS IN SOMEONE'S HOME, A DEATH WILL OCCUR.
Submitter comment:
IT WAS WHEN A COUSIN OF MY GRANDMOTHER HAD DIED THAT A SMALL PICTURE
IN MY GRANDPARENTS' HOME FELL.
Where learned: ILLINOIS ; CHICAGO
| Subject headings: | Observation BELIEF -- Death Funeral Burial |
Date learned: 00-00-1940
A PUNISHMENT
ONCE UPON A TIME, THERE WAS A LITTLE BOY WHO ALWAYS TOOK
THE BIGGEST PIECE OF CAKE. HIS PARENTS WERE QUITE
ANNOYED OVER THIS, AND WANTED TO TEACH HIM A LESSON
HE WOULD NEVER FORGET. SO THEY FILLED THE LARGEST
PIECE OF DESSERT WITH EVERY VARIETY OF HOT PEPPERS.
WHEN THE BOY DEMANDED IT, AFTER THEY HAD FINISHED
THEIR MEAL, THEY GAVE IT TO HIM; AND, AFTER BITING
INTO IT, HE NEVER ASKED FOR THE BIGGEST AGAIN.
Submitter comment:
MY SISTER HAD HEARD THIS LITTLE STORY FROM MY MOTHER,
ABOUT FIVE YEARS BEFORE SHE TOLD IT TO ME.
Where learned: ILLINOIS ; CHICAGO
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Jest Anecdote |
Date learned: 00-00-1953
PROVERB OR PREDICTION TOLD A SMALL CHILD WHO WILL NOT
STOP PICKING HIS NOSE: "IF YOU CONTINUE TO DO THAT
MUCH LONGER, YOUR NOSE WILL FALL OFF."
Submitter comment: HEARD FROM OTHERS, ALSO.
Where learned: ILLINOIS ; CHICAGO
| Subject headings: | SPEECH -- Formula |
GOOD LUCK
IN CONVERSATION, WHEN AN UNPLEASANT OCCURRENCE
HAS BEEN MENTIONED, ONE SAYS "KNOCK ON WOOD" AND AT THE
SAME TIME DOES JUST THAT IN ORDER TO KEEP THIS
UNPLEASANT OCCURRENCE FROM HAPPENING.
Where learned: ILLINOIS ; CHICAGO
| Subject headings: | SPEECH -- Formula |
Date learned: 00-00-1958
A CUSTOM OF CHICAGO HIGH IRON WORKERS: THESE MEN
ALWAYS EAT THE DESSERT FROM THEIR LUNCH BEFORE THEY
START WORK IN THE MORNING, BECAUSE IF SOMETHING
HAPPENED DURING THE MORNING'S WORK, AND THEY NEVER
MADE IT TO LUNCH, THEY'VE HAD THE BEST PART OF THEIR
LUNCH. BY THIS ACTION THEY BELIEVE THAT THEY HAVE
ONE STEP UP ON ANY BAD LUCK OR MISFORTUNE WHICH LOOMS
ON THE HIGH IRON.
Where learned: ILLINOIS ; CHICAGO
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Measure of time Working |
Date learned: 00001930S