Dr. James T. Callow publications
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The James T. Callow Folklore Archive
Your search for GERMAN returned 52 results.
IN OBERAMERGAUE, GERMANY DURING CHRISTMAS TIME, THEY
HOLD A PASSION PLAY, DEPICTING THE BIRTH OF OUR LORD.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; GERMANY ; DETROIT
Keyword(s): BIRTH OF OUR LORD=CHRISTMAS. ; SOME CONTRADICTION HERE--PASSION PLAY=CRUCIFIXION.
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20 Christmas Season See F645.2 for Advent Season. |
Date learned: 12-00-1967
GERMAN CHRISTMAS CUSTOM
IN GERMANY, THREE BOYS DRESS UP LIKE THE THREE KINGS
AND THEY GO TO FARMHOUSES AND SING CHRISTMAS SONGS.
ONE BOY HAS A LONG STICK WITH A STAR ON THE TOP OF IT.
THEY COLLECT APPLES, NUTS, ETC.
Submitter comment: SHE LEARNED IT BECAUSE SHE LIVED IN GERMANY.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; GERMANY ; DETROIT
Date learned: 02-07-1967
IN GERMANY WHEN A GIRL BECOMES ENGAGED, SHE BEGINS TO
SAVE PHENNIGS. WHEN SHE HAS ENOUGH TO BUY A PAIR
OF SHOES, SHE MAY MARRY.
Submitter comment: FOUR PHENNIGS MAKE A PENNY.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; GERMANY ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Marriage After engagement: fun with friends, etc. |
Date learned: 02-27-1968
GERMAN WEDDING CUSTOM
ON THE EVE OF A GERMAN WEDDING (IN GERMANY) THE FRIENDS
OF THE GROOM STEAL THE BRIDE AWAY FROM HER HOUSE AND
THE GROOM MUST LOOK FOR HER TILL HE FINDS HER. USUALLY
HE IS EXPECTED TO FIND HER BEFORE MIDNIGHT. THE
CUSTOM IS MORE OF A TRADITIONAL PRACTICAL JOKE THAN A
SYMBOL.
Submitter comment:
THE INFORMANT LEARNED THIS CUSTOM FROM HIS GERMAN
PARENTS AS A YOUNG BOY IN OWOSSO, MICHIGAN WHICH IS
A STRONGLY GERMAN COMMUNITY. IT IS NOT DONE AS MUCH
HERE AS IT WAS IN GERMANY.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; GERMANY ; OWOSSO
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Marriage Before wedding |
Date learned: 12-22-1963
GERMAN WEDDING CUSTOM
THE WEDDING RINGS IN GERMAN MARRIAGES ARE PLAIN GOLD
BANDS, NEVER DIAMONDS. THEY ARE PLACED ON THE RIGHT
HAND INSTEAD OF THE LEFT AND IT IS MORE IMPORTANT THAT
THE MAN WEARS A RING THAN THE WOMAN.
Submitter comment:
THE INFORMANT LEARNED OF THIS CUSTOM FROM HIS GERMAN
PARENTS AS A YOUNG BOY IN OWOSSO, MICHIGAN, WHICH IS
A STRONGLY GERMAN COMMUNITY. THESE CUSTOMS WHICH ARE
ALMOST THE EXACT OPPOSITE OF AMERICAN ONES, ARE NOT
PRACTICED TO A GREAT EXTENT IN AMERICA.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; GERMANY ; OWOSSO
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Marriage Worn on left hand |
Date learned: 12-22-1963
IN MUNICH, GERMANY, THEY HOLD A BEER FESTIVAL EVERY
YEAR CALLED THE OCTOBER FEST TO CELEBRATE THE
MARRIAGE OF A MEDIEVAL PRINCESS. THIS HAS BEEN GOING
ON FOR AT LEAST FIVE HUNDRED YEARS.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; GERMANY ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Marriage Reception |
Date learned: 12-00-1967
POLTERABEND
THIS GERMAN CUSTOM CONSISTS OF FRIENDS OF A NEWLYWED
COUPLE THROWING POTTERY AGAINST THEIR HOUSE DOORWAY.
THE BELIEF IS THAT THIS WILL BRING GOOD LUCK TO THE
YOUNG COUPLE.
Submitter comment:
INFORMANT WAS INFORMED OF THIS CUSTOM ON A RECENT
TRIP TO GERMANY.
Where learned: GERMANY ; MINNESOTA ; DULUTH
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Marriage Day after wedding |
WHEN ERECTING A NEW BUILDING IN GERMANY, THEY PLACE A SPRIG
OF PINE OR SPRUCE, OR FIR TREE AT THE TOP OF THE POLE
AND IT STAYS THERE FOR ONE YEAR AFTER COMPLETION. THIS
IS FOR GOOD LUCK.
Submitter comment: HE ACTUALLY SAW THIS IN GERMANY.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; GERMANY ; DETROIT ; DEARBORN ; TV STUDIO
| Subject headings: | 686 Properties attributed to specific numbers or numerals individually. CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Foundation rite Laying of cornerstone BELIEF -- Good luck |
Date learned: 09-28-1970
GERMAN CUSTOM
ON THE NIGHT OF DECEMBER 5, THE GERMAN CHILDREN PUT
A SHOE IN THE WINDOW OF THEIR HOUSE. THE CHILDREN
BELIEVE THAT ST. NICHOLAS PUTS COOKIES, NUTS, ETC.
IN THE SHOE.
Submitter comment: SHE LEARNED IT BECAUSE SHE LIVED IN GERMANY.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; GERMANY ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- F120 |
Date learned: 02-07-1967
THE MOST POPULAR REFRESHMENTS INCLUDE CHAMPAGNE, AND
HOMEMADE DOUGHNUTS, AND PUNCH. THE CHAMPAGNE IS DRUNK
AT TWELVE MIDNIGHT (NEW YEAR'S EVE?). FIRECRACKERS
ARE SET OFF AT THIS TIME ALSO.
ON NEW YEAR'S MORNING THERE IS A LIVE CONCERT PERFORMED
Submitter comment: IN VIENNA.
Where learned: GERMANY
Date learned: NOT GIVEN
WHEN TO PLANT
FARMERS SAY NEVER PUT SEED (IN) WHEN THE MOON GETS
LESS, BUT WHEN IT GETS MORE. YOU PLANT AND GET MORE,
BIGGER FRUIT.
Submitter comment:
TOLD TO ME IN MY HOME BY MY NEIGHBOR, WHO WAS BORN
AND RAISED IN RURAL GERMANY.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; GERMANY ; BLOOMFIELD HILLS
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- F476 CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- F476 CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Spring Planting |
IN OBERAMERGAUE, GERMANY DURING CHRISTMAS TIME, THEY
HOLD A PASSION PLAY, DEPICTING THE BIRTH OF OUR LORD.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; GERMANY ; DETROIT
Keyword(s): BIRTH OF OUR LORD=CHRISTMAS. ; SOME CONTRADICTION HERE--PASSION PLAY=CRUCIFIXION.
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20 Christmas Season See F645.2 for Advent Season. |
Date learned: 12-00-1967
GERMAN CHRISTMAS CUSTOM
IN GERMANY, THREE BOYS DRESS UP LIKE THE THREE KINGS
AND THEY GO TO FARMHOUSES AND SING CHRISTMAS SONGS.
ONE BOY HAS A LONG STICK WITH A STAR ON THE TOP OF IT.
THEY COLLECT APPLES, NUTS, ETC.
Submitter comment: SHE LEARNED IT BECAUSE SHE LIVED IN GERMANY.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; GERMANY ; DETROIT
Date learned: 02-07-1967
IN GERMANY ON EASTER MONDAY, THE BOYS WOULD SPRAY THEIR
FAVORITE GIRL WITH PERFUME. ON TUESDAY, THE GIRLS
WOULD DO THE SAME TO THEIR FAVORITE BOY.
Where learned: PENNSYLVANIA ; GERMANY ; ERIE
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Spring Planting Easter Monday Dyngus CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Spring Planting Easter Tuesday Revenge Day |
Date learned: 00001920S
IF A BLACK CROSSES YOUR PATH FROM LEFT TO RIGHT, IT
IS BAD LUCK. IT IS VERY INTERESTING TO NOTE THAT
IT MAKES NO DIFFERENCE OR IT IS NOT BAD LUCK IF
THE CAT CROSSES FROM YOUR RIGHT TO YOUR LEFT.
Submitter comment:
THE INFORMANT ALTHOUGH NOT AN AVID SUPERSTITION
BELIEVER, STILL IS AWARE AND CONSCIOUS OF THESE
SUPERSTITIONS.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; GERMANY ; DETROIT
James Callow Keyword(s): POSITION DIRECTION
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Color BELIEF -- Bad luck Animals |
Date learned: 01-00-1971
IN GERMANY, IT IS CONSIDERED BAD LUCK TO TIE UP
CATTLE OR SELL THEM ON ASH WEDNESDAY.
Where learned: GERMANY
| Subject headings: | 663 Ash Wednesday Favorites BELIEF -- Bad luck Animals |
Date learned: 12-08-1967
IF YOU SNEEZE THREE TIMES IN A ROW, YOU'RE A GOOD
CATHOLIC.
Submitter comment:
PROBABLY CAME FROM MRS. DRAMBERGER'S PARENTS, WHO WERE
FROM GERMANY.
Where learned: GERMANY ; TEXAS ; SAN ANTONIO
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Product or activity of man or animal |
Date learned: 00-00-1959
GERMAN CUSTOM--JUNE 17
TAGDEDUETSCHEN EINHERT IS A SAD MEMORIAL DAY COMMORATING
THE REVOLT OF THE COMMON PEOPLE AND ALL THOSE WHO WERE
KILLED IN THE PROTEST AGAINST THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE
BERLIN WALL. THIS IS A NATIONAL HOLIDAY AND ALL SCHOOL
AND WORK IS OFF ON JUNE 17TH EACH YEAR.
Submitter comment: TOLD IN BEAUTY SHOP, 17619 SIX MILE RD., DETROIT, MICHIGAN.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; GERMANY ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- March 21 equinox to June 20 |
Date learned: 03-00-1971
PROVERBIAL METAPHOR: TALKING TOO MUCH
THERE WAS A GUY ON MY EUROPE TOUR IN '66 WHO TALKED A LOT AND,
UNFORTUNATELY, HE SPOKE WITH A HOOSIER TWANG. WHEN WE WERE GOING
UP TO THE SALT MINES OUTSIDE SALZBURG, I WAS IN THE LAST CABLE CAR
WITH REID, OUR CONDUCTOR (WHO IS A CHARACTER), AND THIS GUY, BOB
MEYER, AND SOMEONE FROM THE NEXT GROUP. BOB WAS RATTLING ON AND
ON, AND REID FINALLY LOST HIS PATIENCE AND TACT (WHAT TACT HE HAD)
AND SAID BLUNTLY, "BOB, YOU'VE GOT DIARRHEA OF THE MOUTH." BOB
STOPPED, SURPRISED, I GUESS BECAUSE NO ONE HAD EVER TOLD HIM TO
SHUT UP BEFORE. HE DIDN'T SAY A WORD FOR A LONG TIME AFTER THAT
AND IT SEEMED TO ME THAT HE DIDN'T TALK AS MUCH AFTER THAT. REID
MADE ANOTHER COMMENT, I THINK, ABOUT BOB NOT BEING AS BAD AS
ROSEMARY, OUR GUIDE WHO TALKED FROM 9:00-10:26 (I TIMED HER)
NON-STOP--NO COMMAS, NO PERIODS. I WAS SORT OF EMBARRASSED THAT
REID WAS SO BLUNT, BUT IT WAS EFFECTIVE AND I THOUGHT A VERY APT
STATEMENT AND I HAD TO TRY HARD TO KEEP A STRAIGHT FACE.
Where learned: GERMANY ; SALZBURG
| Subject headings: | PROVERB -- Proverbial Metaphor |
Date learned: 07-00-1966
It is tradition in a German community to collect the Christmas
trees. There was one location in which people took their trees to
build one huge pile. Later, a toy witch was placed on top of the
pile and at a celebration at the beginning of February the pile of
trees was set on fire. The burning of the Christmas trees
symbolized the burning out of winter along with evil symbolized by
the witch. The Germans celebrated with music and dancing by the
large fire. You could see from the upper balcony of the apartment
building the fires of the other communities.
Where learned: WEST GERMANY ; Neu Ulm
| Subject headings: | Favorites CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- February CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20 Christmas tree |
Date learned: 01-00-1986