Dr. James T. Callow publications
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The James T. Callow Folklore Archive
Your search for Sterling Heights returned 180 results.
COLD REMEDY FROM GREECE
THIS IS A TYPE OF HOMEMADE ELIXIR. YOU NEED A COFFEE CUP.
POUR IN A FOURTH OF A CUP OF WHISKEY, A THIRD OF A CUP OF HONEY,
THE HONEY SHOULD BE HEATED, A THIRD OF A CUP OF HOT TEA, AND TWO
TABLESPOONS OF LEMON JUICE. THIS YOU MIX VIGOROUSLY WITH A SPOON.
TO THIS YOU ADD A PINCH OF NUTMEG, TWO TEASPOONS OF SUGAR, AND
A CINNAMON STICK TO STIR IT WITH. THIS ACTUALLY DOES COAT THE
THROAT, BUT EVEN IF IT DID NOT, THE WHISKEY IS ENOUGH TO MAKE
YOU NOT CARE!
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; Sterling Heights ; WHERE I LEARNED THIS
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Remedy |
Date learned: 00-00-1976
MY MOTHER ALWAYS TELLS ME THAT TO BE TOO HAPPY
MEANS THAT SOMETHING BAD WILL HAPPEN TO YOU TO
BALANCE THE MEASURE. SO IF THINGS ARE GOING RIGHT,
COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS, BUT DON'T BE TOO VOCAL, OR
SOMETHING BAD IS SURE TO OCCUR!!!
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; Sterling Heights
James Callow Keyword(s): COMPENSATION CYCLICAL THINKING
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Fate Destiny Luck Chance |
Date learned: 09-00-1985
HALLOWEEN IS CELEBRATED MUCH THE SAME IN GREECE AS IT IS
IN THE UNITED STATES, EXCEPT IN THE UPPER PENNISULA. ARTA, AS
IT IS CALLED, FEARS ALL HALLOWS EVE. PEOPLE DO NOT LEAVE THEIR
HOMES FOR FEAR THAT SPIRITS WILL OVERTAKE THEM AND DESTROY THEM.
THIS IS THE ONE NIGHT OF THE YEAR THAT PERSONS FROM ARTA BELIEVE
SPIRITS ROAM FREE. THESE SPIRITS CAN BE RESTORED TO LIFE IF
THEY CAN FIND A LIFE TO REPLACE THEM IN THE LAND OF THE DEAD.
GOAT'S BLOOD IS PAINTED ON EVERY FRONT DOOR IN THE SIGN OF
A CROSS TO WARD AWAY THESE EVIL SPIRITS. A LARGE MEAL IS
EATEN THAT NIGHT, FOR THE VILLAGERS BELIEVE THAT THE SPIRITS
CANNOT LIFT A LIVING PERSON AND CARRY HIM OFF IF HE IS FILLED
WITH FOOD.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; Sterling Heights ; WHERE I FIRST HEARD THIS
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- October 31 Halloween BELIEF -- Ghost Spirit Phantom Specter |
Date learned: 00-00-1948
"UFO"
I WAS SETTING UP MY TELESCOPE FOR A NIGHT OF NOT UNUSUAL
OBSERVATION. SUDDENLY, THERE IN THE DEEP BLUE, NORTHERN SKY,
I SPOTTED A TWINKLING STAR-LIKE IMAGE. I QUICKLY
ROTATED MY SCOPE AND AIMED. THERE IT IS....A STRANGE
UNIDENTIFIABLE FLYING OBJECT. "UFO!" I EXCLAIMED. YEAH,
THAT'S WHAT I'LL CALL IT.......A "UFO!"
IT WAS A SILVERY BALL WITH A BAR STICKING OUT. IT LOOKED
LIKE A TOOTSIE-POP SUCKER. IN THE MIDDLE OF THE BAR WAS A
RED LIGHT. AT THE END WAS A WHITE LIGHT. THE ENTIRE ALIEN
VESSEL DRIFTED FROM WEST TO EAST AND SLOWLY ROTATED, AS
SEEN BY THE REVOLVING BAR. IN TIME, IT DRIFTED OUT OF
SIGHT, NEVER TO BE SEEN AGAIN.
Submitter comment:
JAMES KEPT A LOG AND DREW A PICTURE OF HIS SIGHTING. HE
SAID THAT IT COULD NOT HAVE BEEN A HELICOPTER, AIRPLANE,
NOR SATELLITE. HE ALSO CLAIMED TO BE THE FIRST TO COIN
THE PHRASE "UFO." THEREFORE, IT IS HARD TO TELL IF HE
IS REALLY SERIOUS.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; Sterling Heights ; IN EMPTY RESERVOIR BEHIND HOME
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Celestial Body PROSE NARRATIVE -- Explanation of a name SPEECH -- Folk etymology |
A FEW SAYINGS
OH YES, I CAN REMEMBER MANY SUPERSTITIONS. AH
YOU SHOULDN'T PART IF THERE'S A POST OR TREE;
NEVER SIT UNDER AN ARCHWAY AT A FUNERAL HOME;
IF YOU PUT SALT ON A BIRD'S TALE IT WON'T MOVE;
IF THE POCKET OF A PALLBEARER IS TORN HE WILL DIE
THE NEXT DAY.
Submitter comment:
SHE WAS ZIPPING THEM RIGHT OFF THE TOP OF HER
HEAD!!
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; Sterling Heights ; IN HER HOUSE
Date learned: 00001930S
IF YOU EAT LOTS OF CHOCOLATE WHEN YOU ARE PREGNANT, YOUR
CHILD WILL HAVE DARK BROWN HAIR. SHE TOLD ME THIS DURING MY
AUNT'S PREGNANCY; MY AUNT CRAVED CHOCOLATE, AND SURE ENOUGH.
MY COUSIN HAS DARK, SHINY BROWN HAIR.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; Sterling Heights ; WHERE I FIRST HEARD THIS
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Birth |
Date learned: 00-00-1975
THIS PARODY GOES TO THE "JINGLE BELLS" TUNE. IT GOES, "JINGLE BELLS,
BATMAN SMELLS, ROBIN LAID AN EGG; BATMOBILE LOST A WHEEL, AND
JOKER GOT AWAY." IT IS REPEATED MANY TIMES, BUT USUALLY FOUR.
MY FRIENDS AND I PICKED THIS JINGLE UP FROM SOME OF THE OLDER KIDS.
WE THOUGHT IT WAS FUNNY, SO IT BECAME "OUR" SONG. TO THIS DAY
WHEN I VISIT MY OLD FRIENDS DURING THE HOLIDAYS, WE STILL WILL
BREAK INTO SONG.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; Sterling Heights ; WHERE I FIRST HEARD THIS
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Good humor Jest |
Date learned: 00-00-1974
SEE SEE MY PLAYMATE
THIS SONG WAS SUNG WHILE PLAYING A GAME:
SEE SEE MY PLAYMATE
COME OUT AND PLAY WITH ME
AND BRING YOUR DOLLY SWEET
CLIMB UP MY APPLE TREE
SLIDE DOWN MY RAINBOW
INTO MY CELLAR DOOR
AND WE'LL BE JOLLY FRIENDS
FOR EVER MORE, MORE, MORE.
Submitter comment: SHE LEARNED THE SONG WHILE SHE WAS A CHILD.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; Sterling Heights ; WHILE GROWING UP
Keyword(s): PLAYMATE
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Children |
Date learned: 00001970'S
THIS WAS AT MY GRANDMOTHER'S HOUSE ON THE EAST SIDE
OF DETROIT. WHENEVER THERE WAS A THUNDERSTORM SHE WOULD
SING CHRISTIAN SONGS AND WALK THROUGH THE HOUSE. I DON'T
REMEMBER EXACTLY WHAT THE SONGS WERE. SHE WALKED THROUGH
THE HOUSE CARRYING LIT PALM LEAVES WHICH WERE BLESSED
ON PALM SUNDAY. LATER, MY MOTHER WOULD LIGHT CANDLES.
TO THIS DAY, AUNT JUDY (SISTER) IS PETRIFIED OF STORMS AND
STILL LIGHTS CANDLES.
Submitter comment: THE BURNING WAS SUPPOSED TO KEEP EVIL FROM HAPPENING.
Where learned: HOME ; MICHIGAN ; Sterling Heights
Keyword(s): LIGHTNING
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Lightning Thunder |
Date learned: 00001940S
IN THE FACTORY WHERE I WORKED THIS SUMMER, ONE WOULD
GESTURE A NEED TO VISIT THE LAVATORY AND FOR THE
HELPER AT THE OTHER END OF THE MACHINE TO WATCH IT
IN HIS ABSENCE BY: (1) IMITATING THE MOVEMENT OF
UNZIPPING HIS PANTS AND (2) POINTING HIS INDEX AND
MIDDLE FINGERS OF ONE HAND AT HIS EYES AND THEN BACK
TO THE MACHINE.
Where learned: Sterling Heights ; MICHIGAN, ASSUMED
| Subject headings: | 602 Body Parts CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Work Commerce Business CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Measure of time Routine activity SPEECH -- Instructions Directions |
Date learned: NOT GIVEN
BELIEF
IF YOU GIVE SOMEBODY A PIN (A PIECE OF JEWELRY) FOR A GIFT, ALSO
GIVE A PENNY OR YOU'LL BREAK UP THE FRIENDSHIP.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; Sterling Heights
Keyword(s): GIFT PENNY FRIENDSHIP
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Street Trip Relations between relatives, friends, host and guest Social class Rank |
Date learned: 02-07-1972
"THE COOKIE JAR SONG"
DAD: "MOMMY STOLE A COOKIE FROM THE COOKIE JAR."
MOM: "WHO, ME?"
FAMILY: "YES YOU!"
MOM: "COULDN'T BE!"
FAMILY: "THEN WHO?"
MOM: "DADDY STOLE A COOKIE FROM THE COOKIE JAR!"
DAD: "WHO, ME?"
Submitter comment:
THIS SONG CAN CONTINUE ON UNTIL THE FAMILY
DECIDES TO STOP SINGING. IT CAN BE STARTED BY
ANY MEMBER, AND IS TOSSED RANDOMLY FROM PERSON TO PERSON
DEPENDING ON THE PREVIOUSLY CHOSEN STEALER'S PREFERENCE.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; Sterling Heights ; WHERE I LEARNED ITEM AS A BOY
Keyword(s): SNACK
James Callow Keyword(s): QUESTION AND ANSWER DIALOGUE
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Good humor Jest |
Date learned: 00001960S
Proverb
That's the pot calling the kettle black.
Data entry tech comment:
Motifs added by TRD
James Callow comment:
Original BN [V200] crossed out. Replaced wtih current classification.
Where learned: Sterling Heights
Keyword(s): Aphorism ; Apothegm ; Black ; COLOR ; HYPOCRISY ; Kettle ; Maxim ; Pot ; PROVERB ; Similarity ; VERSE
| Subject headings: | PROVERB -- Proverbial Phrase |
"THE PRETTIEST GIRL"
EACH LINE IS REPEATED BY A SECOND SINGER
THE PRETTIEST GIRL,
I EVER SAW,
WAS SIPPIN CI-
DER THROUGH A STRAW,
THE PRETTIEST GIRL I EVER SAW, WAS SIPPIN CIDER
THROUGH A STRAW
I ASKED HER IF,
SHE'D SHOW ME HOW,
TO SIP SOME CI-
DER THROUGH A STRAW,
I ASKED HER IF SHE'D SHOW ME HOW,
TO SIP SOME CIDER THROUGH A STRAW
SO LIP TO LIP,
AND JAW TO JAW,
WE SIPPED SOME CI-
DER THROUGH A STRAW,
SO LIP TO LIP AND JAW TO JAW,
WE SIPPED SOME CIDER THROUGH A STRAW.
THE STRAW DID SLIP,
I KISSED HER LIP,
FROM SIPPIN CI-,
DER THROUGH A STRAW,
THE STRAW DID SLIP, I KISSED HER LIP,
FROM SIPPIN CIDER THROUGH A STRAW
AND NOW I'VE GOT,
A MOTHER IN LAW,
FROM SIPPIN CI-
DER THROUGH A STRAW,
AND NOW I'VE GOT A MOTHER IN LAW,
FROM SIPPIN CIDER THROUGH A STRAW
AND 49 KIDS,
ALL CALL ME PAW,
FROM SIPPIN CI-
DER THROUGH A STRAW,
AND 49 KIDS ALL CALL ME PAW,
FROM SIPPIN CIDER THROUGH A STRAW
THE MORAL OF,
THIS LITTLE TALE,
IS SIP YOUR CI-
DER THROUGH A PAIL,
THE MORAL OF THIS LITTLE TALE,
IS SIP YOUR CIDER THROUGH A PAIL.
Where learned: HOME ; MICHIGAN ; Sterling Heights
| Subject headings: | Favorites Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Good humor Jest |
Date learned: 00001950S
AUTOGRAPH BOOK VERSE
BUY A FORD, THEY'RE THE BEST. THEN RIDE A MILE AND WALK THE REST.
Submitter comment:
THE WORD FORD IS AN ABBREVIATION FOR A COMMON RETORT WHICH
MEANS "FIX OR REPAIR DAILY."
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; Sterling Heights
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Autograph Verse |
Date learned: CA00001970
TREE SURGEON JOKE
HAVE YOU HEARD ABOUT THE SUCCESSFUL TREE SURGEON WHO HAD
SEVERAL BRANCH OFFICES?
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; Sterling Heights
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Tale |
Date learned: NOT GIVEN
NOVELIST JOKE
HAVE YOU HEARD ABOUT THE NOVELIST WHO THOUGHT AND THOUGHT
UNTIL HE CAME UP WITH SOME NOVEL IDEAS?
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; Sterling Heights
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Tale |
Date learned: NOT GIVEN
JOHN AND MARGARET
JOHN AND MARGARET HAD A FATHER AND A STEPMOTHER. THE STEPMOTHER
TOOK THEM INTO THE FOREST AND THE CHILDREN KNEW THAT SHE WAS
GOING TO LEAVE THEM THERE. SO THE BOY SCATTERED CRUMBS OF
BREAD ALONG THE WAY SO THEY COULD FIND THEIR WAY BACK. THE
STEPMOTHER DID LEAVE THEM AND WENT BACK HOME.
HOWEVER, THE BIRDS ATE THE BREAD CRUMBS AND THE CHILDREN COULDN'T
FIND THEIR WAY BACK HOME. THEY WALKED AROUND AND AROUND ON
CIRCLES INSIDE THE FOREST TRYING TO FIND THEIR WAY HOME. THEN THE
CHILDREN SAW A VERY NICE HOUSE MADE OF CAKES. TORTS, COOKIES,
THE WITCH CAME CAME OUT SAYING, "WHO IS TAKING APART MY
HOME? DO NOT BE AFRAID, COME TO ME AND I WILL GIVE YOU
SOMETHING TO EAT." SHE FED THEM AND TREATED THEM VERY
WELL. LATER SHE LIT THE OVEN==THE OVEN WAS LARGE- AND WHEN IT
WAS HOT SHE TOLD THE BOY TO SIT ON THE WOODEN SHOVEL. BUT THE BOY
SAID, "I DON'T KNOW HOW TO SIT DOWN ON IT. WILL YOU
SHOW ME HOW TO DO IT?". AND AS SHE WAS GOING TO
SHOW HIM, HE PUSHED HER INTO THE OVEN.
THEY WERE HAPPY AND WENT HOME AND LIVED HAPPILY EVER AFTER.
Submitter comment:
INFORMANT NEVER HEARD OF HANSEL AND GRETEL. SHE HEARD THIS STORY
FROM HER OLDER SISTER WHILE IN POLAND.
THIS IS TRANSLATED FROM POLISH
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; POLAND ; Sterling Heights ; GOWARCZOW
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Witch Shaman PROSE NARRATIVE -- Magic |
Date learned: 11-00-1973
CHRISTMAS CUSTOM
AFTER CHRISTMAS THE BOYS WOULD VISIT HOMES DRESSED AS A DEVIL
CARRYING A PITCHFORK AND SHEPHERDS WITH A STAR. THEY WOULD SING A
FEW CHRISTMAS CAROLS AND PUT ON A SHORT FUNNY PLAY. THE PLAY
USUALLY INVOLVED THE SHEPHERDS AND DEVIL FIGHTING EACH OTHER.
Submitter comment: THIS WAS DONE IN POLAND FROM CHRISTMAS DAY UNTIL NEW YEAR'S DAY.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; POLAND ; Sterling Heights ; GOWARCZOW
Date learned: 11-00-1973
EASTER CUSTOM
BOYS WOULD MAKE TINY HOLES WITH A NEEDLE AT OPPOSITE ENDS OF AN
EGG AND BLOW THE INSIDES OUT. WHEN THE GIRLS WERE STANDING UP
IN CHURCH THE BOYS WOULD SNEAK UP AND PIN THE EMPTY SHELL
ON THEIR BACKS.
Submitter comment:
THIS WAS DONE TO UNMARRIED GIRLS IN POLAND.
THE INFORMANT IS NOT SURE WHETHER IT WAS DONE AT CHRISTMAS OR
OR EASTER.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; POLAND ; Sterling Heights ; GOWARCZOW
Date learned: 11-00-1973