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KWANZA
KWANZA IS AN AFRICAN HOLIDAY. IT IS CELEBRATED
DECEMBER 26 THROUGH JANUARY 1. IT IS AN EVENT WHICH
IS CELEBRATED ANNUALLY AND IS BASED ON AFRICAN
HARVEST CELEBRATIONS. KWANZA MEANS THE FIRST FRUIT.
THE PURPOSE OF KWANZA IS THE THANKING OF OUR ANCESTORS
IN ORDER TO INSURE A GOOD HARVEST FOR THE ENSUING YEAR.
DURING THE HARVEST CELEBRATIONS, THERE ARE
FEASTING, DRUMMING AND DANCING. STORY_TELLING
IS HEARD. FAMILY TIES ARE STRENGTHENED
AND ENCOURAGED.
MOST HOLIDAYS HAVE SYMBOLS WHICH ARE IDENTIFIABLE
WITH A PARTICULAR CELEBRATION. KWANZA DOES ALSO.
THE SYMBOLS OF KWANZA ARE: MEKA (STRAW) THE MHUMA (CANDLE),
ZAWADI (GIFTS) AND MAHINDI (CORN). THE CORN
REPRESESENTS ALL THE CHILDREN IN THE HOUSEHOLD.
LAST BUT NOT LEAST, THERE IS THE KIKOMBE (UNITY CUP).
COMMUNITIES AND HOMES ARE DECORATED, HOWEVER, EMPHASIS
IS ON THE USE OF NATURAL THINGS.
THE COLORS OF RED, GREEN AND BLACK ARE USED.
THEY ALSO SYMBOLIZES THE BLOOD SHED BY AFRICANS
IN THE STRUGGLE FOR FREEDOM AND PEACE.
THESE COLORS REPRESENTS BLOOD, LAND AND COLOR.
BLACK IS FOR THE AFRICAN SKIN COLOR. GREEN IS FOR FERTILITY.
EMPHASIS IS PLACED UPON THE CHILDREN WHO RECEIVE
MOST OF THE GIFTS AND ARE ASKED TO MAKE A COMMITMENT.
A CHILD MIGHT ASK FOR BETTER GRADES IN SCHOOL.
IF THE CHILD GRADES HAS IMPROVED CONSIDERABLY, HE IS REWARDED.
THE REWARDS ARE CLOTHING, EXTRA FOOD OR A VISIT OUT OF TOWN.
TRADITIONALLY, THE STRENTH OF THE AFRICAN FAMILY
HAS ALWAYS BEEN THE FAMILY. BECAUSE OF THIS, THE FAMILY
IS THE FOCAL POINT OF THE CELEBRATION.
Submitter comment:
THE MEANING OF THE WORD FAMILY HERE CONSIST OF
THE FATHER, MOTHER, CHILDREN, AUNTS AND UNCLES.
FAMILY MEANS THE EXTENDED FAMILY.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT ; 4474 THIRD AVE
POLISH CHRISTMAS CUSTOM
AT CHRISTMAS, PUT HAY ON A TABLECLOTH. IN THE MIDDLE PUT THE
CHRISTMAS WAFERS. EVERYONE MAKES A WISH THEN. AFTER THE MEAL
THE DOG IS GIVEN WHATEVER IS LEFT OVER FROM THE MEAL.
Submitter comment:
THE INFORMANT FIRST LEARNED THIS AROUND 1910 IN POLAND. NO REASON
WAS OFFERED AS TO WHY THIS CUSTOM WAS DONE. THE MENTION OF A WISH
COULD LEAD TO SPECULATION ABOUT LUCK OR PREDICTION. ALSO, WHAT
HAPPENS IF THE HOUSEHOLD DOES NOT HAVE A DOG?
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 25 Christmas Also see F642, below. CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20 BELIEF -- P122 BELIEF -- Mammal |
Date learned: 10-00-1980 ; CA00001910
ST. STEPHEN'S DAY
ON DEC. 26, MIDDLEAGED PEOPLE THREW WALNUTS AT THEIR FRIENDS OR
FAMILIES. PROBABLY USED AS A REMINDER TO GET RID OF OLD YEAR
AND PREPARE FOR NEW ONE.
Submitter comment:
THE OBSERVANCE OF THIS DAY IN HAMTRAMCK WAS PRACTICED BY PARENTS WHO
AWOKE THEIR CHILDREN BY TOSSING A WALNUT TO THEIR NOSE.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; HAMTRAMCK
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- January 1 New Year's CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 26 Boxing Day St. Stephen's Day Food Drink -- Plant food Nut |
Date learned: 00-00-1920
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
CHRISTMAS TREES
CHRISTMAS TREES ARE VERY POPULAR IN POLAND. IN THE LARGE HOUSES IN
THE CITIES THEY ARE PLACED ON THE FLOOR OR THE TABLE. IN OUR
VILLAGE, MIELIEC, PEOPLE HUNG THEM FROM THE CEILING BY THE TOP
BRANCHES, ALL DECORATED WITH APPLES, NUTS, CANDIES AND MANY SMALL
TOYS MADE OUT OF BLOWN EGGS, COLORED PAPER AND STRAW. IT IS
SUPPOSED THAT THE GIFTS WERE BROUGHT BY AN ANGEL, SINCE ST. NICHOLAS
VISITED THE CHILDREN ON DEC. 6. AN OLD CHRISTMAS CAROL IS SUNG AND
THEN THE GIFTS ARE OPENNED.
Submitter comment:
EVEN A BARE, SMALL CHRISTMAS TREE WITH A LITTLE ORNAMENTS, BROUGHT
HAPPINESS TO PEOPLE AT A TIME WHEN SIMPLE PLEASURES WERE ALL THAT
MATTERED.
Where learned: POLAND ; WARSAW ; MIELIEC
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Religious CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 6 Feast of St. Nicholas CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 25 Christmas Also see F642, below. BELIEF -- Angel |
Date learned: 00-00-1940
CHRISTMAS SONGS
POLISH CAROLS, KOLENDY, ARE SUNG AT MIDNIGHT MASS, OR THE PASTERKA
CALLED SHEPHERDS' WATCH. MANY PEOPLE IN OUR VILLAGE BELIEVED THAT
WHILE WE SANG AND PRAYED, PEACE DESCENDED ON THE WORLD. ANIMALS
ASSUMED VOICES AT THIS TIME, WHICH ONLY WAS HEARD BY THE INNOCENT OF
HEART.
Submitter comment:
CHRISTMAS SONGS BROUGHT PEOPLE TOGETHER TO PRAISE THE EARTH AND
HAVE SOME FUN. IT WAS A TIME OF BEING WITH FRIENDS.
Where learned: POLAND ; WARSAW ; MIELIEC
Date learned: 00-00-1940
EVENTS ON CHRISTMAS EVE
FROM EVENING UNTIL MIDNIGHT, BOYS WALK FROM VILLAGE TO VILLAGE WITH
AN ILLUMINATED STAR AND A KING HEROD CHARACTER, TO SING CAROLS.
THIS IS DONE TO RECEIVE GIFTS. IN SOME DISTRICTS THE BOYS CARRY
PUPPET SHOWS CALLED SZOPKI. THESE ARE BUILT LIKE A LITTLE HOUSE
WITH TWO TOWERS, OPEN IN THE FRONT WHERE A SMALL CRIB IS SET AND
BEFORE WHICH MARIONETTES SING THEIR DIALOGUES.
Submitter comment:
THE DRAMATIZATION AND PUPPET SHOWS WERE EAGERLY AWAITED BY THE
CHILREN OF POLAND AS WELL AS THE ADULTS.
Where learned: POLAND ; WARSAW ; MIELIEC
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Religious DRAMA -- Religious DRAMA -- Puppet CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 24 Christmas Eve |
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
GEORGIA CHRISTMAS TREE CUSTOM
"WE'D ALWAYS HAVE OUR CHRISTMAS TREE UP BY CHRISTMAS EVE,
BECAUSE IT MEANT GOOD LUCK FOR THE HOLIDAYS AND THE NEW YEAR."
Where learned: OHIO ; FLORIDA ; ALLIANCE ; EUSTIS
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 24 Christmas Eve CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20 Christmas tree BELIEF -- Measure of time Year BELIEF -- Good luck |
Date learned: 11-13-1980 ; 00001920S
ALABAMA CHRISTMAS EVE CUSTOM
"IT WAS GOOD LUCK TO HAVE THE FAMILY CHRISTMAS TREE UP BY
CHRISTMAS EVE".
Submitter comment:
THE INFORMANT LEARNED THIS ITEM AS A CHILD IN BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA
FROM HIS MOTHER, CIRCA 1928. SHE LEARNED IT FROM HER MOTHER
IN ALABAMA CIRCA 1900.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; ALABAMA ; DETROIT ; BIRMINGHAM
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 24 Christmas Eve CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20 Christmas tree BELIEF -- Good luck |
Date learned: 11-22-1980 ; 00-00-1928 ; 00-00-1900
ALABAMA CHRISTMAS CUSTOM
"IT BROUGHT THE FAMILY GOOD LUCK TO SERVE PLUM PUDDING WITH
CHRISTMAS DINNER".
Submitter comment:
THE INFORMANT LEARNED THIS ITEM AS A CHILD IN BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA
FROM HIS MOTHER, CIRCA 1928. SHE LEARNED IT FROM HER MOTHER
IN ALABAMA CIRCA 1900.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; ALABAMA ; DETROIT ; BIRMINGHAM
Date learned: 11-22-1980 ; 00-00-1928 ; 00-00-1900
GREEK CHRISTMAS FEAST
CHRISTMAS IS A FEAST DAY FOR ALL PEOPLE, AS A RULE, ENRICH THEIR
HOLIDAYS WITH TRADITIONS AND CUSTOMS ALL THEIR OWN. THE CHRISTMAS
DINNER CONSISTS OF A FRESH FRUIT CUP, ROAST DUCK WITH WINE SAUCE,
STEAMED WHITE RICE, CELERY AND CARROT CURLS, RADISHES, OLIVES AND
FETA CHEESE, SWEET BREAD AND RETSINA WINE.
Submitter comment: CHRISTMAS TO THE GREEKS IS THE SAME AS OUR CELEBRATION OF CHRISTMAS.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 25 Christmas Also see F642, below. Food Drink -- Typical menus for the various meals For meal hours, see F574.84. Special or festive meals |
Date learned: 00-00-1980
BREAKING THE OPLATEK
THE OPLATEK IS RICH IN POLISH CULTURE AND CUSTOM.
THE OPLATEK IS A VERY THIN WAFER OF BREAD THAT IS BROKEN AND
SHARED BY PEOPLE AT CHRISTMAS.
THE SHARING IS ACCOMPANIED BY THESE WORDS: "I WISH YOU
HEALTH, WEALTH, AND HAPPINESS, AND WHAT YOU WISH FROM GOD ALONE.
Submitter comment:
THE BREAKING OF THIS BREAD IS SIGNIFICANT BECAUSE
IT IS BLESSED, AND THEREFORE IT IS SACRED , ESPECIALLY TO THE POLISH
CULTURE. IT IS A SYMBOL OF LOVE AND GOOD WISHES ESPECIALLY
IN THE FAMILY SETTING.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 25 Christmas Also see F642, below. CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20 Oplatki |
SLOVAK CHRISTMAS-EVE CUSTOM
BEFORE A FARMER SAT DOWN TO EAT, HE WENT OUT TO THE
BARN AND GAVE HIS LIVESTOCK GARLIC SO THAT THEY MAY
BE HEALTHY DURING THE COMING YEAR. HE ALSO SPRINKLED
THEM WITH HOLY WATER.
Where learned: OHIO ; CLEVELAND
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 24 Christmas Eve CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20 BELIEF -- Home |
Date learned: 00001967 FALL
OPLATEK
EVERY YEAR WHEN THE WHOLE FAMILY GETS TOGETHER ON
CHRISTMAS EVE FOR THE CHRISTMAS EVE DINNER, THE HEAD
OF THE FAMILY, USUALLY THE GRANDFATHER, TAKES A
PLATE OF OPLATEK (COMMUNION-LIKE WAFER) AND GIVES
EVERYONE PRESENT A PIECE OF IT. EVERYONE PRESENT THEN
APPROACHES EVERYONE ELSE IN THE ROOM, STARTING WITH
THE ELDER MEMBERS OF THE FAMILY; AND THEY OFFER THAT
PERSON A PIECE OF THEIR OPLATEK WHILE TAKING A
SMALL PIECE FROM THAT PERSON. WHILE THIS IS BEING
DONE, CHRISTMAS WISHES AND WISHES OF GOOD LUCK FOR THE
COMING YEAR ARE ALSO EXCHANGED BY THE PEOPLE SHARING
THEIR OPLATEK. THIS IS FOLLOWED BY AKISS OR A
HANDSHAKE.
Submitter comment:
INFORMANT, MY MOTHER, HAD ONLY TO FILL IN A FEW
DETAILS AND GIVE ME THE CORRECT SPELLING FOR THE WORD
OPLATEK, WHICH IN AMERICA MEANS WAFER OR ANGEL-BREAD.
THIS TRADITION IS STILL VERY MUCH ALIVE IN OUR FAMILY.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 24 Christmas Eve CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Home CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Measure of time Week Day Hour CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20 |
Date learned: 01-08-1964
FIXED DATE FESTIVAL
CHILDREN CAN BE VERY CRUEL, AND ONE OF THE THINGS THE
CHILDREN BACK HOME DO IS TO GO OUT ON ST. STEPHEN'S
DAY (DEC. 26) WITH BIG NOVELTY STOCKS AND HUNT DOWN
A LITTLE BIRD CALLED THE WREN. THEY KILL THE BIRD
AND PUT THE CORPSE IN THE MIDDLE OF A HOLLY WREATH,
AND DECORATE IT WITH RIBBONS AND COLORED PAPERS AND
THINGS, AND THEY GO AROUND FROM DOOR TO DOOR SINGING
SONGS AND COLLECTING MONEY FOR THE FUNERAL.
Submitter comment:
THE ABOVE IS A QUOTE FROM A RECORD OF IRISH FOLK
SONGS THAT MIKE HEARD AT A FRIEND'S HOME. IT IS AN
INTRODUCTION TOLD BY THE SINGERS TO EXPLAIN THE
MEANING BEHIND ONE OF THE SONGS. THIS SONG WAS ONE
OF THE SONGS THE CHILDREN SANG AS THEY CARRIED THE
DEAD WREN.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 26 Boxing Day St. Stephen's Day |
Date learned: 09-29-1971
ON THE FEAST OF ST. JOHN DEC. 27, IF ONE WOULD DRAW WATER FROM THE
WELL EXACTLY AT MIDNIGHT, IT WOULD BE WINE.
HOWEVER THE TIMING HAD TO BE
EXACT OR ONE WOULD MERELY GET WATER.
Submitter comment:
INFORMANT REMEMBERS TRYING
THIS EVERY YEAR AS A CHILD IN THE EARLY 1900'S IN MANITOBA, CANADA.
REMEMBERS THAT THEY WERE ALWAYS DISAPPOINTED BECAUSE THEY NEVER GOT
WINE.
UNCERTAIN OF ORIGIN, PROBABLY POLISH
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
Keyword(s): MIRACLE
| Subject headings: | Favorites CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- F122 BELIEF -- Religious hero BELIEF -- Measure of time WeekDayHour |
ON CHRISTMAS EVE, THE LEGEND GOES, THAT IF ONE WENT OUT AT MIDNIGHT
ONE WOULD SEE THE CATTLE PRAYING ON THEIR KNEES. HOWEVER, ONE HAD TO
GO AT EXACTLY THE RIGHT MINUTE TO SEE THIS PHENOMENON. INFORMANT
REMEMBERS GOING TO THE BARN EVERY YEAR ON CHRISTMAS EVE WITH HER
BROTHERS AND SISTER TO SEE THIS. THEY WERE ALWAYS DISAPPOINTED
BECAUSE THEY MISSED THE RIGHT MOMENT.
Submitter comment:
AROUND 1900 IN A SETTLEMENT OF POLISH AND SLAVIC IMMIGRANTS
IN MANITOBA, CANADA.
UNCERTAIN OF ORIGIN. PROBABLY POLISH OR SLAVIC.
Data entry tech comment: TM B251.1.2.3 COWS KNEEL...
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | Favorites PROSE NARRATIVE -- Mammal CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 24 Christmas Eve |
Date learned: 12-18-1963
CHRISTMAS DAY CUSTOM
THERE MUST BE AN ORANGE, NUTS, AND CANDY IN THE STOCKING.
Submitter comment:
THESE ARE ALL TO INSURE THAT CHRISTMAS DAY WILL BE ONE OF JOY AND
MERRIMENT. ALSO AS A FORETELLING OF THE COMING YEAR TO BE A GOOD
YEAR.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 25 Christmas Also see F642, below. CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20 Gifts, gift giving at Christmas BELIEF -- Measure of time Year |
Date learned: 00-00-1939
CHRISTMAS CUSTOMS
ON CHRISTMAS, A SPECIAL CANDLE IS LIT BY THE HEAD OF THE FAMILY.
THIS CANDLE, AROUND WHICH THE ENTIRE FAMILY GATHERS, IS
SYMBOLIC OF THE MEN AND WOMEN WHO HAVE DIED IN THE PAST YEAR. THE
FAMILY WATCHES THE CANDLE BURN AND MEDITATES ON THE SOULS OF
THOSE PEOPLE THEY HAVE KNOWN OF WHO ARE NOW DEPARTED.
THEY DO THIS UNTIL THE CANDLE BURNS OUT OR IS SNUFFED OUT BY THE
PERSON WHO LIT IT.
Where learned: DETROIT
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 25 Christmas Also see F642, below. BELIEF -- Death Funeral Burial BELIEF -- Measure of time Year |
Date learned: 00001930S