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UKRAINIAN CATHOLIC CHRISTMAS CUSTOMS

ON CHRISTMAS EVE "A HOLY SUPPER" IS SERVED WHEN THE FIRST EVENING
STAR APPEARS IN THE SKY. THE SUPPER CONSISTS OF NON-MEAT
FOODS, FOR THE DAY OF CHRISTMAS EVE IS DEVOTED TO PRAYER, FASTING
AND STRICT ABSTINENCE. THE FLOOR IS COVERED WITH STRAW AND THE
TABLE WITH HAY, A REMEMBRANCE THAT JESUS WAS BORN IN A STABLE
AND LAID IN A MANGER. A WHITE TABLE CLOTH IS SPREAD OVER
THE TABLE. ON THE CENTER OF THE TABLE A LARGE LIGHTED CANDLE
REPRESENTS THE STAR OF BETHLEHEM. FOR SUPPER THERE ARE TWELVE
PLATES. IT BEGINS WITH A PRAYER. THE HEAD OF THE FAMILY
DISTRIBUTES "PHOSPHORA", LITTLE PIECES OF BREAD WITH HONEY.
SUPPER CONSISTS OF ITEMS SUCH AS KUTIA, BOILED WHEAT AND HONEY,
BORSCH, BEET SOUP, HOLUBUTSI, CABBAGE ROLLS, PYRAHY, BOILED
ROLLS FILLED WITH MASHED POTATOES, CABBAGE AND CHEESE, AND FISH.
EACH A REMEMBRANCE OF THE TWELVE APOSTLES.
A SHEAF OF RYE IN THE CORNER OF THE ROOM IS A SYMBOL OF THE FERTILITY
OF THE UKRAINIAN SOIL. DURING SUPPER CAROLS ARE SUNG. GROUPS OF
CAROLERS VISIT THE HOME AND CAROL "KOLIADA" DURING THE EVENING.
A GROTTO IS CARRIED WITH THE SHEPHERDS AND MANGER AND ALSO THE
CAROLERS CARRY SIX OR EIGHT POINTED STARS WITH TWO SURFACES AND
A CANDLE IS PLACED BETWEEN THEM. THE CAROLERS REPRESENT THE
SHEPHERDS AND ANGELS, CAROLING IS POPULAR TO GLORIFY JESUS
AND MARY AND INSTILL RELIGIOUS TRUTHS TO THE PEOPLE. CAROLS
ORIGINATED IN THE 17 CENTURY. THE OLDEST IS "BOH PREDVICHNEY", THAT
IS "ETERNAL GOD IS BORN". THE CAROLS ARE IN TWO GROUPS, "KOLIADY"
AND "SCHEDRIVKY". THE FIRST GROUP IS RELIGIOUS AND THE SECOND
EXPRESSES GREETINGS PEOPLE GREET ONE ANOTHER WITH. AN EXAMPLE
IS "KHRYSTOS RAGHDAYETSIA" OR CHRIST IS BORN, THE ANSWER
"SLAVYTE YEHA" OR PRAISE HIM.

Submitter comment: THESE ARE VERY INVOLVED AND SYMBOLIC CUSTOMS FOR CHRISTMAS.
THEY ARE PRACTICED HERE AND IN THE UKRAINE.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

Subject headings: 686 Seconds / Twice / Two
Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Custom Festival C840.1224
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 24 Christmas Eve
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- F455
Food Drink -- Typical menus for the various meals For meal hours, see F574.84. Special or festive meals
BELIEF -- Moon
SPEECH -- Vocabulary of Special Group

Date learned: 02-00-1974

View just this record

LEGEND

THERE WERE 12 NUNS IN A CONVENT WHO MADE A VOW SAYING THAT AFTER THEY
DIED THEY WANTED TO HAVE A ROSARY WITH ONE LIVE PERSON FOR SO MANY
DAYS AND IF THE PERSON STAYED WITH THEM FOR TEN DAYS, THEY WOULD GIVE
THE PERSON THEIR CONVENT. A LADY WENT DOWN THERE NOT KNOWING THE
STORY AND ASKED AN INNKEEPER IF THERE WERE ANY MOTEL ROOMS SHE COULD
STAY IN. HE TOLD HER SHE COULD STAY IN THE CONVENT. SO SHE
STAYED THERE BECAUSE SHE THOUGHT IT WAS DESERTED. THEN THE 12 NUNS
ALL HOLDING CANDLES, WALKED BY HER AND INTO THE CHURCH. SHE
FOLLOWED THEM IN AND WATCHED THEM SAYING THE ROSARY, WITH ONE OF
THEM SAYING IT AND EVERYONE ELSE ANSWERING IT. THIS HAPPENED FOR TEN
DAYS AND EVERYDAY THE NUNS WOULD DISAPPEAR AS SOON AS THE ROSARY WAS
DONE. ON THE FINAL DAY, AS THE NUNS WERE WALKING OUT, ONE OF THEM
HANDED A NOTE TO THE WOMAN. THE NOTE THANKED HER FOR HELPING THEM
FULFILL THEIR VOW. THEN IT SAID THAT THEY GAVE THE CONVENT TO HER.
THIS IS A TRUE STORY. EVERYONE KNEW ABOUT IT AND KNEW IT WAS
TRUE. THIS HAPPENED IN THE 40'S IN MEXICO. THE WOMAN WENT BACK TO
THE INNKEEPER AFTER THIS WAS OVER AND ASKED HIM ABOUT IT. SO THEN HE
TOLD HER ABOUT THE NUNS, VOW.

Submitter comment: THE INFORMANT HAD SEVERAL STORIES WHICH WERE BASED IN MEXICO.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT ; CAMPUS

James Callow Keyword(s): NUMBERS

Subject headings: 686 First / Once / One / Newness
686 Seconds / Twice / Two
PROSE NARRATIVE -- Religious hero
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Death Funeral Burial
SPEECH -- To Be Seen

Date learned: 11-00-1975

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THE UKRAINIAN CHRISTMAS EVE SUPPER IS A TWELVE-COURES MEAL.
THE TWELVE SYMBOLIZES THE NUMBER
OF APOSTLES OF CHRIST, WHO GATHERED FOR THE
LAST SUPPER.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; WARREN

Subject headings: 686 Seconds / Twice / Two

Date learned: 10-00-1970

View just this record

CHRISTMAS EVE SIGN OF GOOD LUCK

THE HEAD OF THE HOUSEHOLD TAKES A SPOONFUL OF ONE OF 12 DIFFERENT
KINDS OF FOODS SERVED FOR THE CHRISTMAS EVE MEAL, KUTYA, (MADE OF
BARLEY AND POPPYSEED, SEASONED WITH HONEY) AND THROWS IT UP. IT IS A
SIGN OF GOOD LUCK IF THE KUTYA STICKS TO THE CEILING, AND A SIGN OF
BAD LUCK, IF IT DOES NOT STICK.

Submitter comment: THIS IS A UKRAINIAN CUSTOM

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

Keyword(s): FOOD CUSTOM ; PREDICTION

Subject headings: 686 Seconds / Twice / Two
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 24 Christmas Eve Predictions
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 24 Christmas Eve Menus

Date learned: NOT RECORDED BY COLLECTOR

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CHRISTMAS EVE CUSTOM

A POLISH FAMILY SERVES 12 VARIETIES OF DISHES FOR CHRISTMAS EVE
SUPPER. IT IS CALLED VIGILIA.

Data entry tech comment:

Updated by TRD

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

Keyword(s): CHRISTMAS ; CUSTOM ; FOOD ; holiday ; POLISH ; tradition

Subject headings: 122 Christmas
686 Seconds / Twice / Two

Date learned: 11-00-1965

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THE UKRAINIAN CHRISTMAS EVE SUPPER IS A TWELVE-COURSE MEAL. THE
TWELVE SYMBOLIZES THE NUMBER OF APOSTLES OF CHRIST, WHO
GATHERED G
GATHERED FOR THE LAST SUPPER.

Data entry tech comment:

Updated by TRD

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; WARREN ; 4340 BERNICE

Keyword(s): CHRISTMAS ; CUSTOM ; FOOD ; holiday ; UKRAINIAN

Subject headings: 122 Christmas
686 Seconds / Twice / Two

Date learned: 10-00-1970

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LITHUANIAN CHRISTMAS EVE DINNER

CHRISTMAS EVE DINNER CONSISTS OF DISHES COMBINING TWELVE TYPES
OF FASTING FOODS, INCLUDING FISH, BEETS, MUSHROOMS, POPPY
SEEDS, CRACKERS, NON-ALCOHOLIC COCKTAILS AND CUMQUAT PUDDING.
HAY IS PLACED UNDER THE TABLE CLOTH, AND A CRUCIFIX IS PUT ON
THE TABLE. BEFORE DINNER ALL MEMBERS OF THE FAMILY SEAT THEMSELVES
AND EMPTY CHAIRS ARE BROUGHT TO THE TABLE FOR ABSENT AND DECEASED
MEMBERS. EACH PERSON, BEGINNING WITH THE ELDEST, KISSES THE FEET
OF THE CRUCIFIX. THEN THE MEAL IS EATEN, ENDING IN TIME
FOR ALL TO ATTEND MIDNIGHT MASS.

Data entry tech comment:

Updated by TRD

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT ; Kriauciunas, Julia

Keyword(s): CHRISTMAS ; CUSTOM ; FOOD ; holiday ; Lithuanian

James Callow Keyword(s): KUMQUAT

Subject headings: 122 Christmas
686 Seconds / Twice / Two
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 24 Christmas Eve Christmas
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20 Greetings, wishes, prayers, cards

Date learned: 11-16-1969

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CUSTOM-POLISH

THE CHRISTMAS EVE CEREMONY IS CALLED VIGELIA. IT BEGINS WHEN THE
FATHER OF THE HOUSE SEES THE FIRST STAR IN THE SKY. THEN THE FAMILY
SITS DOWN FOR DINNER. THE TABLE IS SET FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY--
BROTHERS, SISTERS, IN-LAWS, NIECES, NEPHEWS, ETC.,--WITH ONE
EXTRA PLACE IN CASE COMPANY SHOULD COME. UNDER THE TABLE CLOTH ARE
LITTLE PIECES OF STRAW TO SYMBOLIZE THE MANGER. THERE IS FASTING
ON THIS DAY--NO MEAT. THE DINNER CONSISTS OF 12 DIFFERENT
FOODS, SYMBOLIZING THE 12 APOSTLES--SUCH AS WINE, MUSHROOM SOUP,
HERRING, PEROGIA (A DOUGH AND CHEES DISH), BOILED PERCH, BOILED
POTATOES AND MASHED POTATOES, AND RELISHES. THERE IS ALSO A
LARGE HOST CALLED OPTATKE. THE FATHER AND THE MOTHER BREAK OFF A
PIECE OF THE HOST AND WISH EACH OTHER HEALTH AND HAPPINESS. THEY
THEN GO TO THE OLDEST SON AND HE TAKES A PIECE OFF THE HOST AND
A PIECE FROM BOTH THE MOTHER'S AND THE FATHER'S AND WISHES THEM
HEALTH AND HAPPINESS AND THIS IS PASSED THROUGH THE FAMILY LIKE THIS.
IT IS TO SYMBOLIZE UNITY. THEN TRADITIONAL POLISH CAROLES ARE
SUNG.

Submitter comment:

(STILL DONE IN AMERICA?) YES.

Data entry tech comment:

Updated by TRD

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

Keyword(s): ABSTINENCE FROM MEAT ; CHRISTMAS ; CUSTOM ; FAMILY UNITY ; FOOD ; holiday ; Vegetarian ; VIGELIA

Subject headings: 122 Christmas
686 Properties attributed to specific numbers or numerals individually.
686 Seconds / Twice / Two
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 24 Christmas Eve Christmas
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 24 Christmas Eve F122.86
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20 Songs, caroling

Date learned: 11-04-1968

View just this record

Ethnic: Polish

IN POLAND, AND IN MANY POLISH-AMERICAN HOMES, THE VIGIL OF
CHRISTMAS IS A VERY SOLEMN OCCASION. A VARIETY OF FOOD IS SERVED,
TWELVE DISHES IN ALL, TO REPRESENT THE TWELVE APOSTLES. NO DAIRY
PRODUCTS ARE ALLOWED. IT ALSO CONSISTS OF SPECIAL WAFERS CALLED
OPTATKI, WHICH THE HEAD OF THE HOUSEHOLD DISTRIBUTES TO EACH
MEMBER OF THE FAMILY.

Data entry tech comment:

Updated / 02-24-2011 / TRD

Where learned: OHIO ; TOLEDO

Keyword(s): ABSTINENCE ; CHRISTMAS ; CUSTOM ; DAIRY ; Dinner ; ETHNIC ; FAMILY ; Feast ; FOOD ; holiday ; POLAND ; POLISH ; SYMBOL ; Symbolic ; Vigil

Subject headings: 122 Christmas
686 Seconds / Twice / Two
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 24 Christmas Eve F122.82

Date learned: 10-27-1968

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UKRAINIAN CHRISTMAS EVE MEAL

IN SPITE OF THE OBSERVATION OF A BLACK FAST, 12 DIFFERENT KINDS
OF FOOD ARE SERVED.
STRAW IS SCATTERED UNDERNEATH THE TABLE IN REMEMBERANCE
OF THE STABLE WHERE CHRIST WAS BORN.
"DIDUKH" IS A SHEAF OF STRAW IN THE FORM OF A MAN WHICH IS PUT
IN A CORNER AND SYMBOLIZES LAND FERTILITY.
THE FAMILY SITS DOWN TO SUPPER ONLY AFTER THE APPEARANCE OF THE
FIRST EVENING STAR.
IF THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE SEATED IS AN ODD NUMBER, AN EXTRA CHAIR
IS SET TO SYMBOLIZE A DECEASED RELATIVE OR FRIEND, OR A MEMBER OF
THE FAMILY WHO IS UNABLE TO BE PRESENT.
THE FATHER CUTS THE BREAD INTO THE NUMBER OF PIECES AS THERE
ARE PEOPLE PRESENT, DIPS EACH PIECE IN HONEY (SYMBOLIZING LAND
FERTILITY), GIVES ONE TO EACH PERSON, KISSES HIM AND WISHES HIM
GOOD LUCK.
THE HEAD OF THE HOUSEHOLD TAKES A SPOONFUL OF ONE OF THE TWELVE
DIFFERENT DISHES, KUTYA, (MADE OF BARLEY AND POPPYSEED AND
SEASONED WITH HONEY) AND THROWS IT UP TO THE CEILING. IT IS A
SIGN OF GOOD LUCK IF IT STICKS, AND OF BAD LUCK IF IT DOESN'T.

Data entry tech comment:

Updated by TRD

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

Keyword(s): CHRISTMAS ; CUSTOM ; FOOD ; holiday ; LUCK

Subject headings: 122 Christmas
686 Properties attributed to specific numbers or numerals individually.
686 Seconds / Twice / Two
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 24 Christmas Eve Christmas
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20 Straw
BELIEF -- Number Odd number (not specific)

Date learned: NOT RECORDED

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CHRISTMAS CUSTOM-HOLY SUPPER

SOME UKRANIANS (UKRAINIANS) ON CHRISTMAS EVE (DEC. 24) EAT NO FOOD
UNTIL THE HOLY SUPPER. THE HOLY SUPPER CONSISTS OF A TWELVE COURSE
DINNER (TWELVE APOSTLES) WITH NO MEAT AND DAIRY PRODUCTS. CLOVES
OF GARLIC ARE ON EACH PLATE, THIS IS TO KEEP AWAY ILLNESS. THE
FIRST DISH IS A WHOLE GRAIN WITH HONEY AND POPPY SEEDS. ALL
TWELVE DISHES MUST BE TASTED AT LEAST.

Submitter comment:

INFORMANT'S FRIEND SMENA RAKOVSKEY PRACTICED THIS CUSTOM.

Data entry tech comment:

Updated by TRD

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT ; 1284 N RADEMACHER

Keyword(s): ABSTINENCE FROM DAIRY PRODUCTS ; ABSTINENCE FROM MEAT ; CHRISTMAS ; CUSTOM ; FOOD ; holiday ; Vegetarian

Subject headings: 122 Christmas
686 Properties attributed to specific numbers or numerals individually.
686 Seconds / Twice / Two

Date learned: 10-25-1971

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POLISH CUSTOM

ON CHRISTMAS EVE MY GRANDMOTHER WOULD MAKE 12 DIFFERENT FAST DISHES
(FISH, ETC.), REPRESENTING THE 12 APOSTLES. THE FAMILY COULD NOT
EAT UNTIL THE FIRST STAR SHONE.

Submitter comment: THIS CUSTOM WAS PRACTICED TO SYMBOLIZE THE HOLINESS OF CHRISTMAS.
THE DISHES SERVED WERE ONES THAT WERE NOT PREPARED DURING THE YEAR.
AN APPRECIATION OF LIFE'S LITTLE PLEASURES WAS LEARNED, SINCE AT THE
TIME THIS WAS PRACTICED, THE FAMILY, AS WELL AS THE WHOLE COMMUNITY,
WERE POOR. THIS TRADITION HAS NOT BEEN CARRIED OUT FAITHFULLY AS
WHEN MY GRANDMOTHER WAS ALIVE. SINCE THAT TIME THE FAMILY HAS
GROWN MUCH LARGER AND HAVE MOVED TO DIFFERENT PARTS OF THE U.S.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; TAYLOR

Subject headings: 686 Properties attributed to specific numbers or numerals individually.
686 Seconds / Twice / Two
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 24 Christmas Eve Menus

Date learned: 00-00-1969

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CHRISTMAS

ON CHRISTMAS, THE VIGIL SUPPER OR VIGILJA CONSISTS OF TWELVE COURSES.
THIS IS DONE IN REMEMBRANCE OF THE TWELVE APOSTLES.

Submitter comment: THIS IS A POPULAR CUSTOM IN POLAND AND IN POLISH COMMUNITIES IN
THE U.S.A.

Where learned: DETROIT

Subject headings: 686 Seconds / Twice / Two
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 24 Christmas Eve
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 24 Christmas Eve Menus

Date learned: 04-11-1979

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CUSTOM CELEBRATION

IN MALAYSIA THE YEAR OF THE GOAT IS A CELEBRATION THAT VARIES EACH
YEAR. IN MALAYSIA EACH NEW YEAR IS LABELED A DIFFERENT ANIMAL.
EVERY TWELVE YEARS THE CYCLE IS REPEATED. THIS YEAR IS THE YEAR
OF THE GOAT, BECAUSE THE GOAT WAS THE FIFTH ANIMAL OUT OF TWELVE TO
REACH THE DYING BUDDHA.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT ; CAMPUS

Subject headings: 686 Seconds / Twice / Two
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Measure of time Year
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Movable Date

Date learned: 02-00-1979

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POLISH CHRISTMAS TRADITION

THE CHRISTMAS EVE MEAL CONSISTS OF SEVEN TO TWELVE COURSES.
BORSCH IS SERVED AS THE SOUP. BAKED AND STUFFED PIKE IS THE
MAIN DISH; HOWEVER, ANY FISH MAY BE SUBSTITUTED. A POPPY
SEED ROLL COVERED WITH RUM FROSTING IS DESERT.

Submitter comment: IT APPEARS THAT THE POLISH-AMERICAN'S CHRISTMAS EVE MEAL HAS
BECOME AMERICANIZED. PIKE HAS BEEN PUSHED OFF THE MENU BY TURKEY.
AND POPPY SEED ROLLS HAVE BEEN REPLACED BY PUMPKIN PIES OR OTHER
STANDARD AMERICAN FOODS.

Where learned: DETROIT

James Callow Keyword(s): LOCALIZATION

Subject headings: 686 Seconds / Twice / Two
686 Seven / Sevenths / Several
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 24 Christmas Eve Menus
Food Drink -- Typical menus for the various meals For meal hours, see F574.84. Special or festive meals

Date learned: CA00001890S ; 01-13-1980

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FEAST OF SAINT JOSEPH

EVERY MARCH 19TH, IT IS COMMON AMONG MANY SICILIANS TO CELEBRATE
THE FEAST OF SAINT JOSEPH. IT IS TRADITIONALLY REPRESENTED BY
THE PREPARATION OF HOMEMADE SPAGHETTI WHICH CONTAINS TWELVE
DIFFERENT KINDS OF BEANS AND PEAS TO REPRESENT EACH OF THE
TWELVE APOSTLES. THESE INCLUDE: SPLIT PEAS, KIDNEY BEANS,
CHICK PEAS, HORSE BEANS, LINTO BEANS, LIMA BEANS, BLACKEYE
PEAS, GREEN BEANS, CRANBERRY BEANS, SWEET PEAS, PINTO BEANS,
AND NORTHERN BEANS.

Submitter comment: DURING THE FEAST MANY SICILIAN FAMILIES CELEBRATE THE OCCASION
BY RECREATING THE LIFE OF JESUS AND HIS APOSTLES.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

James Callow Keyword(s): SYMBOLS

Subject headings: 686 Seconds / Twice / Two
Favorites
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- March 19 Feast of St. Joseph
BELIEF -- Religious hero

Date learned: CA00001920

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MACEDONIAN GREEK ORTHODOX FUNERAL

THE FUNERAL CEREMONY OF THE GREEK ORTHODOX IS MUCH LIKE ANY
OTHER RELIGION ITSELF, BUT MANY SYMBOLS ARE USED. THE PALLBEARERS
MUST WEAR WHITE GLOVES SO THEY DO NOT
STAIN THE SOUL OF THE DEAD PERSON
WHEN THE PROCESSION GETS TO THE CEMETERY EVERYONE IS GIVEN A CANDLE,
THE SYMBOL OF ETERNAL LIFE. THE PALLBEARERS ARE GIVEN THREE
REMEMBRANCES OF THE DECEASED LIKE A PAIR
OF SOCKS, A PITCHER, AND A TOWEL
ALSO AT THE CEMETERY THEY EAT BREAD AND
DRINK WINE. THE BROTHERS OF THE
DECEASED CAN NOT SHAVE FOR SIX WEEKS AFTER
THE DEATH BECAUSE THE SHAVINGS
WILL FALL IN THE EYES OF THE DEAD PERSON
AND WILL NOT BE ABLE TO SEE
THE GATES OF HEAVEN.
THE PALLBEARERS AND FAMILY MUST MEET AT THE
CEMETARY THREE, SIX, NINE, AND
TWELVE MONTHS AFTER THE DEATH OF THE PERSON.
AND THEN EACH YEAR AFTER
AS LONG AS THE MOTHER WANTS. AT EACH
MEETING THE PALLBEARERS ARE AGAIN GIVEN
SOME ARTICLES IN REMEMBRANCE AND BREAD AND WINE IS HAD. ALSO
EACH PERSON IS GIVEN A CANDLE.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; MADISON HEIGHTS

Subject headings: 686 Seconds / Twice / Two
686 Thirds / Thrice / Three / Triple
686 Sixths / Six
686 Ninths / Nine
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Death Funeral Burial
BELIEF -- Ghost Spirit Phantom Specter
BELIEF -- Death Funeral Burial
BELIEF -- Measure of time Year
BELIEF -- Color

Date learned: 00-00-1979

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ON NEW YEAR'S EVE IN SPAIN, SWALLOWING ONE GRAPE ON EACH
OF THE TWELVE STROKES OF MIDNIGHT WILL BRING GOOD LUCK,
FAILING TO SWALLOW A GRAPE OR DROPPING ONE WILL BE BAD LUCK.

Submitter comment: LEARNED ITEM FROM FATHER WHO FREQUENTLY TRAVELS
TO EUROPE.

Where learned: CANADA ; MONTREAL ; RECEIVED IN MAIL

Subject headings: 686 Seconds / Twice / Two
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 31 New Year's Eve
BELIEF -- Good luck Activities
BELIEF -- Good luck Time (year, season, week, hour, etc.) Occasion Event
BELIEF -- Bad luck Activities
BELIEF -- Bad luck Time (year, season, week, hour, etc.) Occasion Event

Date learned: 00-00-1970

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(POLAND) WEDDING TRADITION

AFTER CEREMONY THE BRIDE SITS IN A CHAIR. THE FAMILY FORM A CIRCLE
AND SLOWLY MOVE IN A CIRCULAR MOTION PULLING VEIL OFF BRIDE.
SIGNIFIES: THE PEOPLE AROUND THE CHAIR REPRESENT TWELVE ANGELS IN
HEAVEN. THE REMOVAL OF THE VEIL MEANING, ALREADY MARRIED. WISHING THE
BEST AND PROSPEROUS LIFE AHEAD FOR THE BRIDE AND GROOM.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT ; LUTHER HAVEN

Subject headings: 686 Seconds / Twice / Two
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Marriage Removing veil
BELIEF -- Angel
BELIEF -- Prayer

Date learned: 10-00-1982

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GOOD LUCK GRAPES

I DON'T EVEN KNOW HOW OUR FAMILY CAME ACROSS THIS TRADITION BUT
EVER SINCE I WAS A YOUNG BOY GROWING UP IN GREECE WE HAVE
FOLLOWED THE SPANISH TRADITION OF EATING NUTS AND TWELVE GRAPES
ON NEW YEAR'S EVE AT MIDNIGHT. EACH GRAPE WILL GIVE YOU GOOD
LUCK FOR THE NEXT TWELVE MONTHS OF THE NEW YEAR. I FOLLOWED
THIS COMBINATION VERY STRICTLY AND IT HASN'T FAILED ME YET.

Submitter comment: AS A VISITOR IN THE GOFFAS HOME, I DIDN'T WANT TO PRESS FOR
FURTHER INFORMATION FROM THE PROUD GREEK WHO WAS UNWILLING TO
TALK.

Where learned: GREECE

Subject headings: 686 Seconds / Twice / Two
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CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- January 1 New Year's
Food Drink -- Typical menus for the various meals For meal hours, see F574.84. Special or festive meals
BELIEF -- Measure of time Month
BELIEF -- Good luck Time (year, season, week, hour, etc.) Occasion Event

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