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CHRISTMAS
ON CHRISTMAS DAY, THE POLISH KEEP A LIGHTED CANDLE IN THE WINDOW
HOPING THAT THE CHRIST CHILD WILL JOIN THEM IN THE FORM OF AN
UNEXPECTED VISITOR FOR DINNER. AN EXTRA PLACE IS ALWAYS SET AT THE
CHRISTMAS DINNER TABLE FOR THE VISITOR.
Submitter comment: BACK IN POLAND
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT ; 4423 PARKINSON
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 24 Christmas Eve Menus CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20 Lights and candles |
Date learned: 03-24-1971
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
TRADITIONAL FESTIVAL
ON CHRISTMAS EVE OF EVERY YEAR, THE RYGIEL FAMILY HAS DINNER
TOGETHER. ALL MY RELATIVES INCLUDING MY AUNTS, UNCLES, COUSINS AND
OF COURSE MY GRANDMOTHER SHARE THE TRADITIONAL MENU. IT IS CALLED
WIGELIA
Submitter comment:
ANTOINETTE, THE GRANDMOTHER IS LISTED HERE AS THE INFORMANT SINCE
UNTIL LATE SHE WAS THE HOSTESS.
Where learned: 5782 OAKMAN BLVD
Keyword(s): FOOD CUSTOM ; POLISH CUSTOM
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 24 Christmas Eve Menus |
CHRISTMAS EVE - CHRISTMAS DAY - MIDNIGHT MASS
IN CANADA THE FRENCH HAD THEIR CHRISTMAS MEAL RIGHT
AFTER MIDNIGHT MASS ABOUT TWO O'CLOCK IN THE MORNING. AFTER
THE MEAL ONE OF THE RELATIVES WOULD DRESS AS SANTA CLAUS AND
HAND OUT THE PRESENTS TO EACH PERSON INDIVIDUALLY. CHRISTMAS DAY
ITSELF WAS A TIME OF REST BECAUSE THEY GOT TO BED SO LATE
CHRISTMAS MORNING.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
Date learned: 00-00-1968
CHRISTMAS SOUPS
WE HAVE THREE DIFFERENT KINDS OF SOUPS ON CHRISTMAS: LIMA BEAN
SOUP, SOUR KRAUT (SAUERKRAUT) SOUP, AND MUSHROOM SOUP.
Data entry tech comment:
Updated by TRD
James Callow comment:
Original BN [F642.3] crossed out. Replaced with current classification.
Where learned: SAINT HYACINTH SCHOOL ; Losiowski, Mike
Keyword(s): CHRISTMAS ; FOOD CUSTOM ; holiday ; Soup
| Subject headings: | 686 Thirds / Thrice / Three / Triple CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 24 Christmas Eve Menus |
Date learned: 02-17-1972
CHRISTMAS EVE CELEBRATION
THE MAIN FEATURE DURING CHRISTMAS EVE IS THE EVENING MEAL CALLED
"HOLY SUPPER" (SVYATA VECHERA). THE SUPPER ON HOLY NIGHT HAS
TWELVE LENTEN DISHES, SYMBOLIC OF THE TWELVE APOSTLES WHO GATHERED
AT THE LAST SUPPER. THESE DISHES OMIT ALL ANIMAL FAT, MILK,
AND MILK PRODUCTS BECAUSE DURING CHRISTMAS EVE THERE IS A STRICT
FAST. THE TABLE IS SET FIRST WITH A SMALL HANDFUL OF FINE HAY IN
MEMORY OF THE CHRIST CHILD IN A MANGER. OVER IT IS SPREAD THE
VERY BEST TABLECLOTH ADORNED WITH NATIVE EMBROIDERY. BREAD (KOLACH)
DECORATES THE CENTRAL TABLE. THE KOLACH IS THREE ROUND, BRAIDED
LOAVES, WHICH IS PLACED ONE ON TOP OF THE OTHER WITH A CANDLE
INSERTED INTO THE TOP LOAF, AND THE BOTTOM LOAF IS ENCIRCLED
WITH TINY TWIGS OF EVERGREEN. A LIGHTED CANDLE IS ALWAYS PLACED
IN THE WINDOW AS AN INVITATION TO ANY HOMELESS STRANGER TO JOIN
THE FAMILY IN CELEBRATING THE BIRTH OF CHRIST.
PRIOR TO THE EVENING MEAL A SPOONFUL OF EACH DISH IS MIXED INTO
THE FOOD OF THE DOMESTIC ANIMALS, BECAUSE ANIMALS WERE THE FIRST
CREATURES TO BEHOLD THE NEW-BORN CHRIST. THE FIRST STAR IN THE
EASTERN SKY ANNOUNCES THE TIME FOR THE COMMENCEMENT OF THE MEAL.
MEMBERS OF THE FAMILY GATHER AROUND THE TABLE AND BEGIN THE MEAL
WITH THE LORD'S PRAYER. THE FIRST DISH IS KUTYA , A PREPARATION OF
COOKED WHEAT DRESSED WITH HONEY, GROUND POPPY SEED AND SOMETIMES
CHOPPED NUTS. THE HEAD OF THE FAMILY RAISES THE FIRST SPOONFUL
OF THE KUTYA, AND GREETS THE FAMILY WITH KHRYSTOS RODYVSYA}"
(CHRIST IS BORN}), TO WHICH THEY ALL REPLY "SLAVIN YOHO}"
(LET US GLORIFY HIM). AFTER THIS EVERYONE PARTAKES OF THE KUTYA.
KUTYA IS FOLLOWED WITH AN APPETTZER OF PICKLED HERRINGS OR PICKLED
MUSHROOMS, OR WITH A SERVING OF BORSCH (BEET SOUP). AFTER THE
APPETIZERS COMES THE ENTREES. SOME OF THE ENTREES ARE HOLUBTSI
WITH RICE OR BUCKWHEAT (STUFFED CABBAGE), SAUERKRAUT WITH PEAS,
VARENYKY WITH POTATOES OR SAUERKRAUT (DUMPLINGS), AND MAYBE
BAKED BEETS. FOLLOWING THE ENTREES COMES THE DESSERT, SUCH AS
VARENYKY WITH PRUNES, VARENYKY WITH POPPY SEEDS, AND COMPOTE OF
DRIED FRUIT. AFTER THE MEAL, THE FAMILY JOINS IN SINGING CHRISTMAS
CAROLS AND GENERAL MERRY-MAKING. IT IS STRICTLY A FAMILY EVENING.
AFTER MIDNIGHT THE FAMILY ATTENDS A SPECIAL CHRISTMAS SERVICE
ENRICHED WITH CHORAL MUSIC. THROUGH THE FOLLOWING DAYS ORGANIZED
GROUPS OF CAROLLERS VISIT THE HOMES.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; WARREN
Date learned: 12-03-1977
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
AT A POLISH CHRISTMAS EVE DINNER FISH FOR SOME FAMILIES IS THE
MAIN ENTREE.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 24 Christmas Eve Menus |
Date learned: 12-00-1977
KIELBASA AND PIEROGES ARE TRADITIONAL FOOD AT POLISH CHRISTMAS
DINNERS.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 24 Christmas Eve Menus |
Date learned: 12-00-1977
CHRISTMAS CUSTOM
WHEN I WAS YOUNG WE CELEBRATED CHRISTMAS WITH MY GRANDMOTHER ON MY
FATHER'S SIDE. SINCE THEY WERE LUTHERAN THEY CELEBRATED IT ON
CHRISTMAS EVE. SHE WOULD SERVE TRADITIONAL SWEDISH FOODS LIKE
LUTEFISK IN CREAM SAUCE WHICH WAS A KIND OF CURED COD. I REMEMBER
IT WOULD TURN THE SILVERWARE BLACK. THERE WAS PULT, A HOT SAUSAGE
MADE WITH SOME KIND OF BLOOD WITH FLOUR TO THICKEN IT. SHE SERVED
KORV WHICH WAS A POTATO SAUSAGE MADE WITH BEEF, PORK, AND RAW POTATO
IN A CASING. SHE MADE SYLTA, A PRESSED MEAT BY COOKING THE MEAT TILL
IT CAME OFF THE BONES. THE JUICE WOULD BE FULL OF GELATIN AND SHE
WOULD WRAP ALL OF IT IN CHEESECLOTH AND PRESS IT TOGETHER. THERE
WERE PICKLED PIG'S FEET IN A SALT BRINE AND SWEDISH RYE BREAD AND
SWEDISH MEATBALLS. THERE WERE A FEW SWEDISH COOKIES BUT NOT MANY.
THERE WOULD BE A LONG TABLE SPREAD WITH ALL THIS FOOD. RIGHT AFTER
MIDNIGHT WE WOULD HEAR BELLS AND SANTA CLAUS WOULD COME AND PASS OUT
GIFTS. THEN WE WOULD GO HOME AND SANTA CLAUS WOULD COME AGAIN DURING
THE NIGHT AND WE WOULD CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS AT HOME THE NEXT DAY.
Submitter comment:
MY MOTHER CELEBRATED CHRISTMAS IN THIS WAY WHEN SHE WAS A SMALL CHILD
IN DULUTH, MINNESOTA. HER GRANDMOTHER WAS NAMED IDA NEWMAN. IDA WAS
BORN IN SWEDEN AND CAME TO THE UNITED STATES WHEN SHE WAS 15 OR 16.
HER HUSBAND HAD LIVED HERE SINCE HE WAS 2 OR 3. WHEN MY MOTHER WAS
OLDER THEY JUST CELEBRATED CHRISTMAS AT HOME. MY MOTHER DOES NOT
KNOW HOW TO PREPARE ANY OF THESE FOODS EXCEPT FOR SWEDISH RYE BREAD.
SHE USES A DIFFERENT RECIPE THOUGH BECAUSE HER GRANDMOTHER NEVER GAVE
AWAY HER RECIPES. I HAD NEVER EVEN HEARD OF SOME OF THESE FOODS
BEFORE THIS. MY MOTHER'S SISTER IN CALIFORNIA DOES MAKE POTATO
SAUSAGE BUT I DON'T THINK IT'S IDA NEWMAN'S RECIPE.
Date learned: CA00001929
CHRISTMAS EVE DINNER- WIGILIA
ON CHRISTMAS EVE A POLISH CUSTOM IS THE DINNER, CALLED
WIGILIA, THIS DINNER CONSISTS OF SEVERAL COURSES, AND VARIATIONS
OCCUR FROM FAMILY TO FAMILY. FIRST, A WAFER-LIKE "COOKIE"
SERVED SANDWICHED WITH HONEY, CALLED OPLATIK, IS PASSED AROUND
BY THE ELDEST MALE, USUALLY THE FATHER. HE STARTS WITH HIS WIFE,
OR THE NEXT ELDEST PRESENT. HE TAKES A BITE AT THE SAME TIME AS THE
PERSON HE APPROACHES AND THEN THEY EXCHANGE CHRISTMAS GREETINGS.
THE FIRST COURSE OF THE MEAL IS THE MUSHROOM SOUP. THE MUSHROOMS ARE
IMPORTED FROM POLAND. THE NEXT COURSE SERVED IS SAUERKRAUT WITH
BEANS. FOLLOWING THIS IS BROILED FISH, USUALLY TROUT. THE NEXT
COURSE IS PIEROGI. THERE ARE DIFFERENT TYPES OF PIEROGI AND FOR
THIS FESTIVE OCCASION ALL ARE SERVED: SAUERKRAUT, AND
PRUNE. THERE IS ALSO A MEAT PIEROGI MANY POLISH FAMILIES MAKE BUT
THE IMPORTANCE OF THIS MEAL IS THAT IT IS MEATLESS.
FOLLOWING THE MEAL CHRISTMAS CAROLS ARE USUALLY SUNG.
THE FAMILY RESTS AND ATTENDS THE MIDNIGHT MASS. UPON RETURNING
FROM MASS POLISH PASTRIES ARE SERVED AND PRESENTS ARE UNWRAPPED.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
Date learned: 00-00-1960
IT IS A POLISH CUSTOM ON CHRISTMAS EVE TO SERVE A BIG MEAL.
THE NUMBER OF COURSES SERVED IS ALWAYS AN ODD NUMBER AND THEY MAY
INCLUDE DISHES LIKE MUSHROOMS, CABBAGE, PEROGI, STEWED FRUIT AND
HERRING, BUT NO MEAT OR POULTRY IS EVER SERVED. THE TABLE IS
SET WITH AN EXTRA PLACE SETTING IN CASE AN UNEXPECTED GUEST SHOULD
ARRIVE. A PIECE OF STRAW IS PLACED UNDER THE TABLECLOTH TO SIGNIFY
THE REMEMBRANCE OF CHRIST BEING BORN IN A BARN. THE HOST IS BROKEN
AND PASSED ON BY EACH MEMBER SEATED AT THE TABLE AND EACH PERSON
WISHES SOMETHING TO THE NEXT PERSON AS THE HOST IS BEING BROKEN.
Submitter comment:
THIS CUSTOM IS VERY COMMON AMONG POLISH PEOPLE WITH SOME VARIATIONS
AS TO WHAT IS SERVED AND HOW MANY COURSES ARE SERVED. THIS IS
ESPECIALLY STILL CARRIED ON BY PEOPLE WHO HAVE COME FROM POLAND OR
IF THEIR PARENTS HAD COME FROM POLAND.
OPLATKI
Where learned: DETROIT
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 24 Christmas Eve Table setting and clearing CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 24 Christmas Eve Menus CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 24 Christmas Eve Oplatki |
Date learned: CA00001960
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
CHRISTMAS
CHRISTMAS HAS ALWAYS BEEN THE BIGGEST HOLIDAY FOR MY FAMILY.
TWO WEEKS BEFORE CHRISTMAS WE PUT UP THE DECORATIONS. OUTSIDE WE PU
COLORED LIGHTS ON THE EVERGREENS. WE PUT PLASTIC TRIMMINGS ON THE
DOORPOSTS. A CHRISTMAS WREATH GOES ON THE FRONT DOOR. INSIDE WE
HANG OUR STOCKINGS ON THE STAIRWAY AND DECORATE THE HANDRAILS WITH
MORE PLASTIC EVERGREEN TRIMMINGS. WE REPLACE THE PICTURE IN THE
FRONT HALLWAY WITH A HANGING SANTA CLAUS, WHEN YOU PULL HIS STRING
THE MUSIC BOX CONTAINED WITHIN PLAYS SILENT NIGHT. I CAN'T RESIST
PULLING THE STRING AT LEAST TWICE A DAY. ABOVE THE FIREPLACE WE
PLACE THREE DOLLS OF ENGLISH MEN SINGING CAROLS AND COLLECTING
DONATIONS, THESE ARE FALLING APART NOW THOUGH. ALSO AROUND THE
FIREPLACE WE HANG LIGHTS WITH PICTURES ENCASING THEM DEPICTING MANGE
SCENES. IN THE LIVING ROOM WE PLACE OUR MODEL OF THE MANGER WITH
LITTLE STATUES OF JESUS IN CRIB, MARY, JOSEPH, THE THREE KINGS
BEARING GIFTS, A SHEPERD BOY, HIS FLOCK OF SHEEP(ABOUT HALF WITH LEG
BROKEN), A COW, A DONKEY, A CAMEL, AND AN ANGEL WITH TRUMPET HANGING
FROM THE TOP OF THE MANGER,(HIS WINGS ARE BROKEN THOUGH). IN THE
LIVING ROOM WE ALSO PUT A SANTA CLAUS DOLL SITTING IN A WICKER SLEIG
FILLED WITH PLASTIC FRUIT.
WE PUT THE CHRISTMAS TREE IN THE FAMILY ROOM. AFTER BRINGING THE
CHRISTMAS TREE HOME YOU HAVE TO WAIT A FEW DAYS FOR IT TO SPREAD OUT
BEFORE DECORATING IT. WHEN DECORATING THE TREE THE FIRST THING WE
PUT ON ARE THE THREE STRINGS OF COLORED LIGHTS. WE CONNECT ONE
BLINKER TO ONE STRING OF LIGHTS AND A SECOND BLINKER TO THE OTHER TW
STRINGS OF LIGHTS SO THE LIGHTS ALTERNATELY BLINK ON AND OFF. NEXT
WE HANG THE MANY BEAUTIFUL BULBS, CAREFUL NOT TO LET THEM FALL.
THEN WE HANG SILVER TINSEL AND CANDY CANES AND THE WHOLE TREE IS
TOPPED OFF BY A STAR. PRESENTS ARE PLACED UNDER THE TREE.
OUR FAMILY IS SPREAD ACROSS THE UNITED STATES BUT ANYONE WHO CAN
COMES HOME FOR CHRISTMAS. ON CHRISTMAS EVE WE HAVE A FIRE IN THE
FIREPLACE AND SOME OF US VISIT RELATIVES AND DELIVER PRESENTS WHILE
OTHERS STAY HOME AND RECEIVE VISITS. AT MIDNIGHT ALL THE ADULTS GO
TO MIDNIGHT MASS, EVEN THOUGH FOR SOME OF MY BROTHERS THIS IS THE
ONLY TIME THEY GO TO MASS ALL YEAR. EVERYONE GETS UP EARLY IN THE
MORNING TO OPEN PRESENTS. THE DAY IS SPENT WATCHING CHRISTMAS MOVIE
AND FOOTBALL GAMES ON TV, RECEIVING TELEPHONE CALLS FROM OUT-OF-STAT
RELATIVES AND FAMILY THAT COULD NOT COME HOME, AND WAITING FOR
DINNER.
FOR CHRISTMAS DINNER WE HAVE A BIG TURKEY. WE ALSO HAVE A WHOLE
BUNCH OF STUFFING, MASHED POTATOES, CRANBERRY SAUCE, GRAVY, GREEN
BEANS OR PEAS, AND OCCASIONALLY A HAM TOO IF THE TURKEY IS NOT BIG
ENOUGH. FOR DESSERT THERE IS PLUM PUDDING WITH HARD SAUCE, FRUIT
CAKE, AND ICE CREAM. THIS IS THE ONLY TIME ALL YEAR THAT WE HAVE
PLUM PUDDING EVEN THOUGH IT IS MY FAVORITE DESSERT.
WE KEEP THE CHRISTMAS TREE UP UNTIL IT GETS TOO DRY AND BECOMES A
FIRE HAZARD, BUT THE OTHER DECORATIONS AREN'T PUT AWAY TILL ALMOST
FEBRUARY.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; BLOOMFIELD HILLS
Date learned: 11-23-1979
CHRISTMAS EVE DINNER
THE POLISH CHRISTMAS EVE DINNER CONSITS OF FISH, EGGS, SOUP, RICE,
HERRINGS, SOURCROUT, DUMPLINGS, AND DRIED FRUITS. THE RICH WERE
FORTUNATE ENOUGH TO HAVE SEAFOODS.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; SAINT CLAIR SHORES
| Subject headings: | 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: 00001920S ; 02-16-1980
CHRISTMAS DAY DINNER
THE POLISH CHRISTMAS DAY DINNER HAD CHICKEN, GOOSE, HAM, KIELBASA,
AND SOUPS.
Submitter comment: NOTICE ALL THE MEATS.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; SAINT CLAIR SHORES
| Subject headings: | 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: 00001920S ; 02-16-1980
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
Date learned: CA00001890S ; 01-13-1980
CHRISTMAS EVE MEAL: EAT NO MEAT; ONLY DAIRY PRODUCTS.
Submitter comment:
HE HEARD THIS FROM HIS PARENTS AND STILL PRACTICES
IT.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; MADISON HEIGHTS
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 24 Christmas Eve Menus |
Date learned: 12-01-1967
VIGILIA
THE MAIN MEAL IS EATEN IN THE EVENING. THE TABLE IS SET
WITH ELEVEN OR THIRTEEN VARIETIES OF FOOD. THERE MAY
BE MORE OR LESS VARIETIES, BUT IT IS ALWAYS AN ODD NUMBER.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; TAYLOR
| Subject headings: | 686 Specific number by specific number being described CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 24 Christmas Eve Menus BELIEF -- Number P686.1.11 |
Date learned: 11-27-1967
WIGILIA--TRADITIONAL POLISH CHRISTMAS EVE SUPPER
AT OUR HOME, WE STILL PRACTICE THE TRADITIONAL WAY OF
CELEBRATING CHRISTMAS EVE, "WIGILJA." IT IS A FAMILY
HOLIDAY AND THE SUPPER STARTS IN THE EVENING WHEN THE
FIRST STAR APPEARS.
THE SUPPER ITSELF CONSISTS OF 12 COURSES IN HONOR OF THE
12 APOSTLES. THE OLDEST MEMBER STARTS BY TAKING THE
"OPLATEK," A WHITE WAFER MADE OF FLOUR AND WATER, AND
BREAKS IT WITH THE NEXT OLDEST MEMBER, WISHING EACH OTHER
LUCK AND HAPPINESS. THE BREAKING OF THE WAFER AND GOOD
WISHES CONTINUE BETWEEN EVERYONE ELSE. THIS IS A
PRACTICE WE DO TO THIS DAY.
THIS FINISHED, EVERYONE SITS DOWN TO EAT. IT'S A CUSTOM
TO HAVE AN EVEN NUMBER OF PEOPLE AT THE TABLE FOR GOOD
LUCK. THERE IS AN EMPTY CHAIR LEFT AND PLACE SETTING FOR
AN ABSENT MEMBER OR FRIEND. HAY IS PLACED BENEATH THE
TABLE CLOTH IN THE CENTER OF THE TABLE IN REMEMBERANCE OF
CHRIST'S HUMBLE BIRTH.
ALL COURSES SERVED ARE MEATLESS. FIRST THERE IS HERRING,
MARINATED OR IN OLIVE OIL. NEXT IS "BARCZCY, BEET ROOT SOUP
WITH "USZKI," TINY DUMPLINGS STUFFED WITH MUSHROOMS.
THEN TWO KINDS OF FISH ARE SERVED, FRIED OR IN GELATIN
WITH HORSERADISH. THEN SAUERKRAUT WITH MUSHROOMS. NEXT
IS SERVED THE MILLET WITH PRUNES OR "KASZA JAGLONA." THEN
THERE ARE CHEESE DUMPLINGS FOLLOWED BY STEWED FRUIT OF
APPLES, PEARS, AND PRUNES. THE MEAL IS COMPLETED WITH
TEA OR COFFEE AND DIFFERENT CAKES FOR THE SEASON, SUCH AS
POPPY SEED, ALMONDS, OR COFFEE CAKE, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS
"BABKA."
AFTER SUPPER, EVERYBODY SINGS CHRISTMAS CAROLS BY THE LIT
CHRISTMAS TREE. WE BEGIN WITH "WSROD NOCNEZ CISZY," AT
MIDNIGHT'S SILENCE.. OTHER FAVORITES ARE "DZISIAJ IR
BETLEJEM"-TODAY IN BETHLEHEM, "GDY SIE CHRYSTUS RODGI,"
WHEN CHRIST IS BORN, "LULAJZE JEZUNIU," ROCK A BYE BABY
JESUS, AND "PRZYBIEZELIDO BETLEJIM POSTERZE," SHEPHERDS
COME TO BETHLEHEM.
AFTER THE CAROLS, PRESENTS ARE OPENED FROM UDNER THE TREE
AND AT MIDNIGHT THE CHRISTMAS MIDNIGHT MASS IS ATTENDED.
James Callow comment:
TRANSCRIBED FROM HANDWRITTEN 5 X 8 CARD. SPELLING MAY BE
WRONG FOR THIS REASON.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DEARBORN
Date learned: 10-28-1967