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FIXED FESTIVAL DATE

IN INDIA ON DECEMBER 22 THERE IS THE FEAST OF ST. RAMA.
(ST. RAMA WAS BANISHED FROM HIS HOMETOWN CITY AND
FINALLY RETURNED AFTER FOURTEEN YEARS). THE
CELEBRATION OF HIS RETURN IS CALLED PIWALI OR THE
FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS. DURING THIS FESTIVAL, SMALL
MUD LAMPS ARE LIT SYMBOLIZING THE EARTH'S PURITY;
SWEETS ARE EXCHANGED AMONG FRIENDS; FIRECRACKERS ARE
SET OFF AND THERE IS LOTS OF WINE DRUNK.

Where learned: LIBRARY ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT

Subject headings: CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20

Date learned: 10-02-1969

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WATCHING FOR GROUNDHOGS ON GROUNDHOG DAY.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DEARBORN HEIGHTS

Subject headings: CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Measure of time Spring
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20

Date learned: 09-29-1968

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IN ITALIAN TRADITION, THE GODFATHER IS CONSIDERED TO BE THE
SECOND FATHER, AFTER THE ORIGINAL FATHER. FOR THIS REASON A
PARTY IS HELD ON THE BAPTISM DAY TO WELCOME THE GODFATHER INTO
THE FAMILY. IT IS USALLY HELD AT THE HOME OF THE ORIGINAL PARENTS.

Submitter comment: THIS WAS ORIGINALLY LEARNED IN WATERTOWN, NEW YORK

Where learned: NEW YORK ; WATERTOWN

Subject headings: 686 Properties attributed to specific numbers or numerals individually.
Favorites
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Street Trip Relations between relatives, friends, host and guest Social class Rank
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Private birthday or anniversary

Date learned: 00-00-1937

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A BIG BABY

YOUR GRANDPA PHILIPPART WHO EVENTUALLY PLAYED FOOTBALL FOR
THE UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT WAS A BIG BABY TO SAY THE LEAST.
THEY BELIEVED THAT THE MOTHER WAS EATING FOR TWO IN THOSE
DAYS AND SO THE MOTHERS ATE A LOT. YOUR GRANDPA WAS BORN ON
CHRISTMAS DAY AND HE WEIGHED SIXTEEN POUNDS. THEY HUNG HIM
ON THE CHRISTMAS TREE BY HIS DIAPERS AND TOLD MY MOTHER THAT
HE WAS THE BIGGEST PRESENT THAT SHE WOULD EVER RECEIVE. THEY
WERE AFRAID THAT HE WOULD BREAK THE LIMB OFF. AT THREE MONTHS
HE WEIGHED TWENTY EIGHT POUNDS. HIS MIDDLE NAME WAS NOEL
BECAUSE HE WAS BORN ON CHRISTMAS.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

Subject headings: Person / Nickname
PROSE NARRATIVE -- Abnormal in size
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20

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In Peru summer begins in January and goes until March.
January is also the beginning of Lent, which begins
the Carnival that lasts the entire summer. During the
Carnival there is throwing of water balloons and sometimes
eggs. It is really quite dangerous to go out walking during
this time, unless you would like to get attacked by water
balloons.

Where learned: Peru

Subject headings: CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- January
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- February
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- March
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Typical Elements of a Festive Pattern
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Spring Planting Mardi Gras
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Spring Planting Lent

Date learned: 0001970S

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We were stationed with the Army in El Paso, Texas. The time we
spent there was very enjoyable. I will always remember the
celebration of Christmas. The most beautiful view was the many
walkways lined with luminarias. A luminaria is a paper bag with
sand on the bottom and a lit candle in the bag. The meaning of the
glowing pathways was to guide the three Kings to Jesus.

Where learned: TEXAS ; EL PASO

Subject headings: CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20

Date learned: 12-00-1986

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THE NEARER TO THE MOON ON CHRISTMAS, THE HARDER WILL
BE THE REST OF WINTER.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; SARANAC

Subject headings: CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20

Date learned: 11-18-1971

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CANDLEMAS DAY CUSTOM

ON CANLEMAS DAY, WHICH IS FEBRUARY 2, POLISH CATHOLICS
HAVE BEESWAX CANDLES BLESSED AT MASS. THESE ARE LIT
DURING BAD STORMS, AND THEY ARE ALSO PLACED IN THE HANDS
OF THE DYING.

Submitter comment: THE INFORMANT STILL PRACTICES THIS CUSTOM EXCEPT FOR
LIGHTING THE CANDLE DURING STORMS.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

Subject headings: CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Death Funeral Burial
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20
BELIEF -- Weather sign or control

Date learned: 02-07-1971

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THE FIRST PERSON IN THE HOUSE AFTER MIDNIGHT ON NEW
YEAR'S EVE HAS TO BE A RED HAIRED PERSON TO INSURE
GOOD LUCK FOR THE HOUSE FOR THE NEXT YEAR.
A BLACK HAIRED PERSON WILL BRING BAD LUCK.

Submitter comment: INFORMANT'S FAMILY ALWAYS MAKES SURE EITHER THE
RED HAIRED BROTHERS OR SISTERS ARE THE FIRST ONES
IN THE HOUSE NEW YEAR'S EVE.

Where learned: NEW YORK

Subject headings: CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- January 1 New Year's
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20
BELIEF -- Body part Senses
BELIEF -- Color
BELIEF -- Good luck
BELIEF -- Bad luck

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FRENCH CUSTOM

ON NEW YEAR'S EVE MANY FAMILIES OF FRENCH EXTRACTION EAT
THIRTEEN GRAPES--TWO FOR THE MONTH OF THEIR BIRTHDAY AND
ONE FOR EVERY OTHER MONTH OF THE YEAR. THIS IS TO MAKE
THEM SWEET.

Submitter comment: MRS. GORNO IS OF FRENCH-CANADIAN BACKGROUND. THIS CUSTOM
IS TRADITIONAL IN HER FAMILY.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; WYANDOTTE

Subject headings: CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 31 New Year's Eve
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20
Food Drink -- Typical menus for the various meals For meal hours, see F574.84. Special or festive meals

Date learned: 01-00-1960

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OPWATEK (BREAKING OF UNLEAVENED BREAD AT CHRISTMAS,

AT THE MAIN MEAL ON CHRISTMAS DAY, A LARGE, SQUARE-SHAPED
PIECE OF WHITE, UNLEAVENED BREAD, BEARING AN IMPRESSION
OF THE NATIVITY SCENE, IS PLACED IN THE CENTER OF THE
TABLE. EACH PERSON BREAKS OFF A SMALL PIECE, AND GOES
AROUND TO EVERYONE ELSE AT THE MEAL, BREAKING THE BREAD
WITH THEM SO THAT EACH PERSON GETS A PART OF THE OTHER
PERSON'S BREAD. THIS BREAD-BREAKING IS USUALLY ACCOMPANIED
WITH A KISS AND A SINCERE EXPRESSION OF WELL WISHING.
THIS CUSTOM IS TO DEMONSTRATE CHRISTIAN UNITY AND FILIAL
LOVE.

Submitter comment: THIS IS A CUSTOM WHICH HAS BEEN WELL-KNOWN AMONG THE POLISH
FOR MANY YEARS. MY GRANDMOTHER HAD LEARNED THIS FROM
HER FAMILY AS A CHILD. SHE HAS BEEN IN THIS COUNTRY
FOR OVER FIFTY YEARS, BUT SHE STILL FAITHFULLY OBSERVES
THIS CUSTOM, AND HAS INFLUENCED HER CHILDREN AND THEIR
CHILDREN TO DO THE SAME.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; FERNDALE

Subject headings: CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 24 Christmas Eve Oplatki
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20

Date learned: 00-00-1915

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DURING THE CHRISTMAS SEASON THE DOORS ARE LEFT
UNLATCHED AND FOOD IS LEFT OUT FOR MARY AND JOSEPH.

Submitter comment: FROM HER MOTHER.

Where learned: NONE GIVEN

Keyword(s): SYMBOL

Subject headings: CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 25 Christmas Also see F642, below.
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20
Food Drink -- Food

Date learned: 11-26-1967

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GREEK NEW YEAR'S CUSTOM

A SPECIAL SWEETBREAD IS MADE FOR NEW YEAR'S. A $5
SILVER PIECE KEPT ALL YEAR IN THE FAMILY ICON IS BAKED IN
THE BREAD. ON NEW YEAR'S MORNING, THE BREAD IS CUT INTO
AS MANY SLICES AS THERE ARE PEOPLE AT THE TABLE. EACH
PERSON PUTS HIS FINGER ON THE SLICE OF BREAD HE WANTS
AND EVERYBODY REMOVES HIS PIECE TOGETHER. WHOEVER GETS
THE PIECE WITH THE SILVERPIECE WILL HAVE GOOD LUCK FOR
THE YEAR.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

Subject headings: Favorites
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- January 1 New Year's
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20
BELIEF -- Good luck

Date learned: 01-30-1967

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FIRST FOOTING

MRS. SULLIVAN AND HER NEIGHBORS FIRMLY BELIEVE IN AN OLD
GERMAN AND SCOTTISH PRACTICE CALLED "FIRST FOOTING."
ACCORDING TO SUPERSTITION, THE FIRST-FOOTER, A TALL,
DARK MALE, WHO FIRST COMES TO THE HOUSE ON THE FIRST
DAY OF THE NEW YEAR MUST BRING WITH HIM A GIFT OF FOOD
AND DRINK FOR THE INHABITANTS, TO INSURE HEALTH AND
SUFFICIENT FOOD AND DRINK FOR THE ENSUING YEAR. IF
THE FIRST-FOOTER BRINGS NO SUCH GIFTS, HE WILL BRING
DISEASE AND HIS LACK OF GIFTS WILL MEAN FAMINE AND
THIRST FOR THE HOUSE'S OCCUPANTS DURING THE NEW YEAR.
MRS. SULLIVAN AND HER NEIGHBORS KEEP THEIR DOORS LOCKED
UNTIL THE HOUSE IS PROPERLY FIRST-FOOTED.
I HAVE NOTED THE EXISTENCE OF THIS PRACTICE AMONG SCOTCH
FAMILIES IN OTHER AREAS OF EAST DETROIT.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; FRASER

Subject headings: CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- January 1 New Year's
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20

Date learned: 12-31-1966

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ST. AGNES' EVE--JANUARY 20

MR. CYLKOWSKI, A PROFESSOR AT MERCY (COLLEGE), TOLD HIS
CLASSES TODAY OF THE TRADITION OF ST. AGNES' EVE. I BELIEVE
HE MENTIONED THAT KEAT'S POETRY HAS IMMORTALIZED THIS TALE.
EVERY ST. AGNES' EVE (JANUARY 20, AS HER FEAST DAY IN THE
CATHOLIC CHURCH IS JANUARY 21) YOUNG LADIES WILL DREAM OF
THEIR BELOVED. WHY THIS DAY IN PARTICULAR? ST. AGNES
CHOSE MARTYRDOM TO PROCLAIM HER TRUE LOVE FOR HER LORD.
SO IT IS FITTING THAT YOUNG LADIES WILL BEHOLD THE FACE
OF THEIR BELOVED ON THE EVE OF HER FEAST.

Submitter comment: I FOUND THIS TALE QUITE FITTING AS MR. CYLKOWSKI'S CLASS
IS COMPOSED (95%) OF YOUNG LADIES.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT ; MERCY COLLEGE OF DETROIT

Subject headings: Favorites
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- January 20
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- January 21
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Marriage Dream about future husband
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20

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NEW YEAR'S CUSTOM

SOMETHING WE ALWAYS PLAYED ON NEW YEAR'S EVE--THE
POKER-NUT GAME. WE PLAYED POKER AND WE USED A
VARIETY OF NUTS FOR CHIPS. THE WINNERS KEEP OR
EAT THEIR WINNINGS.

Submitter comment: SHE DID THIS WHEN SHE WAS A CHILD, AND NOW HER
HUSBAND AND CHILDREN ALSO PLAY THIS ON NEW YEAR'S
EVE, BEFORE THE CHILDREN GO OUT OR GO TO BED.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

Subject headings: Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Game Pastime
Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Special Object or Implement
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 31 New Year's Eve
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20

Date learned: 04-15-1967

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PIE PLATE GAME

THIS WAS PLAYED ON THANKSGIVING AND CHRISTMAS EVE.
THEY TOOK A PIE PLATE AND A PERSON WOULD SPIN
IT AND SOMEONE ELSE HAD TO GET IT BEFORE IT STOPPED
SPINNING. IT WAS WILD!

Submitter comment:

HER HUSBAND'S FAMILY PLAYED THIS.

Data entry tech comment:

Updated by TRD

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

Keyword(s): CUSTOM ; GAME ; holiday ; tradition

Subject headings: Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Game Pastime
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Autumn Fall Harvest Thanksgiving

Date learned: 04-15-1967

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THERE IS A FLAT GREEN AT COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY WHICH HAS
TWO STATUES FACING EACH OTHER. IT IS FABLED THAT IF
A VIRGIN (MALE OR FEMALE) WALKS BETWEEN THE STATUES ON
ST. VALENTINE'S DAY EVE, AT MIDNIGHT, THE TWO STATUES
WILL WALK TOWARDS EACH OTHER AND SHAKE HANDS, THEN
WALK BACK.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

Subject headings: CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20
BELIEF -- Product or activity of man or animal P477.12

Date learned: 03-17-1972

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THE FIRST PERSON TO ENTER YOUR HOME ON NEW YEAR'S
DAY SHOULD BE A DARK HAIRED MAN. THIS WILL BRING
GOOD LUCK TO THE ENTIRE HOUSEHOLD.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DEARBORN

Subject headings: CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20
BELIEF -- Sign Color
BELIEF -- Good luck

Date learned: 03-27-1970

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DO NOT BRING A SNOWFLAKE IN THE HOUSE ON VALENTINE'S
DAY IF YOU WANT TO BE MARRIED WITHIN A YEAR.

Submitter comment: CALLED IN BY LISTENER TO STATION.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

Subject headings: CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- February 14 Valentine's Day
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20
BELIEF -- Marriage

Date learned: 03-14-1972

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