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LEGEND OF BEAR ISLAND

THERE IS AN INDIAN LEGEND THAT TELLS HOW THE FAMOUS MICHIGAN BEAR
ISLAND WAS MADE. IT WAS SAID THAT A MOTHER BEAR AND HER TWO CUBS
WERE ATTEMPTING TO SWIM ACROSS LAKE MICHIGAN, BUT THEY EACH WERE
OVERCOME BY EXHAUSTION BEFORE THEY COULD EVEN SWIM 5 TO 6 MILES.
THEIR BODIES NOW FORM THE BIG BEAR ISLAND AND THE TWO SMALL BEAR
ISLANDS.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; BATTLE CREEK

Keyword(s): AMERICAN INDIAN ; SLEEPING BEAR SAND DUNE

Subject headings: PROSE NARRATIVE -- Mammal
PROSE NARRATIVE -- Explanation of a name

Date learned: 00-00-1954

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CHRISTMAS

THERE IS A POLISH CUSTOM THAT THE MEAL EATEN ON CHRISTMAS EVE DAY IS
TO BE A MEATLESS MEAL. THIS MEAL IS CALLED "VIGELIA" BY THE POLES.

Data entry tech comment:

Updated by TRD

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT ; 5274 GRAYTON

Keyword(s): ABSTINENCE FROM MEAT ; CHRISTMAS ; CUSTOM ; FOOD ; holiday ; POLISH ; tradition ; Vegetarian

Subject headings: 122 Christmas

Date learned: 03-19-1970

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CHRISTMAS FOOD

POLISH CATHOLICS ABSTAIN FROM MEAT ON CHRISTMAS EVE BUT HAVE NINE
TRADITIONAL FOODS WHICH ARE: SOUP, HERRING, BARLEY, FISH,
DUMPLINGS, PRUNES, PIEROGI, MUSHROOMS, AND BREAD.

Submitter comment:

(AT A POLISH FAMILY DINNER )

Data entry tech comment:

Updated by TRD

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT ; 2118 E GRAND BLVD

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

Subject headings: 122 Christmas
686 Ninths / Nine

Date learned: 02-00-1970

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HOLIDAY CUSTOM

IT IS AN ITALIAN CUSTOM NEVER TO EAT MEAT ON CHRISTMAS EVE, BUT
TO EAT MANY VARIETIES OF FISH AND THIN SPIGETTI (SPAGHETTI) WITH
OLIVE OIL AND FISH SAUCE.

Submitter comment:

THIS CUSTOM GOES BACK TO SOUTHERN ITALY WHERE THE INFORMANT'S
PARENTS CAME FROM AND WAS TOLD TO THE INFORMANT BY HER MOTHER.

Data entry tech comment:

Updated by TRD

Where learned: NEW YORK ; 42 SANDS ST ; PORT CHESTER

Keyword(s): ABSTINENCE FROM MEAT ; CHRISTMAS ; CUSTOM ; FOOD ; holiday ; Italian ; tradition

Subject headings: 122 Christmas

Date learned: 11-28-1970

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CHRISTMAS CUSTOM

ON CHRISTMAS EVE, AT THE TIME WHEN THE FASTING LAWS WERE IN
EFFECT, MY FAMILY WOULD HAVE A SPECIAL DINNER WHERE ALL THESE
DIFFERENT TYPES OF MEATLESS DISHES WERE PREPARED. EACH PERSON
HAD TO EAT AT LEAST 9 DIFFERENT TYPES OF FOOD AT THIS DINNER IN
HONOR OF THE BIRTH OF CHRIST. WHY THE NUMBER 9, I DO NOT KNOW,
BUT THE EXPERIENCE IS VERY VIVID IN MY MIND SINCE I NEVER DID LIKE
ANY OF THE DISHES WHICH WERE SERVED.

Data entry tech comment:

Updated by TRD

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT ; 5205 FARMBROOK

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

Subject headings: 122 Christmas
686 Ninths / Nine

Date learned: NOT RECORDED

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THE TRADITIONAL CHRISTMAS EVE SUPPER (POLISH TRADITION)

A GROUP OF RELATIVES AND FRIENDS WOULD BE INVITED TO PARTAKE
OF SEVEN, NINE, OR ELEVEN MEATLESS FOODS (ALWAYS AN ODD NUMBER).
THE MEAL USUALLY CONSISTED OF SOUPS, DUMPLINGS, FISH, PICKLED
HERRING, BOILED POTATOES, SAUR KRAUT (SAUERKRAUT) WITH MUSHROOMS,
BOILED RICE, COOKED PRUNES. THE TABLE WAS COVERED WITH A
TABLECLOTH, WITH SOME STRAW UNDERNEATH, THERE PRESENTS FOR THE
CHILDREN WOULD BE HIDDEN. THE CHILDREN WERE NOT ALLOWED TO
LOOK FOR THEM UNTIL AFTER THE DINNER. AT THE MEAL EVERYONE WOULD
TAKE A PIECE OF ANGEL BREAD (WAFER) AND SHARE IT WITH OTHERS,
WISHING THEM GOOD HEALTH AND LUCK FOR THE COMING YEAR.

Submitter comment:

SOME PEOPLE STILL PRACTICE THIS CUSTOM TODAY.

Data entry tech comment:

Updated by TRD

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; RESIDENCE ; DETROIT

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

Subject headings: 122 Christmas
686 Seven / Sevenths / Several
686 Ninths / Nine
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 24 Christmas Eve Christmas
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 24 Christmas Eve F122.82
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20 Gifts, gift giving at Christmas
BELIEF -- Number P686.1.11
BELIEF -- Number Odd number (not specific)

Date learned: NOT RECORDED

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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

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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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CHRISTMAS CUSTOM (POLISH)

ON CHRISTMAS EVE THE FAMILY SITS DOWN AT THE TABLE AND EATS A MEAL
THAT DOES NOT CONSIST OF MEAT. THEY FAST ON THIS NIGHT. BEFORE
THEY EAT THEY ALL BREAK A BLESSED WAFER AND WISH GOOD FORTUNE
TO EVERYONE.

Data entry tech comment:

Updated by TRD

Where learned: MICHIGAN, ASSUMED ; DEARBORN HEIGHTS, ASSUMED ; 6941 WHITEFIELD ; 48127

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

Subject headings: 122 Christmas
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 24 Christmas Eve F122.82

Date learned: 11-12-1968

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CHRISTMAS CUSTOM

AMONG THE POLISH, A WIGILIA (VIGIL) FEAST IS ALWAYS KEPT ON
CHRISTMAS EVE. THE WHOLE FAMILY FASTS FOR THE ENTIRE DAY, AND
A LARGE RITUAL DINNER CLIMAXES THE PREPARATION FOR CHRISTMAS.
SEVEN ITEMS MUST BE INCLUDED IN THE MEAL:
1) LONG WAFER-LIKE PIECES OF BREAD, WHICH RESEMBLE THE HOST
USED IN MASS (THIS IS CALLED OPLOTKI). THE OLDEST PERSON IN
THE FAMILY TAKES A PIECE OF THIS, AND THEN PASSES IT AROUND THE
TABLE. THESE ARE USUALLY DECORATED IN BRIGHT COLORS, AND SCENES
OF THE NATIVITY ARE DEPICTED. THEN
(2) GARLIC IS SERVED IN SMALL SECTIONS, FOLLOWED BY
(3) BARSZCZ OR POTATO SOUP WITH VINEGAR.
(4) FISH IS THE MAIN COURSE, SINCE MEAT MAY NOT BE EATEN ON
CHRISTMAS EVE.
(5) PIEROGI, OR FRIED DUMPLING WITH STUFFING, ARE SERVED NEXT,
FOLLOWED BY
(6) MASHED POTATOES AND
(7) SWEET BREAD.

Data entry tech comment:

Updated by TRD

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT

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

Subject headings: 122 Christmas
686 Seven / Sevenths / Several
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 24 Christmas Eve F122.82

Date learned: 10-15-1971

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AMONG THE UKRAINIANS, THE DAY OF THE CHRISTMAS EVE IS A STRICT FAST
IN COMMEMORATION OF THE HARDSHIPS ENDURED BY MOTHER MARY ENROUTE TO
BETHLEHEM.

Data entry tech comment:

Updated by TRD

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; WARREN

Keyword(s): ABSTINENCE FROM FOOD ; CHRISTMAS ; CUSTOMS ; FOOD ; holiday

Subject headings: 122 Christmas

Date learned: 10-00-1970

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LITHUANIAN CHRISTMAS EVE

IT IS CUSTOMARY FOR LITHUANIANS TO FAST ALL DAY ON CHRISTMAS EVE.
THEIR MEAL, OR SHOULD I SAY FEAST, TAKES PLACE AT MIDNIGHT IN THE
FORM OF A TWELVE COURSE MEAL. DURING THIS MEAL, HAY IS PUT UNDER THE
TABLE CLOTH IN A SYMBOLIC GESTURE.

Data entry tech comment:

Updated by TRD

Where learned: NOT RECORDED BY COLLECTOR

Keyword(s): ABSTINENCE FROM FOOD ; CHRISTMAS ; CUSTOM ; Fast ; FOOD ; holiday

Subject headings: 122 Christmas
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 24 Christmas Eve Christmas
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20 Straw

Date learned: 10-05-1967

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POLISH GOOD LUCK SYMBOL OF OPLATET [OPLATEK]

BREAKING OF UNLEAVENED BREAD BETWEEN
PEOPLE AT CHRISTMAS EVE MEAL TO
SIGNIFY GOOD LUCK.

Where learned: HOME

Keyword(s): BREAD ; FOOD CUSTOM

Subject headings: CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 24 Christmas Eve F122.82

Date learned: 11-10-1968

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CHRISTMAS EVE BREAD

OPLATKI-(O PWAT'KEY) - IS UNLEAVE[NE]D BREAD WHICH NUNS MAKE IN
POLAND FOR CHRISTMAS EVE. IT HAS A NATIVITY IMPRINT ON IT. THE
HEAD OF THE HOUSEHOLD AND HIS MATE BREAK ONE PIECE INTO TWO HALVES,
THE CHILDREN THEN WISH EACH OTHER HEALTH, WEALTH, ETC. SOME OF
THESE PEOPLE SET A PLACE FOR STRANGERS.

Submitter comment:

INFORMANT LEARNED FROM PARENTS.

Where learned: LOCATION NOT RECORDED BY COLLECTOR

Keyword(s): FOOD CUSTOM ; UNLEAVENED BREAD

Subject headings: CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 24 Christmas Eve F122.82

Date learned: DATE NOT RECORDED BY COLLECTOR.

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POLISH CHRISTMAS CUSTOMS

CHRISTMAS IS A BELOVED HOLIDAY FOR THE POLISH PEOPLE. BEGINNING AT
SUNDOWN, THE FAMILY SITS DOWN TO THE EVENING MEAL. THIS MEAL IS
MEATLESS AND CONSISTS OF NINE COURSES. WHEN THE FIRST EVENING STAR
APPEARS THE MEAL BEGINS. STRAW IS PLACED UNDERNEATH A WHITE
TABLECLOTH TO SIGNIFY CHRIST'S BIRTH IN A MANGER. A CHRISTMAS WAFER
CALLED "OPLATEK" IS SHARED WITH EACH MEMBER OF THE FAMILY BEGINNING
WITH THE FATHER. GOOD HEALTH, GOD'S BLESSINGS AND JOY IS EXTENDED
TO ALL. THIS COMPLETED, THE MEAL BEGINS. THE SOUP IS CREAMED
MUSHROOM. FOLLOWING WE HAVE PIEROGI (DUMPLINGS) WITH CABBAGE OR
POTATO AND CHEESE. WE ALSO HAVE A VARIETY OF FISH. COLD HERRING,
FISH IN GELATIN (GALARECIE), BAKED FISH, RYE BREAD AND SAUR KRAUT
PREPARED WITH MUSHROOMS. COFFEE AND BABKA FOR DESERT. AFTER THE
PEOPLE RETURN FROM MIDNIGHT MASS THEY BRING OUT THE BAKED HAM AND
HOMEMADE KIELBASA WHICH EVERY GOOD POLAK MAKES HIMSELF AND THEY EAT,
DRINK AND MAKE MERRY.

Data entry tech comment:

Informant and collector share the same surname.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; informant's home ; 25940 MADISON CT, S. ; St. Clair Shores

Keyword(s): ABSTINENCE FROM MEAT ; FOOD CUSTOM

Subject headings: 122 122.7
686 686.1.9
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 24 Christmas Eve Christmas
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 24 Christmas Eve F122.82
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20 Straw
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20 Church

Date learned: 11-01-1971

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VICTORY TABLE - CHRISTMAS DAY

ON CHRISTMAS DAY, MY MOTHER INSISTS WE STAY AT HOME. SHE
FIRMLY BELIEVES THAT THIS IS A DAY FOR FAMILIES TO BE TOGETHER
AND THAT IT IS NO TIME TO GO VISITING.

Submitter comment: INFORMANT SAID THAT HER MOTHER LEARNED THIS CUSTOM FROM HER MOTHER.

Where learned: PENNSYLVANIA ; DALLAS ; TOLD IN

Keyword(s): VISITING TABU

Subject headings: CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- F122
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Street Trip Relations between relatives, friends, host and guest Social class Rank

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BAD LUCK

NEVER LIFT THE ASHES OUT OF STOVE OR GRATE ON CHRISTMAS DAY.

Where learned: PENNA

Keyword(s): TABU

Subject headings: CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 25 Christmas Also see F642, below.

Date learned: 11-13-1965

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WATER NOT DRUNK AT CHRISTMAS

IN UKRAINE, IT IS BELIEVED THAT IF YOU DRINK WATER DURING CHRISTMAS
SUPPER, THERE WILL BE A VERY HOT SUMMER, AND GREAT THIRST WHILE
WORKING IN THE FIELDS.

Submitter comment: INFORMANT LEARNED THIS FROM RELATIVES IN UKRAINE.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

Keyword(s): ABSTINENCE FROM WATER ; FOOD CUSTOM

Subject headings: CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 24 Christmas Eve Predictions
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 24 Christmas Eve Single dishes

Date learned: 11-19-1967

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KITTENS' PAWS

THIS MEATLESS DISH IS TRADITIONALLY SERVED ON CHRISTMAS EVE
WHICH IN THE PAST WAS A DAY OF TOTAL ABSTINANCE (ABSTINENCE).
A FILLING OF CHEESE, CHOPPED SPINACH AND SPICES IS ROLLED IN SQUARES
OF PASTRY. THE ENDS OF THESE ROLLS ARE PINCHED CLOSE IN SUCH A
FASHION AS TO RESEMBLE KITTENS' PAWS. THEY ARE THEN COOKED
IN A TOMATO SAUCE AND SERVED.

Data entry tech comment:

Updated by TRD

Where learned: DETROIT, ASSUMED ; MICHIGAN, ASSUMED ; 16172 DEXTER

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

Subject headings: 122 Christmas

Date learned: NOT RECORDED

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GAME

IN DETROIT DURING THE PRE-TELEVISION YEARS, CHILDREN USED TO SIT
ON THEIR PORCHES IN THE EVENING AND COUNT CONVERTIBLE CARS AS THEY
WENT BY. THE FIRST CHILD TO COUNT FIFTY CARS WON AN ICE
CREAM CONE OR A PIECE OF BUBBLE GUM.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

James Callow Keyword(s): AUTOMOBILE

Subject headings: Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- C531
BELIEF -- Number P686.1.50

Date learned: 00-00-1939

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