Dr. James T. Callow publications
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SAYING
A GREEN CHRISTMAS MAKES A FULL GRAVEYARD.
Submitter comment:
INFORMANT HEARD THIS FROM HIS MOTHER WHO SAID THE SAYING WAS USED
IN DUNDEE, SCOTLAND, WHERE SHE LIVED UNTIL SHE WAS AROUND THIRTY YEA
OLD. INFORMANT,S MOTHER CAME TO AMERICA IN 1912, THREE YEARS AFTER
THE INFORMANT WAS BORN.
Where learned: PENNSYLVANIA ; PITTSBURGH
| Subject headings: | Observation CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 25 Christmas Also see F642, below. BELIEF -- Weather sign or control BELIEF -- Death Funeral Burial PROVERB -- Proverbial Apothegm Maxim |
Date learned: 10-02-1971
EXTRA CORPORAL MEANS OF COMMUNICATION/ TO BE HEARD
ON CHRISTMAS MORNING, THE NOVICES (THOSE WAITING TO PROFESS THEIR
RELIGIOUS VOWS) WOULD WALK THROUGH THE CORRIDORS OF THE CONVENT
SINGING CHRISTMAS HYMNS. OTHERWISE, THE SISTERS WERE AWAKENED AND
PUT TO BED BY A BELL.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT ; SAINT RITA CONVENT
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 25 Christmas Also see F642, below. SPEECH -- To Be Heard |
Date learned: 03-01-1970
CHRISTMAS EVE CUSTOM
EVERY CHRISTMAS EVE THE INFORMANT AND HER FAMILY DECORATE THEIR
CHRISTMAS TREE. THE PROCESS BEGINS ABOUT MID-AFTERNOON WHEN THE TRE
IS BROUGHT IN FROM THE GARAGE AND PUT IN THE HOUSE IN ITS STAND. IT
IS THEN DECORATED WHILE CHRISTMAS MUSIC IS PLAYED. AFTER THE TREE
IS COMPLETELY FINISHED, THE INFORMANT AND HER FAMILY EAT A QUICK
DINNER AND THEN SPEND THE REST OF THE NIGHT SITTING AROUND THE TREE
AND TALKING.
Submitter comment:
THE TREE IS NEVER DECORATED ANYTIME BEFORE THE AFTERNOON OF CHRISTMA
EVE. THIS TRADITION HAS BEEN CARRIED ON BY THE INFORMANT'S MOTHER
SINCE SHE WAS A LITTLE GIRL. IF ANY LAST MINUTE CHRISTMAS SHOPPING
OR BAKING HAS TO BE DONE ON THIS DAY, IT IS ALWAYS DONE BEFORE THE
TREE IS DECORATED. THE EVENING IS RESERVED FOR ENJOYING THE TREE.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; SOUTHFIELD
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 24 Christmas Eve |
Date learned: CA00001963
CHRISTMAS EVE CUSTOM
EVERY CHRISTMAS EVE THE INFORMANT AND THE MEMBERS OF HER FAMILY
SECRETLY PUT SOME MONEY UNDERNEATH THE TABLECLOTH ON THE KITCHEN
TABLE. THE MONEY IS COLLECTED ON CHRISTMAS DAY AND LATER IN THE WEE
IT IS GIVEN TO A CHARITY.
Submitter comment:
THIS TRADITION HAS BEEN CARRIED OUT BY THE INFORMANT'S FAMILY FOR TW
GENERATIONS. IT BEGAN WITH THE INFORMANT'S MOTHER WHO LEARNED IT AS
A CHILD IN AMERICA.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; REDFORD
James Callow Keyword(s): GIFT-GIVING
| Subject headings: | Favorites CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 25 Christmas Also see F642, below. CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 24 Christmas Eve |
Date learned: 11-12-1979
EVERY CHRISTMAS EVE, A MEMBER OF THE INFORMANT'S FAMILY GOES TO THEI
NEIGHBORHOOD CHURCH AND GETS SOME BLESSED HOSTS. THE HOSTS ARE EATE
WITH HONEY THAT NIGHT BEFORE THE FAMILY BEGINS THEIR DINNER. THE
PURPOSE OF THIS GESTURE IS TO BRING THE PRESENCE OF THE LORD INTO
THEIR HOUSE ON CHRISTMAS EVE.
Submitter comment:
THIS IS A CZECHOSLOVAKIAN CUSTOM ACCORDING TO THE INFORMANT'S MOTHER
WHO SAYS THAT IT DATES BACK TO SOME TIME BEFORE HER MOTHER'S
CHILDHOOD.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; REDFORD
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 24 Christmas Eve |
Date learned: 11-12-1979 ; CA00001929
CHRISTMAS SOUP
THIS SOUP IS MADE EVERY CHRISTMAS EVE BY THE INFORMANT'S MOTHER. IT
IS SERVED BEFORE THE MAIN COURSE OF DINNER ON CHRISTMAS EVE. THE
INGREDIENTS ARE AS FOLLOWS:
SAUERKRAUT, NAVY BEANS, MUSHROOMS, SOUR CREAM, ONIONS, AND
GARLIC (HARD BOILED EGGS ARE OPTIONAL).
THE INFORMANT'S MOTHER MAKES A BIG POT OF THIS SOUP AND USES HER OWN
JUDGEMENT IN MEASURING OUT THE PORTIONS OF EACH INGREDIENT.
Submitter comment:
THIS IS A CZECHOSLOVAKIAN RECIPE THAT HAS BEEN PASSED DOWN TO THE
INFORMANT'S MOTHER FROM HER GREAT, GREAT GRANDMOTHER.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; REDFORD
Date learned: 11-12-1979
KWANZA
KWANZA WAS CREATED BY DR. RON KARENGA FOR BLACK AMERICANS.
IT STARTS DECEMBER 26TH AND ENDS JANUARY 1ST.
BLACK, RED, AND GREEN ARE ITS COLORS. BLACK IS FOR OUR PEOPLE
RED FOR OUR CONTINUING STRUGGLE AND GREEN FOR LAND AND HOPE.
KANZA HAS SEVEN PRINCIPLES OF THE BLACK VALUE SYSTEM, CALLED THE
NGUZO SABA.
1. UMOJA -(UNITY)- TO STRIVE FOR AND MAINTAIN UNITY IN THE FAMILY,
COMMUNITY, NATION AND RACE.
2. KUJUCHAGULIA -(SELF-DETERMINATION)- TO DEFINE
OURSELVES, NAME OURSELVES,
CREATE FOR OURSELVES AND SPEAK
FOR OURSELVES RATHER THAT TO ALLOW OTHERS
TO DO THESE THINGS FOR US.
3. UJIMA -(COLLECTIVE WORK AND RESPONSIBILITY)- TO BUILD AND
MAINTAIN OUR COMMUNITY TOGETHER TO MAKE OUR SISTERS AND BROTHERS
PROBLEMS OUR PROBLEMS AND TO SOLVE THEM TOGETHER.
4. UJAMAA -(COOPERATIVE ECONOMICS)- TO BUILD AND MAINTAIN OUR
OWN STORES,
SHOPS, AND OTHER BUSINESSES AND TO PROFIT FROM THEM TOGETHER.
5. NIA -(PURPOSE)- TO MAKE OUR COLLECTIVE VOCATION THE BUILDING AN
DEVELOPING OF OUR COMMUNITY IN ORDER TO RESTORE OUR PEOPLE TO THEIR
TRADITIONAL GREATNESS.
6. KUUMBA -(CREATIVITY)- TO DO ALWAYS AS MUCH
AS WE CAN IN THE WAY WE
CAN, IN ORDER TO LEAVE OUR COMMUNITY MORE BEAUTIFUL AND BENEFICIAL
THAN WHEN WE INHERITED IT.
7. IMANI -(FAITH)- TO BELIEVE WITH ALL OUR
HEARTS IN OUR PEOPLE, OUR
PARENTS, OUR TEACHERS, OUR LEADERS AND THE
RIGHTEOUSNESS AND VICTORY OF OUR STRUGGLE. MM
CELEBRANTS BRING FOOD AND DRINKS TO SHARE FOR EACH DAY'S FEAST. EAC
CELEBRANT IS GREETED WITH THE WORDS "HABARI GANI" WHICH MEANS WHAT'S
THE NEWS OR WHAT'S HAPPENING. THE RESPONSE IS THAT DAY'S NQUZO SABA
PRINCIPLE.
THE HOUSE IS DECORATED WITH THE COLORS
GREEN, RED, AND BLACK. EVERYONE
GATHERS INTO A SEMICIRCLE. THE TABLE IS SET WITH THE SYMBOLS OF
KWANZA AND EACH PIECE IS EXPLAINED.
A STRAW MAT (MKEKA), THE SYMBOL
FOR OUR HISTORICAL FOUNDATION IN
TADITIONAL AFRICAN CULTURE. A CANDLEHOLDER
(KINARA), THE SYMBOL FOR OUR AFRICAN ANCESTORS. IT HOLDS SEVEN
CANDLES, (MISHUMAA), THREE RED, ONE BLACK, AND THREE GREEN ONES. TH
CANDLES REPRESENT THE SEVEN PRINCIPLES.
(MATUNDA)- TROPICAL FRUIT, VEGETABLES AND NUTS, WHICH REPRESENT THE
YIELD OF TRADITIONAL HARVEST.
EARS OF CORN WHICH REPRESENT THE NUMBER
OF CHILDREN IN THE FAMILY AND UNSHUCKED EARS OF CORN TO REPRESENT
CHILDLESS HOMES TO EXPRESS THE POTENTIAL FOR CHILDREN.
GIFTS, GIVEN ON THE SEVENTH DAY OF KWANZA, ARE MAINLY FOR CHILDREN
AND REPRESENT PARENT'S SATISFACTION
THAT THEIR CHILDREN HAVE ACHIEVED
AND GROWN IN A MANNER THAT GIVES HONOR TO THE FAMILY. THE GIFTS ARE
EXPRESSING THE HISTORY, CULTURE AND COMMITMENT
TO EDUCATION AS A LIBERATING
FORCE. MM
THE ELDERS OF THE FAMILY TAKE SEATS ON EACH SIDE OF THE KWANZA TABLE
SETTING AND THE CEREMONY BEGINS. THE
ELDERS CHARGE YOU TO REMEMBER OUR
ANCESTORS AND TO STRUGGLE FOR A NEW WORLD FOR
OUR CHILDREN. THEY POUR A LIBATION FORM THE UNITY CUP.
A LIBATION IS AN EXPRESSION OF COMMUNICATION AMONG US:
THE LIVING, OUR ANCESTORS AND OUR CHILDREN YET
TO BE BORN.
TO EXPRESS UNITY AS AN IDEAL IN BLACK
COMMUNITIES THROUGHOUT THE WORLD,
THE ELDERS DRINK FROM THE UNITY CUP AND PASS IT TO THE
OTHER MEMBERS OF THE CELEBRATION.
EACH PERSON SHOUTS "HARAMBEE" (LET'S PULL TOGETHER),
THEREBY PLEDGING THEMSELVES TO UNITY.
THE CHILDREN LIGHT A CANDLE FOR EACH
DAY OF THE CELEBRATION WHICH HAS
PASSED AND FOR THE PRESENT DAY. EACH
CELEBRANT EXPRESSES THEIR THOUGHTS AND FEELINGS ABOUT THE PRINCIPLE
FOR THE DAY AND HOW IT AFFECTS THEIR LIVES. MM
KWANZA WAS FOUNDED TO CELEBRATE OUR FAMILIES AND COMMUNITIES, OUR
WARMTH AND LOVE, OUR INTERDEPENDENCE AND FREEDOM STRUGGLE AND OUR
JOY AND STRENGTH. BECAUSE WE ARE AN AFRICAN PEOPLE. DR. KARENGA
LOOKING TO THE MOTHERLAND; BORROWED AN IDEAL; USED CREATIVITY AND
INGENUITY, AND MIXED IT WITH THE BLACK EXPERIENCE IN AMERICA. HE
CREATED MATUNDA YA KWANKA (KISWAHILI),
FOR FIRST FRUIT, THE CELEBRATION
COMMONLY KNOWN AS KWANZA.
KWANZA IS AN EXTENDED FAMILY CELEBRATION AND AN OCCASION FOR
STRENGTHENING FAMILY CONSCIOUSNESS AND SOLIDARITY WHILE SERVING AS A
EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCE FOR CHILDREN IN SOCIAL AND SPIRITUAL MATTERS.
MUCH TIME IS SPENT REFLECTING ON THE PAST YEAR, MAKING DECISIONS
ABOUT IMPORTANT MATTERS THAT AFFECT THE FAMILY, WISHING RELATIVES A
PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR AND ENJOYING FOOD, MUSIC AND GAMES.
IN THE U.S. THE FIRST FRUIT CELEBRATION, KWANZA, IS A SYMBOLIC EVENT
DURING THE FESTIVAL BLACK PEOPLE COME
TOGETHER TO CELEBRATE OUR AFRICAN
HERITAGE, TO GIVE THANKS TO OUR ANCESTORS,
TO REAFFIRM THE BELIEF THAT ELDERS SHOULD BE
RESPECTED, TO REINFORCE OUR VALUE FRAMEWORK FOR OUR CHILDREN
AND TO CELEBRATE THE SEVEN PRINCIPLES OF THE BLACK VALUE SYSTEM,
THE NGUZO SABA.
Submitter comment:
I HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO PARTICIPATE IN A CELEBRATION OF KWANZA LAST
YEAR AT A FRIEND'S HOUSE. SHE (MARLA PITTS), HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO
CELEBRATE IT WHILE ON HER VACATION IN 1975.
Where learned: DETROIT
James Callow Keyword(s): SYMBOLS
Date learned: 00-00-1978 ; 00-00-1975
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
IRISH CHRISTMAS
WE WOULD SING CAROLS SUCH AS SILENT NIGHT AND ADESTA FEDALAISE-COME
ALL YE FAITHFUL. WE WOULD LOOK IN THE WINDOWS AND SEE ALL THE TOYS.
WE NEVER HAD ANY TOYS. FOR A CHRISTMAS TREE WE WOULD GET AN
EVERGREEN FROM THE FIELD. FOR CHRISTMAS DINNER WE WOULD HAVE TURKEY
DRESSING, BOILED POTATOES, VEGETABLES FROM THE GARDEN, CHRISTMAS
CAKE, AND PLUM PUDDING. WE WOULD HAVE TO CUT THE HEAD OFF AND PLUCK
THE FEATHERS FROM THE TURKEY, IT WOULD TAKE HOURS. THE CHRISTMAS
CAKE WAS A KIND OF FRUIT CAKE. THE PLUM PUDDING WOULD BE HUNG FROM
THE WALL AND TAKEN DOWN FOR CHRISTMAS AND THE FEAST OF THE EPIPHANY
ON JANUARY 6.
Submitter comment:
MY MOTHER LIVED IN BUNCLODY, COUNTY WEXFORD, IRELAND WHEN SHE WAS
YOUNG. SHE CAME FROM A POOR FAMILY.
ADESTA FEDALAISE USUALLY SPELLED ADESTA FIDELES
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; BLOOMFIELD HILLS
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- January 6 Twelfth Day Epiphany CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 25 Christmas Also see F642, below. |
Date learned: 00-00-1932 ; 11-22-1979
LITHUANIAN-AMERICAN CHRISTMAS EVE MEAL
ON CHRISTMAS EVE, THE TRADITIONAL EVENING MEAL CONSISTED OF
CHRISTMAS WAFERS, SAUERKRAUT SOUP, PORRIDGE, FISH, PEAS, BREAD,
AND BUTTER.
Where learned: WEST VIRGINIA ; MINDEN
| 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 |
CUSTOM
IT IS BELIEVED BY POLISH FAMILIES IN AMERICA BUT ESPECIALLY
IN POLAND THAT ONE MUST PUT HAY UNDER ATROCIOUS DESIGNS OF THE
SILVERWARE IN ORDER TO CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS PROPERLY AND IN ORDER
TO HAVE A GOOD AND HAPPY NEW YEAR. IF ONE FAILED TO DO THIS, THEN
ONE WOULD HAVE SEVERAL YEARS OF EVIL SURROUNDING THE FAMILY AND
ONESELF AND THE DEVIL HIMSELF WOULD BE WAITING FOR THE OPPORTUNITY T
TAKE THE PERSON TO HELL.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; TROY
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 24 Christmas Eve BELIEF -- P 42 BELIEF -- Measure of time Year BELIEF -- P887 |
Date learned: 00-00-1979
DECORATING ON CHRISTMAS EVE
DECORATING OF THE HOME AND CHRISTMAS TREE ON CHRISTMAS EVE IT IS THE
OFFICIAL STARTING OF THE CHRISTMAS SEASON.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; LIVONIA
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 24 Christmas Eve |
Date learned: CA02001980
POLISH CHRISTMAS TRADITION
WHEN CHRISTMAS EVE DINNER IS READY, FAMILY MEMBERS AND GUESTS
THAT WILL SHARE THE MEAL KNEEL AND LISTEN WHILE THE MOTHER OF
THE HOUSEHOLD READS THE GOSPEL ACCOUNT OF JESUS' BIRTH. THE
GOSPEL IS ALWAYS LUKE 2:1-14. MM
CHRISTMAS EVE SUPPER BEGINS AFTER THE FIRST STAR APPEARS. THE
SIGHTING OF THE STAR IS ANNOUNCED BY THE YOUNGEST MEMBER OF THE
FAMILY.
Submitter comment:
NOTICE THE RECURRING EMPHASIS ON THE YOUNGEST FAMILY MEMBER
(SEE SQ 771820-8). ALSO, THE COLLECTOR IS UNAWARE OF ANY
FAMILIES THAT SCHEDULE DINNER TO BEGIN AFTER THE FIRST STAR
APPEARS. MOST FAMILIES EAT WHENEVER THEY CHOOSE.
Where learned: DETROIT
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 24 Christmas Eve CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Street Trip Relations between relatives, friends, host and guest Social class Rank |
Date learned: CA00001890S ; 01-13-1980
POLISH CHRISTMAS TRADITION
PRIOR TO SETTING THE CHRISTMAS EVE DINNER TABLE, ONE STRAND OF HAY
FOR EVERY PERSON SHARING THE MEAL IS PLACED IN THE CENTER OF THE
TABLE UNDER THE TABLE CLOTH. THE STRANDS ARE OF VARYING LENGTHS.
AFTER DINNER, EVERYONE MAKES A WISH AND PULLS A STRAND OF HAY
OUT FROM UNDERNEATH THE TABLECLOTH. THE INDIVIDUAL WHO PULLS OUT
THE LONGEST STRAND OF HAY WILL OBTAIN HIS WISH BEFORE THE END OF
THE NEW YEAR.
Submitter comment:
THOUGH THE WISHES AREN'T GUARANTEED, CHILDREN AS WELL AS SOME
ADULTS EXPECT THEM TO COME TRUE.
Where learned: DETROIT
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Special Object or Implement CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 24 Christmas Eve BELIEF -- Measure of time Year BELIEF -- Prayer |
Date learned: CA00001890S ; 01-13-1980
POLISH CHRISTMAS TRADITION
AFTER MAKING THE CHRISTMAS WISH, THE FAMILY MEMBERS AND GUESTS THAT
WERE PRESENT FOR THE CHRISTMAS EVE MEAL SING POLISH CHRISTMAS
CAROLS. THEN THE GROUP GATHERS AROUND THE CHRISTMAS TREE SO THAT
THE MOTHER OF THE HOUSEHOLD MAY DISTRIBUTE THE CHRISTMAS PRESENTS.
WHEN THE MOTHER DISTRIBUTES THE GIFTS, SHE STARTS WITH THE YOUNGEST.
Submitter comment:
NOTICE THE EMPHASIS WHICH IS PLACED ON BEING THE YOUNGEST IN POLISH
CHRISTMAS TRADITION. THE YOUNGEST PERSON SIGHTS THE FIRST
STAR (SQ 771820-2) AND IS ALSO THE FIRST PERSON TO RECEIVE PRESENTS.
Where learned: DETROIT
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 24 Christmas Eve CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Street Trip Relations between relatives, friends, host and guest Social class Rank |
Date learned: CA00001890S ; 01-13-1980
PASTERKA
FAMILY MEMBERS GO TO CHURCH AT MIDNIGHT FOR THE CHRISTMAS MASS
CALLED PASTERKA. UPON RETURNING HOME, THE FAMILY EATS A BREAKFAST
OF HAM WITH HORSERADISH ON PUMPERNICKLE BREAD.
Submitter comment:
PASTERKA MEANS THE SHERPHERDS' MASS.
THE BREAKFAST MENU IS OFTEN REVISED TO INCLUDE BACON AND EGGS OR
OTHER FOODS THE FAMILY ENJOYS.
Where learned: DETROIT
James Callow Keyword(s): POLISH
| 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: CA00001890S ; 01-13-1980
MEXICAN CHRISTMAS CUSTOM FOR CHILDREN
IN MEXICO DURING THE CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY, A PINADA IS FILLED WITH
CANDY AND IS BROKE OPEN DURING SOME PARTY. USUALLY CHILDREN ARE THE
ONES WHO TAKE PART IN THIS FESTIVITY
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; GARDEN CITY
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 25 Christmas Also see F642, below. |
SANTA CLAUS COMES WITH A SWITCH AND GIVES A FEW PLAYFUL WHACKS TO
THE CHILDREN BEFORE PASSING OUT PRESENTS ON CHRISTMAS EVE.
Submitter comment: HE LEARNED THIS WHILE LIVING IN GERMANY.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; TROY
James Callow Keyword(s): RITUAL WHIPPING.
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 25 Christmas Also see F642, below. |
Date learned: 00-00-1950
WE CELEBRATE ST. NICHOLAS DAY EVERY DECEMBER 6. A SMALL GIFT,
SUCH AS A PEN, CANDY BAR, OR NOTE PAD IS PLACED AT EACH CHILDS'
PLATE BEFORE DINNER. THIS ORIGINATED IN GERMANY AND WE HAVE BEEN
PRACTICING IT FOR TEN YEARS.
Where learned: ROYAL OAK
James Callow Keyword(s): GIFT-GIVING
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 25 Christmas Also see F642, below. |
Date learned: CA00001970
"WYGILIA" IS A MEAL CELEBRATED AT CHRISTMAS EVE. AT THIS MEAL
THIRTEEN DIFFERENT FOODS ARE LAID IN A BED OF STRAW. STRAW REPRESENT
THE CRIB. THE THIRTEEN DIFFERENT FOODS REPRESENT THE BLESSED MOTHER,
THE THREE KINGS, AND ALL OF THE ANIMALS. IT IS A TRADITIONAL MEAL
COOKED BEFORE NOON CHRISTMAS EVE DAY. NO COOKING IS DONE AFTER NOON
UNTIL THE DAY AFTER CHRISTMAS.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; BERKELEY
Date learned: 00-00-1950