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The James T. Callow Folklore Archive
Your search for N222.9 returned 393 results.
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
UKRAINIAN CHRISTMAS
WE DON'T ACTUALLY CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS DAY, BUT WE CELEBRATE
CHRISTMAS EVE. THE TRADITIONAL DINNER STARTS THAT NIGHT WHEN THE
FIRST STAR APPEARS IN THE SKY. THE MEAL HAS TWELVE COURSES AND
IT IS OBLIGATORY THAT THE FAMILY SING A DIFFERENT SONG BETWEEN
EACH. THE FIRST COURSE IS BEET SOUP (BORSCH). INSIDE THE BORSCH
THERE IS A DUMPLING STUFFED WITH MUSHROOMS. NEXT IS POTATO
DUMPLINGS(VARENKY), TWO COURSES WITH VARIOUS FISH(ONE BROILED
PIKE AND ONE CARP). THE TRADITIONAL BREAD IS UNLEAVENED CALLED
PASKA. FOR DESSERT WE HAVE KUTYA WHICH IS POPPYSEEDS, OATS, WALNUTS
AND A LOT OF SUGAR MIXED TOGETHER AND COOKED FOR SIX HOURS.
IT IS VERY SWEET. ANOTHER DESSERT IS KOMPOT. THIS IS A MIXTURE OF
DIFFERENT FRUITS--APPLES, PEARS, DATES, FIGS, CHERRIES--ALL IN THEIR
OWN JUICES. A SPECIAL THREE-LAYERED CAKE, EACH WITH A DIFFERENT
JELLY IN BETWEEN EACH LAYER COVERED WITH CHOCOLATE IS NEXT. IT
TAKES THREE HOURS TO EAT AND AFTER THE MEAL WE GO CAROLING
FROM HOUSE TO HOUSE IN UKRAINIAN. AFTER THAT WE GO TO MIDNIGHT
MASS WHICH IS TWO HOURS LONG WITH MUCH BELL RINGING. CHRISTMAS
DAY WE WAKE UP AND REPEAT THE WHOLE EATING AFFAIR AT LUNCH BUT
THIS TIME IT IS AT OUR HOUSE AND NOT MY GRANDMA'S. WE GO OUT
AND CAROL SOME MORE. WE OPEN OUR PRESENTS CHRISTMAS EVE. WE GET
A PRACTICAL GIFT AND A GIFT THAT WE WANT. INSTEAD OF A CHRISTMAS
TREE WE HAVE A SHEAF OF WHEAT IN THE CORNER BECAUSE THE UKRAINE
IS THE BREAD BASKET OF THE WORLD. IT IS CALLED DIDUH.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
| 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: 00-00-1965
YOU SHOULD ALWAYS BRING IN THE NEW YEAR WITH BLACK EYED
PEAS AND HOMEMADE WINE. THE PEAS WILL BRING YOU LUCK
AND THE WINE WILL PROMISE YOU WARMTH THROUGHOUT THE
NEW YEAR.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
Date learned: 03-00-1983
ON NEW YEAR'S EVE YOU SHOULD SERVE SOME COLLARD GREENS
MIXED WITH SOME TURNIP GREENS BECAUSE THIS WILL INSURE
THAT MONEY WILL COME TO YOU IN THE NEW YEAR.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
Date learned: 04-00-1983
IF YOU DON'T EAT BLACK EYED PEAS ON NEW YEAR'S DAY, THEN YOU
WILL HAVE BAD LUCK THAT YEAR.
Where learned: ALABAMA ; BALDWIN COUNTY ; FOLEY
Date learned: 00001940-00001960
NEW YEAR'S DAY IS THE OCCASION FOR BAKING AND SERVING
VASSILOPITA, A SPECIAL LARGE, HOLIDAY CAKE BAKED WITH
A COIN INSIDE. THE CAKE IS BLESSED AND CUT AND THE
RECIPIENT OF THE PIECE CONTAINING THE COIN SHOULD HAVE
GOOD LUCK ALL YEAR. THE COIN IS SAVED, NEVER SPENT.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
Date learned: 10-00-1983
FISH IS ALWAYS SERVED AT THE MEAL FOLLOWING A FUNERAL
SERVICE AND ALSO AT THE MEMORIAL SERVICE FORTY DAYS LATER.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
Date learned: 00-00-1950
ON NEW YEAR'S DAY, MY GRANDMOTHER INSISTS THAT EVERYONE AT
HER DINNER TABLE EAT BOILED CABBAGE AT THE MAIN MEAL. SHE SAYS
THAT IT WILL BRING GOOD LUCK FOR THE ENTIRE YEAR.
Submitter comment:
MY GRANDMOTHER WAS ALWAYS VERY ADAMANT ABOUT THIS BELIEF,
AND THIS ALWAYS ANNOYED ME BECAUSE I DETESTED BOILED CABBAGE.
Where learned: EAST DETROIT
| Subject headings: | 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 -- Good luck Food and drink |
Date learned: 10-00-1983
TO KEEP YOUR MAN THROUGH HIS STOMACH
IF YOU WANT TO KEEP YOUR MAN, HUSBAND, OR BOYFRIEND; COOK HIM SOME
DINNER CONSISTING OF TOMATO SAUCE IN NOODLES OR WHATEVER YOU
PREFER. BUT THE SAUCE HAS TO BE RED! YOU ARE TO TAKE TWO TEASPOONS
OF YOUR MENSTRUAL BLOOD AND ADD IT TO THE SAUCE. HE WILL NEVER
LEAVE YOU EVER BUT YOU CAN NOT LEAVE HIM EITHER BECAUSE HE WILL BE
OBSESSED WITH YOU.
Where learned: DETROIT ; NORWEST THEATER
| Subject headings: | 686 Seconds / Twice / Two Food Drink -- Typical menus for the various meals For meal hours, see F574.84. Special or festive meals BELIEF -- Marriage BELIEF -- Color |
Date learned: 01-30-1984
TRADITION
"ON CHRISTMAS EVE MY FAMILY AND I GO TO MIDNIGHT MASS AND THEN
WE COME HOME AND HAVE ITALIAN SAUSAGE COOKED IN WINE."
Submitter comment:
INFORMANT HAS DONE THIS AS LONG AS SHE CAN REMEMBER. SHE SAID
SHE BELIEVES HER FATHER STARTED THIS SINCE HE IS ITALIAN.
Where learned: NEW YORK ; ROCHESTER
Date learned: 00001965CA
ON NEW YEAR'S DAY IT IS A TRADITION TO EAT
"HOP 'N' JOHN'S." IT IS SAID THAT IF YOU EAT THIS MEAL
YOU WILL HAVE GOOD LUCK FOR THE ENTIRE YEAR.
Submitter comment:
"HOP 'N' JOHNS" IS A SOUTHERN MEAL MADE UP OF
BLACK EYE PEAS WITH RICE AND HAM CHUNKS.
TO GET THE BEST OF LUCK THROUGHOUT THE YEAR
THE BLACK EYE PEAS SHOULD START SOAKING ON
NEW YEAR'S EVE UNTIL MORNING.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
Keyword(s): FOOD
Date learned: 00001970CA
AS A CARRY OVER FROM PRE-VATICAN TWO,
OUR FAMILY EATS A FROG LEG DINNER ON
CHRISTMAS EVE.
| 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: 00-00-1970
SUPERSTITION FOR GOOD LUCK
IN ORDER TO ENSURE GOOD LUCK FOR THE COMING YEAR YOU SHOULD EAT
CABBAGE FOR DINNER ON NEW YEAR'S DAY.
Data entry tech comment:
Updated by TRD
Where learned: HOME ; MICHIGAN ; WARREN
Keyword(s): Cabbage ; Consume ; CUSTOM ; FOOD ; LUCK ; Meal ; New Years ; SUPERSTITION
THE RECIPE FOR RAGOUT
FIRST YOU MAKE A BROWN GRAVY BY MIXING BROWN FLOUR AND WATER
TO THE DESIRED CONSISTANCY. YOU THEN ADD EQUAL AMOUNTS BY
WEIGHT OF PIG'S FEET AND CHICKEN. THIS MIXTURE IS THEN ALLOWED
TO SIMMER FOR ONE HOUR AND IS THEN READY TO SERVE.
Submitter comment:
THIS IS WHAT IS CONSIDERED A POOR MAN'S MEAL AND IS EATEN
AS AN APPETIZER BEFORE THANKSGIVING DINNER AS A REMINDER
TO WHAT WE HAVE TO BE THANKFUL FOR.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; EAST DETROIT
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Autumn Fall Harvest Thanksgiving Food Drink -- Typical menus for the various meals For meal hours, see F574.84. Special or festive meals |
LUKKEN
THIS COOKIE, OR WAFFLE., IS A TRADITIONAL BELGIAN
CHRISTMAS TREAT. THERE IS GREAT TRADITION OBSERVED
WHEN THE RECIPE IS HANDED DOWN TO THE YOUNGER MEMBERS
OF THE FAMILY. THE INGREDIENTS :
1 POUND OF BUTTER
6 EGGS
2 POUNDS OF FLOUR
1 POUND OF BROWN SUGAR
1 POUND OF WHITE SUGAR
1 JIGGER OF RUM
1 PINCH OF SALT
MELT THE BUTTER. TAKE OFF HEAT, AND BEAT IN 6 EGGS.
ADD RUM. SLOWLY ADD FLOUR AND SALT. COVER DOUGH
AND PUT IN COOL PLACE: IN BASEMENT OR ICE BOX. KEEP
THERE OVER NIGHT. THE NEXT DAY, THE DOUGH WILL BE
DIVIDED ONTO LUMPS JUST BIG ENOUGH FOR THE WAFFLE IRON.
THE DOUGH IS PRESSED INTO THE IRON, PASSED BACK AND FORTH
OVER A STOVE FIRE, AND REMOVED WHEN THE COOKIE IS DONE.
NOTHING ELSE IS ADDED; THEY ARE SWEET ENOUGH.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | Food Drink -- Typical menus for the various meals For meal hours, see F574.84. Special or festive meals Food Drink -- Pastry Sweet Dessert |
FOR EASTER, THE BELGIANS EAT RABBIT. THE RABBIT
PIECES ARE BROWNED IN BUTTER IN A CAST IRON POT.
STEWING VEGETABLES ARE PUT IN WITH ONE BOTTLE OF WINE.
THE MEAT AND VEGETABLES ARE STEWED (COOKED IN ITS JUICES
ON TOP OF THE STOVE FOR A LONG TIME OVER A LOW HEAT,) UNTIL
THE MEAT IS SOFT. THE JUICES MAKE A WINE FLAVORED GRAVY.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Spring Planting Food Drink -- Typical menus for the various meals For meal hours, see F574.84. Special or festive meals Food Drink -- Meat Wild animal |
Date learned: 12-05-1985
CORN BEEF AND CABBAGE IS EATEN ON NEW YEAR'S DAY.
IF IT ISN'T EATEN, THE PERSON WILL HAVE A BAD YEAR.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; SAINT CLAIR SHORES
ARABIC DEATH CUSTOM
WHEN AN ARABIC PERSON DIES, THREE MONTHS AFTER THEIR DEATH
THERE IS A CHURCH CEREMONY HELD. AFTER THE CEREMONY
THE PEOPLE GO TO THE DEAD PERSON'S HOUSE AND EAT A
CERTAIN DISH WITH BREAD, RICE AND MEAT.
Submitter comment: BACK IN THE OLD COUNTRY THIS IS OFTEN PRACTICED.
Where learned: UNCLE
| Subject headings: | 686 Thirds / Thrice / Three / Triple CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Death Funeral Burial Food Drink -- Typical menus for the various meals For meal hours, see F574.84. Special or festive meals |
Date learned: 00-00-1985 ; 11-00-1987
ON NEW YEAR'S DAY, COOK BLACK-EYED PEAS WITH A PENNY FROM THE
PREVIOUS YEAR AND THE FAMILY WILL HAVE A GOOD YEAR.
Where learned: FLORIDA ; PENSACOLA
GET THE PENNY FROM A SERVING OF BLACK-EYED PEAS ON NEW YEAR'S DAY
AND YOU WILL HAVE A LUCKY YEAR.
Where learned: FLORIDA ; PENSACOLA
Date learned: 01-01-1976