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The James T. Callow Folklore Archive
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CHRISTMAS CUSTOM
CANDLES WERE USED ON CHRISTMAS TREES INSTEAD OF LIGHT BULBS, AND
AS THE PEOPLE WOULD BE WALKING HOME FROM MIDNIGHT MASS THE
CANDLES WOULD BE LIT, SO THAT THE TREE COULD BE SEEN THROUGH
THE WINDOW. THEN EVERYONE IN THE HOUSEHOLD WOULD STAND AROUND THE
TREE FOR ABOUT FIVE MINUTES, AND THEN THE CANDLES WOULD BE PUT OUT.
THIS WAS THE ONLY TIME THE TREE WAS LIT, BECAUSE OF THE FIRE
HAZARD.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; HARPER WOODS
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20 Lights and candles CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20 Christmas tree |
CAROLING
AMONG THE UKRAINIANS, ON CHRISTMAS DAY GROUPS OF CAROLERS VISIT THE
UKRAINIAN HOMES SINGING ANCIENT CAROLS AND BRINGING GREETINGS.
THEY CARRY WITH THEM A LARGE STAR OF BETHLEHEM, MADE OF COLORFUL
PAPER AND WOOD, LIT WITH A CANDLE (OR NOW AN ELECTIC LIGHT).
OR THE CAROLERS WILL CARRY A MINIATURE MANGER ("WERTEP") WITH
HAND CARVED WOODEN FIGURES. ANOTHER CUSTOM WHICH HAS ALMOST
PASSED AWAY IS THAT OF PRESENTING LITTLE SKITS WITH MEMBERS
OF THE GROUP DRESSED IN APPROPRIATE COSTUMES: AN ANGEL,
THREE KINGS, SHEPHERDS, AND A COMICAL CHARACTER FOR A TOUCH OF
HUMOUR.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; WARREN
Date learned: 10-00-1970
CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION IN LITHUANIA IS VERY ELABORATE. ON CHRISTMAS
EVE, THE TABLE IS SET WITH A WHITE TABLECLOTH, 12 KINDS OF PREPARED
FISH AND IN THE CENTER--A HANDFUL OF STRAW UNDER THE TABLECLOTH, AND
DIRECTLY ON THAT, "PLOTKELES". "PLOTKELES" IS SIMILAR TO COMMUNION,
ONLY SQUARE, A PIECE OF SIZEABLE SIZE (MOSTLY 6 BY 4 INCHES). IN
LITHUANIAN, IT IS CALLED "KRISTAUS LAISKAS"--CHRIST'S LETTER. IT IS
A LETTER ANNOUNCING HIS BIRTH AND THAT HE WILL SAVE US.
WHEN EVERYONE IS SEATED, THEY SAY A PRAYER AND THEN, THE FATHER TAKES
ONE OF THE "LETTERS", HANDS IT TO THE MOTHER WHO BREAKS OFF A PIECE,
THEN TO THE NEXT OLDEST, ETC...SO ON DOWN THE LINE. THEN THE MOTHER
LETS EVERYONE BREAK OFF A PIECE FROM HER PIECE AND SO ON...
AFTER THE PASSING AROUND OF THE LETTER, THE EATING STARTS. THIS IS
THE ONE TIME THAT WE ARE NOT ALLOWED, BY LITHUANIAN CUSTOM, TO EAT
MEAT. WE PREPARE FISH 12 DIFFERENT WAYS: SMOKED HERRING, PICKLED
HERRING, WHITE FISH, OR ANY OTHER KINDS OF FISH. FISH AND VEGETABLES,
AS MUCH AS WE WANT--FOR DURING THE DAY WE ARE NOT SUPPOSED
TO EAT ANYTHING AT ALL. THERE ARE TO BE 12 VARIATIONS OF EACH FOOD:
12 FISH, 12 VEGETABLES, 12 FRUIT, 12 CAKES.
AFTER THE FISH AND VEGETABLES, THEN STARTS THE FRUITS AND SWEETS.
MOST OF THE CAKES ARE HOME BAKED, THE FRUITS MADE INTO A PUNCH OR A
FRUIT-BOWL.
TO FINISH OFF THE MEAL, THERE ARE THE TRADITIONAL "SLIZIKAI"--TASTE
JUST LIKE BREAD STICKS, ONLY THEY'RE SMALL AND ROUND. YOU PUT THEM
IN SWEET MILK (IN AMERICA--DILUTED PET MILK) AND THAT IS HOW YOU EAT
THEM.
AFTER DINNER, THERE ARE THE PRESENTS OPENING AND AFTER THAT, TIME TO
GO TO CHURCH.
WHEN YOU FIRST WALK INTO THE CHURCH, EVERYTHING IS TOTALLY DARK.
BUT AT EXACTLY MIDNIGHT--ALL THE CANDLES ARE LIT, THE CHIMES AND BELLS
START RINGING, AND THE CONGREGATION BEGINS TO SING. THERE IS A
PROCESSION AROUND THE CHURCH 3 TIMES; THEN THE PROCESSION OF THE
PRIEST, ALTAR BOYS AND GIRLS (THROW FLOWER PETALS IN FRONT OF THE
PRIEST) STOP IN FRONT OF THE CHURCH'S CRIB AND BEGIN TO PRAY. HE
PRAYS FOR THE POPE, THE PRIESTS AND NUNS, FOR THE PEOPLE , AND FOR
THE LITHUANIAN NATION (IN AMERICA, SO THAT THEIR FREEDOM WILL BE
RESTORED) (IN LITHUANIA AT THE PRESENT, THEY ARE UNABLE TO CELEBRATE
IN CHURCH). THEN HE BLESSES THE CONGREGATION WITH HOLY WATER AND THE
MASS BEGINS.
CHRISTMAS DAY IS USUALLY THE VISITING DAY OF FRIENDS AND RELATIVES.
WHEN THE PEOPLE USED TO VISIT, THEY ALWAYS BROUGHT SOMETHING ALONG,
EITHER SOME CAKES, OR CANDY OR A BOTTLE OF WINE AND A LOAF OF BREAD.
IT WAS CONSIDERED A DISGRACE TO GO VISITING AND NOT BRING SOMETHING.
THE CELEBRATING USUALLY LASTED FOR 3 DAYS, BUT NOW--FOR ONLY 1 OR 2
DAYS.
Where learned: LOCATION NOT RECORDED
Keyword(s): ABSTINENCE FROM MEAT ; FOOD CUSTOM
Date learned: 03-25-1972
CHRISTMAS CUSTOM
AT THE END OF THE MEAL ON CHRISTMAS EVE, EACH PERSON LIGHTS A CANDLE
STARTING FROM THE OLDEST ONE PRESENT TO THE YOUNGEST AND IF THE
SMOKE(AFTER BLOWING THE CANDLE OUT) GOES UP STRAIGHT THE PERSON IS
SUPPOSED TO HAVE GOOD LUCK THE COMING YEAR. THIS IS A SLOVAKIAN
CUSTOM.
Where learned: PENNSYLVANIA ; SCRANTON
Keyword(s): PREDICTION
Date learned: 04-00-1972
CHRISTMAS BELIEF
TWO CANDLES ARE LIT AND PLACED ON THE TABLE DURING THE CHRISTMAS EVE
MEAL. AT THE CONCLUSION OF THE MEAL BOTH THE FATHER AND THE MOTHER
WOULD BLOW OUT A CANDLE AND THEN WOULD WATCH THE SMOKE. IF THE SMOKE
WENT UP YOU WOULD LIVE ANOTHER YEAR. IF THE SMOKE WENT OUT THE DOOR
YOU WOULDN'T.
Where learned: HOME ; MICHIGAN ; TROY
Keyword(s): DEATH ; PREDICTION
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 24 Christmas Eve Predictions CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20 Lights and candles |
Date learned: 10-24-1970
CHRISTMAS CUSTOM
DURING SUPPER (OR AFTER) ON CHRISTMAS EVE, GIRLS SIT ON ONE SIDE OF
THE TABLE AND MEN SIT ON THE OTHER. THEN A CANDLE IS PUT BEFORE EACH
GROUP. ON THE SIDE THAT THE CANDLE BURNS OUT FASTER, A MEMBER OF THE
FAMILY WILL LEAVE.
Submitter comment: INFORMER RECIEVED INFORMATION FROM RELATIVES IN UKRAINE.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
Keyword(s): PREDICTION
Date learned: 10-07-1967
IRISH CHRISTMAS PRACTICE
THE CHRIST CHILD WANDERS AROUND ON CHRISTMAS EVE IN THE FORM OF A
POOR PERSON. THE HOMES HAVE A LIGHT IN THE WINDOW, FOOD ON THE TABLE
AND THE DOOR UNLOCKED, TO WELCOME THE ARRIVAL OF CHRIST.
Where learned: MARYGROVE COLLEGE
Keyword(s): BELIEF
Date learned: 00001968 FALL
UKRAINIAN CUSTOM
CHRISTMAS EVE IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN CHRISTMAS. A SPECIAL DINNER
WOULD TAKE PLACE ON CHRISTMAS EVE CONSISTING OF SPECIAL FOODS
LIKE PANCAKES, MUCHROOMS (MUSHROOMS), POPPY SEEDS AND OTHER
REGIONAL FOODS. ONE CANDLE WAS LIT IN THE MIDDLE OF THE TABLE.
THERE WAS NO MEAT OF ANY FORM SERVED ON THIS DAY.
Submitter comment:
INFORMANT IS AN UKRAINIAN-AMERICAN WHO PRACTICED THIS CUSTOM
DURING HER CHILDHOOD.
Data entry tech comment:
Updated by TRD
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; PONTIAC
Keyword(s): ABSTINENCE FROM MEAT ; CHRISTMAS ; CUSTOM ; FOOD ; holiday ; Ukraine ; Vegetarian
| Subject headings: | 122 Christmas 686 Properties attributed to specific numbers or numerals individually. CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20 Lights and candles |
Date learned: 10-02-1971
CHRISTMAS
AT SUPPER ON CHRISTMAS EVE, THE MOTHER PUTS TWO LOAVES OF BREAD
ON BOTH SIDES OF THE TABLE WITH A CANDLE STUCK IN EACH LOAF.
Submitter comment:
INFORMANT LEARNED THIS FROM PARENTS.
Data entry tech comment:
Updated by TRD
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
Keyword(s): CHRISTMAS ; CUSTOM ; holiday ; Table Setting ; tradition
| Subject headings: | 122 Christmas 686 Seconds / Twice / Two CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20 Lights and candles |
Date learned: 11-19-1967
CHRISTMAS
ON CHRISTMAS MORNING THE FAMILY HAD A FRUIT-FILLED COFFEE CAKE
AND PUT A CANDLE ON IT AND THEN THE FAMILY SANG HAPPY BIRTHDAY
DEAR JESUS.
Submitter comment:
THIS WAS DONE BY THE INFORMANT FROM 1949 TO 1969
Data entry tech comment:
Updated by TRD
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
Keyword(s): Birthday ; CHRISTMAS ; CUSTOM ; FOOD ; holiday ; JESUS ; tradition
| Subject headings: | 122 Christmas CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20 Lights and candles CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20 Songs, caroling |
Date learned: 11-23-1970
EASTERN EPIPHANY CUSTOM
IN THE EASTERN CHURCH THERE IS THE CUSTOM OF THE BLESSING OF ALL THE
ROOMS OF THE HOUSE. THE PRIEST BLESSES THE
ROOM WITH INCENSE AND HOLY WATER AND MARKS IN CHALK ABOVE THE DOOR
19C+B+M67 TO SIGNIFY THAT THE BLESSING OF THE THREE KINGS WILL REMAIN
ON THE HOUSEHOLD FOR THE YEAR.
Submitter comment: HE LEARNED IT WHILE HE WAS IN SCHOOL IN PENNSYLVANIA
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- January 6 Twelfth Day Epiphany CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20 Lights and candles |
Date learned: 12-00-1967
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
CHRISTMAS CUSTOM
HANDMADE LANTERNS OF STICKS, CELLOPHANE, PLASTIC, OR PAPER ARE MADE
AND SOLD, AS THE CHRISTMAS WREATHS ARE TO THE AMERICANS. LANTERNS
ARE USUALLY SHAPED INTO STARS AND NIPA HUTS, THE TRADITIONAL HOME.
Where learned: PHILIPPINES ; MAKATI
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20 Lights and candles |
Date learned: 00001950S
DURING ADVENT, IRISH PEOPLE PUT A CANDLE IN THEIR WINDOW TO
WELCOME THE CHRIST CHILD.
Submitter comment: THIS WAS ORIGINALLY LEARNED IN WATERTOWN,, NEW YORK
Where learned: NEW YORK ; WATERTOWN
| Subject headings: | 645 September 23 Equinox to December 20 CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20 Lights and candles |
Date learned: 00-00-1940
SERBIAN CHRISTMAS CUSTOM
THE SERBIAN COMMUNITY OF DUQUESNE, PENNSYLVANIA OBSERVED
THE RUSSIAN ORTHODOX 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS BY SPREADING
STRAW ON THE FLOOR, THE KITCHEN TABLE, AND THROUGHOUT THE
KITCHEN TO REPRESENT JESUS' MANGER. A BURNING CANDLE WAS
PLACED ON THE TABLE AND IT WAS CONSIDERED BAD LUCK FOR THE
ENTIRE YEAR IF THE CANDLE WENT OUT. MY MOTHER WITNESSED
THE PRACTICE IN DUQUESNE, PENNSYLVANIA AROUND 1947.
Submitter comment:
THE INFORMANT'S MOTHER'S NAME IS MARY MORSILLO GINGERICH,
BORN OCTOBER 3, 1937, FARRELL, PENNSYLVANIA.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; ROYAL OAK
Date learned: 09-00-1982
LUMINARI
LUMINARI IS FROM A SPANISH WORD MEANING LIGHT, AND
IS THE CUSTOM OF LIGHTING STREETS OF A NEIGHBORHOOD WITH
CANDLELIGHT TO SYMBOLIZE THE BONFIRES THE SHEPHERDS BUILT
TO LIGHT THEIR WAY TO THE MANGER IN BETHLEHEM ON THE
FIRST CHRISTMAS EVE. FOR THE MODERN DAY YOUNG-AT-HEARTS,
IT IS ALSO BE DESCRIBED AS LIGHTING THE WAY FOR SANTA.
WHEN DONE WITH UNANIMOUS COOPERATION, THE EFFECT IS
MOST IMPRESSIVE AND HEARTWARMING IN THIS SEASON OF
"GOOD WILL TOWARDS ALL MEN."
THE PROCEDURE INVOLVED IS RELATIVELY SIMPLE AND SAFE.
PLACE 2 INCHES OF SAND IN THE BOTTOM OF A BROWN PAPER
LUNCH BAG. THEN PLACE THE CANDLE IN THE BAG. KEEP THE
CANDLES IN A DRY AND WARM PLACE UNTIL CHRISTMAS EVE.
#ON CHRISTMAS EVE#
1. TAKE THE BAGS OUTSIDE PRIOR TO THE LIGHTING TIME AND
PLACE THEM IN A LINE ALONG THE STREET, SPACING THEM
ABOUT NINE (9) FEET APART. USE THE EXTRA BAGS TO LINE
YOUR DRIVEWAY.
2. PLACE EACH BAG WITH A SLIGHT TAMPING ACTION TO MAKE
SURE THE SAND IS EVENLY DISTRIBUTED IN THE BOTTOM OF
THE BAG. ALSO ENSURE THAT EACH BAG IS STANDING UP
ERECTLY AND THE TOP IS OPENED.
3. MAKE SURE THE CANDLE IS SET IN THE APPROXIMATE CENTER
OF THE BAG. IF THE DIRECTIONS ARE CARRIED OUT, THE
FLAME OF THE CANDLE WILL NOT TOUCH THE SIDE OF THE
BAG AND BURN SAFELY.
4. CANDLES ARE TO BE LIGHTED AT 5:30 P.M. SHARP ON
CHRISTMAS EVE.
5. IN THE EVENT OF INCLEMENT WEATHER ON CHRISTMAS EVE,
THE LIGHTING OF THE "LUMINARI" WILL BE POSTPONED
UNTIL CHRISTMAS NIGHT.
Submitter comment:
THIS TRADITION HAS BEEN GOING ON IN MY NEIGHBORHOOD
SINCE WE MOVED THERE IN 1975. IT LOOKS IN THE DARK
WHEN DRIVING THROUGH THE SUBDIVISION LIKE AN
AIRPORT RUNWAY.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; SAGINAW
| Subject headings: | Favorites CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20 Lights and candles CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20 Santa Claus |
Date learned: 00-00-1975
It is the custom in Christian families to put
one lighted candle in the window on Christmas Eve
to symbolize that Mary and Joseph would be welcome
in your home if they were searching
for a place to stay like they were so long ago.
Where learned: NEW JERSEY ; Penns Grove
James Callow Keyword(s): HOSPITALITY
Date learned: 00001980S
FLOAT CANDLES, PLACED IN NUTSHELLS, LIGHTED IN A LARGE
BOWL OF WATER. EACH PERSON WATCHES THE PROGRESS
OF HIS BOAT TO SEE IF HE WILL HAVE SMOOTH SAILING
DURING THE COMING YEAR.
Submitter comment: CZECHOSLOVAKIAN
Where learned: MISSOURI ; CLAYTON
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20 Lights and candles |
Date learned: 12-00-1967
YUGOSLAVIAN CHRISTMAS TRADITION
ON CHRISTMAS EVE, THE FATHER GOES OUT TO THE FOREST TO
GET A CHRISTMAS TREE, BUT THE TREE IS NOT LIKE OURS. THE
CHILDREN NEVER KNOW THE FATHER GETS THE TREE UNTIL THEY
ARE AROUND TEN YEARS OLD. EVERYTHING IS VERY SPECIAL.
THE TABLE IS SET ACCORDING TO TRADITION. THERE ARE APPLES,
NUTS, AND DRIED FRUIT IN ONE PLATE, SOME RICE IN A LITTLE
CUP, AND IN ANOTHER LITTLE CUP THERE IS HONEY. ALL OF THIS
HAS A SYMBOLIC MEANING, BUT THE PERSON TELLING ME DID NOT
KNOW EXACTLY WHAT EACH MEANT.
THERE IS STRAW AROUND THE PLATE AND ON THE ENTIRE TABLE.
THIS SYMBOLIZES THE BIRTH OF THE CHRIST CHILD. CANDLES
ARE LIT AND PUT ON THE TABLE. THE FATHER STANDS UP AND
TAKES A HANDFUL OF STRAW, STANDING AT THE HEAD OF THE
LINE. THE MOTHER IS NEXT IN LINE AND FOLLOWING ARE ALL
THE CHILDREN ACCORDING TO THEIR AGES, ALL IN A STRAIGHT
LINE. ALL THE FAMILY, WITH THE FATHER AT THE HEAD, WALK
FIRST AROUND THE TABLE, THEN AROUND THE HOUSE. THE FATHER
THEN PUTS THE STRAW ON THE FLOOR WITH EACH PERSON IN THE
FAMILY TAKING THE CHARACTERISTIC OF AN ANIMAL. THE FATHER
IS THE ROOSTER, THE MOTHER IS THE HEN, AND THE CHILDREN ARE
THE CHICKS. THEY EACH IMITATE THE SOUND OF THE ANIMAL THEY
ASSUMED. THE FATHER HAS FOUR NUTS IN HIS HAND. HE CROSSES
IN THE NAME OF THE FATHER, THE SON AND THE HOLY GHOST. WITH
THESE FOUR NUTS, HE THROWS ONE INTO A DIFFERENT CORNER OF
THE HOUSE, SYMBOLIZING THE NORTH, SOUTH, EAST, AND WEST.
THEN HE WISHES EVERYONE IN THE FAMILY A MERRY CHRISTMAS.
THEY THEN SIT DOWN AT THE TABLE AND EAT A SPECIAL MEAL WHICH
CONSISTS OF MACARONI AND NUTS, SUGAR AND FISH. THAT ENDS
CHRISTMAS EVE.
IN THE EARLY MORNING POLAZAJNIK COMES. HE IS VERY COLD.
HE BRINGS PIECES OF THE SAME TREE THAT FATHER HAD CHOPPED,
THAT'S WHY THE CHILDREN DIDN'T KNOW THAT THE FATHER GOT THE
TREE. HE THEN THROWS THESE BRANCHES IN THE FIRE. AS MANY
SPARKS COME OUT, SO MANY HAPPINESS IN THE HOUSE, WHETHER
IT BE OF HEALTH, MONEY, CHILDREN, OR ANYTHING THE FAMILY
DESIRES. HE THEN WISHES A HAPPY CHRISTMAS TO THE ENTIRE
FAMILY. THE FAMILY THEN GIVES HIM A GIFT, USUALLY A WHITE
SHIRT AND A TIE, WITH STOCKINGS. THE MAN THEN USUALLY
EATS WITH THE FAMILY. THE FOOD THEY EAT IS EGG BREAD AND
COFFEE. THE POLAZAJNIK COMES BECAUSE THE FAMILY ARRANGED
TO HAVE HIM COME, SOMETHING LIKE OUR SANTA CLAUS.
ON CHRISTMAS DAY, THE HUSBAND AND THE SONS GO OUT AND
VISIT OTHER FAMILIES. THUS THE MEN ARE OUT VISITING WHILE
THE WIVES AND DAUGHTERS STAY HOME TO GREET THE MEN THAT
COME TO THEIR HOUSE. THIS IS JUST ON THE FIRST DAY OF THE
FEAST. THERE ARE THREE DAYS. ON THE SECOND DAY, THE
ENTIRE FAMILY STAYS TOGETHER. ON THE THIRD DAY, THEY
USUALLY HAVE PARTIES FOR THE CHILDREN.
Submitter comment:
SHE WAS BROUGHT UP WITH THIS TRADITION. TODAY, HOWEVER,
CHRISTMAS IS QUITE SIMILAR TO OURS.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
Date learned: 09-17-1967
CANDLES ARE LIT IN THE WINDOW TO LIGHT THE WAY OF MARY
AND JOSEPH.
Submitter comment: FROM FAMILY WHEN YOUNG.
Where learned: NOT GIVEN
Keyword(s): SYMBOL
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 25 Christmas Also see F642, below. CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20 Lights and candles |
Date learned: 11-26-1967