Dr. James T. Callow publications
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The James T. Callow Folklore Archive
Your search for F642.47 returned 56 results.
CHRISTMAS EVE
STRAW IS TO BE PLACED IN ABUNDANCE UNDERNEATH THE TABLECLOTH FOR THE
CHRISTMAS EVE DINNER IN ORDER TO PREPARE FOR THE COMING OF THE
CHRIST CHILD.
Submitter comment:
INFORMANT PRACTICES THIS CUSTOM EACH YEAR.
Data entry tech comment:
Informant and collector reside on same street.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT ; TOLD AT INFORMANT'S HOME
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 24 Christmas Eve Christmas CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20 Straw |
Date learned: 02-18-1971
CHRISTMAS CUSTOM
SETTING THE TABLE AT CHRISTMAS--
12 VARIETIES OF FOOD - 12 APOSTLES
STRAW ON TABLE FOR CHRIST CHILD
EMPTY CHAIR - FOR CHRIST CHILD OR UNEXPECTED GUEST.
Where learned: HOME ; MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
Date learned: 11-18-1967
CHRISTMAS
AT THE CHRISTMAS DINNER IN POLAND, A THIN LAYER OF HAY
IS PLACED UNDER THE TABLECLOTH.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 24 Christmas Eve Christmas CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20 Straw |
Date learned: 03-25-1971
CHRISTMAS
ON CHRISTMAS EVE, FATHER OF HOUSEHOLD
MUST FEED ALL THE LIVESTOCK THE BEST
FOOD, BECAUSE IT IS BELIEVED THAT
THAT NIGHT LIVESTOCK CAN SPEAK, AND SO
MIGHT COMPLAIN TO GOD.
Submitter comment:
INFORMANT LEARNED THIS FROM PARENTS.
Data entry tech comment:
Informant and collector share same surname.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
Keyword(s): ANIMALS ; FOOD CUSTOM
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 24 Christmas Eve F122.4 CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20 Straw |
Date learned: 11-17-1967
CHRISTMAS
AFTER SUPPER ON CHRISTMAS EVE,
THE MOTHER TAKES 3 TABLESPOONS
OF EACH FOOD ON THE TABLE, AND
PLACES THEM IN A DISH FOR THE
SPIRITS OF THE DECEASED IN THE
FAMILY.
Submitter comment:
INFORMANT LEARNED THIS FROM RELATIVES IN UKRAINE.
Data entry tech comment:
Informant and collector share same surname.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
Keyword(s): FOOD CUSTOM
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 24 Christmas Eve Christmas CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20 Straw |
Date learned: 11-19-1967
THE UKRAINIANS PUT ONE EXTRA PLACE SETTING AT
THE CHRISTMAS EVE SUPPER TABLE FOR ALL THE DEAD MEMBERS
OF THEIR FAMILY, AND WILL FILL IT WITH FOOD SO
THAT THE SPIRITS WILL NOT GO HUNGRY ON THIS
"SVIAT VECHIR" OR HOLY EVENING.
Data entry tech comment:
Informant and collector are the same person.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; WARREN
Keyword(s): FOOD CUSTOM
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 24 Christmas Eve Christmas CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20 Straw |
Date learned: DATE NOT RECORDED BY COLLECTOR.
CHRISTMAS MEAL FOR THE DECEASED
THERE IS ANOTHER UKRAINIAN CUSTOM WHICH SOME
FOLLOW TODAY STATING THAT AFTER THE TRADITIONAL
CHRISTMAS EVE MEAL, PEOPLE LEAVE THE LEFT-OVERS
ON THE TABLE FOR THE REMAINDER OF THE NIGHT IN
ORDER THAT MEMBERS OF THE FAMILY WHO WERE DECEASED
MAY HAVE SOMETHING TO EAT THAT ONE NIGHT IN THE YEAR.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
Keyword(s): FOOD CUSTOM
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 24 Christmas Eve Christmas CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20 Straw |
Date learned: 09-14-1969
CHRISTMAS EVE CUSTOM, SPECIAL OR FESTIVE MEALS
AFTER THE CHRISTMAS EVE MEAL, THE SCRAPS OF FOOD ARE THROWN ON THE
FRUIT TREES. THEN A BRAID OF STRAW IS WRAPPED AROUND THE TREE
TO KEEP IT TOGETHER. IF YOU DO THIS, THE TREE WILL BEAR A LOT
OF FRUIT DURING THE SPRING.
Submitter comment:
MY FATHER'S FAMILY IN POLAND DID THIS AND IT WORKED.
THIS CUSTOM IS STILL PREVALENT IN POLAND TODAY.
Data entry tech comment:
Informant is collector's father.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT ; TOLD AT HOME
Keyword(s): FOOD CUSTOM
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 24 Christmas Eve F122.4 CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20 Straw |
Date learned: 11-06-1971
CHRISTMAS EVE
AT THE CHRISTMAS EVE DINNER AS EACH TYPE OF FOOD
OR AS EACH DISH OF FOOD WAS BEGUN TO BE PASSED
AROUND THE TABLE, BEFORE ANY PERSON TOOK SOME, A
TEASPOONFUL OR SO WAS GIVEN TO THE FAMILY ANIMALS
SO THEY WOULD FEEL INCLUDED IN THE FAMILY AND
SO THEY WOULD PRODUCE MORE IN THE COMING YEAR.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT ; TOLD AT INFORMANT'S HOME
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 24 Christmas Eve Christmas CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20 Straw |
Date learned: 03-11-1970
A CARROT FOR A REINDEER
THE YOUNGER CHILDREN IN HER FAMILY HANG A STRING FROM THE DOOR AT
CHRISTMAS TIME WITH A CARROT AT THE END FOR THE REINDEER TO EAT.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; HOLDEN HALL ; DETROIT
Keyword(s): FOOD FOR ANIMALS
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20 Christmas Season See F645.2 for Advent Season. CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20 Straw |
Date learned: 10-00-1967
STRAW UNDER THE TABLE CLOTH
A CUSTOM WITH POLISH FAMILIES ON CHRISTMAS EVE IS TO PUT STRAW UNDER
THE TABLECLOTH , RELATING IN SOME WAY TO THE STRAW OF THE MANGER OF
THE CHRIST CHILD.
Where learned: UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; TOLD AT
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20 Straw |
Date learned: 03-12-1968
CHRISTMAS CUSTOM
IN CZECHOSLOVAKIA AT CHRISTMAS-TIME A FAMILY BRINGS STRAW INTO THE
HOUSE, BEFORE PUTTING IT DOWN, THEY PRAY TOGETHER AND WISH FOR A GOOD
YEAR. THE STRAW STAYS ON THE FLOOR FOR A WHOLE DAY AND NIGHT. THE
FAMILY SLEEPS ON IT INSTEAD OF SLEEPING IN THEIR BEDS. ON THE DAY
AFTER CHRISTMAS, THE STRAW IS BRAIDED AND PUT AROUND A TREE THAT IS
OUTSIDE.
Where learned: HOME ; MICHIGAN ; DETROIT ; TOLD AT
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 26 Boxing Day St. Stephen's Day CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20 Straw |
Date learned: 02-25-1970
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
ON CHRISTMAS EVE TAKE WHEAT STALKS AND THROW THEM AT THE PICTURES ON
THE WALL. THE MORE THAT STICK TO THE WALL, THE MORE PLENTIFUL THE
CROP WOULD BE.
Where learned: DETROIT ; TOLD AT INFORMANTS HOME
Keyword(s): PREDICTION
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 24 Christmas Eve Predictions CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20 Straw |
Date learned: 03-11-1970
CHRISTMAS
ON CHRISTMAS EVE, THE FATHER OF THE HOUSEHOLD PLACES A SCYTHE
UNDER THE TABLE AND COVERS IT WITH HAY. (THIS IS A SYMBOL OF HIS
WORK DURING THAT YEAR).
Submitter comment:
INFORMANT LEARNED THIS FROM PARENTS IN UKRAINE.
Data entry tech comment:
Informant and collector share same surname.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
Keyword(s): MATERIAL CULTURE
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 24 Christmas Eve Christmas CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20 Straw |
Date learned: 11-19-1967
CHRISTMAS
ON CHRISTMAS EVE, THE MOTHER OF THE HOUSEHOLD PLACES A FEW GRAINS
OF VARIOUS SEEDS, AND VARIOUS SILVER COINS INTO A LINEN NAPKIN,
PUTS THE BUNDLE ON THE TABLE, COVERS IT WITH SOME HAY, AND THEN
COVERS ALL WITH A TABLECLOTH (THIS PREVENTS STARVATION AND POORNESS
ALL YEAR).
Submitter comment:
INFORMANT LEARNED THIS FROM PARENTS.
Data entry tech comment:
Informant and collector share the same surname.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
Keyword(s): FOOD ; MONEY ; SUPERSTITION ; SUPERSTITION
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 24 Christmas Eve F122.2 CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 24 Christmas Eve Christmas CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20 Straw |
Date learned: 11-19-1967
STRAW FOR THE CHRIST CHILD
POLISH PEOPLE PLACE STRAW UNDER THEIR DISHES ON CHRISTMAS EVE TO
SYMBOLIZE GIVING THE CHRIST CHILD WARMTH.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 24 Christmas Eve Table setting and clearing CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20 Straw |
Date learned: 11-12-1969
CHRISTMAS CUSTOM
PUTTING HAY UNDERNEATH THE TABLE CLOTH AT THE CHRISTMAS EVE SUPPER,
IN MEMORY OF THE CHRIST CHILD LAYING IN THE HAY.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT ; COLLECTED BY LETTER
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 24 Christmas Eve Table setting and clearing CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20 Straw |
Date learned: 03-09-1970
CHRISTMAS
IN CZECHOSLOVAKIA, ON CHRISTMAS EVE A BUNCH OF STRAW IS PLACED UNDER
THE KITCHEN TABLE IN CASE THE BLESSED MOTHER WOULD NEED A PLACE TO
LAY HER BABY.
Where learned: HOME ; MICHIGAN ; DETROIT ; TOLD AT
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 24 Christmas Eve Table setting and clearing CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20 Straw |
Date learned: 03-02-1970
POLISH CUSTOM
ON CHRISTMAS EVE, STRAW IS PLACED UNDER THE TABLECLOTH AND AN
EMPTY PLACE IS LEFT SO THE CHRIST CHILD WOULD BE WELCOME TO COME.
Data entry tech comment:
Updated by TRD
Where learned: LOCATION NOT RECORDED BY COLLECTOR
Keyword(s): CHRISTMAS ; CUSTOM ; holiday ; POLISH ; Table Setting ; tradition
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 24 Christmas Eve Christmas CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20 Straw |
Date learned: 12-01-1967