Dr. James T. Callow publications
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OFTEN IN IRISH CULTURE A CAKE IS BAKED TO CELEBRATE THE BIRTH OF
JESUS
Submitter comment: THIS ITEM WAS ORIGINALLY COLLECTED IN WATERTOWN,, NEW YORK
Where learned: NEW YORK ; WATERTOWN
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 25 Christmas Also see F642, below. Food Drink -- Pastry Sweet Dessert |
Date learned: 00-00-1959
WHEN WE WERE CHILDREN, WE WOULD LINE UP ON THE TOP OF THE STAIRS
WITH THE OLDEST AT THE TOP AND WE ALL WENT DOWN TO OPEN OUR PRESENTS
TOGETHER
Submitter comment: THIS WAS ORIGINALLY LEARNED IN NORTH TONAWANDA, NEW YORK
Where learned: NEW YORK ; NORTH TONAWANDA
Date learned: 00-00-1965
NO CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION
MOSLEMS DO NOT CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS BECAUSE THEY ARE NOT CHRISTIANS.
THEY HAVE NO FESTIVE ACTIVITIES.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 25 Christmas Also see F642, below. |
Date learned: 10-00-1982
CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY
THIS HOLIDAY IS CELEBRATED FOR THREE DAYS IN POLAND. CHRISTMAS EVE,
CHRISTMAS DAY, AND THE DAY AFTER CHRISTMAS CALLED ST. JOHN'S DAY ARE
PRESENTED BY THREE DAYS OF FESTIVE ACTIVITIES SUCH AS FOOD, DANCE,
CHURCH CEREMONY, SINGING AND SO ON.
Where learned: DETROIT
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 24 Christmas Eve CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 25 Christmas Also see F642, below. CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 26 Boxing Day St. Stephen's Day |
Date learned: 10-00-1982
CHRISTMAS DINNER TRADITION
BEFORE EATING THE CHRISTMAS DINNER, THE HEAD OF THE HOUSEHOLD
BLESSES EACH ROOM AND ALL GUESTS WITH HOLY WATER.
Submitter comment: ITEM WAS LEARNED IN MINNESOTA BUT COLLECTED IN DETROIT.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT ; BOTSFORD GRADE SCHOOL ; CLARENCEVILLE DISTRICT
Date learned: 11-00-1982
CHRISTMAS GIFT TRADITION
IN OUR FAMILY, EVERY CHRISTMAS WE ALWAYS PUT A SMALL WRAPPED GIFT
AT EACH PERSON'S PLATE FOR CHRISTMAS DINNER. WE CALL THEM TABLE
GIFTS.
Submitter comment: ITEM WAS LEARNED IN NOVA SCOTIA ALTHOUGH COLLECTED IN DETROIT.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT ; BOTSFORD GRADE SCHOOL ; CLARENCEVILLE DISTRICT
Date learned: 11-00-1982
HOLIDAY CUSTOMS
MRS. KEHOE'S FAMILY BELIEVED IN CRIS KRINGLE AND NOT IN SANTA
CLAUSE. CRIS KRINGLE CAME TO THE HOUSE ON CHRISTMAS EVE WITH
A LARGE BLACK BAG OF PRESENTS FOR THE CHILDREN.
THE FAMILY NEVER PUT THE GIFTS UNDER THE CHRISTMAS TREE.
Submitter comment:
MRS. KEHOE LEARNED LATER THAT CRIS KRINGLE WAS REALLY HER
AUNT DRESSED IN A CRIS KRINGLE OUTFIT.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; BLOOMFIELD HILLS
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 25 Christmas Also see F642, below. CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20 Santa Claus BELIEF -- P42 |
Date learned: 12-03-1982
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
RURAL BLACK CHRISTMAS CUSTOM
IN LOUISVILLE, MISSISSIPPI, DURING THE 1930'S, IT WAS
COMMONPLACE TO VISIT ONE'S FRIENDS ON CHRISTMAS DAY. UPON
FIRST SEEING THE FRIEND, WE BOTH WOULD ATTEMPT TO SAY
"CHRISTMAS GIVE" FIRST. BOTH CHILDREN AND ADULTS DID THIS.
THE LOSER HAD TO GIVE SOME SMALL GIFT TO THE WINNER.
ADULTS MIGHT RECEIVE A DRINK; CHILDREN PERHAPS CANDY. THE
IDEA WAS TO SURPRISE THE OTHER PARTY SO SOMETIMES ONE
MIGHT HAVE TO HIDE AND JUMP OUT AT THE OTHER WHILE SHOUTING
"CHRISTMAS GIVE."
YOU KNOW, THIS WAS DURING THE DEPRESSION SO WE DIDN'T
HAVE TOO MUCH TO GIVE EVEN TO FAMILY. THERE SEEMED TO BE
SOME SENSE OF COMMUNITY PRESENT SO THAT WE JUST NATURALLY
SHARED WITH OUR NEIGHBORS. ONCE WE MOVED NORTH, AFTER
THE WAR, I NEVER HEARD OF IT AGAIN.
Submitter comment:
MY FATHER'S (THE INFORMANT) FAMILY WAS RELATIVELY WELL-OFF
DURING THE DEPRESSION. HIS FATHER WORKED AS A FIREMAN FOR
THE RAILROAD AND MADE ENOUGH SO THAT THE FAMILY OWNED
THEIR FARMLAND. HIS "NOT TOO MUCH TO GIVE" WAS SOMEWHAT
MORE THAN THE AVERAGE DEPRESSION ERA RURAL BLACK FAMILY
COULD AFFORD.
THE INFORMANT LIVED IN LOUISVILLE, MISSISSIPPI UNTIL
BEING SENT OVERSEAS IN WORLD WAR II. THE FAMILY MOVED NORTH
DURING THE WAR. THE INFORMANT CAME TO DETROIT AFTER THE
WAR AND HAS LIVED IN DETROIT SINCE THEN.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
Date learned: 09-00-1982
UKRAINIAN WHEAT DISH-KUTIA
A VERY IMPORTANT PART OF THE CHRISTMAS EVE SUPPER IS THE
KUTIA. THE WHEAT FOR THE KUTIA IS SOAKED OVERNIGHT AND THE
NEXT DAY IT IS BOILED UNTIL SOFT. THE COOK ADDS OTHER
INGREDIENTS WHICH VARY ACCORDING TO THE REGIONS. SOME ADD
ONLY HONEY WHICH HAS BEEN DILUTED INTO A WATERY SYRUP. OTHERS
ADD DILUTED HONEY, POPPY SEED, AND CHOPPED NUTS. BESIDES THE
VARYING INGREDIENTS, THE PLACE IT OCCUPIES IN THE MEAL ALSO
VARIES. IN SOME UKRAINIAN HOMES, THE KUTIA IS THE FIRST FOOD
EATEN BEGINNING IN ORDER FROM THE OLDEST MEMBER OF THE FAMILY
TO THE YOUNGEST. USUALLY ONLY A SPOONFUL IS TAKEN FROM THE
BOWL IN THE MIDDLE OF THE TABLE. OTHER UKRAINIANS USE THE
KUTIA AT THE END OF THE MEAL AS A DESSERT. IT WOULD HAVE
POPPY SEED AND NUTS WHEN USED AS A DESSERT. OFTEN IT WOULD
BE EATEN WITH HOMEMADE BAKED GOODS SUCH AS HONEY CAKE CALLED
MEDEVNUK OR POPPY SEED ROLL CALLED MAKEVNUK.
Where learned: NEW YORK ; ROCHESTER
Date learned: 00001950S
CZECHOSLOVAKIAN CHRISTMAS EVE CUSTOM
SMALL BUNS ARE BAKED FOR THE HOLY SUPPER. BEFORE THE
SUPPER BEGINS, THE HEAD OF THE FAMILY AND SOME MEMBERS OF
THE FAMILY, GO TO THE BARN. THEY GIVE A SMALL BUN TO EACH
OF THE ANIMALS. THEY BELIEVE THE ANIMALS ARE SPECIAL SINCE
THEY WERE THE ONLY ONES PRESENT WITH THE HOLY FAMILY ON
THAT FIRST CHRISTMAS NIGHT. THE FAMILY RETURNS TO THE
HOUSE AND THEIR HOLY SUPPER BEGINS. THEY ALSO PARTAKE OF
THE SMALL BUNS. THE BREAD COMMEMORATES THE CHRIST CHILD
WHO IS THE BREAD OF LIFE.
Where learned: NEW YORK ; SLOATSBURG
| 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: 00001980S
KRIS KRINGLE
ABOUT A MONTH BEFORE CHRISTMAS, THE WHOLE FAMILY PICKS EACH OTHERS'
NAMES OUT OF A HAT. THE PERSON THAT YOU PICK, YOU MUST BE EXTRA
NICE TO. YOU ARE THAT PERSON'S KRIS KRINGLE. ON CHRISTMAS EVE,
EVERYONE TRIES TO GUESS WHO HIS KRIS KRINGLE WAS.
Submitter comment:
SINCE AT MY BOYFRIEND'S HOUSE MANY TIMES PEOPLE WOULD GUESS THE
WRONG PERSON, THEY NOW TELL EACH OTHER ON CHRISTMAS EVE TO AVOID
HURT FEELINGS.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; EAST DETROIT
| Subject headings: | Favorites CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 24 Christmas Eve CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20 Christmas Season See F645.2 for Advent Season. |
O TANNENBAUM
O TANNENBAUM, O TANNENBAUM,
WIE TRER SIND DUNE BLATTER.
DU GRUNST NICHT NUR ZUR SOMMER
ZUT NEIN AUCH IM WINTER WENN ES SCHNEIT. MM
O TANNENBAUM, O TANNENBAUM,
WIE TRER SIND DEINE BLATTER.
SO, SO WIRE ICH DICH LIEBE,
SO, SO LIEBE OUCH MICH!
DIE, DIE ZART-LICH-STEN TRIEBE FUHLE ICH EINZIG FUR DICH.
JA, JA, JA, JA FUHLE ICH EINZIG FUR DICH. MM
O CHRISTMAS TREE, O CHRISTMAS TREE,
HOW TRUE ARE YOUR LEAVES.
YOU ARE GREEN NOT ONLY IN THE SUMMER TIME,
BUT ALSO IN THE WINTER WHEN IT SNOWS. MM
O CHRISTMAS TREE, O CHRISTMAS TREE,
HOW TRUE ARE YOUR LEAVES.
SO, SO THE WAY I LOVE YOU,
SO, SO YOU LOVE ME TOO!
THE TENDER LONGING I FEEL ONLY FOR YOU.
YES, YES, YES, YES I FEEL ONLY FOR YOU.
Submitter comment:
SHE DID NOT KNOW HOW TO SPEAK ENGLISH UNTIL SHE ENTERED
HIGH SCHOOL.
Data entry tech comment:
Keypunched by R.J.Miller 11/82
Updated by TRD 01/12
Where learned: ILLINOIS ; PEORIA
Keyword(s): Carol ; CHRISTMAS ; Evergreen ; holiday ; Lyrics ; SONG ; Tree
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Admiration Praise Adulation CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- F122 CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20 Songs, caroling |
Date learned: 11-00-1971
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
ARGENTINIAN CHRISTMAS
CHRISTMAS IN ARGENTINA IS ALMOST IDENTICAL TO THE UNITED STATES
CHRISTMAS. INSTEAD OF HANGING SOCKS AROUND THE FIREPLACE THE
WHOLE FAMILY BRINGS DOWN THEIR SHOES AND THE PRESENTS ARE PLACED
AROUND THEM. I GUESS ONE OF THE REASONS THAT WE DO NOT USE SOCKS
IS THAT WE BASICALLY DON'T HAVE FIREPLACES IN USE AT CHRISTMAS
BECAUSE IT IS IN THE SUMMERTIME AND TOO WARM FOR THEM.
Where learned: SOUTH AMERICA
Date learned: 00-00-1970
ARGENTINIAN APRIL FOOL'S DAY
IN ARGENTINA, "THE DAY OF THE INNOCENTS" IS THE NAME FOR THE
DAY THAT IS SIMILAR TO THE UNITED STATES APRIL FOOL'S DAY.
WE PLAY JOKES AND PRANKS ON PEOPLE JUST LIKE THEY DO HERE.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- April 1 April Fools CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- April 1 (April Fool's Day) CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 28 Holy Innocents CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Entertainment Diversion |
Date learned: 00-00-1970
CHRISTMAS EVE IN THE UNITED STATES
ON CHRISTMAS EVE THE WHOLE FAMILY WOULD GATHER TOGETHER IN
THE LIVING ROOM AND TURN OFF THE LIGHTS. EACH CHILD WOULD BE
GIVEN A LIT CANDLE WHICH THEY WOULD CARRY TO THE MANGER
SITUATED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROOM. THE YOUNGEST CHILD
WOULD HAVE THE PRIVILEGE OF CARRYING THE BABY JESUS FIGURE
AND PLACING HIM IN THE CRIB. WE WOULD SING CHRISTMAS CAROLS
AROUND THE MANGER AFTER THE PROCESSION WAS OVER. WHOEVER
WAS CARRYING THE BABY WAS VERY SERIOUS ABOUT THEIR
RESPONSIBILITY AND THOUGHT THAT THEY WOULD HURT HIM IF THEY
HELD TOO TIGHTLY.
Submitter comment:
MY MOTHER STARTED THIS TRADITION WHEN MY BROTHER LEO COULD
FIRST WALK AND NOW IT IS STILL CONTINUING WITH HIS SON
LEO THE FOURTH.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 24 Christmas Eve CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20 Manger scenes |
Date learned: 00-00-1958
POLISH CHRISTMAS EVE
A POLISH CHRISTMAS EVE STARTS WHEN THE FIRST STAR APPEARS IN
THE SKY. WE EAT FISH THAT NIGHT SUCH AS LOBSTER, SALMON, FROG
LEGS OR CRAB LEGS. IT IS A RITUAL DINNER CALLED FILGILYA TO
CELEBRATE THE BIRTH OF CHRIST. IT IS CONNECTED WITH FAMILY
LIFE. LATER WE PASS AROUND A WAFER CALLED OPLATEK (LIKE
A HOST) AND EACH PERSON BREAKS OFF A PIECE AND GIVES SOME
TO EACH MEMBER OF THE FAMILY. WE WISH EACH PERSON GOOD LUCK
OR THEIR TRUE WISHES AND DESIRES AS YOU HAND IT TO THEM. IT
IS CALLED THE BREAD OF LOVE.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 24 Christmas Eve |
Date learned: 00-00-1968
OUR CHRISTMAS TREE WAS DECORATED WITH HANDMADE
ORNAMENTS THAT WERE RELIGIOUS. THE GIFTS UNDER THE
TREE ALSO HAD TO BE HANDMADE BECAUSE SINCE IT WAS A
RELIGIOUS HOLIDAY WE HAD TO BE HUMBLE. THE GIFTS WE
WOULD OPEN ON CHRISTMAS EVE AT MID-NIGHT AND THEN GO
TO BED. THE NEXT MORNING WE WOULD WAKE UP TO FIND A
LARGER TREE WITH GLITTERING ORNAMENTS AND SHINEY NEW
TOYS UNDER IT AND A NOTE FROM SANTA CLAUS.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 24 Christmas Eve CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 25 Christmas Also see F642, below. |
Date learned: 04-00-1983
CHRISTMAS EVE DINNER
CHRISTMAS EVE WE WERE TO FAST UNTIL DINNER. MY FATHER SPREAD
SOME HAY IN THE MIDDLE OF THE TABLE BECAUSE JESUS WAS BORN
IN A STABLE AND LAID IN STRAW. WE ALWAYS SET AN EXTRA PLACE
AT THE TABLE IN CASE JESUS HAPPENED TO COME TO OUR DOOR
AS A BEGGAR. FOR DINNER THERE WERE TWELVE DIFFERENT DISHES
AND WE HAD TO SAMPLE EACH ONE, EVEN IF IT WAS JUST A SINGLE
PEA. I DON'T KNOW WHY FOR SURE, I GUESS IT WAS JUST TRADITION.
WE COULD NEVER START DINNER BEFORE THE FIRST STAR APPEARED,
SO ONE OF US WOULD BE OUTSIDE WATCHING FOR IT.
ONE MORE THING, EVERYONE HAD AN UNLEAVENED WAFER, AND BREAKING
OFF A PIECE OF ANOTHER PERSON'S WAFER, RECEIVED A WISH FOR THE
NEXT YEAR OF LUCK OR HAPPINESS. AS CHILDREN, WE KEPT OUR
PIECES UNDER OUR PLATES TO SAVE THEM UNTIL AFTER DINNER
BECAUSE WE LOVED TO HAVE A HAND FULL OF WISHES.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; SOUTHFIELD
Date learned: 00-00-1983