Dr. James T. Callow publications
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The James T. Callow Folklore Archive
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POLISH CHRISTMAS CUSTOMS
THE CELEBRATION OF CHRISTMAS BEGINS ON
CHRISTMAS EVE. THE DINNER MUST BE MEATFREE BUT
FISH IS ALLOWED. OPLATKI IS ALSO EATEN. THIS
IS BLESSED BUT NOT CONSECRATED BREAD. THE PRESENTS
ARE OPENED ON CHRISTMAS EVE, NOT CHRISTMAS MORNING.
ON CHRISTMAS ONE USUALLY HAD HAM FOR DINNER.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; Farmington Hills
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 24 Christmas Eve |
INNOCENTS DAY
CELEBRATED ON DECEMBER 28, INNOCENTS DAY IS MAINELY A CHILDREN'S
ACTIVITY. PARENTS TAKE THEIR KIDS TO CHURCH WHERE A MASS IS
CELEBRATED. ALL THE CHILDREN TAKE ALONG WITH THEM THE TOYS AND
THE GIFTS THAT THEY RECEIVED ON CHRISTMAS DAY. THERE, THE PRIEST
BLESSES THE CHILDREN AND THE GIFTS, AND THE MASS IS OVER.
Submitter comment:
AFTER THE MASS, ONE COULD SEE THE CHILDREN WITH THEIR PARENTS
WALKING IN THE STREETS, AND USUALLY THE KIDS ARE WELL DRESSED
AND THEY CARRY THEIR TOYS.
Where learned: GUADELOUPE
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 28 Holy Innocents |
Date learned: 00-00-1965
KRIS KRINGLES
"AT THE BEGINNING OF THE ADVENT SEASON, MY FAMILY PRACTICES THE
CUSTOM OF 'KRIS KRINGLES.' EACH PERSON WILL PUT THEIR NAME ON A
PIECE OF PAPER AND PUT IT IN A CONTAINER. THEN EACH PERSON WILL
DRAW OUT A NAME AND KEEP IT A SECRET. DURING THE PERIOD OF ABOUT
FOUR WEEKS, WE WILL DO SPECIAL THINGS FOR THE PERSON WHOSE NAME
WE DREW. ON CHRISTMAS EVE WE WILL TRY TO GUESS WHO HAD OUR NAME."
Submitter comment:
WE PRACTICED THIS FOR MANY YEARS. MY MOTHER SAID THAT A RELATIVE
TOLD HER ABOUT IT.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; SAINT CLAIR
| Subject headings: | 645 September 23 Equinox to December 20 Favorites CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 24 Christmas Eve CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 25 Christmas Also see F642, below. |
Date learned: 01-00-1984
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
JUNKANOO
THE JUNKANOO PARADE IS A MUSIC FESTIVAL CELEBRATED IN THE
BAHAMAS ANNUALLY. IN THE CULTURAL CALENDAR OF THE BAHAMAS
JUNKANOO IS THE BIGGEST AND MOST SPECTACULAR EVENT. JUNKANOO
OCCURS ON DECEMBER 26 WHICH IS CALLED BOXING DAY IN THE BAHAMAS
AND ON JANUARY 1, NEW YEAR'S DAY. COMMENCING IN THE EARLY HOURS
OF THE MORNING (3:00 A.M.) AND CONTINUING UNABATED UNTIL AFTER
SUNRISE (9:00 A.M.). HUNDREDS OF COSTUMED REVELLERS IN
EXTRAVAGANT OR IMAGINATIVE HEADDRESSES CONGREGATE ON MAIN
STREETS SUCH AS BAY STREET AND FREDRICK STREET TO PERFORM
BEFORE THOUSANDS OF SPECTATORS. MOST OF THE JUNKANOOS OR
PARTICIPANTS BELONG TO ORGANIZED GROUPS SUCH AS:
THE MUSIC MAKERS, SAXONS, OR THE VALLEY BOYS. OTHER CATEGORIES
ARE INDIVIDUAL COSTUMES AND SCRAP GANGS. SCRAP GANGS HAVE LITTLE
INTEREST IN COSTUMES AND THE PARTICIPANTS' MAIN INTEREST LIES IN
EXPERIENCING THE SHEER JOY AND UNINHIBITED ABANDON OF RUSHING
THROUGH THE CROWD. THE GROUPS SUCH AS THE SAXONS AND VALLEY BOYS
SPEND MONTHS DESIGNING, CONSTRUCTING, AND PASTING PAPER FRINGE
COSTUMES RELATED TO SPECIFIC THEMES SUCH AS "KINGS OF AFRICA".
THE GROUPS MAY BE SMALL OR LARGE (50-300 PARTICIPANTS).
THERE IS AN INTENSE COMPETITION BETWEEN THE GROUPS TO WIN THE
PRESTIGIOUS TITLE AND CASH PRIZE AWARDED TO THE BEST ADULT GROUP
ANNUALLY DURING THE CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR'S JUNKANOO PARADES.
IN THE EARLIER DAYS OF JUNKANOO THE COSTUMES WERE NOT RESTRICTED TO
LARGE PAPER FRINGE THEME PIECES AND SMALL OR SIMPLE PAPER FRINGE
COSTUMES AS THEY ARE TODAY. JUNKANOO PARTICIPANTS IN THE EARLIER
DAYS WORE COSTUMES MADE FROM CLOTH, NEWSPAPER, SPONGES,
BRANCHES OF TREES, AS WELL AS BROADLY FRINGED PAPER COSTUMES
WHICH WERE THE FORERUNNERS OF THE COSTUMES WE SEE TODAY.
THE PAPER USED IN MAKING THE COSTUMES IS CALLED CREPE PAPER
AND THERE ARE MANY COLOURS, WHICH CONTRIBUTE TO THE BEAUTY OF
THE COSTUMES. THE PAPER IS ALSO FRINGED OR CUT FINE AS OPPOSED
TO THE BROAD FRINGES IN EARLIER TIMES.
THE BEAUTIFUL COSTUMES ARE ONLY ONE FEATURE OF JUNKANOO. TWO
VERY IMPORTANT FEATURES ARE MUSIC AND DANCE. TWO EXAMPLES OF
DANCE ARE:
(1) MARANGY--A DANCE WHEREIN YOU MOVE YOUR HIPS FROM SIDE TO
SIDE AND SPIN AROUND.
(2) SKULLING--A DANCE WHEREIN YOU PUT ONE FOOT IN FRONT OF THE
THE OTHER AND ROCK YOUR BODY FORWARD AND BACKWARD.
EACH GROUP CONCENTRATES ON IMPROVING AND CO-ORDINATING ITS
JUNKANOO SOUND, AND IT IS NOT UNUSUAL TO HEAR JUNKANOO MUSIC
BEING REHEARSED THROUGHOUT NEW PROVIDENCE (NASSAU) FROM AS
EARLY AS THE BEGINNING OF NOVEMBER. THE INSTRUMENTS WHICH
CONTRIBUTE TO THE JUNKANOO SOUND ARE:
(1) GOAT-SKIN DRUMS--HANDBEATEN INSTRUMENTS WHICH CREATE LOUD
VIBRATING SOUNDS.
(2) COWBELLS--HANDSHAKEN INSTRUMENTS USED TO CREATE A SHARP
METALLIC SOUND.
(3) WIND INSTRUMENTS--THESE INCLUDE WHISTLES, BUGLES, AND
BICYCLE HORNS WHICH CREATE A PIERCING OR HIGH PITCHED SOUND.
ADDITIONAL INSTRUMENTS INCLUDE CONCH SHELLS AND OTHER ODD
OBJECTS SUCH AS A CUTTING SAW AND THE RIM OF WHEELS.
ONE NOTABLE CHANGE THAT HAS OCCURRED IN THE MUSIC SEGMENT OF
JUNKANOO IS THE FACT THAT SINGING IS NO LONGER CONSIDERED
ESSENTIAL TO THE SOUND OF JUNKANOO. TODAY THERE ARE FEW
JUNKANOO SONGS THAT REMAIN FROM THE EARLIER DAYS. A NAME
OF SUCH A SONG IS "MAMA BAKE YOUR JOHNNIE CAKE".
JUNKANOO ORIGINATED IN THE DAYS OF SLAVERY WHEN IT WAS
CUSTOMARY TO ALLOW THE SLAVES THREE DAYS OFF TO CELEBRATE
CHRISTMAS. IT IS ALSO A COMMON BELIEF THAT THE JUNKANOO
FESTIVITIES WERE CONNECTED WITH THE MEMORY OF A CELEBRATED
AFRICAN TRADER-PRINCE NAMED JOHN CONUU OR JOHN CONNY. THE
BAHAMAS REMAINS UNIQUE IN THAT IT IS THE ONLY COUNTRY WHERE
THE CELEBRATION HAS NEITHER DISAPPEARED ENTIRELY NOR DECLINED
INTO ALMOST TOTAL OBSCURITY BUT, ON THE CONTRARY HAS DEVELOPED
INTO AN ANNUAL EVENT OF NATIONAL SIGNIFICANCE. IN FACT
JUNKANOO IS AN INTEGRAL PART OF BAHAMIAN HERITAGE.
Where learned: BAHAMAS ; NASSAU
Date learned: 00001970S
UPSTAIRS CHRISTMAS TREE
THIS IS A FAMILY TRADITION TO REMEMBER THE CHILDREN THAT WERE
STILLBORN WITH THEIR OWN SPECIAL TYPE OF CHRISTMAS TREE. THIS TREE
IS PLACED UPSTAIRS IN THE PARENTS' BEDROOM. A FRESH TREE IS PURCHASED
AND PLACED IN THE ROOM WITH A SOLID WHITE TREE-SKIRT PLACED AROUND
IT. ON CHRISTMAS EVE THIS TREE IS TRIMMED WITH ONLY ONE ORNAMENT PER
STILLBORN CHILD. NOTHING ELSE GOES ON THE TREE. THE ORNAMENT IS
SYMBOLIC OF AN ANGEL WITH THE NAME OF THE CHILD ON THE ORNAMENT.
NOTHING IS PLACED ON THE TOP OF THE TREE. A PRAYER IS SAID BY THE
FAMILY AFTER THE DECORATING CEREMONY. THE TREE IS REMOVED ON NEW
YEAR'S DAY.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
LUMINARIES
ON CHRISTMAS EVE THE STREET LIGHTS IN MY SUBDIVISION
ARE NOT LIT. ALL OF THE RESIDENTS PLACE A LUMINARY
CANDLE IN A PAPER BAG AND SET THE BAG, WITH THE
CANDLE LIT, ALONGSIDE THE CURB.
Submitter comment:
WE HAVE BEEN PARTICIPATING IN THIS RITUAL FOR
AS LONG AS I CAN REMEMBER.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; BERKELEY
James Callow Keyword(s): LUMENS
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 24 Christmas Eve |
Date learned: 00-00-1978
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
A POLISH CHRISTMAS CUSTOM.
BEGINNING AT 6:00 P.M.
THE FAMILY GATHERS, CELEBRATES.
8:00 P.M. FOOD IS BROUGHT OUT
BUT NO MEAT IS SERVED, ONLY
FISH AND MACARONI, THIS IS THE
FASTING TIME. 9:00 P.M. SANTA
CLAUS ARRIVES BRINGING GIFTS
FOR ALL THE CHILDREN. AT 10:30 P.M.
CAROLS ARE SUNG. 11:30 P.M.
MIDNIGHT MASS. 1:00 A.M. PASSING
OUT OF WAFER, THEN MEAT IS BROUGHT OUT.
Submitter comment: THIS IS PRACTICED BY CONNIE'S IN-LAWS.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; HAMTRAMCK
James Callow Keyword(s): MACARONI
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 25 Christmas Also see F642, below. CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 24 Christmas Eve |
CROWN IN THE CAKE
IN FRANCE ON CHRISTMAS DAY, DECEMBER 25TH, A FAMILY WILL
GET TOGETHER AND HAVE A HUGE FEAST. AFTER DINNER, A LARGE
CAKE IS BROUGHT OUT. THE HEAD OF THE HOUSE WILL CUT THE
CAKE VERY CAREFULLY. SOMEWHERE IN THE CAKE, THERE IS A SMALL
CROWN, THE SIZE OF A HALF DOLLAR. THE ONE WHO GETS THE
CROWN IS KING OR QUEEN FOR THE DAY. HE OR SHE GETS ANYTHING
THEY DESIRE, AND ALL THEIR WISHES MUST BE OBEYED. THIS IS ONLY
FOR THAT DAY.
Submitter comment:
MY GRANDMOTHER SPOKE OF THIS TRADITION WITH A SMILE.
IT IS A FADING TRADITION IN FRANCE. SHE REMEMBERS IT
FROM HER EARLIEST CHILDHOOD.
Where learned: CANADA ; COLLECTED IN ONTARIO
| Subject headings: | Favorites CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 25 Christmas Also see F642, below. |
Date learned: 00-00-1926
PRIOR TO OPENING PRESENTS ON CHRISTMAS DAY A YULE LOG IS FIRST
BURNED. THIS IS FOR GOOD LUCK.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; NEW BALTIMORE
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 25 Christmas Also see F642, below. BELIEF -- Good luck |
Date learned: 12-25-1964
IF YOU WAKE UP WHILE SANTA CLAUS IS IN THE HOUSE, HE WILL BLOW DUST
IN YOUR EYES AND YOU'LL BE BLIND.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 25 Christmas Also see F642, below. BELIEF -- Means of Causing or Avoiding Illness |
Date learned: 11-19-1987
ON CHRISTMAS EVE, A SPECIAL DINNER IS SERVED. YOU MUST
EAT NINE DIFFERENT FOODS, NONE OF WHICH COULD BE MEAT.
SOME OF THIS FOOD MUST BE LEFT OVERNIGHT FOR THE CHRIST
CHILD.
Submitter comment: THIS IS THOUGHT TO BE AN ITALIAN CUSTOM.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | 686 Ninths / Nine CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 24 Christmas Eve Food Drink -- Typical menus for the various meals For meal hours, see F574.84. Special or festive meals |
Dorothy's mom taught her how to crochet Christmas ornaments.
First, they crochet the ornaments and then put them into sugar
water to hold a desired shape. Then they put a ribbon on
the top of the ornament and hang it on the Christmas Tree.
The process of crocheting take hours to complete a beautiful
ornament.
Submitter comment: The material that is crocheted is thin yarn.
Where learned: CANADA ; ONTARIO
On Christmas Eve day, it is good luck if the
first person to enter your house is a man and
bad luck if it is a woman.
Where learned: KANSAS ; Manhattan
James Callow Keyword(s): FIRST FOOTING ; SEXISM
Date learned: 00001920S
Italian Christmas Tradition
Eldest cousin buys the youngest cousin a gift.
Paternal grandfather buys the newest member a
welcome gift to the family.
Submitter comment:
The newest member is a new addition to the family.
This includes a new baby or someone who married into
the family.
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 24 Christmas Eve |
Date learned: 00001972CA
Revolving Christmas Eve Dinner
Every year dinner changes to another female member's
house. This has to be an eight-course meal.
Date learned: 00001972CA
Christmas Day Dinner
Paternal grandmother always has this dinner.
She serves the same foods every year.
Date learned: 00001972CA
Christmas Presents
Open smallest gift on Christmas Eve. The rest are
opened on Christmas Day.
Date learned: 00001972CA
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