Dr. James T. Callow publications
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The James T. Callow Folklore Archive
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LITHUANIAN CHRISTMAS EVE DINNER
CHRISTMAS EVE DINNER CONSISTS OF DISHES COMBINING TWELVE TYPES
OF FASTING FOODS, INCLUDING FISH, BEETS, MUSHROOMS, POPPY
SEEDS, CRACKERS, NON-ALCOHOLIC COCKTAILS AND CUMQUAT PUDDING.
HAY IS PLACED UNDER THE TABLE CLOTH, AND A CRUCIFIX IS PUT ON
THE TABLE. BEFORE DINNER ALL MEMBERS OF THE FAMILY SEAT THEMSELVES
AND EMPTY CHAIRS ARE BROUGHT TO THE TABLE FOR ABSENT AND DECEASED
MEMBERS. EACH PERSON, BEGINNING WITH THE ELDEST, KISSES THE FEET
OF THE CRUCIFIX. THEN THE MEAL IS EATEN, ENDING IN TIME
FOR ALL TO ATTEND MIDNIGHT MASS.
Data entry tech comment:
Updated by TRD
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
Keyword(s): CHRISTMAS ; CUSTOM ; FOOD ; holiday ; Lithuanian
James Callow Keyword(s): KUMQUAT
| Subject headings: | 122 Christmas 686 Seconds / Twice / Two CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 24 Christmas Eve Christmas CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20 Greetings, wishes, prayers, cards |
Date learned: 11-16-1969
CUSTOM-POLISH
THE CHRISTMAS EVE CEREMONY IS CALLED VIGELIA. IT BEGINS WHEN THE
FATHER OF THE HOUSE SEES THE FIRST STAR IN THE SKY. THEN THE FAMILY
SITS DOWN FOR DINNER. THE TABLE IS SET FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY--
BROTHERS, SISTERS, IN-LAWS, NIECES, NEPHEWS, ETC.,--WITH ONE
EXTRA PLACE IN CASE COMPANY SHOULD COME. UNDER THE TABLE CLOTH ARE
LITTLE PIECES OF STRAW TO SYMBOLIZE THE MANGER. THERE IS FASTING
ON THIS DAY--NO MEAT. THE DINNER CONSISTS OF 12 DIFFERENT
FOODS, SYMBOLIZING THE 12 APOSTLES--SUCH AS WINE, MUSHROOM SOUP,
HERRING, PEROGIA (A DOUGH AND CHEES DISH), BOILED PERCH, BOILED
POTATOES AND MASHED POTATOES, AND RELISHES. THERE IS ALSO A
LARGE HOST CALLED OPTATKE. THE FATHER AND THE MOTHER BREAK OFF A
PIECE OF THE HOST AND WISH EACH OTHER HEALTH AND HAPPINESS. THEY
THEN GO TO THE OLDEST SON AND HE TAKES A PIECE OFF THE HOST AND
A PIECE FROM BOTH THE MOTHER'S AND THE FATHER'S AND WISHES THEM
HEALTH AND HAPPINESS AND THIS IS PASSED THROUGH THE FAMILY LIKE THIS.
IT IS TO SYMBOLIZE UNITY. THEN TRADITIONAL POLISH CAROLES ARE
SUNG.
Submitter comment:
(STILL DONE IN AMERICA?) YES.
Data entry tech comment:
Updated by TRD
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
Keyword(s): ABSTINENCE FROM MEAT ; CHRISTMAS ; CUSTOM ; FAMILY UNITY ; FOOD ; holiday ; Vegetarian ; VIGELIA
Date learned: 11-04-1968
UKRAINIAN CHRISTMAS EVE MEAL
IN SPITE OF THE OBSERVATION OF A BLACK FAST, 12 DIFFERENT KINDS
OF FOOD ARE SERVED.
STRAW IS SCATTERED UNDERNEATH THE TABLE IN REMEMBERANCE
OF THE STABLE WHERE CHRIST WAS BORN.
"DIDUKH" IS A SHEAF OF STRAW IN THE FORM OF A MAN WHICH IS PUT
IN A CORNER AND SYMBOLIZES LAND FERTILITY.
THE FAMILY SITS DOWN TO SUPPER ONLY AFTER THE APPEARANCE OF THE
FIRST EVENING STAR.
IF THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE SEATED IS AN ODD NUMBER, AN EXTRA CHAIR
IS SET TO SYMBOLIZE A DECEASED RELATIVE OR FRIEND, OR A MEMBER OF
THE FAMILY WHO IS UNABLE TO BE PRESENT.
THE FATHER CUTS THE BREAD INTO THE NUMBER OF PIECES AS THERE
ARE PEOPLE PRESENT, DIPS EACH PIECE IN HONEY (SYMBOLIZING LAND
FERTILITY), GIVES ONE TO EACH PERSON, KISSES HIM AND WISHES HIM
GOOD LUCK.
THE HEAD OF THE HOUSEHOLD TAKES A SPOONFUL OF ONE OF THE TWELVE
DIFFERENT DISHES, KUTYA, (MADE OF BARLEY AND POPPYSEED AND
SEASONED WITH HONEY) AND THROWS IT UP TO THE CEILING. IT IS A
SIGN OF GOOD LUCK IF IT STICKS, AND OF BAD LUCK IF IT DOESN'T.
Data entry tech comment:
Updated by TRD
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
Keyword(s): CHRISTMAS ; CUSTOM ; FOOD ; holiday ; LUCK
Date learned: NOT RECORDED
LITHUANIAN CHRISTMAS EVE
IT IS CUSTOMARY FOR LITHUANIANS TO FAST ALL DAY ON CHRISTMAS EVE.
THEIR MEAL, OR SHOULD I SAY FEAST, TAKES PLACE AT MIDNIGHT IN THE
FORM OF A TWELVE COURSE MEAL. DURING THIS MEAL, HAY IS PUT UNDER THE
TABLE CLOTH IN A SYMBOLIC GESTURE.
Data entry tech comment:
Updated by TRD
Where learned: NOT RECORDED BY COLLECTOR
Keyword(s): ABSTINENCE FROM FOOD ; CHRISTMAS ; CUSTOM ; Fast ; FOOD ; holiday
| Subject headings: | 122 Christmas CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 24 Christmas Eve Christmas CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20 Straw |
Date learned: 10-05-1967
POLISH CHRISTMAS CUSTOMS
CHRISTMAS IS A BELOVED HOLIDAY FOR THE POLISH PEOPLE. BEGINNING AT
SUNDOWN, THE FAMILY SITS DOWN TO THE EVENING MEAL. THIS MEAL IS
MEATLESS AND CONSISTS OF NINE COURSES. WHEN THE FIRST EVENING STAR
APPEARS THE MEAL BEGINS. STRAW IS PLACED UNDERNEATH A WHITE
TABLECLOTH TO SIGNIFY CHRIST'S BIRTH IN A MANGER. A CHRISTMAS WAFER
CALLED "OPLATEK" IS SHARED WITH EACH MEMBER OF THE FAMILY BEGINNING
WITH THE FATHER. GOOD HEALTH, GOD'S BLESSINGS AND JOY IS EXTENDED
TO ALL. THIS COMPLETED, THE MEAL BEGINS. THE SOUP IS CREAMED
MUSHROOM. FOLLOWING WE HAVE PIEROGI (DUMPLINGS) WITH CABBAGE OR
POTATO AND CHEESE. WE ALSO HAVE A VARIETY OF FISH. COLD HERRING,
FISH IN GELATIN (GALARECIE), BAKED FISH, RYE BREAD AND SAUR KRAUT
PREPARED WITH MUSHROOMS. COFFEE AND BABKA FOR DESERT. AFTER THE
PEOPLE RETURN FROM MIDNIGHT MASS THEY BRING OUT THE BAKED HAM AND
HOMEMADE KIELBASA WHICH EVERY GOOD POLAK MAKES HIMSELF AND THEY EAT,
DRINK AND MAKE MERRY.
Data entry tech comment:
Informant and collector share the same surname.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; informant's home ; 25940 MADISON CT, S. ; St. Clair Shores
Keyword(s): ABSTINENCE FROM MEAT ; FOOD CUSTOM
Date learned: 11-01-1971
YARN MEN
IN DENMARK AT CHRISTMAS THE DINNER TABLE IS DECORATED WITH LITTLE
MEN MADE FROM RED YARN CALLED "NISSERMAN." THE FAMILY USUALLY MAKES
THESE FIGURES TOGETHER IN PREPARATION FOR THE HOLIDAYS.
Submitter comment:
[Informant is] Danish.
Where learned: LOCATION NOT RECORDED BY COLLECTOR
Keyword(s): DOLLS
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 24 Christmas Eve Christmas CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20 Christmas Decorations |
Date learned: DATE NOT RECORDED BY COLLECTOR.
CUSTOM-CHRISTMAS
AT A POLISH CHRISTMAS DINNER, THEY LEAVE AN EMPTY
PLACE SETTING FOR THE CHRIST CHILD.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 24 Christmas Eve Christmas |
Date learned: 12-00-1967
CHRISTMAS CUSTOM
ONE EMPTY CHAIR IS PLACED AT THE TABLE DURING CHRISTMAS
SUPPER FOR ANY POOR BEGGAR OR SUCH WHO MIGHT WANDER
IN. SUCH A PERSON IS ALWAYS INVITED IN AND FED.
Submitter comment:
Polish [custom]
Data entry tech comment:
Informant and collector share the same surname.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; GARDEN CITY
Keyword(s): POLISH CUSTOM
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 24 Christmas Eve Christmas |
Date learned: 00-00-1954
LITHUANIAN CHRISTMAS
ON CHRISTMAS, IT IS APPROPRIATE FOR ALL LITHUANIANS
TO ATTEND TWELVE O'CLOCK MASS. IN THE MEAL
WHICH FOLLOWS, A PLACE IS PROPERLY SET FOR
EVERYONE INCLUDING A MEMBER OF THE FAMILY WHO
MIGHT HAVE DIED THE YEAR BEFORE.
Where learned: LOCATION NOT RECORDED BY COLLECTOR
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 24 Christmas Eve Christmas CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20 Church |
Date learned: 10-05-1967
SWEDISH CHRISTMAS CUSTOM
IT IS A CUSTOM FOR THE SWEDISH AMERICANS TO HAVE THE
OLDEST DAUGHTER SERVE THE ELDERS AT THE CHRISTMAS MORNING BREAKFAST.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DEARBORN
Keyword(s): FOOD CUSTOM
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 24 Christmas Eve Christmas |
Date learned: 11-00-1968
CHRISTMAS
THERE CANNOT BE AN ODD NUMBER OF PEOPLE AT THE
CHRISTMAS DINNER TABLE OR SOME OF THE FEASTERS WILL NOT
LIVE TO SEE ANOTHER CHRISTMAS.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 24 Christmas Eve Christmas |
Date learned: 03-25-1971
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
A POLISH CUSTOM ON CHRISTMAS EVE IS TO PUT STRAW UNDER THE LINEN
ON THE DINNER TABLE TO SYMBOLIZE CHRIST'S MANGER.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 24 Christmas Eve Table setting and clearing |
Date learned: 12-00-1977
A POLISH CUSTOM FOR CHRISTMAS EVE DINNER IS TO SET AN EXTRA PLATE
FOR CHRIST.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 24 Christmas Eve Table setting and clearing |
Date learned: 12-00-1977
IT IS A POLISH CUSTOM ON CHRISTMAS EVE TO SERVE A BIG MEAL.
THE NUMBER OF COURSES SERVED IS ALWAYS AN ODD NUMBER AND THEY MAY
INCLUDE DISHES LIKE MUSHROOMS, CABBAGE, PEROGI, STEWED FRUIT AND
HERRING, BUT NO MEAT OR POULTRY IS EVER SERVED. THE TABLE IS
SET WITH AN EXTRA PLACE SETTING IN CASE AN UNEXPECTED GUEST SHOULD
ARRIVE. A PIECE OF STRAW IS PLACED UNDER THE TABLECLOTH TO SIGNIFY
THE REMEMBRANCE OF CHRIST BEING BORN IN A BARN. THE HOST IS BROKEN
AND PASSED ON BY EACH MEMBER SEATED AT THE TABLE AND EACH PERSON
WISHES SOMETHING TO THE NEXT PERSON AS THE HOST IS BEING BROKEN.
Submitter comment:
THIS CUSTOM IS VERY COMMON AMONG POLISH PEOPLE WITH SOME VARIATIONS
AS TO WHAT IS SERVED AND HOW MANY COURSES ARE SERVED. THIS IS
ESPECIALLY STILL CARRIED ON BY PEOPLE WHO HAVE COME FROM POLAND OR
IF THEIR PARENTS HAD COME FROM POLAND.
OPLATKI
Where learned: DETROIT
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 24 Christmas Eve Table setting and clearing CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 24 Christmas Eve Menus CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 24 Christmas Eve Oplatki |
Date learned: CA00001960
CUSTOM
ALSO DURING THE CHRISTMAS EVE MEAL, POLISH PEOPLE HAVE A CUSTOM
OF SETTING AN EXTRA PLACE AT THE TABLE FOR JESUS. SINCE
CHRISTMAS IS THE CELEBRATION OF THE BIRTH OF CHRIST,
THE EXTRA PLACE SETTING INVITES THE CHRIST CHILD INTO
THE HEARTS AND HOME OF THE FAMILY.
Where learned: DETROIT
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 24 Christmas Eve Table setting and clearing |
Date learned: CA00001960S
POLISH TRADITION
ON CHRISTMAS EVE POLISH ALWAYS LEAVE AN EXTRA PLACE SETTING AT
THE TABLE IN CASE A STRANGER SHOULD HAPPEN BY.
IF THIS DOES HAPPEN YOU MUST INVITE THIS STRANGER IN TO YOUR HOME
FOR DINNER.
Submitter comment:
ONE TIME THIS HAPPENED TO US AND WE ENDED
UP WITH A KITTEN FOR THE DAY.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; HUNTINGTON WOODS
James Callow Keyword(s): HOSPITALITY
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 24 Christmas Eve Table setting and clearing |
Date learned: 02-22-1979
CHRISTMAS
ON CHRISTMAS DAY, STRAW OR HAY IS PUT ON THE TABLE AND COVERED WITH
A TABLE CLOTH. THIS IS TO SIGNIFY THE STRAW USED IN THE MANGER
FOR THE BABY JESUS.
Submitter comment:
THIS IS A POPULAR CUSTOM IN POLAND AND IN POLISH COMMUNITIES IN
THE U.S.A.
Data entry tech comment:
Updated by TRD
Where learned: DETROIT
Keyword(s): Celebration ; CHRISTMAS ; CUSTOM ; holiday ; tradition
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- F122 CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 24 Christmas Eve Table setting and clearing CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20 Straw |
Date learned: 04-03-1979
POLISH CHRISTMAS TRADITION
ONE EXTRA PLACE IS SET AT THE CHRISTMAS EVE DINNER TABLE FOR
CHRIST. USUALLY, A GUEST IS SEATED AT THIS PLACE.
Submitter comment:
THE EXTRA PLACE IS SET FOR CHRIST BECAUSE OF THE BELIEF THAT
CHRIST WANDERS THE STREETS ON CHRISTMAS EVE JUST AS MARY AND JOSEPH
WANDERED THROUGH BETHLEHEM LOOKING FOR A PLACE TO STAY ON
THE FIRST CHRISTMAS EVE.
Where learned: DETROIT
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 24 Christmas Eve Table setting and clearing BELIEF -- Religious hero |
Date learned: CA00001890S ; 01-13-1980
Willia (Veeleea) (unsure of spelling)
This is a Polish custom that was brought over from Poland, near
Krakow. On Christmas Eve, we would eat a supper of 12 items,
including fish, pierogi, sour mushroom soup (made with dried
mushrooms), bread, butter, prunes and barley. I can't remember
what else-- except no meat. We did not get presents because we
really did not have money, so there was usually a long table set up
that had straw on it, covered by a white table cloth. Under the
straw, there were pennies, and when it was time, the children put
their hands under the straw and found as many pennies as they
could. We would then go to Christmas Eve Mass, and then go
caroling from house to house. This was the big thing years ago.
We were gone half the night, usually in a horse and buggy. We
would then go back to the house we started at, and eat the ham
which we were now allowed to eat because it was after midnight.
The money that we had gotten from under the straw we used to buy
candy. There was a candy store at the corner of 23 Mile Road, and
when we went back to school we would stop there to buy the candy.
Submitter comment:
Because of this "penny tradition," I remember that whenever my
Great Uncle Al came to Grandma's house when we were there, he
always passed out silver dollars to the children. He also did this
when my mom was a little girl. We liked it when he came over
because he gave us the silver dollars, but we could have done
without his cigars.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; Mount Clemens
Date learned: 00001920'S