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The James T. Callow Folklore Archive
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PREDICTION
IF YOU EAT PEAS ON NEW YEAR'S EVE, THEN YOU WILL HAVE TEARS
THROUGHOUT THE NEW YEAR.
Submitter comment: PERHAPS, THE SUGGESTION IS THAT PEAS RESEMBLE TEARS.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 31 New Year's Eve Food Drink -- Plant food Vegetable BELIEF -- Measure of time Year BELIEF -- Bad luck P882.42 |
Date learned: CA00001930
KWANZA
KWANZA IS AN AFRICAN HOLIDAY. IT IS CELEBRATED
DECEMBER 26 THROUGH JANUARY 1. IT IS AN EVENT WHICH
IS CELEBRATED ANNUALLY AND IS BASED ON AFRICAN
HARVEST CELEBRATIONS. KWANZA MEANS THE FIRST FRUIT.
THE PURPOSE OF KWANZA IS THE THANKING OF OUR ANCESTORS
IN ORDER TO INSURE A GOOD HARVEST FOR THE ENSUING YEAR.
DURING THE HARVEST CELEBRATIONS, THERE ARE
FEASTING, DRUMMING AND DANCING. STORY_TELLING
IS HEARD. FAMILY TIES ARE STRENGTHENED
AND ENCOURAGED.
MOST HOLIDAYS HAVE SYMBOLS WHICH ARE IDENTIFIABLE
WITH A PARTICULAR CELEBRATION. KWANZA DOES ALSO.
THE SYMBOLS OF KWANZA ARE: MEKA (STRAW) THE MHUMA (CANDLE),
ZAWADI (GIFTS) AND MAHINDI (CORN). THE CORN
REPRESESENTS ALL THE CHILDREN IN THE HOUSEHOLD.
LAST BUT NOT LEAST, THERE IS THE KIKOMBE (UNITY CUP).
COMMUNITIES AND HOMES ARE DECORATED, HOWEVER, EMPHASIS
IS ON THE USE OF NATURAL THINGS.
THE COLORS OF RED, GREEN AND BLACK ARE USED.
THEY ALSO SYMBOLIZES THE BLOOD SHED BY AFRICANS
IN THE STRUGGLE FOR FREEDOM AND PEACE.
THESE COLORS REPRESENTS BLOOD, LAND AND COLOR.
BLACK IS FOR THE AFRICAN SKIN COLOR. GREEN IS FOR FERTILITY.
EMPHASIS IS PLACED UPON THE CHILDREN WHO RECEIVE
MOST OF THE GIFTS AND ARE ASKED TO MAKE A COMMITMENT.
A CHILD MIGHT ASK FOR BETTER GRADES IN SCHOOL.
IF THE CHILD GRADES HAS IMPROVED CONSIDERABLY, HE IS REWARDED.
THE REWARDS ARE CLOTHING, EXTRA FOOD OR A VISIT OUT OF TOWN.
TRADITIONALLY, THE STRENTH OF THE AFRICAN FAMILY
HAS ALWAYS BEEN THE FAMILY. BECAUSE OF THIS, THE FAMILY
IS THE FOCAL POINT OF THE CELEBRATION.
Submitter comment:
THE MEANING OF THE WORD FAMILY HERE CONSIST OF
THE FATHER, MOTHER, CHILDREN, AUNTS AND UNCLES.
FAMILY MEANS THE EXTENDED FAMILY.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
HARVEST CELEBRATION IN LIBERIA
MANY PEOPLE IN LIBERIA DEPEND ON AGRICULTURE.
AGRICULTURE DEPENDS ALSO ON FAVORABLE WEATHER
CONDITIONS. THERE ARE TWO SEASONS. THE RAINY AND THE
DRY SEASON. IF THERE ISN'T SUFFICIENT RAIN THERE
WOULDN'T BE SUFFICIENT HARVEST AND THE SITUATION TENDS TO
CREATE UNHAPPINESS IN OUR COMMUNITY. WE HAVE DEVELOPED
RITES AND CEREMONIES THAT RELATES TO RURAL LIFE.
HARVEST CELEBRATION IS AN ACTIVITY WHICH
STRENGTHENED COMMUNITY CONSCIOUSNESS AND SOLIDARITY.
THE HARVEST CELEBRATION IS USUALLY CELEBRATED AT THE
BEGINNING OF THE YEAR. IT IS ALSO A FAMILY AFFAIR.
IT IS A TIME WHEN RELATIVES COME TOGETHER TO CELEBRATE THE
NEW YEAR AND TO REFLECT ON THE PAST YEAR. IT IS A TIME
OF HAPPINESS. BEFORE COLONIZATION, FAMILIES WOULD MEET AT THE
HOME OF THE OLDEST MALE RELATIVE.
AN EXAMPLE WOULD BE THE FATHER, GRANDFATHER, A NEPHEW OR
AN UNCLE OR A DISTANT MALE RELATIVE.
FAMILY MEMBERS ARE PRESENT. INDIVIDUALS CAN ONLY BE EXCUSE
IN THE CASE OF DEATH OR SERIOUS ILLNESS.
RELATIVES WHO LIVE FAR AWAY USUALLY ARRIVE AHEAD OF
SCHEDULE; THEY ARRIVE A DAY AHEAD.
ON THE LAST DAY OF THE YEAR, A SMALL CELEBRATION IS HELD.
RELATIVES ARE OFFICIALLY WELCOME, THE OLDEST MALE IS
PRESENTED WITH GIFTS. THE GIFTS CONSISTS OF CORN,
CATTLE, WHEAT OR RICE. THE YOUNG MEN AND WOMEN USUALLY
ARE GATHERED OUTSIDE AND ARE CIRCLED BY
A FIRE. THEY CARRY ON A CONVERSATION. THE GRANDMOTHERS
SIT WITH THE CHILDREN NEAR A FIRE AND TELL FOLKTALES.
ON NEW YEAR'S MORNING, GOATS ARE SLAUGHTERED. THE YOUNG
MEN PREPARE THE GOAT FOR COOKING AND ROASTING. THE
WOMEN TRAVELS INTO THE FOREST TO GATHER WOOD. THE WOMEN
RETURN AND PREPARE THE MEAL FOR THE BIG CELEBRATION.
WHILE THE WOMEN ARE COOKING, THE MEN ARE GATHERED
IN A SPECIAL GROUP TO CONVERSE AND TO DRINK PINEWINE. A PINE IS
SHARED AMONG THE MALES. MATTERS OF VITAL IMPORTANCE
ARE DISCUSSED. VILLAGE IMPROVEMENT IS ALSO DISCUSSED.
THE HARVEST CELEBRATION IS USUALLY READY BY MID_AFTERNOON.
EVERYONE EATS AT THIS TIME. AFTER EVERYONE HAS EATEN,
THE WOMEN ARE LEFT ALONE TO PERFORM THE CLEANING.
THE MEN RETIRE TO ANOTHER LOCATION TO DISCUSS THE NEW YEAR.
AFTER CLEANING THE COOKING UTENSILS AND YARD,
THE WOMEN RETURN AND THE VILLAGE ELDERS
USUALLY PRAISE THE WOMEN FOR THE DELICIOUS MEAL
AND ENCOURAGES EVERYONE TO MAKE A WISH FOR THE NEW YEAR.
AFTER THE PRAISES AND SPEECH BY THE ELDERS,
WOMEN, MEN AND CHILDREN ALIKE ARE JOINED TOGETHER
FOR A FESTIVAL WHICH INCLUDES MUSIC AND DANCE.
AT THE END OF THE MUSIC WHICH USUALLY BRING THE HARVEST
TO AN END, A GRANDPARENT LEADS ALL IN PRAYERS FOR A SAFE
JOURNEY HOME.
THIS BRING A HAPPY AND MEMORABLE CELEBRATION TO AN END.
Submitter comment:
THE CELEBRATION IS HELD DURING THE MONTH OF JANUARY.
WE PARTICIPATE IN THIS FESTIVAL ANNUALLY.
Where learned: LIBERIA ; BONG COUNTY
James Callow Keyword(s): IT IS ALSO SEXES ; SEPARATION OF THE SEXES ; SEXISM
Date learned: 00-00-1968
NEW YEAR'S EVE PARTY
POLISH PEOPLE LOVE TO DRESS AND MORE ESPECIALLY SO IN THEIR PARTIES.
IT IS CUSTOMARY TO BRING FLOWERS OR A BOX OF CANDY TO THE HOSTESS.
WHEN THE PARTY HAPPENS TO BE A FIRST VISIT, IT IS A MUST. IT IS
NICE TO BRING A BOTTLE OF CHAMPAGNE OR SOME OTHER WINE ON NEW YEAR'S
EVE. FOR A SMALL GROUP OF SIX TO EIGHT PEOPLE, A LATE DINNER IS
PLANNED. AFTER THE DESSERT AND THE COFFEE, SWEET CHAMPAGNE IS
SERVED AROUND MIDNIGHT.
Submitter comment:
MY AUNT THINKS THAT PARTIES WHETHER BIG OR SMALL ARE A LOT OF FUN
WHEN POLISH PEOPLE CELEBRATE THEM.
Where learned: ILLINOIS ; CHICAGO
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 31 New Year's Eve Food Drink -- Food Food Drink -- Pastry Sweet Dessert Food Drink -- Drink Food Drink -- Alcoholic beverage Fermented |
Date learned: 00-00-1940
GEORGIA CHRISTMAS TREE CUSTOM
"IT WAS BAD LUCK TO HAVE YOUR CHRISTMAS TREE
UP AFTER NEW YEAR'S EVE"
Where learned: OHIO ; FLORIDA ; ALLIANCE ; EUSTIS
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- January 1 New Year's CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 31 New Year's Eve CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20 Christmas tree BELIEF -- Bad luck |
Date learned: 11-13-1980 ; 00001920S
GEORGIA NEW YEAR'S EVE CUSTOM
"WHENEVER YOU'D GET A KNIFE AS A GIFT ON NEW YEAR'S EVE,
YOU WERE SUPPOSED TO GIVE THE PERSON A COIN IN RETURN
SO THAT YOUR FRIENDSHIP WOULDN'T BE CUT IN TWO DURING THE NEXT YEAR"
Submitter comment:
THE INFORMANT STATED THAT A VARIATION OF THIS CUSTOM WAS PRACTICED
BY BRANCHES OF HER FAMILY IN WHICH THE CUSTOM WAS EXTENDED
TO INCLUDE OTHER HOLIDAYS AND BIRTHDAYS.
Where learned: OHIO ; FLORIDA ; ALLIANCE ; EUSTIS
Date learned: 11-13-1980 ; 00001920S
NEW YEAR'S DREAMS
IN POLAND, IT IS A BELIEF THAT IF YOU DREAM ABOUT MARRYING A
PERSON THREE DAYS IN A ROW; ON NEW YEAR'S EVE, NEW YEAR'S DAY,
AND THE DAY AFTER, YOU WILL MARRY THAT PERSON BEFORE THE NEXT
YEAR COMES.
Submitter comment:
THERE IS ONE POINT TO BE MENTIONED IN REGARDS TO NEW YEAR'S EVE.
IT IS BELIEVED THAT SPIRITS ARE RESTLESS ON NEW YEAR'S EVE AND
THEY WANDER IN AND OUT OF HOUSES. THEREFORE, ON THAT DAY,
POLES ARE CAREFUL NOT TO WAVE SHARP OBJECTS IN THE AIR SUCH AS;
KNIVES, SCISSORS, AND PENCILS, SO AS NOT TO INJURE A SPIRIT AND
GIVE HIM CAUSE TO BE ANGRY WITH THEIR HOUSEHOLD. ALSO, THE POLES
WOULD LEAVE PLATES OF FOOD NEXT TO EMPTY CHAIRS IN CERTAIN PARTS OF
THE HOUSE. IF THEY WOULD DO THESE THINGS, THEY THOUGHT THE SPIRITS
WOULD THEN FEEL FREE TO BLESS THEIR HOUSEHOLD.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DEARBORN
Date learned: 00-00-1978
GERMAN NEW YEARS EVE CUSTOM
IN OUER FAMILY IT IS CUSTOMARY TI INCLUDE SAURKRAUT IN THE NEW YEAR'S
EVE MEAL. EATING THIS VEGETABLE WILL MAKE ONE WEALTHY THE WHOLE
NEXT YEAR.
Submitter comment:
MY GRANDMOTHER ALWAYS THOUGHT THE NEW YEARS EVE MEAL SHOULD INCLUDE
SAUERKRAUT. SHE LEARNED THIS CUSTOM FROM HER PARENTS WNEN SHE WAS 4.
Where learned: PENNSYLVANIA ; JOHNSTOWN
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 31 New Year's Eve Food Drink -- Typical menus for the various meals For meal hours, see F574.84. Special or festive meals BELIEF -- Measure of time Year |
Date learned: 00-00-1962 ; 00-00-1905
CUSTOM
SAUSAGE IS ALWAYS EATEN THE HOUR BEFORE NEW YEARS EVE.
Submitter comment:
THIS HAS BEEN DONE IN MY FAMILY FOR AS LONG AS I CAN REMEMBER,
BUT NO ONE CAN REMEMBER THE SIGNIFICANCE OF IT.
Where learned: DETROIT
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 31 New Year's Eve Food Drink -- Typical menus for the various meals For meal hours, see F574.84. Special or festive meals |
Date learned: 00-00-1967
NEW YEAR'S EVE
A CHINESE CUSTOM ON THE EVE OF THE NEW YEAR IS TO BURN
FACSIMILE MONEY IN THE HOPE THAT IT WILL ATTRACT REAL MONEY
TO THAT PERSON DURING THE YEAR.
Submitter comment: ORALLY TRANSMITTED
Where learned: DETROIT
James Callow Keyword(s): HOMEOPATHIC MAGIC
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 31 New Year's Eve BELIEF -- Measure of time Year BELIEF -- Magic of Speech, Sign, Color |
Date learned: 00-00-1979
NEW YEAR'S EVE
ON NEW YEAR'S EVE, IF A FAMILY BREAKS AND EATS A LOAF OF BREAD,
IT WILL STAY TOGETHER THROUGHOUT THE COMING YEAR.
Where learned: DETROIT
Date learned: 00001930S
ON NEW YEAR'S EVE WE DRINK HOT RED WINE MIXED WITH HOT CINNAMON
STICKS AND ROCK CANDY. THE WINE MUST BE HOT TO INSURE A WARM AND
SAFE NEW YEAR.
Submitter comment:
INFORMANT TOLD ME THAT SHE TRIED TO USE THIS CUSTOM ON HER
CHILDREN, BUT THEY THOUGHT IT WAS SILLY AND THEY DID NOT LIKE
THE WAY THE WINE TASTED.
THIS WAS DONE BY INFORMANT WHEN SHE WAS A CHILD IN GERMANY.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
Date learned: 02-00-1982
WHENEVER WE MADE WINE, WE MADE IT ON NEW YEAR'S EVE. ALL THE
CHILDREN HAD TO HANDLE THE GRAPES BEFORE IT WAS MADE INTO
WINE. THIS WAS DONE FOR GOOD LUCK.
Submitter comment:
INFORMANT TOLD ME THAT SHE DID THIS IN WEST GERMANY WHEN SHE WAS A
CHILD. SHE REMEMBERS HANDLING THE GRAPES.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 31 New Year's Eve Food Drink -- Alcoholic beverage Fermented BELIEF -- Good luck Time (year, season, week, hour, etc.) Occasion Event |
Date learned: 02-00-1982
ON NEW YEAR'S EVE, WE ALWAYS EAT BLACK-EYED PEAS AND GREENS,
BECAUSE BLACK-EYED PEAS BRING LUCK AND GREENS BRING MONEY.
Submitter comment:
INFORMANT TOLD ME SHE LEARNED THIS FROM HER HUSBAND WHO IS
FROM THE SOUTH.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
James Callow Keyword(s): HOMEOPATHIC
Date learned: 02-00-1982
NOISEMAKING
ON DECEMBER 31, AT THE STROKE OF MIDNIGHT, YOU MUST
BANG POTS AND PANS TO BRING GOOD LUCK FOR THE COMING
NEW YEAR.
Submitter comment: A COMMON PRACTICE IN DETROIT NEIGHBORHOODS.
Where learned: DETROIT
James Callow Keyword(s): NOISE
Date learned: 00-00-1975
ON NEW YEAR'S EVE IN SPAIN, SWALLOWING ONE GRAPE ON EACH
OF THE TWELVE STROKES OF MIDNIGHT WILL BRING GOOD LUCK,
FAILING TO SWALLOW A GRAPE OR DROPPING ONE WILL BE BAD LUCK.
Submitter comment:
LEARNED ITEM FROM FATHER WHO FREQUENTLY TRAVELS
TO EUROPE.
Where learned: CANADA ; MONTREAL ; RECEIVED IN MAIL
Date learned: 00-00-1970
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
FRENCH NEW YEAR'S CUSTOM
ON THE EVE OF NEW YEAR'S, AT THE STROKE OF MIDNIGHT, THE
CHILDREN KNEEL BEFORE THEIR PARENTS AND ASK TO BE
FORGIVEN ANY WRONGS THEY HAVE COMMITTED DURING THE YEAR.
THEN THEY ASK FOR THEIR PARENT'S BLESSING. THE PARENTS
PLACED THEIR HANDS ON EACH CHILD'S HEAD TO BLESS THEM.
THE CHILD ROSE AND KISSED THE PARENTS.
Where learned: CANADA ; ONTARIO ; WINDSOR
Date learned: 00-00-1935
UKRAINIAN NEW YEAR'S GREETING
AT MIDNIGHT, IT IS CUSTOMARY TO TAKE A SMALL BELL AND A
HANDFUL OF WHEAT AND TO KNOCK ON THE DOOR OF THE HEAD OF
THE HOUSEHOLD. WHEN HE OPENS HIS DOOR, THE MEMBERS OF HIS
HOUSEHOLD TOSS WHEAT ON THEIR MASTER AND WISH HIM A HAPPY
NEW YEAR. THEY WISH FOR HIM MANY BLESSINGS, PLENTY OF
FOOD, AND GOOD LUCK. THE WHEAT IS SYMBOLIC OF FRUITFULNESS.
A SPECIAL NEW YEAR'S SONG IS SUNG IN WHICH GOD'S BLESSINGS
ARE INVOKED FOR THE NEW YEAR. THE HEAD OF THE HOUSE THANKS
THEM AND IN TURN WISHES THEM A HAPPY NEW YEAR. THEN THEY
HAVE A JOYOUS CELEBRATION.
Where learned: CANADA ; ONTARIO ; ANCASTER
Keyword(s): FOOD ; SPRINKLING ; THROWING
| Subject headings: | Favorites CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 31 New Year's Eve BELIEF -- Prayer |
Date learned: 00001960S
ON NEW YEAR'S EVE YOU SHOULD SERVE SOME COLLARD GREENS
MIXED WITH SOME TURNIP GREENS BECAUSE THIS WILL INSURE
THAT MONEY WILL COME TO YOU IN THE NEW YEAR.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
Date learned: 04-00-1983