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The James T. Callow Folklore Archive
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CUSTOM
IN JAPAN, THE PEOPLE EXCHANGE NEW YEAR'S
CARDS WITH FRIENDS AND RELATIVES.
Where learned: UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; UNION
Keyword(s): GIFTGIVING
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- January 1 New Year's CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Fixed DateFor specific dates, use the following system: F640.0101 CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20 |
Date learned: 11-25-1969
NEW YEAR'S CUSTOM
THE POLISH WRITE THE NEW YEAR ON THE INSIDE OF THE DOOR OF
THEIR HOUSE.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; RENO HALL ; DETROIT
Date learned: 11-14-1968
BREAKING OF BREAD
DURING CHRISTMAS, BEFORE DINNER, THE FAMILIES GATHER TOGETHER AND
EACH MEMBER HAS A PIECE OF "ANGEL BREAD" (UNLEAVENED BREAD).
THEN EACH MEMBER BREAKS A PIECE OFF EACH OF THE OTHER MEMBER'S PIECE
OF "ANGEL BREAD" WHILE WISHING THEM THE BEST OF EVERYTHING FOR THAT
SEASON, FOLLOWED BY A KISS OR A HAND SHAKE. AFTER EVERYONE HAS
EXCHANGED, THE PIECES ARE EATEN.
Submitter comment:
IF A MEMBER IS OUT OF TOWN, THE OUT OF TOWNER SENDS A PIECE
OF "ANGEL BREAD" IN A GREETING CARD TO THE FAMILY FOR EXCHANGE.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; WARREN
Keyword(s): FOOD CUSTOM
Date learned: DATE NOT RECORDED BY COLLECTOR.
IRISH CHRISTMAS CUSTOM
IRISH-AMERICANS ON CHRISTMAS EVE PLACE A LIGHTED CANDLE IN THE
WINDOW TO LIGHT THE WAY HOME FOR ANYONE IN THE FAMILY WHO IS NOT
PRESENT THAT NIGHT.
Submitter comment: NO KNOWLEDGE OF WHERE OR HOW THE INFORMANT LEARNED THE ITEM.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- F642 |
Date learned: 10-04-1967
CUSTOM
THE TIME WHEN CHRISTMAS IS HELD (DECEMBER 25) IS ACTUALLY TAKEN
FROM OLDER NATURE RELIGIONS WHICH VENERATED THE WINTER SOLSTICE
(DECEMBER 22). THE UNDERLYING THEORY OF THESE FESTIVALS WAS THAT
AFTER THE 22ND OF DECEMBER THE POWER OF THE SUN AND GOOD FORCES
ASSOCIATED WITH IT BEGAN TO INCREASE--HENCE THE NIGHTS GOT NO LONGER,
BUT RATHER BEGAN TO GET SHORTER. THUS THE TIME WAS MOST APPROPRIATE
FOR CELEBRATING THE "BIRTH" OF A GREAT "WHITE" POWER.
Data entry tech comment:
Updated by TRD
Where learned: WALES ; ABERYSTWYTH
Keyword(s): Celebration ; CUSTOM ; FESTIVAL ; holiday ; Solstice
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20 |
Date learned: 04-00-1972
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
NEW YEAR CUSTOM
JUMP THE HIGHEST YOU CAN TO GROW TALLER.
Submitter comment: HOMEOPATHIC MAGIC
Where learned: PHILIPPINES ; MAKATI
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- January 1 New Year's CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20 |
Date learned: 00001960S
GOOD LUCK SUPERSTITION
IF THERE IS A BIRD'S NEST IN YOUR CHRISTMAS TREE IT WILL BRING YOU
LUCK FOR THE COMING YEAR.
THIS TREE IS THE ONE YOU WOULD BRING HOME FOR CHRISTMAS.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
Date learned: 00-00-1965
TEN DAYS BEFORE CHRISTMAS A RIBBON IS MADE WITH TEN PIECES OF CANDY
ATTACHED TO IT. A POEM IS MADE UP ABOUT HOW EACH DAY YOU TAKE A PIECE
OF CANDY AND WHEN THE LAST ONE IS EATEN IT'S CHRISTMAS.
Submitter comment:
THIS IS USUALLY DONE WITH YOUNG CHILDREN TO ADD TO THE EXCITEMENT OF
CHRISTMAS AND THE ARRIVAL OF GIFT-GIVING DAY.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; Port Sanilac
Date learned: 00-00-1975
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
POLISH CHRISTMAS CUSTOM
AT CHRISTMAS, PUT HAY ON A TABLECLOTH. IN THE MIDDLE PUT THE
CHRISTMAS WAFERS. EVERYONE MAKES A WISH THEN. AFTER THE MEAL
THE DOG IS GIVEN WHATEVER IS LEFT OVER FROM THE MEAL.
Submitter comment:
THE INFORMANT FIRST LEARNED THIS AROUND 1910 IN POLAND. NO REASON
WAS OFFERED AS TO WHY THIS CUSTOM WAS DONE. THE MENTION OF A WISH
COULD LEAD TO SPECULATION ABOUT LUCK OR PREDICTION. ALSO, WHAT
HAPPENS IF THE HOUSEHOLD DOES NOT HAVE A DOG?
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 25 Christmas Also see F642, below. CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20 BELIEF -- P122 BELIEF -- Mammal |
Date learned: 10-00-1980 ; CA00001910
CHRISTMAS DAYS (SEASON)
THIS IS THE MOST BELOVED AND BEAUTIFUL OF ALL OUR TRADITIONS.
RELATIVES USED TO CALL IT GODY IN POLISH WHICH MEANS CHRISTMAS DAYS.
IT IS A TIME OF GOOD WILL, LOVE, HARMONY, FORGIVENESS, AND PEACE.
Submitter comment:
GODY WAS ONE OF THE BEST TIMES THAT FRIENDS AND FAMILY GOT TOGETHER
TO CELEBRATE CHRIST'S BIRTH.
Where learned: ILLINOIS ; CHICAGO
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20 |
Date learned: 00-00-1930
EAT CABBAGE OR SAUERKRAUT ON NEW YEAR'S FOR GOOD LUCK.
Submitter comment: LEARNED FROM YOUTH.
Where learned: INDIANA ; Hudson Lake
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- January 1 New Year's CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Measure of time Week Day Hour CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20 BELIEF -- Home |
Date learned: 11-25-1967
IF YOU PUT MONEY ON THE WINDOW SILL ON NEW YEAR'S EVE
YOU'LL HAVE A PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR--YOU'LL NEVER BE
BROKE.
Submitter comment: LEARNED FROM HER PARENTS WHO RETAIN THE PRACTICE.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- January 1 New Year's CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Measure of time Year CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20 BELIEF -- Home |
Date learned: 05-10-1965
SOME FRIENDS OF OURS, MR. AND MRS. ED GERRY, ALWAYS
SPEND THE FEW MINUTES BETWEEN THE OLD AND NEW YEAR
IN THEIR OWN HOME. THEY LEFT OUR PARTY LAST YEAR
AT 11:40 AND WERE BACK AT 12:20. AND THERE WAS SOME-
THING ABOUT MONEY INVOLVED THAT I CAN'T REMEMBER--
MAYBE THAT THEY DIDN'T PASS MONEY DURING THAT TIME.
Submitter comment:
HAPPENED ON NEW YEAR'S EVE IN 1964-5 IN DETROIT,
MICHIGAN. MR. YOUNT'S BROTHER, WALTER, TOLD ME HE
BELIEVED THIS WAS A PRACTICE IN PENNSYLVANIA.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- January 1 New Year's CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Measure of time Year CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20 BELIEF -- Home |
Date learned: 05-11-1965
GERMAN PEOPLE HAVE SEVEN DIFFERENT TYPES OF GREEN STUFF
(VEGETABLES) ON NEW YEAR'S DAY FOR GOOD HEALTH:
CABBAGE, PEPPERS, PICKLES, CELERY, SPINACH, LETTUCE,
AND SAUERKRAUT.
ALSO, THEY HOLD MONEY IN THEIR HAND AT 12:00 ON NEW
YEAR'S EVE. IF THE KIDS ARE IN BED, THEY WAKE THEM
UP AS IT WOULDN'T WORK IF IT WAS JUST IN YOUR POCKET.
THEY DO IT FOR A PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR.
Submitter comment:
TOLD TO HIM BY JOE KELLER FROM HUNTINGTON, WEST
VIRGINIA, WHO NOW WORKS WITH HIM IN DETROIT.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- January 1 New Year's CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Measure of time Year CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20 BELIEF -- Home |
Date learned: 05-18-1965
WE ALWAYS HAVE SAUERKRAUT AND CORNED BEEF ON NEW
YEAR'S DAY. IT'S AS MUCH A TRADITION AS HAM ON EASTER
AND TURKEY ON CHRISTMAS AND THANKSGIVING.
Submitter comment: FAMILY TRADITION.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- January 1 New Year's CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Measure of time Year CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20 BELIEF -- P552 |
Date learned: 05-10-1965
WE ALWAYS HAD SAUERKRAUT AND PORK ON NEW YEAR'S DAY
FOR GOOD LUCK.
Submitter comment: PRACTICE AT HOME IN GLOUCESTER, OHIO
Where learned: OHIO ; GLOUCESTER
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- January 1 New Year's CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Measure of time Year CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20 BELIEF -- Home |
Date learned: 05-11-1965
SLOVAK CHRISTMAS-EVE CUSTOM
BEFORE A FARMER SAT DOWN TO EAT, HE WENT OUT TO THE
BARN AND GAVE HIS LIVESTOCK GARLIC SO THAT THEY MAY
BE HEALTHY DURING THE COMING YEAR. HE ALSO SPRINKLED
THEM WITH HOLY WATER.
Where learned: OHIO ; CLEVELAND
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 24 Christmas Eve CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20 BELIEF -- Home |
Date learned: 00001967 FALL
OPLATEK
EVERY YEAR WHEN THE WHOLE FAMILY GETS TOGETHER ON
CHRISTMAS EVE FOR THE CHRISTMAS EVE DINNER, THE HEAD
OF THE FAMILY, USUALLY THE GRANDFATHER, TAKES A
PLATE OF OPLATEK (COMMUNION-LIKE WAFER) AND GIVES
EVERYONE PRESENT A PIECE OF IT. EVERYONE PRESENT THEN
APPROACHES EVERYONE ELSE IN THE ROOM, STARTING WITH
THE ELDER MEMBERS OF THE FAMILY; AND THEY OFFER THAT
PERSON A PIECE OF THEIR OPLATEK WHILE TAKING A
SMALL PIECE FROM THAT PERSON. WHILE THIS IS BEING
DONE, CHRISTMAS WISHES AND WISHES OF GOOD LUCK FOR THE
COMING YEAR ARE ALSO EXCHANGED BY THE PEOPLE SHARING
THEIR OPLATEK. THIS IS FOLLOWED BY AKISS OR A
HANDSHAKE.
Submitter comment:
INFORMANT, MY MOTHER, HAD ONLY TO FILL IN A FEW
DETAILS AND GIVE ME THE CORRECT SPELLING FOR THE WORD
OPLATEK, WHICH IN AMERICA MEANS WAFER OR ANGEL-BREAD.
THIS TRADITION IS STILL VERY MUCH ALIVE IN OUR FAMILY.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 24 Christmas Eve CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Home CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Measure of time Week Day Hour CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20 |
Date learned: 01-08-1964