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The James T. Callow Folklore Archive
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CUSTOM
THE NEW YEAR IS CELEBRATED FOR 7 DAYS IN JAPAN. DURING THIS TIME,
GREETING CALLS ARE MADE ON FAMILY FRIENDS, AND EACH ENTERTAINS THE
OTHER WITH ELABORATE AND TRADITIONAL NEW YEAR DISHES WHICH ARE ALL
PREPARED BY THE NEW YEAR AND CONTAINED IN TRADITIONAL LACQUERED
BOXES. LITTLE BOYS FLY PAINTED KITES; GIRLS PLAY BATTLEDORE AND
SHUTTLECOCK, WHILE AT SOCIAL GATHERINGS (WHERE BOYS AND GIRLS,
UNTIL THE AMERICAN OCCUPATION, PLAYED TOGETHER IN AN OTHERWISE
SEGREGATED SOCIETY) POEM CARD GAMES ARE PLAYED.
Submitter comment:
INFORMANT GREW UP IN JAPAN BEFORE THE END OF WORLD WAR II.
Data entry tech comment:
Informant and collector share the same surname.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; WARREN
Keyword(s): VISITING
Date learned: 08-01-1964
Food - Fixed Date
EAT ANYTHING THAT ROOTS (DIGS THEIR WAY INTO THE GROUND) LIKE
PIGS, ON NEW YEAR'S EVE, OR AS THE FIRST MEAL OF THE NEW YEAR.
NEVER EAT ANYTHING THAT SWIMS OR FLIES OR YOUR MONEY WILL DO THE
SAME. EAT NO FOWL OF ANY KIND.
Data entry tech comment:
Informant is grandmother of collector.
Where learned: informant's home
Keyword(s): HOMEOPATHIC MAGIC
Date learned: 11-10-1970
NEW YEAR'S DAY
IF YOU EAT CHICKEN ON NEW YEAR'S YOU WILL SCRATCH YOUR WAY THROUGH
THE YEAR. IF YOU EAT PORK YOU WILL BE PIGGY AND GRAB EVERYTHING.
Submitter comment:
THE INFORMANT BELIEVES THIS AND CHICKEN IS NEVER SERVED ON NEW
YEAR'S IN HER HOUSE.
Data entry tech comment:
Informant and collector share the same surname and place of residence.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; GROSSE POINTE WOODS ; informant's home
Date learned: 01-23-1971
NEW YEAR'S DAY
ON NEW YEAR'S EAT GOURMET FOOD.
Submitter comment:
INFORMANT'S FAMILY ALWAYS EATS FRENCH FOODS ON NEW YEAR'S BECAUSE
THEY FEEL THAT IF THEY EAT WELL ON NEW YEAR'S THEN THEY WILL EAT
WELL ALL THROUGH THE YEAR.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; GROSSE POINTE WOODS ; informant's home
Keyword(s): BLASON POPULAIRE ; FOOD PREDICTION ; FRENCH FOOD
Date learned: 03-05-1971
CUSTOM: JAPAN NEW YEAR'S
"OMOCHI" (RICE DOUGH) POUNDING IS STILL AN INTEGRAL PART OF NEW
YEAR'S CELEBRATION. IT IS THE MAKING OF THE OLDEST FOOD OF JAPAN
AND IN THE COUNTRY THE POUNDING IS DONE BY THE FEET OF SERVANTS
WHO SING THE FOLLOWING TRADITIONAL SONG AS THEY WORK:
"THE MOUSE IN THE HOUSE OF PLENTY"
WE ARE THE MESSENGERS OF THE GOOD-LUCK GOD,
THE MERRY MESSENGERS.
WE'RE A HUNDRED YEARS OLD, YET NEVER HAVE HEARD
THE FEARFUL CRY OF CAT;
FOR WE'RE THE MESSENGERS OF THE GOOD-LUCK GOD,
THE MERRY MESSENGERS.
Submitter comment:
WHEN IN JAPAN, INFORMANT USED TO WATCH "OMOCHI" POUNDING AT HER
FATHER'S ANCESTRAL HOME.
Data entry tech comment:
Informant and collector share the same surname.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; WARREN
Date learned: 08-01-1964
NEW YEAR'S CUSTOM
THE IRISH AT NEW YEAR'S ALWAYS HAVE PORK FOR DINNER AND
LEAVE MONEY ON THE OUTSIDE OF A WINDOW AND TAKE IT ON
NEW YEAR'S DAY. SIGNIFICANCE IS THEY NEVER WILL BE BROKE
FOR THE YEAR.
Where learned: PENNSYLVANIA ; SCRANTON
Keyword(s): GIFTGIVING
Date learned: 04-01-1972
NEW YEAR CUSTOM
THERE IS A GREEK TRADITION WHICH IS SUPPOSED TO BRING
GOOD LUCK. THERE IS A PASTRY CALLED PETA WHICH IS BAKED
IN A SQUARE PAN. BEFORE IT IS BAKED THE COOK PUTS
MONEY RANGING FROM A NICKEL TO FIFTY CENTS. IT USED TO BE
A FIFTY CENT PIECE BUT NOW THAT MONEY IS PRECIOUS IT'S GETTING
SMALLER AND SMALLER. ANYWAYS, THEY PUT THIS COIN IN THE DOUGH
AND BAKE IT. THE PERSON WHO GETS THE PIECE WITH THE COIN
WILL HAVE GOOD LUCK THAT WHOLE YEAR. THE CEREMONY HAPPENS ON
NEW YEAR'S DAY.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
Keyword(s): DOUGH CALLED "FILO" ; GIFTGIVING ; GREEK CHEESE IS CALLED "FETA"
Date learned: 02-23-1972
CUSTOMS AND BELIEFS
FOR UKRAINIAN CHRISTMAS EVE AND EASTER DINNERS, A PLATE, WITH FOOD
IS PLACED FOR THE FAMILY MEMBERS WHICH PASSED AWAY. IN THE OLD
COUNTRY THE FARM ANIMALS WERE LATER GIVEN THE FOOD OFF THE
PLATE WITH THE IDEA THAT THE FAMILY'S DEAD RELATIVE'S SPIRITS
LIVED IN THE ANIMALS.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; WARREN
CHRISTMAS CUSTOM
WHEN I WAS YOUNG WE CELEBRATED CHRISTMAS WITH MY GRANDMOTHER ON MY
FATHER'S SIDE. SINCE THEY WERE LUTHERAN THEY CELEBRATED IT ON
CHRISTMAS EVE. SHE WOULD SERVE TRADITIONAL SWEDISH FOODS LIKE
LUTEFISK IN CREAM SAUCE WHICH WAS A KIND OF CURED COD. I REMEMBER
IT WOULD TURN THE SILVERWARE BLACK. THERE WAS PULT, A HOT SAUSAGE
MADE WITH SOME KIND OF BLOOD WITH FLOUR TO THICKEN IT. SHE SERVED
KORV WHICH WAS A POTATO SAUSAGE MADE WITH BEEF, PORK, AND RAW POTATO
IN A CASING. SHE MADE SYLTA, A PRESSED MEAT BY COOKING THE MEAT TILL
IT CAME OFF THE BONES. THE JUICE WOULD BE FULL OF GELATIN AND SHE
WOULD WRAP ALL OF IT IN CHEESECLOTH AND PRESS IT TOGETHER. THERE
WERE PICKLED PIG'S FEET IN A SALT BRINE AND SWEDISH RYE BREAD AND
SWEDISH MEATBALLS. THERE WERE A FEW SWEDISH COOKIES BUT NOT MANY.
THERE WOULD BE A LONG TABLE SPREAD WITH ALL THIS FOOD. RIGHT AFTER
MIDNIGHT WE WOULD HEAR BELLS AND SANTA CLAUS WOULD COME AND PASS OUT
GIFTS. THEN WE WOULD GO HOME AND SANTA CLAUS WOULD COME AGAIN DURING
THE NIGHT AND WE WOULD CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS AT HOME THE NEXT DAY.
Submitter comment:
MY MOTHER CELEBRATED CHRISTMAS IN THIS WAY WHEN SHE WAS A SMALL CHILD
IN DULUTH, MINNESOTA. HER GRANDMOTHER WAS NAMED IDA NEWMAN. IDA WAS
BORN IN SWEDEN AND CAME TO THE UNITED STATES WHEN SHE WAS 15 OR 16.
HER HUSBAND HAD LIVED HERE SINCE HE WAS 2 OR 3. WHEN MY MOTHER WAS
OLDER THEY JUST CELEBRATED CHRISTMAS AT HOME. MY MOTHER DOES NOT
KNOW HOW TO PREPARE ANY OF THESE FOODS EXCEPT FOR SWEDISH RYE BREAD.
SHE USES A DIFFERENT RECIPE THOUGH BECAUSE HER GRANDMOTHER NEVER GAVE
AWAY HER RECIPES. I HAD NEVER EVEN HEARD OF SOME OF THESE FOODS
BEFORE THIS. MY MOTHER'S SISTER IN CALIFORNIA DOES MAKE POTATO
SAUSAGE BUT I DON'T THINK IT'S IDA NEWMAN'S RECIPE.
Date learned: CA00001929
THANKSGIVING CUSTOM
EVERY THANKSGIVING MY MOTHER SERVED TWO TRADITIONAL FOODS. SHE
ALWAYS HAD SALTED ALMONDS AND MAPLE MOUSSE. I NEVER REMEMBER HAVING
PUMPKIN PIE THOUGH.
Submitter comment:
MY GRANDMOTHER'S NAME IS DOROTHY NEWMAN. ALTHOUGH MY MOTHER
REMEMBERS SALTED ALMONDS AND MAPLE MOUSSE EVERY THANKSGIVING SHE
NEVER KNEW ANY REASON WHY HER MOTHER SERVED THEM. THIS TRADITION
WAS NOT CARRIED DOWN INTO MY GENERATION. INSTEAD OF SALTED ALMONDS
AND MAPLE MOUSSE, WE HAVE NUTS IN THEIR SHELLS AND PUMPKIN PIE.
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Autumn Fall Harvest Thanksgiving Food Drink -- Typical menus for the various meals For meal hours, see F574.84. Special or festive meals |
Date learned: CA00001929
CHRISTMAS EVE DINNER- WIGILIA
ON CHRISTMAS EVE A POLISH CUSTOM IS THE DINNER, CALLED
WIGILIA, THIS DINNER CONSISTS OF SEVERAL COURSES, AND VARIATIONS
OCCUR FROM FAMILY TO FAMILY. FIRST, A WAFER-LIKE "COOKIE"
SERVED SANDWICHED WITH HONEY, CALLED OPLATIK, IS PASSED AROUND
BY THE ELDEST MALE, USUALLY THE FATHER. HE STARTS WITH HIS WIFE,
OR THE NEXT ELDEST PRESENT. HE TAKES A BITE AT THE SAME TIME AS THE
PERSON HE APPROACHES AND THEN THEY EXCHANGE CHRISTMAS GREETINGS.
THE FIRST COURSE OF THE MEAL IS THE MUSHROOM SOUP. THE MUSHROOMS ARE
IMPORTED FROM POLAND. THE NEXT COURSE SERVED IS SAUERKRAUT WITH
BEANS. FOLLOWING THIS IS BROILED FISH, USUALLY TROUT. THE NEXT
COURSE IS PIEROGI. THERE ARE DIFFERENT TYPES OF PIEROGI AND FOR
THIS FESTIVE OCCASION ALL ARE SERVED: SAUERKRAUT, AND
PRUNE. THERE IS ALSO A MEAT PIEROGI MANY POLISH FAMILIES MAKE BUT
THE IMPORTANCE OF THIS MEAL IS THAT IT IS MEATLESS.
FOLLOWING THE MEAL CHRISTMAS CAROLS ARE USUALLY SUNG.
THE FAMILY RESTS AND ATTENDS THE MIDNIGHT MASS. UPON RETURNING
FROM MASS POLISH PASTRIES ARE SERVED AND PRESENTS ARE UNWRAPPED.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
Date learned: 00-00-1960
SUPERSTITIONS
EAT LIMBURGER CHEESE AND HERRING ON NEW YEAR'S EVE FOR GOOD LUCK.
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 BELIEF -- Good luck |
RECIPE
POLISH RECIPE FOR HOMEMADE KEILBASA, SERVED AS ONE OF THE MAIN
MEAL COURSES ON CHRISTMAS DAY AND EASTER SUNDAY:
5 POUNDS PORK, CUBED OR COARSE GROUND; 5 TEASPOONS SALT;
1 AND 1/4 TEASPOONS PEPPER; 1 SMALL CLOVE GARLIC, CRUSHED
OR CHOPPED FINE; 1 CUP WATER MIX ALL INGREDIENTS WELL AND
LET STAND ONE HOUR TO MARINATE BEFORE CASING. TO CASE, DIP
PORK CASINGS IN WATER, TIE ONE END AND EASE CASING ONTO
CASING ATTACHMENT OF FOOD GRINDER. GRIND AND FILL CASING
AND TIE END. TO PREPARE FOR SERVING: COOK FOR ONE HOUR IN
BOILING WATER. REMOVE AND BROWN IN OVEN FOR 5 TO 10 MINUTES.
Where learned: DETROIT
| Subject headings: | Food Drink -- Typical menus for the various meals For meal hours, see F574.84. Special or festive meals Food Drink -- Meat Bred animal |
Date learned: CA00001960S
RECIPE
PUERTO RICAN RECIPE FOR COQUITO, WHICH IS TRADITIONALLY SERVED
TO GUESTS DURING THE CHRISTMAS HOLDIAY SEASON, TO TOAST
AND DRINK TO ONE ANOTHER'S GOOD HEALTH. 1 AND 1/2 CANS
COCO LOPEZ; 1 AND 1/2 CANS PINA COLADA; 3 CANS CARNATION MILK;
1 AND 1/2 FIFTHS OF RUM; ONE DOZEN EGG YOLKS; 1/2 CUP SUGAR;
1 TBSP. CINNAMON; 1 OUNCE VANILLA; 4-5 ICE CUBES. BLEND ALL
INGREDIENTS IN BLENDER TILL DISSOLVED. POUR INTO
TIGHTLY CAPPED BOTTLES AND REFRIGERATE.
Where learned: DETROIT
| Subject headings: | Food Drink -- Typical menus for the various meals For meal hours, see F574.84. Special or festive meals Food Drink -- Alcoholic beverage Distilled |
Date learned: CA00001970S
NEW YEAR'S DAY
HOLDING A SILVER DOLLAR IN YOUR HAND AND EATING A HERRING TO WELCOME
IN THE NEW YEAR, MEANS THAT YOU WILL NEVER BE BROKE OR HUNGRY.
Submitter comment: IF YOU DO NOT LIKE HERRING, THEN YOU ARE OUT OF LUCK.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; WYANDOTTE
James Callow Keyword(s): COIN MONEY ; HOMEOPATHIC
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- January 1 New Year's Food Drink -- Typical menus for the various meals For meal hours, see F574.84. Special or festive meals BELIEF -- Mineral |
Date learned: 00-00-1978
CUSTOM ; BELIEF
WE USED TO TAKE AN EASTER EGG TO THE EASTER SERVICE, AND THE PRIEST
WOULD BLESS IT. LATER, AT HOME, EVERYONE EATS A PART OF THE EGG.
DOING THIS BRINGS HEALTH TO EVERYONE.
Submitter comment:
COMES FROM SLAVIC CHURCH TRADITION (VIA MOTHER) AND IS FOLLOWED IN
HIS HOME.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT ; COLLECTORS HOME
James Callow Keyword(s): HOMEOPATHIC AND CONTAGIOUS MAGIC
Date learned: 01-00-1979
SUPERSTITION
BLACK-EYED PEAS COOKED ON NEW YEARS DAY BRINGS GOOD LUCK THROUGHOUT
THE YEAR.
Submitter comment:
THE INFORMANT CONTINUES TO PRACTICE THE ACT WHICH SHE FIRST
BEGAN IN YAZOO CITY, MISSISSIPPI, EVEN THOUGH SHE DISMISSES
THE BELIEF AS NONSENSE.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT ; DEPARTMENT STORE
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- F 57 F 57.2 CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- January 1 New Year's Food Drink -- Typical menus for the various meals For meal hours, see F574.84. Special or festive meals |
Date learned: 02-13-1979
LENTEN CUSTOM
THE DAY BEFORE ASH WEDNESDAY THE POLISH PEOPLE MAKE A LOT OF PUNCHKIE
AND EAT ALL OF THEM BECAUSE YOU CAN,T EAT ON ASH WEDNESDAY.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- F633 F633.12 Food Drink -- Typical menus for the various meals For meal hours, see F574.84. Special or festive meals BELIEF -- P663 P663.12 |
CABBAGE IS COOKED ON NEW YEAR'S DAY FOR GOOD LUCK. THE LEAVES
ON THE CABBAGE REPRESENT MONEY THAT PEOPLE BELIEVE WILL COME TO
THOSE EATING IT.
Submitter comment: SYMBOL
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; SOUTHFIELD
Date learned: 02-00-1979
IN LOUISIANA INSTEAD OF SERVING SOUP BEFORE A MEAL AS AN APPETIZER,
THE CREOLES SERVE GUMBO MADE OF OKRA, VEGETABLES, SEAFOOD AND
OTHER MEATS.
Submitter comment: THIS IS A MUST FOR SUNDAY DINNER IN NEW ORLEANS.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; SOUTHFIELD
Date learned: 02-00-1979