The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

AT CHRISTMAS TIME ALL THE KIDS IN THE FAMILY GET A SHOT OF WHISKEY.

Data entry tech comment:

Updated by TRD

Where learned: WORK ; TOLD AT

Keyword(s): CHRISTMAS ; CUSTOM ; DRINK ; holiday

Date learned: 10-30-1971

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CHRISTMAS CUSTOM

IT IS CUSTOMARY, AS A FAMILY PRACTICE, TO RAISE A GOOSE AND
TAKE CARE AND FEED IT SO THAT BY CHRISTMAS IT IS READY TO BE
KILLED AND EATEN AS A SYMBOL OF BOUNTY.

Submitter comment:

(HUNGARIAN)

Data entry tech comment:

Updated by TRD

Where learned: HOME ; DETROIT ; MICHIGAN, ASSUMED

Keyword(s): CHRISTMAS ; CUSTOM ; FOOD ; holiday

Date learned: 11-19-1969

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SWEDISH CHRISTMAS CUSTOM

AT CHRISTMAS TIME THE SWEDES PUT ONE ALMOND IN RICE PUDDING. THE
PERSON WHO GETS THIS ALMOND IS SAID TO HAVE GOOD LUCK
IN THE COMING YEAR.

Data entry tech comment:

Updated by TRD

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DEARBORN

Keyword(s): CHRISTMAS ; CUSTOM ; FOOD ; holiday ; LUCK ; Swedish

Date learned: 11-00-1968

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DRINK

IN GERMANY AT CHRISTMAS THEY MAKE A SPECIAL HOT AND VERY SPICY
RED WINE, MADE WITH CLOVE AND CINNAMON, AND HERBS--FOR THE
HOLIDAY SEASON.

Submitter comment:

INFORMANT ACTUALLY HAD THIS AT A PRIVATE HOME IN GERMANY.

Data entry tech comment:

Updated by TRD

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT ; TV STUDIO ; TOLD AT

Keyword(s): CHRISTMAS ; CUSTOM ; DRINK ; Germany ; holiday

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FESTIVAL

EGG NOG IS THE USUAL XMAS (CHRISTMAS) DRINK KEPT ON HAND FOR GUESTS.

Submitter comment:

CHILDHOOD

Data entry tech comment:

Updated by TRD

Where learned: MICHIGAN, ASSUMED ; DEARBORN, ASSUMED

Keyword(s): CHRISTMAS ; CUSTOM ; DRINK ; holiday

Date learned: NOT RECORDED

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KITTENS' PAWS

THIS MEATLESS DISH IS TRADITIONALLY SERVED ON CHRISTMAS EVE
WHICH IN THE PAST WAS A DAY OF TOTAL ABSTINANCE (ABSTINENCE).
A FILLING OF CHEESE, CHOPPED SPINACH AND SPICES IS ROLLED IN SQUARES
OF PASTRY. THE ENDS OF THESE ROLLS ARE PINCHED CLOSE IN SUCH A
FASHION AS TO RESEMBLE KITTENS' PAWS. THEY ARE THEN COOKED
IN A TOMATO SAUCE AND SERVED.

Data entry tech comment:

Updated by TRD

Where learned: DETROIT, ASSUMED ; MICHIGAN, ASSUMED

Keyword(s): ABSTINENCE FROM MEAT ; CHRISTMAS ; CUSTOM ; FOOD ; holiday ; Vegetarian

Date learned: NOT RECORDED

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SLICE OF BREAD

AT THE BEGINNING OF A POLISH, CHRISTMAS EVE DINNER, EVERYONE
IS GIVEN ONE PIECE OF BREAD. THIS ONE SLICE MUST LAST THEM
FOR THE ENTIRE MEAL.
IT IS BAD LUCK TO CONSUME THE BREAD BEFORE THE MEAL HAS BEEN
COMPLETED; YOU WILL GO HUNGARY (HUNGRY) OR NOT FULFILL SOME
DESIRE DURING THE COMING YEAR.

Data entry tech comment:

Updated by TRD

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

Keyword(s): ETHNIC ; FOOD CUSTOM ; holiday ; LUCK ; POLISH ; tradition

Date learned: 11-00-1968

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BLOOD SAUSAGE

IN RURAL BULGARIA, AFTER A LOG HAS BEEN PLACED IN THE LARGE FIREPLACE
THE DAY BEFORE CHRISTMAS THE MAKING OF BLOOD SAUSAGE IS BEGUN. A
PIG IS SLAUGHTERED AND SAUSAGE IS MADE FROM ITS BLOOD NO LATER
THAN 12:00 MIDNIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS DAY. THE SAUSAGE CANNOT
BE EATEN BEFORE MIDNIGHT, BUT AFTER THIS EVERYONE IN THE HOUSE
FEASTS.

Submitter comment:

THE INFORMANT REMEMBERS PARTICIPATING IN THIS CUSTOM IN BULGARIA.

Data entry tech comment:

Updated by TRD

Where learned: HENDRICKSONS PHARMACY ; DETROIT

Keyword(s): BLOOD ; Bulgaria ; CHRISTMAS ; CUSTOM ; ETHNIC ; FOOD ; holiday ; Pig ; Sausage ; tradition

Date learned: 03-21-1970

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CHRISTMAS FOOD

ON CHRISTMAS EVE THE ITALIANS EAT SQUID.

Data entry tech comment:

Updated by TRD

Keyword(s): CHRISTMAS ; CUSTOM ; ETHNIC ; FOOD ; holiday ; Italian ; Squid

Date learned: 11-17-1968

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EATING CUSTOM

ALWAYS HAVE OYSTER STEW ON CHRISTMAS EVE.

Data entry tech comment:

Updated by TRD

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

Keyword(s): CHRISTMAS ; CUSTOM ; FOOD ; holiday ; Oyster ; Stew ; tradition

Date learned: 09-24-1969

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YULE CAKE

ON CHRISTMAS EVE, THEY ALL PARTAKE OF A YULE CAKE WHICH IS SPECIALLY
MADE FOR THE OCCASION. THEY BELIEVE THAT THIS WILL BRING THEM
GOOD LUCK FOR THE COMING YEAR.

Submitter comment:

TONY TELLS ME OF A TRADITION PRACTICED BY THE FAMILY OF ONE OF HIS
FRIENDS IN PITTSBURG.

Data entry tech comment:

Updated by TRD

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

Keyword(s): Cake ; CHRISTMAS ; CUSTOM ; FOOD ; holiday ; LUCK ; tradition ; Yule

Date learned: 11-19-1968

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CHRISTMAS CUSTOM

IT IS TRADITIONAL IN MIKE'S FAMILY TO HAVE POTATO CAKES AND
OYSTER STEW ON CHRISTMAS EVE. THIS TRADITION HAS COME DOWN FROM
HIS FATHER'S MATERNAL GRANDMOTHER.

Data entry tech comment:

Updated by TRD

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

Keyword(s): Cake ; CHRISTMAS ; CUSTOM ; FOOD ; holiday ; Oyster ; POTATO ; Stew ; tradition

Date learned: 10-28-1968

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CHRISTMAS

ON CHRISTMAS MORNING THE FAMILY HAD A FRUIT-FILLED COFFEE CAKE
AND PUT A CANDLE ON IT AND THEN THE FAMILY SANG HAPPY BIRTHDAY
DEAR JESUS.

Submitter comment:

THIS WAS DONE BY THE INFORMANT FROM 1949 TO 1969

Data entry tech comment:

Updated by TRD

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

Keyword(s): Birthday ; CHRISTMAS ; CUSTOM ; FOOD ; holiday ; JESUS ; tradition

Date learned: 11-23-1970

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CHRISTMAS CUSTOM

FRENCH CANADIANS EAT MINCE MEAT PIE ON CHRISTMAS BECAUSE IT IS AN
OLD, TRADITIONAL CUSTOM.

Data entry tech comment:

Updated by TRD

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

Keyword(s): Canadian ; CHRISTMAS ; CUSTOM ; ETHNIC ; FOOD ; FRENCH ; holiday ; meat ; Mincemeat ; Pie ; REGIONAL ; tradition

Date learned: 03-30-1968

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CHRISTMAS COFFEECAKE

THERE IS A GERMAN COFFEECAKE MADE EVERY YEAR AT THE CHRISTMAS
SEASON. IT IS CALLED KRANTZ WHICH MEANS "WREATH". IT IS SHAPED
LIKE A WREATH, WITH THE DOUGH TWISTED TOGETHER.

Data entry tech comment:

Updated by TRD

Where learned: OAKLAND UNIVERSITY

Keyword(s): Cake ; CHRISTMAS ; Coffee ; CUSTOM ; ETHNIC ; FOOD ; GERMAN ; holiday ; tradition ; Wreath

Date learned: NOT RECORDED

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"XMAS (CHRISTMAS) BREAD"

ON CHRISTMAS YOU MAKE A LOAF OF BREAD WITH A COIN IN IT, THE
PERSON WHO GETS THE PIECE OF BREAD WITH THE COIN IN IT HAS
LUCK FOR THE REST OF THE YEAR.

Data entry tech comment:

Updated by TRD

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

Keyword(s): BREAD ; CHRISTMAS ; COIN ; CUSTOM ; FOOD ; holiday ; LUCK ; MONEY ; tradition

Date learned: 11-17-1969

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CHRISTMAS CUSTOM

MOST ARMENIAN FAMILIES HAVE MANY DIFFERENT PASTRIES IN THEIR
HOMES DURING CHRISTMAS. THESE PASTRIES INCLUDE BAKLAVA (A HONEY
AND NUT PASTRY) AND A WHITE COOKIE WITH FLOUR OVER IT.

Submitter comment:

INFORMANT HAS SEEN THESE FOODS IN ARMENIAN HOMES TODAY.

Data entry tech comment:

Updated by TRD

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

Keyword(s): Armenian ; Baklava ; CHRISTMAS ; CUSTOM ; ETHNIC ; FOOD ; holiday ; PASTRY ; tradition

Date learned: 11-01-1971

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RECIPE

RECIPE FOR SOUR CREAM YEAST DOUGH FOR KOLACH

2 CUPS DAIRY SOUR CREAM
2 PKG DRY YEAST (FLEASCHMANN'S)
1/2 CUP WARM WATER (105-115)
1/4 CUP MARGARINE
1/3 CUP SUGAR
2 TSP. SALT
2 EGGS
ABOUT 6 CUPS OF FLOUR
HEAT SOUR CREAM OVER LOW HEAT UNTIL LUKEWARM. DISSOLVE YEAST
IN WATER IN LARGE MIXING BOWL. ADD WARM SOUR CREAM, MARGARINE,
SUGAR, SALT, EGGS, AND 2 CUPS OF THE FLOUR, BEAT UNTIL SMOOTH.
STIR IN REMAINING FLOUR UNTIL DOUGH CLEANS SIDE OF THE BOWL.
KNEAD DOUGH ON WELL FLOURED BOARD UNTIL SMOOTH, ABOUT 10 MIN.
PLACE IN GREASED BOWL, TURNING ONCE TO BRING GREASED SIDE UP.
COVER, LET RISE IN WARM PLACE (85) ABOUT 1 HOUR, OR UNTIL DOUGH
IS DOUBLE. PUNCH DOWN DOUGH, DIVIDE INTO 3 PARTS ROLL INTO
RECTANGLE 14 BY 9 INCHES, SPREAD WITH BUTTER, ADD WALNUT
FILLING (ALSO CANNED MILK) (SEE RECIPE) ROLL, PUT INTO GREASED
CAKE PAN, BRUSH WITH BEATEN EGG,
LET RISE, BAKE 350-375 DEGREES FOR
ABOUT 20 MINUTES.

Submitter comment:

I PERSONALLY KNOW THAT THIS RECIPE HAS BEEN HANDED DOWN FOR
FOUR GENERATIONS AND PERHAPS MORE THAN THAT. IT ORIGINATED IN
YUGOSLAVIA WHERE MY GRANDMOTHER WAS BORN. THIS IS ONLY MADE
AT CHRISTMAS TIME.

Data entry tech comment:

Updated by TRD

Where learned: HOME

Keyword(s): CHRISTMAS ; CUSTOM ; Dough ; FOOD ; holiday ; RECIPE ; Yugoslavia

Date learned: 11-14-1971

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CRAVAY

CRAVAY IS A ROUND, DOUGHNUT LIKE BREAD WHICH IS TRADITIONALLY
GIVEN AROUND CHRISTMAS IN BULGARIA TO THE CHRISTMAS CAROLLERS.
THIS IS GIVEN BY THE VILLAGERS IN APPRECIATION OF THE CAROLLERS'
SONGS.

Submitter comment:

THE INFORMANT SAID THAT THE TRADITIONAL CAROLS WERE A COMBINATION
OF FOLK SONG--BLESSINGS, MEANT TO BLESS A HOUSE OR PEOPLE WITH
A MESSAGE OF PROPERITY (PROSPERITY).

Data entry tech comment:

COLLECTOR'S PUNCTUATION CORRECTED BY KEYPUNCHER.

Updated by TRD

Where learned: DETROIT

Keyword(s): Bulgaria ; Carolers ; CHRISTMAS ; Cravay ; CUSTOM ; FOOD ; holiday ; tradition

Date learned: 03-21-1970

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FESTIVAL

MANY HOUSEHOLDS, INCLUDING OURS, KEEP FRUIT CAKE ON HAND FOR THE
XMAS (CHRISTMAS) SEASON.

Submitter comment:

CHILDHOOD

Data entry tech comment:

Updated by TRD

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DEARBORN

Keyword(s): Cake ; CHRISTMAS ; CUSTOM ; FESTIVAL ; FOOD ; FRUIT ; Fruitcake ; holiday ; tradition

Date learned: NOT RECORDED

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