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The James T. Callow Folklore Archive
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CHRISTMAS - CUSTOM
THE POLISH EACH YEAR AT XMAS TAKE A BASKET
OF FOOD TO BE BLESSED BY THE PRIEST.
Data entry tech comment:
Informant and collector share the same surname.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT ; TOLD AT COLLECTORS HOME
Keyword(s): FOOD CUSTOM
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20 Christmas Season See F645.2 for Advent Season. CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20 Church |
Date learned: 04-00-1970
Christmas Bean Serving
IT IS A POLISH CUSTOM, DURING CHRISTMAS
EVE DINNER, FOR ALL THE CHILDREN TO SAVE
ONE SPOONFUL OF BEANS UNTIL THE END OF
THE BEAN SERVING. THEY TAKE THIS SPOON AND
GO TO THE BACKDOOR AND THROW THEM
OUTSIDE.
Submitter comment:
THE REASON IS TO SYMBOLICALLY OFFER
THE WOLF FOOD SO HE WILL NOT COME
TO THE DOOR DURING THE UPCOMING YEAR.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
Keyword(s): ANIMALS ; FOOD CUSTOM
Date learned: 11-00-1968
CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION IN LITHUANIA IS VERY ELABORATE. ON CHRISTMAS
EVE, THE TABLE IS SET WITH A WHITE TABLECLOTH, 12 KINDS OF PREPARED
FISH AND IN THE CENTER--A HANDFUL OF STRAW UNDER THE TABLECLOTH, AND
DIRECTLY ON THAT, "PLOTKELES". "PLOTKELES" IS SIMILAR TO COMMUNION,
ONLY SQUARE, A PIECE OF SIZEABLE SIZE (MOSTLY 6 BY 4 INCHES). IN
LITHUANIAN, IT IS CALLED "KRISTAUS LAISKAS"--CHRIST'S LETTER. IT IS
A LETTER ANNOUNCING HIS BIRTH AND THAT HE WILL SAVE US.
WHEN EVERYONE IS SEATED, THEY SAY A PRAYER AND THEN, THE FATHER TAKES
ONE OF THE "LETTERS", HANDS IT TO THE MOTHER WHO BREAKS OFF A PIECE,
THEN TO THE NEXT OLDEST, ETC...SO ON DOWN THE LINE. THEN THE MOTHER
LETS EVERYONE BREAK OFF A PIECE FROM HER PIECE AND SO ON...
AFTER THE PASSING AROUND OF THE LETTER, THE EATING STARTS. THIS IS
THE ONE TIME THAT WE ARE NOT ALLOWED, BY LITHUANIAN CUSTOM, TO EAT
MEAT. WE PREPARE FISH 12 DIFFERENT WAYS: SMOKED HERRING, PICKLED
HERRING, WHITE FISH, OR ANY OTHER KINDS OF FISH. FISH AND VEGETABLES,
AS MUCH AS WE WANT--FOR DURING THE DAY WE ARE NOT SUPPOSED
TO EAT ANYTHING AT ALL. THERE ARE TO BE 12 VARIATIONS OF EACH FOOD:
12 FISH, 12 VEGETABLES, 12 FRUIT, 12 CAKES.
AFTER THE FISH AND VEGETABLES, THEN STARTS THE FRUITS AND SWEETS.
MOST OF THE CAKES ARE HOME BAKED, THE FRUITS MADE INTO A PUNCH OR A
FRUIT-BOWL.
TO FINISH OFF THE MEAL, THERE ARE THE TRADITIONAL "SLIZIKAI"--TASTE
JUST LIKE BREAD STICKS, ONLY THEY'RE SMALL AND ROUND. YOU PUT THEM
IN SWEET MILK (IN AMERICA--DILUTED PET MILK) AND THAT IS HOW YOU EAT
THEM.
AFTER DINNER, THERE ARE THE PRESENTS OPENING AND AFTER THAT, TIME TO
GO TO CHURCH.
WHEN YOU FIRST WALK INTO THE CHURCH, EVERYTHING IS TOTALLY DARK.
BUT AT EXACTLY MIDNIGHT--ALL THE CANDLES ARE LIT, THE CHIMES AND BELLS
START RINGING, AND THE CONGREGATION BEGINS TO SING. THERE IS A
PROCESSION AROUND THE CHURCH 3 TIMES; THEN THE PROCESSION OF THE
PRIEST, ALTAR BOYS AND GIRLS (THROW FLOWER PETALS IN FRONT OF THE
PRIEST) STOP IN FRONT OF THE CHURCH'S CRIB AND BEGIN TO PRAY. HE
PRAYS FOR THE POPE, THE PRIESTS AND NUNS, FOR THE PEOPLE , AND FOR
THE LITHUANIAN NATION (IN AMERICA, SO THAT THEIR FREEDOM WILL BE
RESTORED) (IN LITHUANIA AT THE PRESENT, THEY ARE UNABLE TO CELEBRATE
IN CHURCH). THEN HE BLESSES THE CONGREGATION WITH HOLY WATER AND THE
MASS BEGINS.
CHRISTMAS DAY IS USUALLY THE VISITING DAY OF FRIENDS AND RELATIVES.
WHEN THE PEOPLE USED TO VISIT, THEY ALWAYS BROUGHT SOMETHING ALONG,
EITHER SOME CAKES, OR CANDY OR A BOTTLE OF WINE AND A LOAF OF BREAD.
IT WAS CONSIDERED A DISGRACE TO GO VISITING AND NOT BRING SOMETHING.
THE CELEBRATING USUALLY LASTED FOR 3 DAYS, BUT NOW--FOR ONLY 1 OR 2
DAYS.
Where learned: LOCATION NOT RECORDED
Keyword(s): ABSTINENCE FROM MEAT ; FOOD CUSTOM
Date learned: 03-25-1972
CHIVARI
ON CHRISTMAS EVE, A GROUP OF CHILDREN WOULD WALK FROM ONE FARM TO THE
OTHER AND COLLECT FOOD. THIS FOOD WAS LATER GIVEN TO THE POOR.
Submitter comment:
MR. OULETTE AND HIS CHILDHOOD FRIENDS FOLLOWED THIS TRADITIONAL
PRACTICE.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; GROSSE POINTE PARK ; COLLECTORS HOME
Keyword(s): FOOD CUSTOM
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 24 Christmas Eve CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20 Gifts, gift giving at Christmas |
JULAFTON IS THE SWEDISH CHRISTMAS EVE FESTIVITY. THE ENTIRE FAMILY
SPENT THIS EVENING TOGETHER IN THEIR OWN HOME FEASTING ON SOME OF THE
DELECTABLE FOODS WHICH HAD BEEN PREPARED IN FORMER DAYS . OFTEN THE
FAMILY GATHERED FOR CHRISTMAS CAROLS AFTERWARD.
Submitter comment:
JULAFTON FOR THE INFORMANT WAS THE HAPPIEST OF ALL THE SWEDISH
TRADITIONAL FESTIVALS.
Where learned: HOME ; ROUTE 1 ; WRITTEN IN A LETTER
Keyword(s): FOOD CUSTOM
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 24 Christmas Eve CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20 Songs, caroling |
Date learned: 03-28-1970
ON XMAS EVE, A DISH CALLED "KUTYA" IS SERVED TO MEMBERS OF THE
FAMILY. THE HEAD OF THE FAMILY TAKES A SPOONFUL AND TOSSES IT OVER
HIS BACK TOWARDS THE CEILING AND IF IT STICKS, GOOD LUCK RESULTS.
Submitter comment: THIS IS A UKRAINIAN CUSTOM
Where learned: HOME
Keyword(s): FOOD CUSTOM ; PREDICTION
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 24 Christmas Eve Predictions CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 24 Christmas Eve Single dishes |
Date learned: 10-00-1968
CHRISTMAS EVE SIGN OF GOOD LUCK
THE HEAD OF THE HOUSEHOLD TAKES A SPOONFUL OF ONE OF 12 DIFFERENT
KINDS OF FOODS SERVED FOR THE CHRISTMAS EVE MEAL, KUTYA, (MADE OF
BARLEY AND POPPYSEED, SEASONED WITH HONEY) AND THROWS IT UP. IT IS A
SIGN OF GOOD LUCK IF THE KUTYA STICKS TO THE CEILING, AND A SIGN OF
BAD LUCK, IF IT DOES NOT STICK.
Submitter comment: THIS IS A UKRAINIAN CUSTOM
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
Keyword(s): FOOD CUSTOM ; PREDICTION
| Subject headings: | 686 Seconds / Twice / Two CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 24 Christmas Eve Predictions CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 24 Christmas Eve Menus |
Date learned: NOT RECORDED BY COLLECTOR
CUSTOM--FESTIVAL
IN UKRAINE, DURING SUPPER ON CHRISTMAS EVE, THE HEAD OF THE HOUSEHOLD
FILLS A SPOON WITH "KUTYA" (BOILED WHEAT WITH HONEY AND POPPY SEEDS),
AND FLINGS IT AT THE CEILING. THE NUMBER OF GRAINS WHICH STICK TO
THE CEILING WILL EQUAL THAT OF BAILS (BALES) OF WHEAT COLLECTED
DURING THE NEXT HARVEST.
Submitter comment: INFORMANT RECIEVED INFORMATION FROM RELATIONS.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
Keyword(s): FOOD CUSTOM ; PREDICTION
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 24 Christmas Eve Predictions CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 24 Christmas Eve Single dishes BELIEF -- Use of Object |
Date learned: 10-07-1967
TRADITION
AT THE TRADITIONAL CHRISTMAS EVE SUPPER WE HAD PRUNE FILLED DUMPLINGS
CALLED "PEROGI". A FEW PIECES WERE PUT ASIDE UNFILLED. INTO THESE
A NAME ON A SLIP OF PAPER OF SINGLE FELLOWS WAS SEALED IN. THEY
WERE PUT INTO BOILING WATER AND THE DUMPLING THAT CAME TO THE TOP
FIRST WAS OPENED. THE GIRL WOULD MARRY THE YOUNG MAN WHOSE NAME WAS
IN IT.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
Keyword(s): FOOD CUSTOM ; MARRIAGE PREDICTION
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 24 Christmas Eve Predictions CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 24 Christmas Eve Single dishes |
Date learned: 11-22-1968
CHRISTMAS
ON CHRISTMAS EVE, THE MOTHER OF THE HOUSEHOLD PLACES A FEW GRAINS
OF VARIOUS SEEDS, AND VARIOUS SILVER COINS INTO A LINEN NAPKIN,
PUTS THE BUNDLE ON THE TABLE, COVERS IT WITH SOME HAY, AND THEN
COVERS ALL WITH A TABLECLOTH (THIS PREVENTS STARVATION AND POORNESS
ALL YEAR).
Submitter comment:
INFORMANT LEARNED THIS FROM PARENTS.
Data entry tech comment:
Informant and collector share the same surname.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
Keyword(s): FOOD ; MONEY ; SUPERSTITION ; SUPERSTITION
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 24 Christmas Eve F122.2 CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 24 Christmas Eve Christmas CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20 Straw |
Date learned: 11-19-1967
CHRISTMAS CUSTOM
ON CHRISTMAS EVE, THE CHILDREN ALL STAND BY THE WINDOW AND WATCH
FOR THE FIRST STAR TO APPEAR BECAUSE NOT UNTIL THEN IS EVERYONE
ALLOWED TO EAT SUPPER.
Data entry tech comment:
Informant and collector are the same person.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
Keyword(s): FOOD ; METEOROLOGICAL
| Subject headings: | 686 686.1 CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 24 Christmas Eve Christmas |
Date learned: NOT GIVEN
START OF CHRISTMAS FEAST
THE POLISH PEOPLE DID NOT START TO EAT THEIR CHRISTMAS MEAL UNTIL
THE FIRST STAR SHONE AS A SIGN THAT CHRIST WAS HERE OR COMING.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
Keyword(s): FOOD ; METEOROLOGICAL ; RELIGION
| Subject headings: | 686 686.1 CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 24 Christmas Eve Christmas |
Date learned: 00-00-1968
CHRISTMAS EVE DINNER
THE DINNER ON CHRISTMAS EVE SHOULD NOT BE STARTED TILL THE FIRST
STAR FALLS.
Data entry tech comment:
Informant and collector share the same surname.
Where learned: PENNSYLVANIA ; ERIE
Keyword(s): FOOD ; METEOROLOGICAL
| Subject headings: | 686 686.1 CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 24 Christmas Eve Christmas |
Date learned: 00-00-1920
CHRISTMAS CUSTOM
ON CHRISTMAS EVE, THE MOTHER PUTS A FEW VARIETIES OF EACH FOOD ON
THE TABLE IN BASKETS, AND THE CHILDREN TAKE THE BASKETS TO THEIR GOD
PARENTS.
Submitter comment: INFORMANT LEARNED THIS FROM RELATIVES IN UKRAINE.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
Keyword(s): FOOD CUSTOM
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 24 Christmas Eve Table setting and clearing CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20 Santa Claus |
Date learned: 11-19-1967
IN THE UKRAINIAN VILLAGE,
ON CHRISTMAS EVE, PRIOR TO THE EVENING MEAL, A SPOONFUL
OF EACH DISH IS MIXED INTO THE FEED OF THE DOMESTIC
ANIMALS, BECAUSE ANIMALS WERE THE FIRST TO BEHOLD
THE NEW-BORN CHRIST.
Data entry tech comment:
Informant is collector's mother.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; WARREN
Keyword(s): FOOD CUSTOM
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 24 Christmas Eve Christmas CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20 Feeding animals, spirits of trees |
Date learned: 10-00-1970
WIGILIA - THE POLISH TRADITION OF A DINNER ON CHRISTMAS EVE
THE TABLE WAS COVERED WITH STRAW, THEN COVERED WITH A CLOTH.
A DINNER THEN WOULD BE SERVED WHICH CONSISTED OF 3, 7, 9, 11,
OR 13 COURSES. THE SIZE OF THE DINNER WOULD VARY DEPENDING
UPON THE FAMILY BUT THE NUMBER OF COURSES WAS ALWAYS AN ODD NUMBER. AN EXTRA CHAIR WAS ALWAYS PLACED AT THE TABLE IN THE
HOPE THAT THE CHRIST CHILD OR SOME POOR STRANGER WOULD JOIN THE
FAMILY AT THE MEAL.
Submitter comment:
INFORMANT REMEMBERS A MODIFIED VERSION OF THIS DINNER IN HER
POLISH HOME IN MANITOBA, CANADA IN THE EARLY 1900'S.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
Keyword(s): FOOD CUSTOM
| Subject headings: | 122 Christmas CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 24 Christmas Eve Christmas |
FRUIT AND NUTS ON THE TABLE
POLISH PEOPLE PLACE FRUIT AND NUTS ON THEIR TABLE CHRISTMAS EVE TO
SYMBOLIZE ABUNDANCE AND HARDSHIPS FOR THE COMING YEAR. THE
FRUIT SYMBOLIZES ABUNDANCE AND THE NUTS THE HARDSHIPS.
Data entry tech comment:
Updated by TRD
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
Keyword(s): CUSTOM ; FOOD ; holiday ; POLISH ; tradition
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 24 Christmas Eve Christmas |
Date learned: 11-12-1969
HOLIDAY-FOOD CUSTOM
AN OLD ITALIAN CUSTOM AROUND CHRISTMAS TIME IS THAT ON CHRISTMAS
EVE AFTER THE MEAL IS OVER, BREAD FROM THE MEAL IS LEFT ON THE
TABLE AND IS BELIEVED TO NEVER GO GREENMOLD FOR YEARS.
Submitter comment:
THIS WAS SEEN BY INFORMANT IN 1946.
Data entry tech comment:
Updated by TRD
Where learned: NEW YORK ; PORT CHESTER
Keyword(s): CHRISTMAS ; CUSTOM ; FOOD ; holiday ; Mold
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 24 Christmas Eve F122.4 CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 24 Christmas Eve Christmas |
Date learned: 11-28-1970
CUSTOM-UKRAINIAN
THERE IS NO MEAT EATEN ON CHRISTMAS EVE, BUT A SPECIAL
12 COURSE DINNER IS SERVED ON CHRISTMAS DAY.
Data entry tech comment:
Updated by TRD
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
Keyword(s): ABSTINENCE FROM MEAT ; CHRISTMAS ; FOOD ; FOOD CUSTOM ; tradition ; UKRAINIAN
| Subject headings: | 122 Christmas 122 Christmas |
Date learned: 10-31-1968
CHRISTMAS IS A BELOVED HOLIDAY FOR 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 (SAUERKRAUT) 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 POLACK MAKES HIMSELF AND THEY EAT, DRINK
AND MAKE MERRY.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; SAINT CLAIR SHORES
Keyword(s): ABSTINENCE FROM MEAT ; FOOD CUSTOM
Date learned: 11-10-1971