Dr. James T. Callow publications
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The James T. Callow Folklore Archive
Your search for CHRISTMAS returned 122 results.
UKRAINIAN CUSTOM
CHRISTMAS EVE IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN CHRISTMAS. A SPECIAL DINNER
WOULD TAKE PLACE ON CHRISTMAS EVE CONSISTING OF SPECIAL FOODS
LIKE PANCAKES, MUCHROOMS (MUSHROOMS), POPPY SEEDS AND OTHER
REGIONAL FOODS. ONE CANDLE WAS LIT IN THE MIDDLE OF THE TABLE.
THERE WAS NO MEAT OF ANY FORM SERVED ON THIS DAY.
Submitter comment:
INFORMANT IS AN UKRAINIAN-AMERICAN WHO PRACTICED THIS CUSTOM
DURING HER CHILDHOOD.
Data entry tech comment:
Updated by TRD
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; PONTIAC
Keyword(s): ABSTINENCE FROM MEAT ; CHRISTMAS ; CUSTOM ; FOOD ; holiday ; Ukraine ; Vegetarian
| Subject headings: | 122 Christmas 686 Properties attributed to specific numbers or numerals individually. CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20 Lights and candles |
Date learned: 10-02-1971
CHRISTMAS
THE SUPPER ON CHRISTMAS EVE ALWAYS STRICTLY EXCLUDES ALL MEAT
AND DAIRY PRODUCTS.
Submitter comment:
INFORMANT LEARNED THIS PASSED ALONG FROM GENERATIONS.
Data entry tech comment:
Updated by TRD
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
Keyword(s): ABSTINENCE FROM DAIRY PRODUCTS ; ABSTINENCE FROM MEAT ; CHRISTMAS ; CUSTOM ; FOOD ; holiday ; Vegan ; Vegetarian
| Subject headings: | 122 Christmas |
Date learned: 11-19-1967
AMOUNT OF FOOD ON THE TABLE
AT THE FESTIVE MEAL ON CHRISTMAS EVE THE PEOPLE IN POLAND
WERE ONLY ALLOWED TO HAVE A CERTAIN NUMBER OF ITEMS OF FOOD
ON THE TABLE. AT FIRST THE NUMBER WAS NINE BUT THAN (THEN) IT
WAS CHANGED, EVENTUALLY TO 13. THE NUMBER COULD NOT BE EVEN
IT ALWAYS HAD TO BE AN ODD NUMBER.
Data entry tech comment:
Updated by TRD
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
Keyword(s): CHRISTMAS ; CUSTOM ; CUSTOM ; FOOD ; holiday
| Subject headings: | 122 Christmas 686 Specific number by specific number being described 686 Ninths / Nine BELIEF -- Number Odd number (not specific) |
Date learned: 00-00-1968
CHRISTMAS CUSTOM
MANY POLISH PEOPLE EAT ONLY CERTAIN FOODS ON CHRISTMAS EVE (DEC. 24).
THESE FOODS CONSISTS (CONSIST) OF FISH, CHEESE, EGGS, BREAD,
FRUIT, SALT AND PEPPER, AND MILK.
Submitter comment:
THE INFORMANT PRACTICES THIS CUSTOM EVERY YEAR.
Data entry tech comment:
Updated by TRD
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; WARREN
Keyword(s): CHRISTMAS ; CUSTOM ; FOOD ; holiday ; POLISH ; tradition
| Subject headings: | 122 Christmas |
Date learned: 11-07-1971
CHRISTMAS
THERE IS A POLISH CUSTOM THAT THE MEAL EATEN ON CHRISTMAS EVE DAY IS
TO BE A MEATLESS MEAL. THIS MEAL IS CALLED "VIGELIA" BY THE POLES.
Data entry tech comment:
Updated by TRD
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
Keyword(s): ABSTINENCE FROM MEAT ; CHRISTMAS ; CUSTOM ; FOOD ; holiday ; POLISH ; tradition ; Vegetarian
| Subject headings: | 122 Christmas |
Date learned: 03-19-1970
CHRISTMAS EVE CUSTOM
A POLISH FAMILY SERVES 12 VARIETIES OF DISHES FOR CHRISTMAS EVE
SUPPER. IT IS CALLED VIGILIA.
Data entry tech comment:
Updated by TRD
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
Keyword(s): CHRISTMAS ; CUSTOM ; FOOD ; holiday ; POLISH ; tradition
| Subject headings: | 122 Christmas 686 Seconds / Twice / Two |
Date learned: 11-00-1965
CHRISTMAS FOOD
POLISH CATHOLICS ABSTAIN FROM MEAT ON CHRISTMAS EVE BUT HAVE NINE
TRADITIONAL FOODS WHICH ARE: SOUP, HERRING, BARLEY, FISH,
DUMPLINGS, PRUNES, PIEROGI, MUSHROOMS, AND BREAD.
Submitter comment:
(AT A POLISH FAMILY DINNER )
Data entry tech comment:
Updated by TRD
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
Keyword(s): ABSTINENCE FROM MEAT ; CHRISTMAS ; CUSTOM ; FOOD ; holiday ; POLISH ; tradition
| Subject headings: | 122 Christmas 686 Ninths / Nine |
Date learned: 02-00-1970
CHRISTMAS CUSTOM (POLISH)
A POLISH CUSTOM ON CHRISTMAS EVE IS THAT THE FAMILY MUST EAT NINE
DIFFERENT KINDS OF FOOD TO REPRESENT THE NINE MONTHS OF WAITING
FOR THE BIRTH OF THE CHRIST CHILD.
Data entry tech comment:
Updated by TRD
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; ROSEVILLE
Keyword(s): CHRISTMAS ; CUSTOM ; FOOD ; holiday ; POLISH ; tradition
| Subject headings: | 122 Christmas CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Initiation rite Hazing F686.1 |
Date learned: 09-00-1969
FOOD
ON CHRISTMAS EVE ELEVEN DIFFERENT DISHES ARE PREPARED. THESE ARE
TRADITIONAL POLISH FOODS USUALLY LEFT UP TO THE DECISION OF THE
HOSTESS AS TO WHAT WILL BE SERVED. THE ONLY DISH WHICH MUST BE
SERVED IS THAT OF ANGEL BREAD.
Data entry tech comment:
Updated by TRD
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; HAMTRAMCK
Keyword(s): CHRISTMAS ; CUSTOM ; FOOD ; holiday ; POLISH ; tradition
| Subject headings: | 122 Christmas CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 24 Christmas Eve F122.82 BELIEF -- Number P686.1.11 |
Date learned: 03-21-1971
HOLIDAY CUSTOM
IT IS AN ITALIAN CUSTOM NEVER TO EAT MEAT ON CHRISTMAS EVE, BUT
TO EAT MANY VARIETIES OF FISH AND THIN SPIGETTI (SPAGHETTI) WITH
OLIVE OIL AND FISH SAUCE.
Submitter comment:
THIS CUSTOM GOES BACK TO SOUTHERN ITALY WHERE THE INFORMANT'S
PARENTS CAME FROM AND WAS TOLD TO THE INFORMANT BY HER MOTHER.
Data entry tech comment:
Updated by TRD
Where learned: NEW YORK ; PORT CHESTER
Keyword(s): ABSTINENCE FROM MEAT ; CHRISTMAS ; CUSTOM ; FOOD ; holiday ; Italian ; tradition
| Subject headings: | 122 Christmas |
Date learned: 11-28-1970
THE UKRAINIAN CHRISTMAS EVE SUPPER IS A TWELVE-COURSE MEAL. THE
TWELVE SYMBOLIZES THE NUMBER OF APOSTLES OF CHRIST, WHO
GATHERED G
GATHERED FOR THE LAST SUPPER.
Data entry tech comment:
Updated by TRD
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; WARREN
Keyword(s): CHRISTMAS ; CUSTOM ; FOOD ; holiday ; UKRAINIAN
| Subject headings: | 122 Christmas 686 Seconds / Twice / Two |
Date learned: 10-00-1970
CHRISTMAS CUSTOM
ON CHRISTMAS EVE, AT THE TIME WHEN THE FASTING LAWS WERE IN
EFFECT, MY FAMILY WOULD HAVE A SPECIAL DINNER WHERE ALL THESE
DIFFERENT TYPES OF MEATLESS DISHES WERE PREPARED. EACH PERSON
HAD TO EAT AT LEAST 9 DIFFERENT TYPES OF FOOD AT THIS DINNER IN
HONOR OF THE BIRTH OF CHRIST. WHY THE NUMBER 9, I DO NOT KNOW,
BUT THE EXPERIENCE IS VERY VIVID IN MY MIND SINCE I NEVER DID LIKE
ANY OF THE DISHES WHICH WERE SERVED.
Data entry tech comment:
Updated by TRD
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
Keyword(s): ABSTINENCE FROM MEAT ; CHRISTMAS ; CUSTOM ; FOOD ; holiday ; tradition ; Vegetarian
| Subject headings: | 122 Christmas 686 Ninths / Nine |
Date learned: NOT RECORDED
JULAFTON FOODS
SOME OF THE TRADITIONAL CHRISTMAS EVE FOODS AMONG THE MINNESOTA
SWEDES INCLUDED LUTFISK (BRINE FISH), SWEDISH POTATO SAUSAGE,
POTATIS KORV, SYLTA, FRUIT BREAD, JULKAKA (MEAT), COOKIES, AND
ROSETTES (FRIED BATTER).
Submitter comment:
THE INFORMANT REMEMBERS HER MOTHER AND RELATIVES PREPARING THE
JULAFTON FEAST WEEKS IN ADVANCE.
Data entry tech comment:
Updated by TRD
Where learned: MINNESOTA ; ROUTE 1 ; STURGEON LAKE
Keyword(s): CHRISTMAS ; CUSTOM ; FOOD ; holiday ; Swedish ; tradition
| Subject headings: | 122 Christmas |
Date learned: 03-28-1970
POLISH CHRISTMAS CUSTOM
THE CHRISTMAS EVE SUPPER CONSISTED OF THE TRADITIONAL RED BEET
SOUP CALLED "KIVAS" SERVED ONLY WITH WHITE SLENDER EGG-NOODLES.
HERRING FISH CALLED "SLEDZIE" AND ONLY ONE PIECE OF WHITE HOMEMADE
BREAD WERE ALSO SERVED. THESE WERE THE ONLY THINGS ON THE TABLE.
WHITE DISHES COULD ONLY BE USED TOO. OPLATKI (UNLEAVED (UNLEAVENED)
BREAD) WAS SERVED FIRST. EVERYONE SHARED THEIR PIECE WITH EVERYONE
ELSE. THE BREAD SLICE WAS CALLED "CZERWONI KIVAS" AND WAS ONLY
ONE PER PERSON.
Submitter comment:
MY MOTHER TOLD ME ABOUT THIS CUSTOM. SHE HEARD IT FROM HER
GRANDMOTHER MRS. KATHERINE ANDZYEWSKI IN TOLEDO ABOUT 1930. SHE
WAS 60 AT THE TIME AND DIED 13 YEARS LATER.
Data entry tech comment:
Updated by TRD
Keyword(s): CHRISTMAS ; CUSTOM ; FOOD ; holiday
Date learned: NOT RECORDED
THE TRADITIONAL CHRISTMAS EVE SUPPER (POLISH TRADITION)
A GROUP OF RELATIVES AND FRIENDS WOULD BE INVITED TO PARTAKE
OF SEVEN, NINE, OR ELEVEN MEATLESS FOODS (ALWAYS AN ODD NUMBER).
THE MEAL USUALLY CONSISTED OF SOUPS, DUMPLINGS, FISH, PICKLED
HERRING, BOILED POTATOES, SAUR KRAUT (SAUERKRAUT) WITH MUSHROOMS,
BOILED RICE, COOKED PRUNES. THE TABLE WAS COVERED WITH A
TABLECLOTH, WITH SOME STRAW UNDERNEATH, THERE PRESENTS FOR THE
CHILDREN WOULD BE HIDDEN. THE CHILDREN WERE NOT ALLOWED TO
LOOK FOR THEM UNTIL AFTER THE DINNER. AT THE MEAL EVERYONE WOULD
TAKE A PIECE OF ANGEL BREAD (WAFER) AND SHARE IT WITH OTHERS,
WISHING THEM GOOD HEALTH AND LUCK FOR THE COMING YEAR.
Submitter comment:
SOME PEOPLE STILL PRACTICE THIS CUSTOM TODAY.
Data entry tech comment:
Updated by TRD
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; RESIDENCE ; DETROIT
Keyword(s): ABSTINENCE FROM MEAT ; CHRISTMAS ; CUSTOM ; FOOD ; holiday ; LUCK ; Vegetarian
Date learned: NOT RECORDED
LITHUANIAN CHRISTMAS EVE DINNER
CHRISTMAS EVE DINNER CONSISTS OF DISHES COMBINING TWELVE TYPES
OF FASTING FOODS, INCLUDING FISH, BEETS, MUSHROOMS, POPPY
SEEDS, CRACKERS, NON-ALCOHOLIC COCKTAILS AND CUMQUAT PUDDING.
HAY IS PLACED UNDER THE TABLE CLOTH, AND A CRUCIFIX IS PUT ON
THE TABLE. BEFORE DINNER ALL MEMBERS OF THE FAMILY SEAT THEMSELVES
AND EMPTY CHAIRS ARE BROUGHT TO THE TABLE FOR ABSENT AND DECEASED
MEMBERS. EACH PERSON, BEGINNING WITH THE ELDEST, KISSES THE FEET
OF THE CRUCIFIX. THEN THE MEAL IS EATEN, ENDING IN TIME
FOR ALL TO ATTEND MIDNIGHT MASS.
Data entry tech comment:
Updated by TRD
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
Keyword(s): CHRISTMAS ; CUSTOM ; FOOD ; holiday ; Lithuanian
James Callow Keyword(s): KUMQUAT
| Subject headings: | 122 Christmas 686 Seconds / Twice / Two CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 24 Christmas Eve Christmas CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20 Greetings, wishes, prayers, cards |
Date learned: 11-16-1969
CUSTOM-POLISH
THE CHRISTMAS EVE CEREMONY IS CALLED VIGELIA. IT BEGINS WHEN THE
FATHER OF THE HOUSE SEES THE FIRST STAR IN THE SKY. THEN THE FAMILY
SITS DOWN FOR DINNER. THE TABLE IS SET FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY--
BROTHERS, SISTERS, IN-LAWS, NIECES, NEPHEWS, ETC.,--WITH ONE
EXTRA PLACE IN CASE COMPANY SHOULD COME. UNDER THE TABLE CLOTH ARE
LITTLE PIECES OF STRAW TO SYMBOLIZE THE MANGER. THERE IS FASTING
ON THIS DAY--NO MEAT. THE DINNER CONSISTS OF 12 DIFFERENT
FOODS, SYMBOLIZING THE 12 APOSTLES--SUCH AS WINE, MUSHROOM SOUP,
HERRING, PEROGIA (A DOUGH AND CHEES DISH), BOILED PERCH, BOILED
POTATOES AND MASHED POTATOES, AND RELISHES. THERE IS ALSO A
LARGE HOST CALLED OPTATKE. THE FATHER AND THE MOTHER BREAK OFF A
PIECE OF THE HOST AND WISH EACH OTHER HEALTH AND HAPPINESS. THEY
THEN GO TO THE OLDEST SON AND HE TAKES A PIECE OFF THE HOST AND
A PIECE FROM BOTH THE MOTHER'S AND THE FATHER'S AND WISHES THEM
HEALTH AND HAPPINESS AND THIS IS PASSED THROUGH THE FAMILY LIKE THIS.
IT IS TO SYMBOLIZE UNITY. THEN TRADITIONAL POLISH CAROLES ARE
SUNG.
Submitter comment:
(STILL DONE IN AMERICA?) YES.
Data entry tech comment:
Updated by TRD
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
Keyword(s): ABSTINENCE FROM MEAT ; CHRISTMAS ; CUSTOM ; FAMILY UNITY ; FOOD ; holiday ; Vegetarian ; VIGELIA
Date learned: 11-04-1968
UKRAINIAN CHRISTMAS EVE MEAL
IN SPITE OF THE OBSERVATION OF A BLACK FAST, 12 DIFFERENT KINDS
OF FOOD ARE SERVED.
STRAW IS SCATTERED UNDERNEATH THE TABLE IN REMEMBERANCE
OF THE STABLE WHERE CHRIST WAS BORN.
"DIDUKH" IS A SHEAF OF STRAW IN THE FORM OF A MAN WHICH IS PUT
IN A CORNER AND SYMBOLIZES LAND FERTILITY.
THE FAMILY SITS DOWN TO SUPPER ONLY AFTER THE APPEARANCE OF THE
FIRST EVENING STAR.
IF THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE SEATED IS AN ODD NUMBER, AN EXTRA CHAIR
IS SET TO SYMBOLIZE A DECEASED RELATIVE OR FRIEND, OR A MEMBER OF
THE FAMILY WHO IS UNABLE TO BE PRESENT.
THE FATHER CUTS THE BREAD INTO THE NUMBER OF PIECES AS THERE
ARE PEOPLE PRESENT, DIPS EACH PIECE IN HONEY (SYMBOLIZING LAND
FERTILITY), GIVES ONE TO EACH PERSON, KISSES HIM AND WISHES HIM
GOOD LUCK.
THE HEAD OF THE HOUSEHOLD TAKES A SPOONFUL OF ONE OF THE TWELVE
DIFFERENT DISHES, KUTYA, (MADE OF BARLEY AND POPPYSEED AND
SEASONED WITH HONEY) AND THROWS IT UP TO THE CEILING. IT IS A
SIGN OF GOOD LUCK IF IT STICKS, AND OF BAD LUCK IF IT DOESN'T.
Data entry tech comment:
Updated by TRD
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
Keyword(s): CHRISTMAS ; CUSTOM ; FOOD ; holiday ; LUCK
Date learned: NOT RECORDED
CHRISTMAS CUSTOM (POLISH)
ON CHRISTMAS EVE THE FAMILY SITS DOWN AT THE TABLE AND EATS A MEAL
THAT DOES NOT CONSIST OF MEAT. THEY FAST ON THIS NIGHT. BEFORE
THEY EAT THEY ALL BREAK A BLESSED WAFER AND WISH GOOD FORTUNE
TO EVERYONE.
Data entry tech comment:
Updated by TRD
Where learned: MICHIGAN, ASSUMED ; DEARBORN HEIGHTS, ASSUMED
Keyword(s): ABSTINENCE FROM MEAT ; CHRISTMAS ; CUSTOM ; FOOD ; holiday
| Subject headings: | 122 Christmas CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 24 Christmas Eve F122.82 |
Date learned: 11-12-1968
CHRISTMAS CUSTOM-HOLY SUPPER
SOME UKRANIANS (UKRAINIANS) ON CHRISTMAS EVE (DEC. 24) EAT NO FOOD
UNTIL THE HOLY SUPPER. THE HOLY SUPPER CONSISTS OF A TWELVE COURSE
DINNER (TWELVE APOSTLES) WITH NO MEAT AND DAIRY PRODUCTS. CLOVES
OF GARLIC ARE ON EACH PLATE, THIS IS TO KEEP AWAY ILLNESS. THE
FIRST DISH IS A WHOLE GRAIN WITH HONEY AND POPPY SEEDS. ALL
TWELVE DISHES MUST BE TASTED AT LEAST.
Submitter comment:
INFORMANT'S FRIEND SMENA RAKOVSKEY PRACTICED THIS CUSTOM.
Data entry tech comment:
Updated by TRD
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
Keyword(s): ABSTINENCE FROM DAIRY PRODUCTS ; ABSTINENCE FROM MEAT ; CHRISTMAS ; CUSTOM ; FOOD ; holiday ; Vegetarian
| Subject headings: | 122 Christmas 686 Properties attributed to specific numbers or numerals individually. 686 Seconds / Twice / Two |
Date learned: 10-25-1971