Dr. James T. Callow publications
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The James T. Callow Folklore Archive
Your search for CHRISTMAS returned 122 results.
VIGIL OF CHRISTMAS
ON CHRISTMAS EVE THERE WOULD BE A FAMILY GATHERING FOR DINNER.
EVERYONE WOULD BREAD (EAT?) OPLATKI (WAFER BREAD). FOR DINNER
THERE WOULD BE THIRTEEN DIFFERENT DISHES INCLUDING: CABBAGE, TWO
KINDS OF FISH, RICE PUDDING, TWO KINDS OF BOILED BEANS, PIEROGI,
STEWED PRUNES, AND NOODLES WITH OIL AND POPPYSEED.
STRAW WAS OFTEN STREWN UNDER THE TABLE.
Submitter comment:
(PRACTICED) IN DETROIT ALTHOUGH COLLECTOR'S GRANDMOTHER KNEW
AS A CUSTOM IN POLAND.
Data entry tech comment:
Updated by TRD
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DEARBORN
Keyword(s): CHRISTMAS ; CUSTOM ; FOOD ; holiday
| Subject headings: | 122 Christmas 686 Specific number by specific number being described CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 24 Christmas Eve F122.82 CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20 Straw |
Date learned: 03-00-1968
"VEGALIA"
THERE IS A POLISH CUSTOM CELEBRATED ON CHRISTMAS EVE CALLED
VEGALIA. AT A HUGE MEAL, WHERE ONLY FISH IS SERVED (ALSO OTHER FOOD
SUCH AS CHADNINA-DUCK SOUP; SALADS ETC.) THERE IS A GREAT
CELEBRATION; FOR CHRISTMAS HAS ARRIVED AND IT IS A HAPPY SEASON.
AT THIS TIME ALSO "ANGEL BREAD" IS SERVED AND IT IS GIVEN TO ALL.
"ANGEL BREAD" IS A SMALL WAFER-LIKE BREAD (SIMILAR TO COMMUNION
WAFERS). IT IS BROKEN INTO SQUARE PIECES AND EVERYONE IS GIVEN A
PORTION. THIS WAFER IS THEN USED AS A PEACE OFFERING. THAT IS,
EACH PERSON WISHES THEIR NEIGHBOR (RELATIVE ETC.) THREE WISHES FOR
THE NEW YEAR--HAPPINESS, HEALTH AND WEALTH. UPON BREAKING OFF A
PIECE TO EACH PERSON IT IS THEN CONSUMED. ANGEL BREAD IS ONLY
USED AT THIS TIME (SEASON) DURING THE YEAR.
Data entry tech comment:
Updated by TRD
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; GROSSE POINTE
Keyword(s): CHRISTMAS ; CUSTOM ; FOOD ; holiday ; Vegetarian ; Vigalia
| Subject headings: | 122 Christmas 686 Thirds / Thrice / Three / Triple CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 24 Christmas Eve F122.82 |
CHRISTMAS CUSTOM
THE POLISH PEOPLE'S CUSTOM IS TO HAVE A COMPLETE FISH MEAL AT
CHRISTMAS TIME--LEAVE THE LEFTOVERS, DO NO DISHES AND UPON
RETURNING FROM MASS, THEY INDULGE AGAIN IN EATING AND DO THIS
UNTIL ALL FOOD HAS BEEN CONSUMED. THIS MEAL IS CONSIDERED TO BE
A HOLY MEAL AND ANY FOOD SERVED SHOULD NOT BE THROWN WAAY.
Submitter comment:
CHRISTMAS EVE
Data entry tech comment:
Updated by TRD
Where learned: PENNSYLVANIA ; SCRANTON
Keyword(s): CHRISTMAS ; CUSTOM ; FOOD ; holiday
| Subject headings: | 122 Christmas CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20 Church |
Date learned: 04-00-1972
CHRISTMAS EVE
A HUGE CELEBRATION WAS ALWAYS IN STORE CHRISTMAS EVE FOR EVERY
ITALIAN IN ITALY. A MORE JOYOUS OCCASION THAN THIS WAS NEVER
SEEN. BEFORE MIDNIGHT THE ONLY FOOD SERVED WAS FISH AND SEAFOOD.
AFTER 12 O'CLOCK--SAUSAGE, BEEF, PORK AND MEAT OF ALL DESCRIPTIONS
WAS THE ORDER OF THE DAY. THE CHILDREN WERE ALL GATHERED IN THE
ONE HOME WHERE THE CELEBRATION WAS TO BE HELD AND FROM EARLY
MORNING THE CHILDREN'S MOTHERS HAD BEEN AT THIS PARTICULAR HOME
COOKING FOR THE EVENING'S MEAL, A FULL DAY OF COOKING FOR
PERHAPS FIFTY PEOPLE OF A PARTICULAR FAMILY--AUNTS, UNCLES, COUSINS
AND OTHER RELATIVES. A JOYOUS OCCASION AND CERTAINLY A BELLY FULL
OF FOOD AND DRINK FOR THIS WAS THE CELEBRATION OF THE YEAR.
Data entry tech comment:
Updated by TRD
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; SAINT CLAIR SHORES
Keyword(s): CHRISTMAS ; CUSTOM ; FOOD ; holiday
| Subject headings: | 122 Christmas 122 Christmas |
Date learned: 10-31-1971
POLISH CHRISTMAS EVE CUSTOMS
ON CHRISTMAS EVE THE POLISH HAVE A HUGE MAIN SUPPER. THIS SUPPER
USUALLY CONSISTS OF ELEVEN DIFFERENT FOODS NONE OF WHICH MAY BE
MEAT. ALOT OF VEGETABLES ARE EATEN AT THIS MEAL INCLUDING
CABBAGE, MUSHROOMS, BEET SOUP AND DUMPLINGS. ALSO AT THIS MEAL A
SQUARE WAFER, WHICH HAS BEEN BLESSED IS PASSED AROUND THE TABLE.
EACH PERSON WISHING THE PERSON TO HIS SIDE, WELL, WHILE TAKING
A PIECE OF IT.
Data entry tech comment:
Updated by TRD
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; HARPER WOODS
Keyword(s): CHRISTMAS ; CUSTOM ; FOOD ; holiday
| Subject headings: | 122 Christmas CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 24 Christmas Eve F122.82 BELIEF -- Number P686.1.11 |
Date learned: 10-22-1971
CHRISTMAS CUSTOM
AMONG THE POLISH, A WIGILIA (VIGIL) FEAST IS ALWAYS KEPT ON
CHRISTMAS EVE. THE WHOLE FAMILY FASTS FOR THE ENTIRE DAY, AND
A LARGE RITUAL DINNER CLIMAXES THE PREPARATION FOR CHRISTMAS.
SEVEN ITEMS MUST BE INCLUDED IN THE MEAL:
1) LONG WAFER-LIKE PIECES OF BREAD, WHICH RESEMBLE THE HOST
USED IN MASS (THIS IS CALLED OPLOTKI). THE OLDEST PERSON IN
THE FAMILY TAKES A PIECE OF THIS, AND THEN PASSES IT AROUND THE
TABLE. THESE ARE USUALLY DECORATED IN BRIGHT COLORS, AND SCENES
OF THE NATIVITY ARE DEPICTED. THEN
(2) GARLIC IS SERVED IN SMALL SECTIONS, FOLLOWED BY
(3) BARSZCZ OR POTATO SOUP WITH VINEGAR.
(4) FISH IS THE MAIN COURSE, SINCE MEAT MAY NOT BE EATEN ON
CHRISTMAS EVE.
(5) PIEROGI, OR FRIED DUMPLING WITH STUFFING, ARE SERVED NEXT,
FOLLOWED BY
(6) MASHED POTATOES AND
(7) SWEET BREAD.
Data entry tech comment:
Updated by TRD
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT
Keyword(s): ABSTINENCE FROM MEAT ; CHRISTMAS ; CUSTOM ; FOOD ; holiday ; Vegetarian
| Subject headings: | 122 Christmas 686 Seven / Sevenths / Several CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 24 Christmas Eve F122.82 |
Date learned: 10-15-1971
AMONG THE UKRAINIANS, THE DAY OF THE CHRISTMAS EVE IS A STRICT FAST
IN COMMEMORATION OF THE HARDSHIPS ENDURED BY MOTHER MARY ENROUTE TO
BETHLEHEM.
Data entry tech comment:
Updated by TRD
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; WARREN
Keyword(s): ABSTINENCE FROM FOOD ; CHRISTMAS ; CUSTOMS ; FOOD ; holiday
| Subject headings: | 122 Christmas |
Date learned: 10-00-1970
LITHUANIAN CHRISTMAS EVE
IT IS CUSTOMARY FOR LITHUANIANS TO FAST ALL DAY ON CHRISTMAS EVE.
THEIR MEAL, OR SHOULD I SAY FEAST, TAKES PLACE AT MIDNIGHT IN THE
FORM OF A TWELVE COURSE MEAL. DURING THIS MEAL, HAY IS PUT UNDER THE
TABLE CLOTH IN A SYMBOLIC GESTURE.
Data entry tech comment:
Updated by TRD
Where learned: NOT RECORDED BY COLLECTOR
Keyword(s): ABSTINENCE FROM FOOD ; CHRISTMAS ; CUSTOM ; Fast ; FOOD ; holiday
| Subject headings: | 122 Christmas CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 24 Christmas Eve Christmas CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20 Straw |
Date learned: 10-05-1967
CUSTOM
FOR CHRISTMAS EVE, THE FAMILY HAS AN ODD NUMBER OF DISHES FOR
CHRISTMAS EVE DINNER. THIS DINNER IS CALLED WIGILIA.
Data entry tech comment:
Updated by TRD
Where learned: HOME ; MICHIGAN ; DEARBORN HEIGHTS ; TOLD AT
Keyword(s): CHRISTMAS ; CUSTOM ; FOOD ; holiday
| Subject headings: | 122 Christmas |
Date learned: 02-22-1970
A BIT OF EVERYTHING
IN BULGARIA THE WHOLE OF CHRISTMAS EVE DAY IS SPENT IN PREPARATION
FOR THE CHRISTMAS FEAST. FOR THE FEAST A LITTLE OF EVERY FOOD IN THE
HOUSE IS PREPARED.
Submitter comment:
THE INFORMANT SAID A LITTLE OF EVERY FOOD IN THE HOUSE IS FIXED TO
GUARANTEE PROSPERITY AND SUCCESS.
Data entry tech comment:
Updated by TRD
Where learned: TOLD AT HENDRICKSONS PHARMACY
Keyword(s): CHRISTMAS ; CUSTOM ; FOOD ; holiday
| Subject headings: | 122 Christmas CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 24 Christmas Eve F122.2 |
Date learned: 03-21-1970
AT CHRISTMAS TIME ALL THE KIDS IN THE FAMILY GET A SHOT OF WHISKEY.
Data entry tech comment:
Updated by TRD
Keyword(s): CHRISTMAS ; CUSTOM ; DRINK ; holiday
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20 Single dishes |
Date learned: 10-30-1971
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
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20 Single dishes |
Date learned: 11-19-1969
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
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
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20 Single dishes |
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
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20 Single dishes |
Date learned: NOT RECORDED
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
| Subject headings: | 122 Christmas |
Date learned: NOT RECORDED
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
| Subject headings: | 122 Christmas |
Date learned: 03-21-1970
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
| Subject headings: | 122 Christmas |
Date learned: 11-17-1968
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
| Subject headings: | 122 Christmas |
Date learned: 09-24-1969
CHRISTMAS CUSTOM
SOME SICILIANS SERVE CODFISH WITH TOMATO SAUCE ON CHRISTMAS EVE
(DEC. 24). THE FAMILY CELEBRATES THIS OCCASION TOGETHER.
Submitter comment:
THE INFORMANT'S FAMILY PRACTICE THIS CUSTOM EVERY YEAR.
Data entry tech comment:
Updated by TRD
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
Keyword(s): CHRISTMAS ; Cod ; CUSTOM ; FOOD ; Italian ; Sicilian ; Tomato ; tradition
| Subject headings: | 122 Christmas |
Date learned: NOT RECORDED