Dr. James T. Callow publications
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The James T. Callow Folklore Archive
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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
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
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