The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

UKRAINIAN NEW YEAR'S GREETING

AT MIDNIGHT, IT IS CUSTOMARY TO TAKE A SMALL BELL AND A
HANDFUL OF WHEAT AND TO KNOCK ON THE DOOR OF THE HEAD OF
THE HOUSEHOLD. WHEN HE OPENS HIS DOOR, THE MEMBERS OF HIS
HOUSEHOLD TOSS WHEAT ON THEIR MASTER AND WISH HIM A HAPPY
NEW YEAR. THEY WISH FOR HIM MANY BLESSINGS, PLENTY OF
FOOD, AND GOOD LUCK. THE WHEAT IS SYMBOLIC OF FRUITFULNESS.
A SPECIAL NEW YEAR'S SONG IS SUNG IN WHICH GOD'S BLESSINGS
ARE INVOKED FOR THE NEW YEAR. THE HEAD OF THE HOUSE THANKS
THEM AND IN TURN WISHES THEM A HAPPY NEW YEAR. THEN THEY
HAVE A JOYOUS CELEBRATION.

Where learned: CANADA ; ONTARIO ; ANCASTER

Keyword(s): FOOD ; SPRINKLING ; THROWING

Date learned: 00001960S

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