The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

CHRISTMAS CUSTOM ADVENT PREPARATION COMING OF CHRIST

IT IS A CUSTOM FOR SOME PEOPLE TO MAKE A CHRISTMAS WREATH FOUR WEEKS
PRIOR TO THIS DAY. THE WREATH IS MADE WITH FOUR CANDLES. STARTING
WITH THE FIRST WEEK ONE CANDLE IS BURNED. EVERY WEEK A CANDLE IS
BURNED UNTIL THE FOURTH WEEK OR CHRISTMAS EVE. ON CHRISTMAS EVE THE
FAMILY OBSERVES THEIR TRADITIONAL FAMILY DINNER WHEN THE FIRST STAR
APPEARS IN THE SKY.

Submitter comment: INFORMANT AND HER FAMILY PRACTICE THIS CUSTOM EVERY YEAR.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

Date learned: 11-05-1971