The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

Custom: Holiday

ON CHRISTMAS EVE EACH MEMBER OF THE FAMILY LIGHTS A BAYBERRY
CANDLE AND THEN MAKES A WISH. IF THE CANDLES ARE ALLOWED TO
BURN TO THE ENDS THEN THE WISH WILL COME TRUE.

Submitter comment:

THIS IS A CUSTOM CARRIED OUT IN THE INFORMANT'S FAMILY FOR
SEVERAL GENERATIONS.

Data entry tech comment:

Updated and Motifs added / 02-28-2011 / TRD

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; GROSSE POINTE

Keyword(s): Bayberry ; Candle ; CUSTOM ; FAMILY ; Herb ; holiday ; PLANT ; RELIGION ; RELIGIOUS ; SYMBOL ; WISH