The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

CHRISTMAS NIGHT (EVE)

ON CHRISTMAS NIGHT (EVE) IN IRELAND, CANDLES ARE LIT AND PUT ON THE
WINDOWS. THE FATHER OF THE FAMILY LEADS THE CHILDREN, FOLLOWED BY
THE MOTHER, INTO EACH ROOM TO LIGHT THE CANDLES. THE ROSARY IS
RECITED DURING THE PROCESSION, AND PRAYERS ARE SAID FOR THE DEAD, THE
LIVING AND "THE BORN TO BE." THEN FOOD IS LEFT ON THE KITCHEN TABLE
BECAUSE JESUS, MARY AND JOSEPH MAY DROP IN DURING THE NIGHT FOR
SOMETHING TO EAT. THE KITCHEN DOOR IS LEFT OPEN ALL NIGHT TO RECEIVE
THEM OR ANY OTHER TRAVELER WHO MAY NEED LODGING FOR THE NIGHT.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

Keyword(s): FOOD CUSTOM

Date learned: 11-00-1970