The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

CHRISTMAS CUSTOM

IN CZECHOSLOVAKIA AT CHRISTMAS-TIME A FAMILY BRINGS STRAW INTO THE
HOUSE, BEFORE PUTTING IT DOWN, THEY PRAY TOGETHER AND WISH FOR A GOOD
YEAR. THE STRAW STAYS ON THE FLOOR FOR A WHOLE DAY AND NIGHT. THE
FAMILY SLEEPS ON IT INSTEAD OF SLEEPING IN THEIR BEDS. ON THE DAY
AFTER CHRISTMAS, THE STRAW IS BRAIDED AND PUT AROUND A TREE THAT IS
OUTSIDE.

Where learned: HOME ; MICHIGAN ; DETROIT ; TOLD AT

Date learned: 02-25-1970