The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

CAROLING

AMONG THE UKRAINIANS, ON CHRISTMAS DAY GROUPS OF CAROLERS VISIT THE
UKRAINIAN HOMES SINGING ANCIENT CAROLS AND BRINGING GREETINGS.
THEY CARRY WITH THEM A LARGE STAR OF BETHLEHEM, MADE OF COLORFUL
PAPER AND WOOD, LIT WITH A CANDLE (OR NOW AN ELECTIC LIGHT).
OR THE CAROLERS WILL CARRY A MINIATURE MANGER ("WERTEP") WITH
HAND CARVED WOODEN FIGURES. ANOTHER CUSTOM WHICH HAS ALMOST
PASSED AWAY IS THAT OF PRESENTING LITTLE SKITS WITH MEMBERS
OF THE GROUP DRESSED IN APPROPRIATE COSTUMES: AN ANGEL,
THREE KINGS, SHEPHERDS, AND A COMICAL CHARACTER FOR A TOUCH OF
HUMOUR.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; WARREN

Date learned: 10-00-1970