The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

Christmas Bean Serving

IT IS A POLISH CUSTOM, DURING CHRISTMAS
EVE DINNER, FOR ALL THE CHILDREN TO SAVE
ONE SPOONFUL OF BEANS UNTIL THE END OF
THE BEAN SERVING. THEY TAKE THIS SPOON AND
GO TO THE BACKDOOR AND THROW THEM
OUTSIDE.

Submitter comment:

THE REASON IS TO SYMBOLICALLY OFFER
THE WOLF FOOD SO HE WILL NOT COME
TO THE DOOR DURING THE UPCOMING YEAR.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

Keyword(s): ANIMALS ; FOOD CUSTOM

Date learned: 11-00-1968