The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

A CHRISTMAS CUSTOM

ON CHRISTMAS EVE, WHEN THE TABLE IS SET FOR DINNER, AN EXTRA
PLACE AT THE TABLE IS SET. THE IDEA BEHIND THIS HABIT GOES AS
FOLLOWS: ALTHOUGH THE LORD IS NOT PHYSICALLY SITTING AT THE TABLE
SHARING A MEAL WITH US, HE IS THERE SPIRITUALLY AND THIS IS INDICATED
BY SETTING A PLACE FOR HIM.

Data entry tech comment:

Updated by TRD

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

Keyword(s): CHRISTMAS ; CUSTOM ; holiday ; Table Setting ; tradition

Date learned: NOT RECORDED