The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

CHRISTMAS CUSTOM

ON CHRISTMAS EVE, AT THE TIME WHEN THE FASTING LAWS WERE IN
EFFECT, MY FAMILY WOULD HAVE A SPECIAL DINNER WHERE ALL THESE
DIFFERENT TYPES OF MEATLESS DISHES WERE PREPARED. EACH PERSON
HAD TO EAT AT LEAST 9 DIFFERENT TYPES OF FOOD AT THIS DINNER IN
HONOR OF THE BIRTH OF CHRIST. WHY THE NUMBER 9, I DO NOT KNOW,
BUT THE EXPERIENCE IS VERY VIVID IN MY MIND SINCE I NEVER DID LIKE
ANY OF THE DISHES WHICH WERE SERVED.

Data entry tech comment:

Updated by TRD

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

Keyword(s): ABSTINENCE FROM MEAT ; CHRISTMAS ; CUSTOM ; FOOD ; holiday ; tradition ; Vegetarian

Date learned: NOT RECORDED