The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

LITHUANIAN CHRISTMAS EVE DINNER

CHRISTMAS EVE DINNER CONSISTS OF DISHES COMBINING TWELVE TYPES
OF FASTING FOODS, INCLUDING FISH, BEETS, MUSHROOMS, POPPY
SEEDS, CRACKERS, NON-ALCOHOLIC COCKTAILS AND CUMQUAT PUDDING.
HAY IS PLACED UNDER THE TABLE CLOTH, AND A CRUCIFIX IS PUT ON
THE TABLE. BEFORE DINNER ALL MEMBERS OF THE FAMILY SEAT THEMSELVES
AND EMPTY CHAIRS ARE BROUGHT TO THE TABLE FOR ABSENT AND DECEASED
MEMBERS. EACH PERSON, BEGINNING WITH THE ELDEST, KISSES THE FEET
OF THE CRUCIFIX. THEN THE MEAL IS EATEN, ENDING IN TIME
FOR ALL TO ATTEND MIDNIGHT MASS.

Data entry tech comment:

Updated by TRD

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

Keyword(s): CHRISTMAS ; CUSTOM ; FOOD ; holiday ; Lithuanian

James Callow Keyword(s): KUMQUAT

Date learned: 11-16-1969