The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

UKRAINIAN CHRISTMAS EVE MEAL

IN SPITE OF THE OBSERVATION OF A BLACK FAST, 12 DIFFERENT KINDS
OF FOOD ARE SERVED.
STRAW IS SCATTERED UNDERNEATH THE TABLE IN REMEMBERANCE
OF THE STABLE WHERE CHRIST WAS BORN.
"DIDUKH" IS A SHEAF OF STRAW IN THE FORM OF A MAN WHICH IS PUT
IN A CORNER AND SYMBOLIZES LAND FERTILITY.
THE FAMILY SITS DOWN TO SUPPER ONLY AFTER THE APPEARANCE OF THE
FIRST EVENING STAR.
IF THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE SEATED IS AN ODD NUMBER, AN EXTRA CHAIR
IS SET TO SYMBOLIZE A DECEASED RELATIVE OR FRIEND, OR A MEMBER OF
THE FAMILY WHO IS UNABLE TO BE PRESENT.
THE FATHER CUTS THE BREAD INTO THE NUMBER OF PIECES AS THERE
ARE PEOPLE PRESENT, DIPS EACH PIECE IN HONEY (SYMBOLIZING LAND
FERTILITY), GIVES ONE TO EACH PERSON, KISSES HIM AND WISHES HIM
GOOD LUCK.
THE HEAD OF THE HOUSEHOLD TAKES A SPOONFUL OF ONE OF THE TWELVE
DIFFERENT DISHES, KUTYA, (MADE OF BARLEY AND POPPYSEED AND
SEASONED WITH HONEY) AND THROWS IT UP TO THE CEILING. IT IS A
SIGN OF GOOD LUCK IF IT STICKS, AND OF BAD LUCK IF IT DOESN'T.

Data entry tech comment:

Updated by TRD

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

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

Date learned: NOT RECORDED