The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

VIGIL OF CHRISTMAS

ON CHRISTMAS EVE THERE WOULD BE A FAMILY GATHERING FOR DINNER.
EVERYONE WOULD BREAD (EAT?) OPLATKI (WAFER BREAD). FOR DINNER
THERE WOULD BE THIRTEEN DIFFERENT DISHES INCLUDING: CABBAGE, TWO
KINDS OF FISH, RICE PUDDING, TWO KINDS OF BOILED BEANS, PIEROGI,
STEWED PRUNES, AND NOODLES WITH OIL AND POPPYSEED.
STRAW WAS OFTEN STREWN UNDER THE TABLE.

Submitter comment:

(PRACTICED) IN DETROIT ALTHOUGH COLLECTOR'S GRANDMOTHER KNEW
AS A CUSTOM IN POLAND.

Data entry tech comment:

Updated by TRD

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DEARBORN

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

Date learned: 03-00-1968