The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

"VEGALIA"

THERE IS A POLISH CUSTOM CELEBRATED ON CHRISTMAS EVE CALLED
VEGALIA. AT A HUGE MEAL, WHERE ONLY FISH IS SERVED (ALSO OTHER FOOD
SUCH AS CHADNINA-DUCK SOUP; SALADS ETC.) THERE IS A GREAT
CELEBRATION; FOR CHRISTMAS HAS ARRIVED AND IT IS A HAPPY SEASON.
AT THIS TIME ALSO "ANGEL BREAD" IS SERVED AND IT IS GIVEN TO ALL.
"ANGEL BREAD" IS A SMALL WAFER-LIKE BREAD (SIMILAR TO COMMUNION
WAFERS). IT IS BROKEN INTO SQUARE PIECES AND EVERYONE IS GIVEN A
PORTION. THIS WAFER IS THEN USED AS A PEACE OFFERING. THAT IS,
EACH PERSON WISHES THEIR NEIGHBOR (RELATIVE ETC.) THREE WISHES FOR
THE NEW YEAR--HAPPINESS, HEALTH AND WEALTH. UPON BREAKING OFF A
PIECE TO EACH PERSON IT IS THEN CONSUMED. ANGEL BREAD IS ONLY
USED AT THIS TIME (SEASON) DURING THE YEAR.

Data entry tech comment:

Updated by TRD

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; GROSSE POINTE

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