The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

CHRISTMAS BLESSING

DURING THE CHRISTMAS MEAL, IN POLAND, THE HEAD
OF THE HOUSE TOOK A RECTANGULAR PIECE OF BREAD, OF ABOUT THE
CONSISTENCY OF A HOST, BROKE IT AND GAVE A PIECE TO EACH
MEMBER OF THE FAMILY. EACH MEMBER THEN ATE PART OF HIS
PIECE OF BREAD AND GAVE A BLESSING TO THE REST OF THE FAMILY
THAT THEY WOULD HAVE A GOOD YEAR.
THIS BLESSING WAS ALSO A WAY OF FORGIVING ANY WRONG
DONE TO THEM DURING THE PAST YEAR AND BEGINNING ANEW.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

Keyword(s): FOOD CUSTOM

Date learned: 00-00-1968