The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

CHRISTMAS EVE SUPERSTITION

CHRISTMAS EVE DINNER WAS A SEVEN, NINE, OR ELEVEN COURSE MEAL. IN
NO CASE MUST THERE BE AN ODD NUMBER OF PEOPLE AT THE TABLE. OTHER-
WISE, SOME OF THE FEASTERS WOULD NOT LIVE TO SEE ANOTHER CHRISTMAS.

Submitter comment: MY GRANDMOTHER WASN'T A VERY FOND BELIEVER OF SUPERSTITIONS, BUT
SHE SAW TO IT THAT AN EVEN NUMBER OF GUESTS WERE PRESENT.

Where learned: ILLINOIS ; CHICAGO

Subject headings:

686 Seven / Sevenths / Several
686 Ninths / Nine
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 24 Christmas Eve
Food Drink -- Typical menus for the various meals For meal hours, see F574.84. Special or festive meals
BELIEF -- Death Funeral Burial
BELIEF -- Measure of time Year
BELIEF -- Number P686.1.11
BELIEF -- Number Even number (not specific)
BELIEF -- Number Odd number (not specific)

Date learned: 00-00-1940