The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

CZECHOSLOVAKIAN CHRISTMAS EVE CUSTOM

SMALL BUNS ARE BAKED FOR THE HOLY SUPPER. BEFORE THE
SUPPER BEGINS, THE HEAD OF THE FAMILY AND SOME MEMBERS OF
THE FAMILY, GO TO THE BARN. THEY GIVE A SMALL BUN TO EACH
OF THE ANIMALS. THEY BELIEVE THE ANIMALS ARE SPECIAL SINCE
THEY WERE THE ONLY ONES PRESENT WITH THE HOLY FAMILY ON
THAT FIRST CHRISTMAS NIGHT. THE FAMILY RETURNS TO THE
HOUSE AND THEIR HOLY SUPPER BEGINS. THEY ALSO PARTAKE OF
THE SMALL BUNS. THE BREAD COMMEMORATES THE CHRIST CHILD
WHO IS THE BREAD OF LIFE.

Where learned: NEW YORK ; SLOATSBURG

Keyword(s): ANIMALS ; FOOD

Date learned: 00001980S