The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

POLISH SAINT STEPHEN'S DAY

ON DECEMBER 26, SAINT STEPHEN'S DAY, MY GRANDMOTHER AND HER
STEP-SISTERS WOULD GO TO THE HOMES OF NEIGHBORS AND RELATIVES WITH
A BAG OF WALNUTS. THE SISTERS WOULD THROW THE WALNUTS AT THE FEET
OF THEIR HOSTS. THIS WAS IN REMEMBRANCE OF THE MARTYRDOM OF SAINT
STEPHEN, WHO DIED BY STONING. OCCASIONALLY THE PEOPLE WHO HAD
WALNUTS THROWN AT THEIR FEET WOULD GIVE THE CHILDREN MONEY.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

Date learned: 00001920S