The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

ON NEW YEAR'S DAY, THE FATHER OF THE FAMILY GIVES TO HIS
CHILDREN THE "NEW YEAR'S BENEDICTION." THIS IS A BLESSING
OF THE FATHER PLACED ON HIS CHILDREN. IT IS DONE EITHER
PRIVATELY OR COLLECTIVELY.
THIS BENEDICTION IS DONE BY THE FATHER OF THE FAMILY
TO THE CHILDREN, BY 1. THE FATHER PLACES HIS HANDS ON THE
CHILD'S HEAD AND BLESSES HIM WITH THE SIGN OF THE CROSS.
2. THE FATHER BLESSES ALL THE CHILDREN AT ONE TIME WITH
THE SIGN OF THE CROSS.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

Date learned: 02-18-1971