Dew of Heaven

For the Pa. Dutch, the dew that falls from heaven on the anniversary of the coming of the Christ child was believed to have beneficial effects. Because the number 3 was considered lucky, three pieces of bread were hung on the washline on Christmas eve, and before breakfast on Christmas morning each member of the family ate a portion of the dewey bread to prevent fevers until next Christmas. Farmers also placed hay & grain in the barnyard on Christmas eve to collect the dew of heaven, and after eating this hay & grain, farm animals were protected against sickness for the coming year.

Kutztown, Pennsylvania · United States