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.