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SLOVAK FUNERAL BELIEF

WHEN ATTENDING A FUNERAL PUT THREE PENNIES IN THE CASKET TO PAY TO
ST. PETER AS THE DECEASED GOES THROUGH THE GATES OF HEAVEN.

Submitter comment: JOHN MIHAL
LEARNED THIS ITEM FROM HIS FATHER'S PARENTS WHO WERE
SLOVAK IMMIGRANTS. THEY NOW LIVE IN ERIE, PENNSYLVANIA.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

James Callow Keyword(s): NUMBERS

Subject headings: 686 Thirds / Thrice / Three / Triple
BELIEF -- Religious hero
BELIEF -- Death Funeral Burial

Date learned: 10-15-1975

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WHEN SETTING THE TABLE FOR CHRISTMAS EVE DINNER, AN EXTRA PLATE IS
ALWAYS PUT OUT FOR THE "UNINVITED GUEST." THIS IS DONE BECAUSE OF THE
BELIEF THAT CHRIST MIGHT COME TO THE HOME IN THE FORM OF A NEEDY
INDIVIDUAL SEEKING FOOD.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

James Callow Keyword(s): CHARITY ; POLISH CUSTOM

Subject headings: CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 24 Christmas Eve
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20
Food Drink -- Service Table furnishing and decoration Food container
Food Drink -- Service Table furnishing and decoration Implement to handle food
BELIEF -- Religious hero

Date learned: 10-00-1975

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SUPERSTITION

IF SOMEONE IS SICK AND THERE IS NO WAY THEY'RE GOING TO PULL OUT,
MEXICANS PRAY TO THE VIRGIN OF GUADALOUPE, WHO IS THE PATRON SAINT
OF MEXICO. WHEN YOU PRAY, YOU SAY THAT YOU WILL WALK TO THE ALTAR
OF ONE OF TWO CHURCHES-ONE IS IN MEXICO CITY AND ONE IS IN
GUANAGUATO-FROM A CERTAIN POINT OUTSIDE THE CHURCH ON YOUR KNEES.
I DON'T KNOW IF I BELIEVE THIS. I THINK I DO. MY MOTHER TRIED THIS
WITH MY BROTHER AND SISTER A FEW TIMES AND IT WORKED.

Submitter comment: THE INFORMANT SEEMED SKEPTICAL, BUT IN THE END HE SEEMED TO BELIEVE
THE IDEA. HE WAS VERY EARNEST ABOUT THE STORY AND MADE SURE I GOT
ALL THE FACTS RIGHT.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT ; CAMPUS

James Callow Keyword(s): SUPPLICATION

Subject headings: CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Church
BELIEF -- Religious hero
BELIEF -- Prayer
SPEECH -- Gesture

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TEST CHARM

IF YOU WRITE "JMJ," FOR JESUS, MARY AND JOSEPH, IN THE UPPER RIGHT
HAND CORNER OF A SCHOOL ASSIGNMENT, YOU WILL DO WELL ON IT.

Submitter comment: I LEARNED THIS IN THIRD GRADE AT MY CATHOLIC GRADE SCHOOL. MOST OF
OUR CLASS FOLLOWED THIS CUSTOM, WE CONSIDERED IT EXTRA INSURANCE
THAT WE WOULD DO WELL.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

James Callow Keyword(s): BELIEV

Subject headings: CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- School
BELIEF -- Religious hero
BELIEF -- Word Letter

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ETHNIC BELIEF

THERE IS A CEMETERY BEHIND ASSUMPTION GROTTO CHURCH IN NORTHEAST
DETROIT AND IT HAS A GROTTO IN IT. THE GROTTO SUPPOSEDLY LOOKS LIKE
LOURDES. ON AUGUST 16, THE FEAST OF THE ASSUMPTION, ITALIANS FROM
ALL OVER THE CITY WALK TO THE GROTTO TO PRAY AND TO ASK FOR MIRACLES
I DON'T KNOW WHY IT SEEMS TO BE JUST ITALIANS. THERE ARE CRUTCHES
AND BRACES ON THE WALL OF THE GROTTO THAT WERE LEFT BEHIND BY PEOPLE
WHO WERE SUPPOSED TO HAVE BEEN CURED. NOW I GUESS THE PEOPLE USE
TRANSPORTATION TO GET THERE' BUT THEY DIDN,T USED TO.

Submitter comment: THE INFORMANT SEEMED TO BELIEVE PEOPLE HAD BEEN CURED AT THE GROTTO.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; WARREN

Subject headings: CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- August 15 Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- August 16
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- June 21 solstice to September 22
ART CRAFT ARCHITECTURE -- Shrine Memorial
BELIEF -- Religious hero
BELIEF -- Remedy

Date learned: 11-00-1975

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HOME-MADE BREAD

THE BREAD IS MADE ONLY DURING THE EASTER AND CHRISTMAS SEASONS. ONE
DAY IS SET ASIDE FOR PREPARING THE DOUGH AND BAKING; HOLY SATURDAY
IS SET ASIDE FOR EASTER AND CHRISTMAS EVE FOR THE CHRISTMAS SEASON.
USUALLY THREE TO FIVE LOAVES ARE MADE AND PUT OUT FOR THE SPECIAL
MEALS OF THAT SEASON. BUTTER IS USED ALMOST EXCLUSIVELY WITH THE
BREAD INSTEAD OF MARGARINE.

Submitter comment: FAMILY CUSTOM COLLECTED

Subject headings: BELIEF -- Religious hero

Date learned: 02-12-1972

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RELIGIOUS CUSTOM

ON ST. NICHOLAS DAY, DECEMBER 6, THE CHILDREN LEAVE THEIR SHOES OUT
FOR HIM TO FILL THEM WITH GOODIES, OR IF THEY HAD BEEN BAD, A PIECE
OF COAL.

Submitter comment: THE INFORMANTS FAMILY STILL PRACTICES THIS CUSTOM AS I CAN READILY
ATTEST TO. THIS IS A VERY OLD GERMAN CUSTOM.

Where learned: OHIO ; CLEVELAND

Subject headings: CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 6 Feast of St. Nicholas
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- September 23 equinox to December 20 Also used for Advent.
BELIEF -- Religious hero

Date learned: 10-00-1976

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CUSTOM

IN ITALY, ON AUGUST 15, THE FEASTDAY OF THE ASSUMPTION, THEY HOLD
MANY PARADES IN HONOR OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN AND THERE IS MUCH SINGING
AND DANCING.

Submitter comment: THE INFORMANT KNOWS SOME NEIGHBORS WHO HAVE LIVED IN ITALY AND THEY
RELATED THIS CUSTOM TO HER.

Where learned: OHIO ; CLEVELAND

Subject headings: Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Religious
Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Adoration
Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Festival
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- August 15 Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- June 21 solstice to September 22
BELIEF -- Religious hero

Date learned: 10-00-1976

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CUSTOM FOR THE FEAST OF SAINT ISIDORE (APRIL 22)

THE FARMERS BROUGHT THEIR SEEDS AND SOILS INTO THE CHURCH AND THEY
WERE BLESSED WITH A SPECIAL RITUAL FOR A GOOD CROP.

Submitter comment: THIS IS A SPANISH CUSTOM THAT HAS SPREAD TO OTHER COUNTRIES AND IS
PRACTICED TO SOME DEGREE IN MAGADORE, OHIO.

Where learned: OHIO ; MOGADORE

Subject headings: CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- April 22
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Church
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Spring Planting
BELIEF -- Religious hero

Date learned: 10-00-1976

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A CUSTOM IN JANOWIEC, POLAND

ON THE FEAST OF ST. BLAISE, IT WAS A CUSTOM TO BLESS APPLES IN
JANOWIEC, POLAND.
SINCE ST. BLAISE WAS THE SAINT WHO WOULD GUARD THROATS, THESE
APPLES WOULD BE EATEN WHENEVER ONE'S THROAT WAS SORE, TO CURE IT.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DEARBORN

Subject headings: CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- February 3
BELIEF -- Religious hero
BELIEF -- Plant
BELIEF -- Plant

Date learned: 11-28-1967

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INVOCATION FOR ST. VALENTINE DAY

GOOD VALENTINE, BE KIND TO ME,
IN A DREAM LET ME MY TRUE LOVE SEE.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; GRAND RAPIDS

Subject headings: Spirit / Mind / Body
Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Custom Festival C840.0214
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- February 14 Valentine's Day
BELIEF -- Religious hero
BELIEF -- Prayer

Date learned: 10-00-1971

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POLISH HOLIDAY, "MATKA BOSKA CZECKTOHOWA"

"OUR LADY, QUEEN OF POLAND", MAY 3RD. PAINTING OF THE LADY IS
REVERED AT THIS TIME. IT IS CALLED THE "BLACK MADONNA" AND KEPT IN
CZECKTOHOWA. IT OFTEN APPEARED IN POLISH HISTORY, BEING INVOKED IN
TIMES OF NEED, SUCH AS WAR. IT IS BLACK WITH AGE AND HAS 3 SCARS
ON THE FACE__THE RESULT OF AN INVADER'S SWORD. ON THIS OCCASION
IT BLED AND DURING GREAT SORROW WEEPS.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT ; CAMPUS

Subject headings: CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- May 3
BELIEF -- Religious hero
BELIEF -- Product or activity of man or animal

Date learned: 01-29-1968

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CUSTOM--MARRIAGE

ON JUNE 13TH, ST. ANTHONY'S DAY IN MEXICO, GIRLS COLLECT 13
QUINTOS (ABOUT 5 CENTS) FROM 13 BOYS. THEN THEY BUY CANDLES FOR
ST. ANTHONY AND EXPECT TO MARRY BEFORE THE NEXT JUNE 13TH.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; ANN ARBOR

Keyword(s): BEGGING

Subject headings: CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- June 13
BELIEF -- Religious hero
BELIEF -- Marriage
BELIEF -- Number

Date learned: 02-04-1968

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ST. JOHN AND SWIMMING

THERE IS AN OLD POLISH SUPERSTITION THAT NO ONE IS SUPPOSED TO GO
SWIMMING BEFORE THE FEAST OF ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST BECAUSE THE WATER
IS NOT BLESSED, AND THEREFORE THE PERSON WILL DROWN.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; ALLEN PARK

Subject headings: CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- June 24 St. John's Day / Midsummer Day
BELIEF -- Religious hero
BELIEF -- Means of Causing or Avoiding Illness

Date learned: 07-00-1964

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MIDSOMMAR DAGEN

AMONG THE FOLK OF SWEDISH DESCENT IN MINNESOTA, MIDSUMMER DAY
ON JUNE 24TH IS OF SPECIAL SIGNIFICANCE. THIS IS THE BIRTHDAY OF
JOHN THE BAPTIST, EXACTLY SIX MONTHS BEFORE THE BIRTHDATE OF
CHRIST. "JOHANNES DOPARENS DAG" IS CELEBRATED WITH LARGE
FESTIVE PICNICS.
THE INFORMANT SAYS THAT JOHN THE BAPTIST DAY PICNICS ARE STILL
CELEBRATED AMONG MANY SWEDISH COMMUNITIES.

Where learned: MINNESOTA ; STURGEON LAKE

Subject headings: CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- June 24 St. John's Day / Midsummer Day
BELIEF -- Religious hero

Date learned: 03-28-1970

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ON ASSUMPTION DAY, AUGUST 15, WE WENT TO CHURCH IN THE MORNING
THEN WE HAD A PROCESSION. WE MARCHED ALL AROUND THE CITY IN
HONOR OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN. WE THEN HAD A BIG DINNER. IN THE
AFTERNOON, WE PLAYED BINGO AND EVERY WINNER GOT A FREE TICKET TO
USE LATER AT THE HORSERACES. WE HAD HORSERACING WITHOUT
BETTING. WHOEVER HAD THE SAME TICKET NUMBER AS THAT OF THE WINNING
HORSE WON A FREE PRIZE. AT NIGHT WE DANCED AND HAD FIREWORKS ALL
IN HONOR OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; ALLEN PARK

Subject headings: Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Racing Chasing Fighting
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- August 15 Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
BELIEF -- Religious hero

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LADY'S DAY

AUGUST 15 IS A BIG DAY IN IRELAND. ALL THE PEOPLE GATHER AT A
HOLY WELL (OUR LADY'S WELL) AND ALL THE TINKERS AND GYPSIES
GATHERED HERE TOO. THE PEOPLE WOULD TRY TO PRAY TO THE
BLESSED MOTHER AND THE TINKERS WOULD GO AROUND BEGGING. THEIR
CHANTS WERE "FOR JASUS (JESUS) SAKE HELP TO POOR" AND "MAY JESUS TAKE
YOU HOME SAFE."

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DEARBORN HEIGHTS

Subject headings: CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- August 15 Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
BELIEF -- Religious hero

Date learned: 11-18-1970

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ST. LUKE'S DAY, OCT. 18

ON ST. LUKE'S DAY IN BALOGNA, ITALY, THE PORTRAIT OF THE MADONNA
AND CHILD, WHICH IS BELIEVED TO HAVE BEEN PAINTED BY ST. LUKE, IS
CARRIED IN PROCESSION TO THE CHURCH OF ST. MARK WHERE THE PICTURE IS
KEPT FOR VENERATION DURING THE NEXT WEEK.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; MARYGROVE COLLEGE ; DETROIT ; CAMPUS

Subject headings: CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- F101
BELIEF -- Religious hero
BELIEF -- Product or activity of man or animal

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ON THE EVE OF ALL SAINTS DAY THE CHILDREN WOULD PUT THEIR SHOES
OUT TO BE FILLED WITH CANDY BY THE SAINTS.

Data entry tech comment: ALL SAINTS DAY: NOVEMBER 1.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; GROSSE POINTE PARK

Keyword(s): GIFTS

Subject headings: CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- October 31 Halloween
BELIEF -- Religious hero

Date learned: 11-13-1971

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FESTIVAL OF THE ITALIANS OF JESSUP, PENN.

ONCE EACH YEAR THE CITIZENS OF JESSUP, PENNSYLVANIA DRESS AS
THEIR PATRON SAINTS AND HAVE A PROCESSION THROUGH THE TOWN.

Submitter comment: THE INFORMANT'S BROTHER-IN-LAW IS AN ITALIAN-AMERICAN LIVING IN
JESSUP, PENNSYLVANIA AND PERSONALLY TOOK PART IN THE CEREMONY.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

Subject headings: CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Fixed DateFor specific dates, use the following system:
BELIEF -- Religious hero

Date learned: 10-04-1967

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