UKRAINIAN CATHOLIC EASTER CUSTOMS

EASTER OR VELYKDEN OCCUPIES THE CENTRAL POINT IN THE LITURGICAL
YEAR. ON EASTER SUNDAY THERE IS A PROCESSION AROUND THE CHURCH IN
THE EARLY MORNING. IT COMMEMORATES THE PROCESSION OF THE MYRRH
BEARING WOMEN, TO THE TOMB OF JESUS. EASTER BREAD OR "PASKA"
IS BLESSED AND EATEN, IT REPRESENTS CHRIST. EASTER EGGS OR "PYSANKY"
ARE DELICATELY AND INTRICATELY HAND PAINTED. THE ORIGIN OF THE
CUSTOM TO PAGAN UKRAINE HAD PAINTED EGG REPRESENTING THE RESURRECTION
TO A NEW LIFE OF NATURE IN THE SPRING. PYSANKY ARE EXCHANGED
THROUGHOUT THE THREE DAYS OF THE EASTER HOLIDAY, SUNDAY, MONDAY,
AND TUESDAY, WITH THE FAMILIAR GREETINGS "KHRYSTOS VOSKRES" TO
WHICH THE RECIPIENT REPLIES "VOISTYNU VOSKRES". THIS MEANS "CHRIST
IS RISEN" AND "HE IS RISEN INDEED". THE WHOLE WEEK AFTER EASTER IS
"ZAHALNYTSIA" OR COMPACT WEEK. MEAT WAS ORIGINALLY ALLOWED TO BE
EATEN.

Submitter comment: THIS CELEBRATION HAS CHANGED VERY LITTLE OVER THE YEARS.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

Date learned: 02-00-1974

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EASTER EGGS

SEE SU 10 5 X 8 CARDS AND 9 8 1/2 X 11 MAY BE FOUND LISTED UNDER F663
OR 711459

Submitter comment: THIS WAS A VERY GOOD EXPERIENCE FOR ME

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DEARBORN

Date learned: 12-00-1973

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EASTER BUNNY

THE EASTER BUNNY (MY PARENTS) WOULD VISIT OUR HOUSE THE NIGHT
BEFORE EASTER MORNING. HE WOULD LEAVE BRIGHTLY COLORED EGGS,
ONES THAT I HAD DECORATED THE NIGHT BEFORE HIDDEN IN VARIOUS
SPOTS IN THE HOUSE, ALONG WITH BASKETS OF CHOCOLATES, JELLY
BEANS, AND OTHER CANDIES. I WOULD THEN FIND THESE GOODIES,
MY PARENTS ALSO USED TO GET LIVE BUNNIES FROM MY UNCLE'S RABBIT
FARM THAT WOULD BE HIDDEN IN THE HOUSE,

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; SAINT CLAIR SHORES

James Callow Keyword(s): GIFTS

Date learned: 0001950S

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EASTER

EASTER IS THE MOST IMPORTANT GREEK DAY IN THE YEAR. AFTER
CHURCH EVERYONE GOES HOME AND CRACKS HARD BOILED RED EGGS
TOGETHER. EACH HOLDS AN EGG AND HITS IT AGAINST SOMEONE
ELSE'S. THE ONE WHOSE EGG BREAKS FIRST WILL HAVE GOOD LUCK.

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

Date learned: 11-28-1972

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EASTER CUSTOM

AT EASTER EVERYBODY AT THE DINNER TAKES A BITE OF THE SAME EGG.
THIS IS SO EVERYBODY WILL GET ALONG DURING THE NEXT YEAR.

Submitter comment: INFORMANT'S FAMILY DID THIS WHEN SHE WAS SMALL

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; MONROE

Date learned: 10-07-1972

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PRETZEL SUNDAY

A FOLK CUSTOM IS STILL WIDELY OBSERVED ON THE FOURTH SUNDAY IN LENT
IN LUXEMBOURG. YOUNG MEN PRESENT CAKES, BRIGHTLY DECORATED AND BAKED
IN THE FORM OF PRETZELS TO THE YPUNG WOMEN. IF THE GIRL WISHES
TO ENCOURAGE THE YOUNG MAN, SHE GIVES HIM A DECORATED EGG ON EASTER
SUNDAY. IN LEAP YEAR, THE PLAN IS REVERSED: THE GIRL PRESENTS THE
CAKE AND THE BOY RECIPROCATES WITH AN EGG.

Data entry tech comment: PRETZELS HAVE BEEN ASSOCIATED WITH LENT SINCE THE BEGINNINGS OF
CHRISTIANITY. THE SHAPE IS SUPPOSED TO SUGGEST TWO
ARMS IN PRAYER.

Keyword(s): FOOD CUSTOM

Date learned: 03-18-1968

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EASTER:

PREPARATIONS FOR EASTER USUALLY BEGAN ON HOLY THURSDAY AND LASTED UP
TILL EASTER SUNDAY MORNING. THERE WAS CLEANING TO DO, BAKING,
COOKING, AND EGGS TO COLOR.
PEOPLE WERE REQUIRED TO GO TO MASS ON THURSDAY,
FRIDAY AND SATURDAY MORNINGS. ON SATURDAY AT MIDNIGHT THEY WERE ALSO
REQUIRED TO COME.
THE BAKING & COOKING STARTED OFF WITH "BABKA" - A POLISH KIND OF
BREAD; SWEET, WITH RAISINS. THIS WAS USUALLY EATEN WITH HONEY.
THERE WAS GOOSE, FISH, VEGETABLES - ALL KINDS OF FOOD IN HUGE
AMOUNTS. BUT WHAT EVERYONE ENJOYED MOST, WAS THE COLORING OF THE
EGGS.
BECAUSE LITHUANIANS ARE SO ARTISTIC, THEIR ART COMES OUT IN A SMALL
WAY ON THESE EGGS. THE PROCESS IS VERY SIMPLE: YOU TAKE A WAX
CANDLE, A PIN WITH A HEAD, AND A CLEAN, DRY, HARD-BOILED EGG. YOU
DIP THE PIN HEAD INTO THE MELTING WAX AND QUICKLY STROKE IT ONTO THE
EGG. WHEREVER THE WAX TOUCHES THE EGG, THE COLOR WILL NOT COVER IT
THERE. THERE ARE MANY MANY VARIOUS DESIGNS THAT YOU CAN CREATE
WITH THIS TYPE OF COLORING. AFTER THE WAX ON THE EGG IS DRY, YOU
DROP IT INTO COLD COLORS.
FOR A TWO COLOR, DUO-DESIGN EGG, IT IS JUST AS SIMPLE. THE EGG IS
WHITE FROM THE BEGINNING. YOU DRAW A DESIGN ON IT & DROP IT INTO
GREEN. YOU TAKE IT, PAT IT DRY VERY GENTLY AND THEN PROCEED WITH
ANOTHER DESIGN. YOU SIMPLY STROKE THE WAX ONTO THE GREEN PART OF THE
EGG & DROP IT INTO BLUE. LET'S SAY YOU KEEP IT IN FOR ONLY A FEW
MINUTES AND WHEN YOU TAKE IT: YOU HAVE A WHITE, GREEN & AQUA EGG.
THERE IS ANOTHER WAY OF COLORING EGGS, BUT MORE DIFFICULT. IT IS
HARDLY USED AT ALL TODAY, MY PARENTS NEVER USED IT, SO IT'S RATHER
HARD TO EXPLAIN. THE METHOD IS CARVING THE DESIGN RIGHT OUT ONTO THE
EGG. BUT SINCE I HAVEN'T BEEN ABLE TO FIND A MOST INFORMATIVE SOURCE
FOR THIS METHOD, THIS IS ALL I CAN SAY 'BOUT ( ABOUT ) IT.
EASTER MORNING, OR SATURDAY AT MIDNIGHT, THE CHURCH IS DARK, WITH
ONLY ONE DIM LIGHT IN THE BACK OF THE CHURCH. AT MIDNIGHT, THE
CANDLES ARE LIT, THE PEOPLE BEGIN TO SING AS THE PRIEST TAKES THE
MONSTRANCE AROUND THE CHURCH SEVERAL TIMES IN A PROCESSION. IN FRONT
OF THE PRIEST, THERE ARE SEVERAL GIRLS THROWING ROSE PETALS AT HIS
FEET. AFTER THE PROCESSION IS FINISHED, HE SAYS A SHORT PRAYER FOR
EVERYONE, BLESSES THE PEOPLE WITH HOLY WATER AND MASS BEGINS.
ON EASTER IN THE AFTERNOON, THE CHILDREN GET TOGETHER AND CHALLENGE
EACH OTHER TO AN "EGG-CONTEST". THIS REALLY CONSISTS OF TWO PARTS,
BUT THE OBJECTIVE IS THE SAME: TRYING TO CRACK THE OTHER EGG. THE
FIRST PART WOULD BE WHERE THE CHALLENGED EGG WAS BEING HELD WITH THE
POINTED NOSE UP, AND THE CHALLENGER WOULD ATTEMPT TO CRACK IT. IF
THE CHALLENGER'S EGG CRACKED, HE WAS THE LOSER. BUT IF THE
CHALLENGED EGG WON, HE COULD HAVE A SECOND TRY TO SEE HOW FAR HIS EGG
WOULD ROLL & IF HE CAN CRACK HIS OPPONENT'S EGG THIS WAY. THE
ROLLING WAS USUALLY HELD ON A GRASSY PIECE OF LAND. THERE WOULD BE A
SLANTED BOARD, SIMILAR TO A SLIDE AND THE EGGS WOULD BE ROLLED FROM
THIS. IF THE CHALLENGER'S EGG DEVELOPED A SECOND CRACK FROM HIS
OPPONENT, HE WAS OUT.
THE KIDS IN LITHUANIA DIDN'T RECEIVE EASTER BASKETS. THEY RECEIVED
EGGS, BUT HAD TO HUNT ALL OVER THE FARM FOR THEM. AND TO SOME LUCKY
ONES, IT BROUGHT THEM THE SATISFACTION OF HAVING THE STRONGEST EGG IN
THE VILLAGE.

Where learned: LOCATION NOT RECORDED BY COLLECTOR

Keyword(s): FOOD CUSTOM ; GAME ; MUSIC ; WATER

Date learned: 03-26-1972

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( HOLY WEEK CUSTOMS )

SOME OF THE OLD WORLD CUSTOMS THAT ARE CELEBRATED BY
POLISH-AMERICANS, AND ARE A BIG PART OF OUR HERITAGE STEM FROM
OUR CATHOLIC FAITH. THE BIGGEST AND MOST IMPORTANT IS EASTER.
AT THE CONCLUSION OF HOLY THURSDAY SERVICES OUR ALTAR IS
STRIPPED OF ITS VESTMENTS AND IS LEFT BARE. THE TABERNACLE
IS LEFT OPEN AND THE SACREMENT REMOVED. AT THE SIDE ALTAR THE
SEPULCHRE IS PREPARED. AT 3:00 ON GOOD FRIDAY THE FIGURE OF
CHRIST WILL BE LYING IN THE TOMB. ON GOOD FRIDAY ( , )
BEGINNING AT 12:00 NOON ( , ) THE CHURCH IS FILLED TO CAPACITY
WITH WORSHIPPERS COMMENORATING ( COMMEMORATING ) CHRIST'S
CRUCIFIXION. THE CROSS IS CARRIED THROUGH THE AISLES COVERING
CHRIST'S FOOTSTEPS ON THE WAY TO CALVARY. AT 3:00, THE PRIEST
LEADS THE PROCESSION TO THE SEPULCHRE AND THE FIGURE OF CHRIST IS
UNCOVERED.
THE MORNING OF HOLY SATURDAY FINDS THE PEOPLE COMING TO THE CHURCH
TO RECEIVE HOLY WATER AND THORNS. IN POLISH HOMES YOU WILL FIND
A RECEPTACLE FOR HOLY WATER AT THE ENTRANCE OF THE BEDROOMS FROM
WHICH THE MOTHER BLESSES HER FAMILY WHILE THEY ARE ASLEEP AT
NIGHT. A VISIT IS PAID TO THE SEPULCHRE WHICH IS GUARDED BY
SOLDIERS. THE PARISHIONERS BRING EASTER LILIES TO ADORN CHRIST'S
TOMB. AT 1:00 WE BRING FOOD BASKETS TO THE CHURCH TO BE BLESSED,
WHICH WILL BE EATEN FOR BREAKFAST ON EASTER. THE FOOD CONSISTS OF
POLISH SAUSAGE (KIELBASA) ( , ) BUTTER SHAPED IN THE FORM OF A
LAMB WITH A RED RIBBON AROUND ITS NECK, SIGNIFYING CHRIST,
THE SLAIN LAMB. A SWEET BREAD MADE OF EGG AND SWEET RAISINS IS
BRAIDED INTO A LOAF, HORSERADISH AND COLORED EASTER ( EGGS ) ARE
ALSO IN THE BASKET.
EASTER MORNING AT 5:00 A.M. THE SUNRISE SERVICES BEGIN.
CHILDREN DRESSED IN WHITE ( , ) WEARING BLUE CAPES ( , ) COME IN
PROCESSION CARRYING FLOWERS. THEY ARE MET AT THE ALTAR BY THE
PRIEST AND WITH A TRUMPET FANFARE PROCEED TO THE TOMB. THERE
THEY FIND THE FIGURE OF CHRIST HAS BEEN REMOVED AND WHERE HE LAID
FLOWERS EN-MASSE. ARTIFICIAL SUNRAYS PROFUSE FROM THE TOMB, AND
THE SOLDIERS ARE GONE. CHRIST IS RISEN.
IN THE OLD COUNTRY EASTER MONDAY FINDS THE BOYS CHASING THEIR
GIRLS WITH LONG SWITCHES TO SWITCH THEIR LEGS. THEY IN TURN,
ARE CHASING THE BOYS WITH BUCKETS OF WATER.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; 25940 MADISON CT ; 48081 ; SAINT CLAIR SHORES

Keyword(s): DYNGUS DAY ; FOOD CUSTOM ; MUSIC ; RITUAL WHIPPING ; SWIECZONKA ; SYMBOL ; WATER

Date learned: 11-10-1971

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TRADITIONAL POLISH CELEBRATION OF HOLY WEEK AND EASTER

ON HOLY THURSDAY THE BISHOPS AND PRIESTS WASH THE FEET OF 12
POOR PEOPLE IN MEMORY OF THE LAST SUPPER.
ON GOOD FRIDAY THERE IS A SPECIAL MASS WITH PRAYERS FOR ALL.
THE HOLY SACRAMENT IS PUT INTO A DARK CELL, AS CHRIST WAS, TO BE
ADORED CONSTANTLY. THERE IS A SPECIAL TOMB PUT UP AT A SIDE ALTAR
WHICH IS DECORATED WITH FLOWERS AND OFTEN DOVES. HERE THE PEOPLE
COME TO VISIT AND PRAY BOTH FRIDAY AND SATURDAY.
ON HOLY SATURDAY WATER AND THORNS ARE BLESSED IN THE MORNING AT
CHURCH. IN THE AFTERNOON, A BASKET OF FOOD IS TAKEN TO THE CHURCH TO
BE BLESSED. THE BASKET TRADITIONALLY CONTAINS BREAD, SALT, PEPPER,
EASTER EGGS (BOILED), KIELBASA (SAUSAGE), AND BUTTER IN THE FORM OF
A LAMB. ALSO, IT IS CUSTOMARY TO VISIT AS MANY CHURCHES AS POSSIBLE
THAT DAY.
AT DAWN OF EASTER SUNDAY, THE RESURRECTION MASS IS HELD.
AFTER THIS MASS, THE FAMILY COMES HOME TO EASTER BREAKFAST
COMPOSED OF THE EASTER BASKET FOOD. AS A CUSTOMARY PRACTICE, THE
MEAL IS STARTED BY THE OLDEST MEMBER, WHO TAKES A BLESSED EGG, WHICH
HAS BEEN QUARTERED, AND SHARES IT WITH EACH MEMBER, WISHING HIM
HAPPINESS AND HEALTH. THE EGG IS REPRESENTATIVE OF LIFE. THEN
EVERYONE SITS DOWN TO EAT THE EASTER MEAL.
MY GRANDMOTHER REMEMBERS THIS FROM PRACTICE TO THIS DAY.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; 7313 EMANON, ASSUMED ; DEARBORN

Keyword(s): FAMILY UNITY ; FOOD CUSTOM ; SWIECZONKA ; WATER

Date learned: 10-27-1967

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FRENCH EASTER CELEBRATION

ON GOOD FRIDAY AT O:00 P.M. ALL THE BELLS STOP AND THE
CHILDREN ARE TOLD THE BELLS HAVE FLOWN TO ROME. WHEN THE CHILDREN
HEAR THE BELLS ON EASTER THEY ARE TOLD THAT THE BELLS DROP
EASTER EGGS ON THEIR WAY BACK TO THE CHURCHES. THE EASTER EGG HUNT
BEGINS WHEN THE BELLS RING ON EASTER. THE BELLS TAKE THE PLACE OF
THE EASTER BUNNY.

Submitter comment: SEEN IN FRANCE

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; ROYAL OAK

Date learned: 00001964 SUMMER

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GOOD FRIDAY

IN BELGIUM, ON GOOD FRIDAY, IT IS BELIEVED THAT ALL THE CHURCH BELLS
FLEW TO ROME ON THAT DAY. THEY ALSO FLEW BACK ON EASTER SUNDAY AT
WHICH TIME THEY DROPPED EASTER EGGS FOR THE CHILDREN.

Submitter comment: RECORDED ON TAPE

Where learned: PENNSYLVANIA ; 935 FIDELITY DR ; PITTSBURGH ; 36

Date learned: 11-01-1970

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CHILDHOOD FESTIVAL CUSTOM

ON GOOD FRIDAY, DURING TREORES, A USUAL CUSTOM IS TO COLOR EASTER
EGGS.

Data entry tech comment: TREORES, OR TRE ORES, IS THE TRADITIONAL TIME SPENT ON GOOD
FRIDAY OBSERVING CHRIST'S CRUCIFIXION.
(BETWEEN THE HOURS OF 12:00 NOON AND 3:00 P.M.)

Where learned: HOME

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HOLY SATURDAY: PASANKA; WRITINGS

ON HOLY SATURDAY THE FAMILIES MADE PASANKA, OR WHAT WE KNOW AS EASTER
EGGS. FIRST ONION SKINS WERE SOAKED TO MAKE A BROWN DYE. THEN
DESIGNS WERE MADE ON THE EGGS WITH WAX. THE EGGS WERE THEN PUT IN
THE DYE. THE LONGER THEY SOAKED, THE DARKER THE EGGS GOT.
THE DESIGNS WERE MADE WITH A QUILL. THIS QUILL WAS DIPPED IN HOT WAX
AND THE DESIGNS WERE THEN PUT ON THE EGG.

Data entry tech comment: THE WORD PASANKA, WHICH I HAVE FOUND SPELLED PYSANKI, COMES FROM THE
UKRAINIAN WORD, PYSAC: TO WRITE, TO DESIGN. THE CUSTOM HAS BEEN
ELEVATED TO A FINE ART; EACH EGG IS, IN THE WORDS OF F.X. WEISER, THE
EASTER BOOK, "A MASTERPIECE OF PATIENT LABOR, NATIVE SKILL, AND
EXQUISITE WORKMANSHIP." "NO TWO PYSANKI ARE IDENTICAL."

Where learned: HOME

Date learned: 11-27-1967

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ON HOLY SATURDAY FOOD IS BROUGHT TO BE BLESSED AT THE CHURCHES
IN GERMANY. THE FARMERS HAVE A CUSTOM OF USING SOME OF THE BLESSED
PALM WHICH THEY GOT FROM THE CHURCH ON PALM SUNDAY ( , ) ALONG WITH
SOME SHELLS OF THE BLESSED EGGS FROM THE BLESSING OF THE FOOD, AND
PLACE IT IN THE FOUR CORNERS OF THEIR CROP FIELDS AND PRAY THE ROSARY
AND SPRINKLE HOLY WATER AS THEY PRAY FOR A GOOD CROP.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; MARYGROVE COLLEGE ; DETROIT

Keyword(s): METONYMY: FOUR CORNERS ; SWIECZONKA ; WATER

Date learned: 11-00-1970

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CUSTOM HOLY SATURDAY

THE FAMILIES TAKE A BASKET OF FOOD TO CHURCH IN THE AFTERNOON AND
HAVE IT BLESSED BY THE PRIEST. THIS BASKET ONCE CONTAINED ONLY SMALL
LOAVES OF BREAD, BUT NOW CONTAINS BREAD, BUTTER, SALT, SAUSAGE, AND
COLORED EGGS. THIS IS THE FIRST FOOD EATEN WHEN THE FAMILY RETURNS
FROM MASS ON EASTER SUNDAY.
THIS IS A REMEMBRANCE OF THE MIRACLE OF THE LOAVES AND THE FISHES; IT
IS ALSO A REQUEST THAT GOD WILL MAKE THE YEAR PLENTIFUL.

Where learned: HOME

Keyword(s): FOOD CUSTOM ; SWIECZONKA

Date learned: 11-27-1967

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EASTER SATURDAY

THE UKRAINIANS BLESS BASKETS CONTAINING: A SPECIAL EASTER BREAD
"PASKA", MEAT, EGGS, CHEESE, BUTTER, SALT, HORSERADISH AND
SPECIALLY PAINTED EASTER EGGS, IN CHURCH ON EASTER SATURDAY, IN A
SPECIAL CEREMONY. A LIGHTED CANDLE IS PUT BY EACH BASKET.
(ORIGINALLY, AND IN SOME CHURCHES EVEN NOW, THE CEREMONY TOOK PLACE
BEFORE SUNRISE EASTER SUNDAY. WEATHER PERMITTING, THIS CEREMONY IS
PERFORMED OUTSIDE.)

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; WARREN ; 4340 BERNICE

Keyword(s): FOOD CUSTOM ; SWIECZONKA

Date learned: 10-00-1970

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ON THE SATURDAY BEFORE EASTER SUNDAY, FOOD, USUALLY SAUSAGES, COLORED
EGGS, BREAD, CAKES, ETC., ARE TAKEN TO THE CHURCH IN GAILY DECORATED
BASKETS TO BE BLESSED. ON EASTER SUNDAY MORNING, AFTER THE
RESURRECTION MASS, THE FOOD WHICH WAS BLESSED THE PREVIOUS DAY IS
EATEN FOR BREAKFAST.

Submitter comment: INFORMANT SAID THAT SHE AND HER HUSBAND STILL PRACTICE THIS CUSTOM
ALTHOUGH IT IS ONLY ACKNOWLEDGED IN OLD POLISH-CATHOLIC PARISHES.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT ; 10438 BONITA

Keyword(s): FOOD CUSTOM ; SWIECZONKA

Date learned: 11-07-1971

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EASTER CUSTOM

ON HOLY SATURDAY, SLOVAK PEOPLE GATHER AT THEIR CHURCH TO HAVE THEIR
EASTER BASKETS BLESSED BY THE PARISH PRIEST. THE BASKETS CONTAIN
DYED EASTER EGGS, HAM, KIELBASA, BUTTER--USUALLY MOLDED IN THE FORM
OF A LAMB SIGNIFYING CHRIST, HOME-BAKED BREAD, SOME CANDY AND
"HRUTKA", AN EGG AND MILK CONCOCTION FORMED LIKE A HUGE PIECE OF
CHEESE. A PREVIOUSLY BLESSED CANDLE IS LIGHTED AND PROPPED UP IN THE
BASKET. IT IS A QUICK CEREMONY IN WHICH THE PRIEST RECITES
TRADITIONAL PRAYERS AND WALKS AMONG THE BASKETS, SPRINKLING HOLY
WATER, ( AND THEN ) THE PEOPLE RETURN HOME WITH THEIR BLESSED FOOD.
IF ANY OF IT IS NOT EATEN, IT CANNOT BE THROWN TO THE GARBAGE BUT
MUST BE BURNED BECAUSE IT IS SPECIAL--IT HAS BEEN BLESSED.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT ; 885 COVINGTON DR

Keyword(s): FOOD CUSTOM ; SWIECZONKA ; SYMBOL ; WATER

Date learned: 03-22-1970

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EASTER CUSTOM

ON EASTER SATURDAY, IN OUR SLOVENIAN PARISH, BASKETS OF FOOD (HOME-
MADE BREAD, EASTER EGGS, SAUSAGE, HAM, POTICA--A TYPE OF NUTBREAD--)
ARE TAKEN TO THE CHURCH TO BE GIVEN A SPECIAL BLESSING. THIS FOOD
IS THEN EATEN FOR BREAKFAST ON EASTER SUNDAY, MONDAY, AND TUESDAY.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT ; 212 HOLDEN HALL

Keyword(s): FOOD CUSTOM ; SWIECZONKA

Date learned: 10-02-1967

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EASTER CUSTOM (POLISH)

DIFFERENT FOODS: BREAD, CAKE, COLORED EGGS, HAM, SALT, PEPPER, ETC.
ARE PLACED IN A BASKET AND TAKEN TO THE CHURCH ON THE SATURDAY BEFORE
EASTER WHERE THEY ARE BLESSED BY A PRIEST. THEY ARE THEN PLACED ON
THE TABLE ON EASTER WITH THE OTHER FOOD. ( THIS ) CUSTOM ORIGINATED
IN SMALL VILLAGES WHERE THE PRIEST USED TO VISIT THE HOUSES OF THE
PARISHIONERS ON EASTER TO BLESS THE TABLE.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; GARDEN CITY ; 30924 BLOCK, ASSUMED

Keyword(s): FOOD CUSTOM ; SWIECZONKA

Date learned: 00-00-1950

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