EASTER CUSTOM ( HOLY SATURDAY )

ON HOLY SATURDAY, POLISH PEOPLE TAKE A BASKET OF FOOD TO THE CHURCH
TO BE BLESSED. THIS FOOD MUST INCLUDE SAUSAGE, BUTTER, EGGS, GARLIC,
SALT, FRESH BREAD AND CHEESE. THE PRIEST BLESSES THIS FOOD WHICH IS
THEN EATEN COLD FOR EASTER SUNDAY BREAKFAST.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT

Keyword(s): SWIECZONKA

Date learned: 10-15-1971

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EASTER BASKETS

IT IS CUSTOMARY FOR POLISH PEOPLE ON THE SATURDAY BEFORE
EASTER SUNDAY (HOLY SATURDAY) TO TAKE A BASKET OF FOOD TO A
NEARBY CHURCH TO HAVE IT BLESSED.

Submitter comment: INFORMANT KNOWS THIS THROUGH HER MOTHER WHO IMMIGRATED TO THE UNITED
STATES FROM POLAND. THE PRACTICE IS COMMON NOW TO THE POLISH PEOPLE
OF BOTH COUNTRIES.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT ; 4706 CAMPBELL

Keyword(s): SWIECZONKA

Date learned: 11-01-1971

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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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POLISH EASTER CUSTOM

ON HOLY SATURDAY, MY BROTHERS AND I USUALLY ACCOMPANIED MY MOTHER TO
CHURCH. WE TOOK WITH US FOOD THAT WOULD BE EATEN ON EASTER SUNDAY.
NOT ALL OF THE FOOD WOULD BE TAKEN, OF COURSE, BUT MERELY
REPRESENTATIVE PORTIONS. OUR BASKET WOULD CONTAIN A FEW LINKS OF
KIELBASA, SOME SLICES OF HAM, SEVERAL BOILED EGGS, A PORTION OF A
COFFEE CAKE WHICH MY MOTHER BAKED ONLY AT CHRISTMAS AND EASTER,
( AND ) SOME POTATOES WHICH WERE TO BE USED IN THE POTATO SALAD. I
BELIEVE WE WENT TO CHURCH IN THE AFTERNOON, WHEN LENT WAS
OFFICIALLY ENDED AND THERE THE PRIEST WOULD WALK UP AND DOWN THE
AISLES AND BLESS THE EASTER BASKETS WITH HOLY WATER. SOME PARISHES
IN WHICH WE LIVED DID NOT PRACTICE THIS CUSTOM AND FOR MANY YEARS WE
DID NOT HAVE OUR FOOD BLESSED. NOW, MY PARISH, WHICH IS BY NO MEANS
COMPRISED OF A POLISH ETHNIC GROUP, HAS BEGUN THE PRACTICE. THE
PEOPLE IN OUR SUBURB ARE CLAIMING THAT THIS PARISH IS THE ONLY ONE
TO DO THIS AND ( THAT ) IT IS A ROSEVILLE CUSTOM, NOT RELATED
IN ANY WAY TO POLISH CUSTOMS.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; 17824 LINCOLN DR ; ROSEVILLE

Keyword(s): FOOD CUSTOM ; SWIECZONKA ; WATER

Date learned: DATE NOT RECORDED BY COLLECTOR

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BLESSING OF FRUIT

EASTER SATURDAY ( , ) A POLISH FAMILY WOULD FILL A BASKET WITH FOOD,
ENOUGH FOR SUNDAY BREAKFAST, WHICH WOULD CONSIST OF BREAD; SALT;
MEATS, USUALLY HAM AND SAUSAGE; ( AND ) EGGS, HARD BOILED WITH NO
SHELLS. THIS BASKET WOULD BE TAKEN TO A CATHOLIC CHURCH AND BLESSED
BY A PRIEST. SUNDAY MORNING A WHITE BROTH WOULD BE MADE. THE FOOD
THAT WAS BLESSED IS CUT UP, AS MUCH AS EACH INDIVIDUAL WILL EAT, AND
THE WHITE BROTH WOULD BE POURED OVER IT. THIS BLESSED FOOD WAS NEVER
EATEN AFTER TWELVE NOON SUNDAY.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

Keyword(s): FOOD CUSTOM ; SWIECZONKA

Date learned: 00-00-1968

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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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POLISH CUSTOM

AT EASTER, THE MOTHER OF A POLISH FAMILY PREPARES A BASKET WHICH IS
FILLED WITH KIELBASA, EGGS, HAM, SWEETBREAD, SALT, PEPPER,
HORSERADISH AND BUTTER. (THE BUTTER IS USUALLY IN THE SHAPE OF A
PASCHAL LAMB.) SOMEONE FROM THE FAMILY TAKES THE BASKET TO CHURCH ON
HOLY SATURDAY TO HAVE IT BLESSED. THE FAMILY EATS THE FOOD, WHICH
IS COLD, FOR BREAKFAST ON EASTER SUNDAY. POLISH PARISHES CONTINUE
THE CUSTOM OF BLESSING THE PASCHAL FOOD.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT ; 8320 E LANTZ ; 48234

Keyword(s): FOOD CUSTOM ; SWIECZONKA

Date learned: DATE NOT RECORDED BY COLLECTOR

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LENTEN CUSTOM

ON HOLY SATURDAY, CZECHOSLOVAKIAN FAMILIES TAKE A PIECE OF BUTTER IN
THE FORM OF A LAMB AND HAVE IT BLESSED AND EAT IT DURING EASTER WEEK.
THIS SYMBOLIZES THE LAMB OF GOD SACRIFICED ON GOOD FRIDAY.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

Keyword(s): FOOD CUSTOM ; SWIECZONKA

Date learned: 03-30-1968

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POLISH RELIGIOUS CUSTOM SWIECZONKA--BLESSING OF FOOD

FOOD, CONSISTING OF FRESH SAUSAGE, HAM, SALT, PEPPER, COOKED EGGS,
CAKES, FANCY SWEETBREADS AND BREAD, ARE ( IS ) TAKEN TO CHURCH HOLY
SATURDAY MORNING AND THE PRIEST BLESSES EACH BASKET. PURPOSE OF THIS
CEREMONY IS TO HAVE THIS BLESSED FOOD EASTER SUNDAY TO BEGIN THE
PASCHAL SEASON WITH THE NEW RISEN CHRIST.

Where learned: OHIO ; Sylvania

Keyword(s): FOOD CUSTOM ; SWIECZONKA

Date learned: DATE NOT RECORDED BY COLLECTOR

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EASTER CUSTOMS

BASKETS FULL OF CANDY ARE PREPARE(D) THE DAY BEFORE EASTER AND ARE
TAKEN TO THE CHURCH TO BE BLESSED. A LITTLE PIECE OF EVERYTHING MUST
BE EATEN THAT DAY. ALSO, A LITTLE HORSERADISH MUST BE EATEN ON
EASTER.

Where learned: UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT

Keyword(s): FOOD CUSTOM ; SWIECZONKA

Date learned: 11-00-1968

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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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EASTER CUSTOM

ON THE DAY BEFORE EASTER, THE MOTHER OF EACH FAMILY TAKES A BASKET
CONTAINING THE FOOD SHE WILL SERVE ON EASTER TO THE CHURCH TO BE
BLESSED BY THE PRIEST. (USUALLY BETWEEN 12 AND 1:00 IN THE
AFTERNOON.)

Submitter comment: PRACTICED IN PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA ABOUT 1910.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

Keyword(s): FOOD CUSTOM

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EASTER CUSTOM

ON HOLY SATURDAY OF EASTER WEEK, EACH FAMILY TAKES A BASKET OF FOOD
TO CHURCH TO BE BLESSED. ALL THE FOOD IS PRE-PREPARED: HARD BOILED
EGGS, BREAD, SAUSAGE, HAM, SALT AND PEPPER, BUTTER AND HORSERADISH.
THE NEXT MORNING, ALL OF THE BLESSED FOOD IS EATEN. THE FATHER
CHOPS UP THE EGG INTO AS MANY PIECES AS THERE ARE MEMBERS OF THE
FAMILY, AND DISTRIBUTES THEM TO BE EATEN.

Where learned: HOME ; MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

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

Date learned: 11-02-1969

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HOLY SATURDAY

A POLISH TRADITION, WHICH IS CELEBRATED ON HOLY SATURDAY, IS OBSERVED
DURING EASTER WEEK. ON THIS DAY THE ENTIRE FAMILY ABSTAINS FROM FOOD
UNTIL DINNER TIME, WHERE ( WHEN ) THE FAMILY IS SERVED A MODERATE
DINNER OF FISH AND POTATOES. AFTER DINNER THE FAMILY EATS A PIECE
OF ANGEL BREAD (A LIGHT WAFER), AND EXCHANGES A PIECE WITH EVERYONE
ELSE AT THE TABLE. THIS REPRESENTS THE NEW LIFE WHICH IS COMING ON
EASTER SUNDAY.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT ; 19415 WALTHAM

Keyword(s): FAMILY UNITY ; FOOD CUSTOM ; SYMBOL

Date learned: 03-17-1970

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BLESSING OF FOOD

FOOD IS BLESSED BEFORE EASTER BECAUSE IT IS A BLESSING OF THE FIRST
FRUITS OF THE SEASON, OR IN A CHRISTIAN SENSE, OF A NEW LIFE WITH THE
RISEN CHRIST. IT IS COMMON IN THE SLAVIC COUNTRIES AND IN SOME
MIDDLE-EAST COUNTRIES.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT ; 4598 E OUTER DR ; 48234

Keyword(s): SWIECZONKA ; SYMBOL

Date learned: 01-17-1968

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"ANGEL BREAD"

ON EASTER EVE, IT IS A POLISH CUSTOM TO PASS A LOAF OF WAFER BREAD
AROUND TO EACH MEMBER OF THE FAMILY. EACH MEMBER TAKES A PIECE OF
BREAD AND EATS IT. IT IS A GESTURE OF UNITY AMONG THE FAMILY.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

Keyword(s): FAMILY UNITY ; FOOD CUSTOM ; SYMBOL

Date learned: 09-22-1969

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AT SUNRISE ON EASTER MORNING, PEOPLE GATHER ON FEDERAL HILL,
IN BALTIMORE, MARYLAND, TO SEE THE FACE OF THE SAVIOR ( SAVIOUR )
IN THE SUN AS IT RISES.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; MARYGROVE COLLEGE ; DETROIT

Keyword(s): JESUS

Date learned: 02-12-1968

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LITHUANIAN EASTER CUSTOM

ON EASTER SUNDAY MORNING, LITHUANIAN YOUNGSTERS STRIKE EACH OTHER
WITH HAY TO AWAKEN THEIR SOULS TO THE NEW RELIGIOUS YEAR THAT IS
BEGINNING.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

Keyword(s): RITUAL WHIPPING ; SYMBOL

Date learned: 11-16-1969

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CUSTOM

ON EASTER MORNING, APPROXIMATELY 5:00 A.M., THE PRIEST APPROCHES
( APPROACHES ) THE FRONT DOOR OF THE CHURCH AND KNOCKS 3 TIMES
WITH A CRUCIFIX.

Submitter comment: (THIS IS A SIGN THAT CHRIST HAS RISEN WHEN THE DOOR IS OPENED LIKE
THE TOMB WAS OPENED.)

Where learned: HOME

Keyword(s): SYMBOLIC ACTION

Date learned: 10-00-1968

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