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A WOMAN MUST NOT TRIP OVER ANY TYPE CORD DURING PREGNANCY. IF THE
EXPECTANT MOTHER WAS TO BE UNFORTUNATE ENOUGH TO DO SO, THE UMBILICAL
CORD WOULD WRAP AROUND THE UNBORN CHILD'S NECK AND THE BABY WOULD BE
STRANGLED TO DEATH.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
James Callow Keyword(s): SYMBOL ; SYMPATHETIC MAGIC
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Birth BELIEF -- Death Funeral Burial BELIEF -- Means of Causing or Avoiding Illness |
Date learned: 10-00-1975
"BAR TIME" IS THE TIME ON CLOCKS IN BARS AND LOUNGES. IT IS ALWAYS
FAST, USUALLY TEN OR FIFTEEN MINUTES SO. THIS IS TO PROVIDE
INSURANCE THAT THE BARTENDER DOES NOT SERVE ANY DRINKS AFTER THE
TIME SPECIFIED BY THE LIQUOR LAWS OF THE LOCALE.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT ; PAT SULLIVANS TAVERN
James Callow Keyword(s): ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Entertainment Diversion CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Common law BELIEF -- Measure of time WeekDayHour SPEECH -- Vocabulary of Special Group |
Date learned: 10-00-1975
AN INDIVIDUAL WHO IS NOT ALLOWED ENTRANCE INTO A DRINKING
ESTABLISHMENT BECAUSE OF SOME PREVIOUS MISDOINGS IS SAID TO BE
"BARRED" FROM THE PREMISES.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT ; PAT SULLIVANS TAVERN
James Callow Keyword(s): ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES ; SLANG
| Subject headings: | SPEECH -- Trade & commerce |
Date learned: 10-00-1975
A "SHELL" IS A GLASS OF DRAFT BEER. WHEN DRAFT BEER IS POURED IN
LARGER GOBLET LIKE GLASSES IT IS CALLED A "BOOMBA."
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT ; PAT SULLIVANS TAVERN
James Callow Keyword(s): ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES ; SLANG
| Subject headings: | Food Drink -- Kind of Food and Its Preparation SPEECH -- Trade & commerce |
Date learned: 10-00-1975
JERRY FORD JOKE
Q: WHICH MEMBERS OF HIS FAMILY DOES JERRY FORD TALK TO BEFORE CASTING
HIS VOTE ON ELECTION DAY?
A: ALL FIVE OF THEM. JERRY HOLDS THE LEVER AND WHEN HE SAYS "NOW:"
THEY JERK THE VOTING MACHINE UP AND DOWN.
Submitter comment: PRESIDENT
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
James Callow Keyword(s): INSULT ; NUMBERS ; POLISH JOKE? ; PRESIDENT GERALD FORD
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Secular hero RIDDLE -- Riddle Question |
Date learned: 10-00-1975
ETHNIC CUSTOM
DECEMBER 6 IS THE FEAST OF ST. NICHOLAS. ON THE NIGHT OF DECEMBER 5,
IN GERMAN HOMES, CHILDREN HANG UP THEIR STOCKINGS. IF THEY HAVE BEEN
GOOD DURING THE YEAR, THEIR STOCKING IS FILLED WITH CANDY, NUTS AND
TANGERINES. IF THEY HAVE BEEN BAD, THE STOCKING IS FILLED WITH COAL
Submitter comment:
THIS WAS A CUSTOM MY MOTHER'S FAMILY FOLLOWED AND WHICH WE FOLLOWED
FROM ABOUT THE TIME I WAS 5 UNTIL I WAS 17.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
James Callow Keyword(s): SYMBOL ; THREAT
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- F120 CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 6 Feast of St. Nicholas CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- September 23 equinox to December 20 Also used for Advent. |
Date learned: CA00001960
THE LADY IN WHITE
IF YOU DRIVE A CAR TO BELLE ISLE AT NIGHT, DRIVE TO A CERTAIN
DESERTED ROAD, PARK THE CAR AND TURN OUT THE LIGHTS. IF YOU ARE
QUIET, EVENTUALLY A LADY DRESSED ALL IN WHITE WILL FLOAT OVER TO YOUR
CAR FROM THE WOODS AND LOOK IN YOUR FRONT WINDOW. IF YOU SCREAM
OR TURN ON YOUR LIGHTS SHE WILL VANISH.
Submitter comment:
THIS WAS LEARNED IN A STORY SESSION AT A GIRL SCOUT CAMP SEVERAL
YEARS AGO. SEVERAL OF THE GIRLS SWORE THEY HAD SEEN THE LADY IN
WHITE. THERE WAS ALSO A STORY IN EITHER THE DETROIT NEWS OR THE
DETROIT FREE PRESS ON THE LADY IN WHITE A FEW YEARS AGO.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
James Callow Keyword(s): COLOR
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Supernatural Being BELIEF -- Product or activity of man or animal |
SUPERSTITION
IF ONE DRIVES IN A CAR TO BELLE ISLE AND PARKS THE CAR ON A CERTAIN
DARK ROAD, TURNING OUT THE LIGHTS AND REMAINING PERFECTLY QUIET, A
SERIES OF WHITE DOTS WILL POP OUT OF THE WOODS AND CLOSE IN ON THE
WINDSHIELD OF YOUR CAR. IF YOU TURN ON YOUR LIGHTS THEY WILL GO
AWAY.
Submitter comment:
I LEARNED THIS AT A GIRL SCOUT CAMP STORY SESSION SEVERAL YEARS
AGO. I HAVE NEVER TRIED IT MYSELF, BUT SEVERAL OF THE GIRLS HAD AND
SWORE THE STORY WAS TRUE.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
James Callow Keyword(s): COLOR
| Subject headings: | SPEECH -- To Be Seen |
Date learned: CA00001967
WEDDING SHOWER CUSTOM
AT A BRIDAL SHOWER, THE NUMBER OF RIBBONS BROKEN FROM THE PRESENTS
THE BRIDE RECEIVES INDICATES THE NUMBER OF CHILDREN SHE WILL HAVE.
SEVEN BROKEN RIBBONS MEAN SEVEN CHILDREN.
Submitter comment:
EVERYONE LAUGHS AT THIS CUSTOM, BUT AT EVERY BRIDAL SHOWER I HAVE
ATTENDED THE FUTURE BRIDE HAS BEEN VERY CAREFUL. I HAVE NEVER
SEEN A BROKEN RIBBON.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; LIVONIA
James Callow Keyword(s): NUMBERS ; SYMBOLS
| Subject headings: | 686 Seven / Sevenths / Several Observation BELIEF -- Birth |
Date learned: CA00001970
THE EVIL EYE
TWO SIGNS WHICH SHOULD BE WORN TOGETHER ON A CHAIN ARE A HAND WITH
THE INDEX AND LITTLE FINGERS EXTENDED AND AN ITALIAN HORN. THEY
ARE WORN TO WARD OFF THE EVIL EYE. THE SYMBOL OF THE HAND IS ALSO
DONE WHEN YOU WANT TO WISH PEOPLE THE EVIL EYE.
Submitter comment:
THE ITALIAN HORN HAS IN RECENT YEARS BECOME A FAD AND IS WORN BY
MANY PEOPLE.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT ; CAMPUS
James Callow Keyword(s): GESTURE SYMBOL ; MANU CORNUTA
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Body part Senses Eyes, evil eye BELIEF -- Sign Color SPEECH -- Gesture |
Date learned: 11-00-1975
MOTHER'S DAY CUSTOM
IF YOU WANT TO BUY YOUR MOTHER A CORSAGE FOR MOTHER'S DAY, THERE ARE
THINGS YOU SHOULD FIRST KNOW. IF YOUR MOTHER'S MOTHER IS DEAD, YOU
SHOULD BUY HER A WHITE FLOWER. IF YOUR MOTHER'S MOTHER IS ALIVE,
YOU SHOULD BUY HER A PINK FLOWER. I DON'T KNOW WHAT A RED FLOWER
MEANS.
Submitter comment:
THIS WAS TOLD TO ME WHEN I BOUGHT MY MOTHER THE WRONG COLOR OF
FLOWER. I HAVE BEEN MORE CAREFUL SINCE THEN.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
James Callow Keyword(s): COLOR SYMBOL
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- March 21 equinox to June 20 BELIEF -- Color |
LENTEN CUSTOMS:
DURING THE FOUR WEEKS OF LENT FOUR CANDLES ARE PLACED IN A ROUND
WREATH. EACH DAY OF THE FIRST WEEK THE FIRST CANDLE IS BURNED FOR
A FEW MINUTES AND A PRAYER IS SAID. (DURING THE SECOND, THIRD,
AND FOURTH WEEKS THE SAME IS DONE.)
Data entry tech comment:
I THINK THAT INFORMANT HAS THIS CUSTOM MIXED UP WITH THAT OF THE
FOUR WEEKS OF ADVENT THAT ARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS. IF THIS IS A TRUE
CUSTOM, I WONDER WHAT IS DONE ON THE 5TH AND 6TH SUNDAYS OF LENT.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
Keyword(s): SYMBOL
| Subject headings: | 663 Lent |
Date learned: 10-27-1969
( 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
HOLY WEEK
IN UKRAINE, ON GOOD FRIDAY, THERE IS A NOON SERVICE IN CHURCH CALLED
A ( UKRANIAN WORD HAS BEEN OMITTED BECAUSE ALPHABET COULDN'T BE
DUPLICATED--TRANSLATION FOLLOWS ) (CLOTH IN WHICH JESUS WAS WRAPPED
AFTER DEATH). THE CLOTH IS CARRIED AROUND THE CHURCH 3 TIMES BY THE
4 ELDEST PARISHIONERS, THEN IT'S PLACED BEFORE THE ALTER ( ALTAR )
(HOLY GRAVE), AND ALL THE PEOPLE WALK UP TO IT ON THEIR KNEES AND
KISS IT. DURING ( THE ) SERVICE, RINGING OF BELLS STOPS AND
HAMMERING ON WOOD BEGINS (REPRESENTS MOURNING).
Submitter comment: INFORMANT LEARNED THIS FROM RELATIVES.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
Keyword(s): HOLY SHROUD
| Subject headings: | 663 Good Friday CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Church CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Spring Planting Holy Week |
Date learned: 12-03-1967
GOOD FRIDAY SUPPER
ON GOOD FRIDAY, ONE CAN ONLY HAVE ONE MEAL. HE SHOULD SPEND THE REST
OF HIS DAY CONTEMPLATING THE SERIOUS OCCASION WHICH THE DATE
REPRESENTS. THE MEAL SHOULD CONSIST OF COOKED NOODLES, PRUNES, AND
SMALL SQUARES OF BREAD. THIS AGAIN SHOULD REPRESENT THE SEVERITY
OF CHRIST'S DEATH AND ITS IMPORTANCE TO MANKIND.
Submitter comment:
THIS IS A TRADITIONAL CUSTOM OF THE PEOPLE OF WESTPHALIA. MR.
STOERKEL IS FROM THIS AREA OF GERMANY.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; Mount Clemens
Keyword(s): FOOD CUSTOM ; SELF-SACRIFICE--FASTING ; SYMBOL
| Subject headings: | 663 Good Friday |
Date learned: 00001940S LATE
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
| Subject headings: | 663 Holy Saturday CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Spring Planting Easter eggs BELIEF -- Prayer |
Date learned: 03-22-1970
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
| Subject headings: | 663 Holy Saturday CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Spring Planting Easter Sunday |
Date learned: 03-17-1970
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
| Subject headings: | 663 Holy Saturday BELIEF -- Prayer |
Date learned: 01-17-1968
"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
| Subject headings: | 663 Holy Saturday |
Date learned: 09-22-1969
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
| Subject headings: | Favorites CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Spring Planting Easter Sunday |
Date learned: 11-16-1969