( 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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A RELIGIOUS TRADITION

ON HOLY SATURDAY WE ALL WENT TO CHURCH FOR THE AFTERNOON SERVICES
WHICH WERE BLESSING THE NEW FIRE AND BLESSING HOLY WATER AND SOME
OTHERS. WE WOULD PICK UP SOME OF THE NEW HOLY WATER WHEN WE WENT
HOME FOR HOME USE.

Submitter comment: PRACTISED AS A CHILD AT HOME.

Data entry tech comment: "AND SOME OTHERS." COULD POSSIBLY REFER TO THE BLESSING OF THE FOOD
WHICH IS TO BE EATEN ON EASTER SUNDAY.

Where learned: HOME ; TOLD IN

Keyword(s): SWIECZONKA ; WATER

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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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HOLY SATURDAY

IS TO HAVE THORNS BLESSED WHICH ARE PUT ON THEIR CHIMNEYS IN ORDER

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; RENO HALL ; DETROIT

Keyword(s): FOOD CUSTOM ; SWIECZONKA

Date learned: 10-03-1968

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FOOD BLESSED

ON HOLY SATURDAY ( , ) SEVERAL PEOPLE GET TOGETHER AT AN APPOINTED
HOUSE AND EVERYONE BRINGS VARIOUS ITEMS OF FOOD. THEY WOULD INCLUDE
HAM, BREAD, EGGS AND SALT. ALL OF THIS FOOD WOULD BE BLESSED AND
IT WOULD BE THE FIRST FOOD EATEN ON EASTER SUNDAY.

Submitter comment: THIS WAS A TRADITIONAL CUSTOM IN THE UPPER PENINSULA.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; 2313 COUNTY RD ; CALUMET

Keyword(s): FOOD CUSTOM ; SWIECZONKA

Date learned: DATE NOT RECORDED BY COLLECTOR

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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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HOLY SATURDAY RELIGIOUS CUSTOM

ON HOLY SATURDAY MORNING OF EASTERTIDE, MOST POLISH-AMERICANS HAVE
THE TRADITIONAL CUSTOM OF TAKING FOOD FOR THEIR EASTER DINNER IN A
LARGE BASKET TO THE CATHOLIC CHURCH IN THEIR NEIGHBORHOOD FOR A
BLESSING BY THEIR PRIEST. THE BASKET IS USUALLY OF THE WICKER
TYPE AND CONTAINS SUCH ITEMS AS HAM, HARD BOILED EGGS, BUTTER, SMALL
LOAVES OF BREAD, AND KIELBASA (THE SPECIAL SAUSAGE MADE BY
POLISH-AMERICANS THEMSELVES). THE TOP OF EACH BASKET IS USUALLY
COVERED WITH A SMALL CLOTH OR TOWEL, AND WHEN THE PRIEST COMES DOWN
THE MAIN AISLE OF THE CHURCH, THE PEOPLE REMOVE THESE TOWELS SO THAT
SOME HOLY WATER IS SPRINKLED ON THEIR FOOD. THEN THE TOWEL IS
REPLACED AND TUCKED OVER THE FOOD AFTER THE BLESSING WITH HOLY WATER.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; TROY

Keyword(s): FOOD CUSTOM ; SWIECZONKA

Date learned: 10-03-1969

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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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PRE-EASTER CUSTOM

SWIECONKA--ON THE SATURDAY BEFORE EASTER, A POLISH PERSON WILL TAKE
HIS EASTER BASKET TO CHURCH AND HAVE THE PRIEST BLESS IT TO INSURE
GOOD FORTUNE ON HIMSELF.

Data entry tech comment: ANOTHER SPELLING FOR THIS CUSTOM, WHICH EXTENDS TO ALL SLAVIC
PEOPLES, IS SWIECZONKA. BOTH SPELLINGS APPEAR TO BE ACCEPTABLE.

Where learned: TELEPHONE ; TOLD BY

Keyword(s): SWIECZONKA

Date learned: 11-02-1971

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EASTER CUSTOM

A BASKET OF FOOD CONTAINING HARD-BOILED EGGS, KHOBASI, SALT, HOMEMADE
NUT OR/AND POPPYSEED CAKE, AND BREAD (HOMEMADE IF
POSSIBLE) IS TAKEN TO THE CHURCH ON HOLY SATURDAY TO BE BLESSED BY
THE PRIEST WITH HOLY WATER. THIS FOOD CANNOT BE EATEN UNTIL
EASTER SUNDAY MORNING. ALL OF THE FOOD MUST BE EATEN. IT CANNOT BE
THROWN AWAY.

Submitter comment: (1890'S)
INFORMANT'S PARENTS FOLLOWED THIS PRACTICE AND INFORMANT ALSO STILL
FOLLOWS IT.

Where learned: PENNSYLVANIA ; 15209 ; PITTSBURGH ; 1579 ANDERSON RD

Keyword(s): FOOD CUSTOM ; SWIECZONKA

Date learned: 10-02-1971

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POLISH EASTER CUSTOM

AT MASS ON EASTER SATURDAY EACH POLISH FAMILY BRINGS A BASKET OF FOOD
WITH THEM. INSIDE IS EVERYTHING THEY ARE PLANNING TO EAT ON EASTER
SUNDAY, BREAD, KILBASA, HAM, COLORED EGGS, BUTTER, SALT. THE FATHER
OF THE FAMILY BRINGS THIS BASKET TO ( THE ) ALTAR TO BE BLESSED.
AFTER MASS EACH FAMILY COLLECTS THEIR OWN AND LEAVES.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; HARPER WOODS ; 20887 BEAUFAIT

Keyword(s): FOOD CUSTOM ; SWIECZONKA

Date learned: 11-22-1971

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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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