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IN OBERAMERGAUE, GERMANY DURING CHRISTMAS TIME, THEY
HOLD A PASSION PLAY, DEPICTING THE BIRTH OF OUR LORD.

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

Keyword(s): BIRTH OF OUR LORD=CHRISTMAS. ; SOME CONTRADICTION HERE--PASSION PLAY=CRUCIFIXION.

Subject headings: CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20 Christmas Season See F645.2 for Advent Season.

Date learned: 12-00-1967

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SETSUBUR IS THE CEREMONY PERFORMED ON THE EVE OF THE
SPRINGTIDE.
SETSUBUR WAS BORN FROM THE OLD BELIEF THAT THE GODS VISIT
EVERY HOUSE AND BRING IT GOOD LUCK. ON THE NIGHT OF
SETSUBUR THE JAPANESE FAMILY THROWS PARCHED BEANS BOTH
INSIDE AND OUTSIDE THE HOUSE, CRYING "FUKU WA UCKI! ONI
WA SOK!" WHICH MEANS, "IN WITH LUCK, OUT WITH DEVILS."
IT IS SAID IN THIS WAY SICKNESS AND EVIL CAN BE DRIVEN
OUT AND HAPPINESS ENJOYED.

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

Subject headings: Charm / Enchantment / Conjuration
Favorites
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Spring Planting F663.9
BELIEF -- Good luck

Date learned: 11-11-1969

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HOLI

HOLI IS THE NAME OF THE INDIAN (FROM INDIA) FESTIVAL FOR
THE CELEBRATION OF THE ARRIVAL OF SPRING. THIS
FESTIVAL IS HELD SOMETIME IN MARCH. DURING IT, THE
FARMERS REJOICE AND SPRINKLE POWDERS OF MANY COLORS
OVER THEIR FIELDS. DIFFERENT COLORS ARE USED TO SHOW
THAT SPRING IS FULL OF COLORS.

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

Subject headings: Favorites
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- March
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Spring Planting F663.9

Date learned: 10-23-1969

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GROMMICE

THE CHRISTMAS SEASON OFFICIALLY ENDS ON CANDLEMAS DAY,
FEBRUARY 2, WHEN CANDLES ARE BLESSED IN THE POLISH
CHURCHES. THESE CANDLES, KNOWN IN POLISH AS
GROMMICE (FROM THE WORD FOR LIGHTNING: GROM)
ARE BELIEVED TO SAFEGUARD AGAINST STORMS, AS WELL AS
DISEASES AND OTHER MISFORTUNES.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT

Keyword(s): GROMNICE?

Subject headings: CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- February 2 Candlemas Groundhog Day
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20 Lights and candles

Date learned: 10-11-1972

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IN GERMANY, THEY HOLD A CARNIVAL TO CELEBRATE NEW YEAR'S
CALLED FASCHING. IT LASTS ONE MONTH.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT

Subject headings: CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- January 1 New Year's

Date learned: 12-00-1967

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EVERY CHRISTMAS, THE FAMILY GOES TO MIDNIGHT MASS, AS THEY
HAVE FOR TWO GENERATIONS. THEN THEY GO TO THEIR UNCLE'S
HOUSE AND HAVE A TURKEY DINNER THAT IS PREPARED WITH A
HOMEMADE STUFFING.

Submitter comment: THE INFORMANT LEARNED IT FROM HIS PARENTS.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT

Subject headings: CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 25 Christmas Also see F642, below.
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20 Church

Date learned: 11-00-1967

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MANY POLISH FAMILIES EAT FLAT UNLEAVENED BREAD ON
CHRISTMAS. THE BREAD IS IMPRESSED WITH HOLY PICTURES.

Submitter comment: INFORMANT LEARNED THIS FROM HIS MOTHER.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT

Subject headings: CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 24 Christmas Eve Oplatki

Date learned: 11-02-1967

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OPLATEK IS A CUSTOM WHERE THE FAMILY BREAKS BREAD AT
CHRISTMAS.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT

Subject headings: CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 24 Christmas Eve Oplatki

Date learned: 11-12-1967

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POLISH CHRISTMAS CUSTOM

ON CHRISTMAS EVE, IT WAS A CUSTOM IN OUR FAMILY TO GATHER
AT THE HOME OF OUR GRANDPARENTS FOR A MEAL AND CELEBRATION.
AT MIDNIGHT EVERYONE TOOK A PIECE OF WHITE WAFER,
CALLED OPLATKI, AND WENT AROUND TO ALL THE OTHERS,
WISHING THEM A MERRY CHRISTMAS. THE RECIPIENT OF THESE
GREETINGS WOULD BREAK OFF A BIT OF THE OTHER PERSON'S
WAFER AND THEN OFFER HIM HIS OWN, RETURNING THE GOOD
WISHES.

Submitter comment: THE INFORMANT SAYS THE CUSTOMS STOPPED ABOUT EIGHT YEARS
AGO WHEN THE GRANDFATHER DIED.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT ; VARSITY NEWS OFFICE

Subject headings: CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 24 Christmas Eve Oplatki

Date learned: 04-11-1967

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POLISH SUPERSTITION

IT IS A POLISH SUPERSTITION THAT THERE SHOULD BE AN ODD
NUMBER OF COURSES AT A CHRISTMAS EVE DINNER. THIS IS
A FAMILY TRADITION.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT

Subject headings: CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 24 Christmas Eve
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20 Menus
BELIEF -- Number

Date learned: 04-11-1967

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FOOD FOR SANTA AND RUDOLPH (REINDEER)

A CHRISTMAS CUSTOM IS FOR LITTLE CHILDREN TO PUT A SNACK
FOR SANTA CLAUS AND RUDOLPH OUT ON CHRISTMAS EVE.

Submitter comment: THIS IS A CUSTOM IN HER FAMILY.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT

Subject headings: CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 24 Christmas Eve
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20 Santa Claus
Food Drink -- Food

Date learned: 03-29-1967

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ON CHRISTMAS EVE IN GERMANY ST. NICHOLAS GOES FROM
DOOR TO DOOR WITH THE DEVIL WHO CARRIES A BAG OF
SWITCHES. CHILDREN GET EITHER AWARDS FROM ST. NICHOLAS
OR A SWITCHING FROM THE DEVIL.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT

Subject headings: CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 24 Christmas Eve
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20 Santa Claus

Date learned: 12-00-1967

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VIGALIA

A POLISH CELEBRATION FOR CHRISTMAS EVE IS CALLED
VIGALIA. THERE ARE AN ODD NUMBER OF COURSES AT THE
DINNER. STRICT POLISH PEOPLE HAVE STRAW ON THE
TABLE AND ONE VACANT PLACE FOR THE CHRIST CHILD.
THERE IS ALSO A CUSTOM WHERE A WAFER IS PASSED FROM
PERSON TO PERSON, AND EACH ONE TAKES A PIECE.
THIS IS A POLISH CUSTOM AND A FAMILY TRADITION.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT

Subject headings: CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 24 Christmas Eve
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 24 Christmas Eve Oplatki
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20 Straw
BELIEF -- Number

Date learned: 04-11-1967

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POLISH CUSTOM

THE FIRST TIME YOU WASH IN THE NEW YEAR, YOU WASH WITH
A PIECE OF GOLD, FOR PROSPERITY.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT

Subject headings: CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- January 1 New Year's

Date learned: 11-00-1967

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THE POLISH HAVE THEIR HOUSES BLESSED BY THE PRIEST ON NEW
YEAR'S DAY.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT

Subject headings: CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- January 1 New Year's

Date learned: 11-14-1968

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ON THE FIRST DAY OF THE YEAR, A MAN SHOULD ENTER
THE HOUSE FIRST TO BRING THE HOUSE GOOD LUCK.
ON THE FIRST DAY OF THE NEW YEAR, IF A WOMAN IS THE
FIRST PERSON TO ENTER THE HOUSE, IT'S A SIGN OF BAD
LUCK.

Submitter comment: THIS SAYING WAS BELIEVED BY DARLENE'S PARENTS,
WHO IN TURN, RELATED IT TO HER.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT

Subject headings: CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- January 1 New Year's
BELIEF -- Good luck
BELIEF -- Bad luck
BELIEF -- Bad luck

Date learned: 02-20-1971

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IT IS AN AMERICAN CUSTOM TO STAND ON TIMES SQUARE (NEW YORK
CITY) ON NEW YEAR'S EVE WATCHING THE BALL DROP WHICH
SIGNIFIES THE ENTRANCE OF THE NEW YEAR.

Submitter comment: LEARNED THIS FROM EXPERIENCE.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT

Subject headings: CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 31 New Year's Eve
BELIEF -- Use of Object
BELIEF -- Fate Destiny Luck Chance

Date learned: 09-00-1967

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Content filter on this entry.

Historical record from James Callow Folklore Archive.

THIS IS A SCENE DURING WORLD WAR I AND THIS IS WHEN
THEY'RE HAVING THE TRENCH WARS, AND THIS ONE FRENCH
SOLDIER GETS A REAL BRIGHT IDEA, GOES UP TO HIS
COMMANDANT AND HE SAYS IT'S OKAY.
SO THAT NIGHT HE GOES AND HE CRAWLS ACROSS NO MAN'S
LAND AND HE GETS OVER TO THE OTHER SIDE AND HE GOES:
"HEY HANS!"
AND THE GUY STICKS HIS HEAD UP AND GOES:
AND THE GUY (FRENCHMAN) SHOOTS HIS HEAD AND HE DIES AND
HE GOES BACK.
THE NEXT NIGHT, HE TRIES IT AGAIN AND HE GOES OVER
AND HE GOES:
UP AND HE SHOOTS HIM. AND THEN HE DOES IT A THIRD
TIME.
SO FINALLY ONE OF THE GERMANS REALIZES WHAT'S GOING ON
AND HE ASKS HIS COMMANDANT IF HE CAN DO IT AND THE GUY
SAYS OKAY AND HE CRAWLS OUT THAT NIGHT ACROSS NO MAN'S
LAND AND HE GOES: "HEY, PIERRE!" AND THIS VOICE
COMES OUT AND IT SAYS:
"YEA." FRENCHMAN GOES UP AND SHOOTS HIM."

Submitter comment:

THIS WAS TOLD TO HIM BY A BRITISHER LIVING IN CANADA.

Where learned: UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT DORMS

Subject headings: PROSE NARRATIVE -- Stupid man or woman

Date learned: 10-23-1970

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Historical record from James Callow Folklore Archive.

THIS IS SET IN A LOGGING CAMP OF FRENCH-CANADIAN
LOGGERS. ALL THE LOGGERS IN THE CAMP ARE HUGE,
MUSCULAR, SIX AND A HALF FEET TALL AND
TREMENDOUSLY STRONG.
ONE DAY THE LOGGERS ARE SITTING AROUND THEIR CAMP
WHEN A LITTLE IRISHMAN COMES OUT OF THE WOODS AND
SAYS:
FOR FRENCH-CANADIANS). SO HE RUNS OFF INTO THE WOODS.
ONE BIG, MUSCULAR LOGGER GETS UP AND RUNS AFTER THE
IRISHMAN. A LITTLE WHILE LATER THERE'S THE SOUND
OF A STRUGGLE GOING ON IN THE TREES AND THE LOGGER
COMES FLYING INTO THE CAMP, ALL BROKEN AND BLOODY.
THEN THE LITTLE IRISHMAN COMES OUT OF THE TREES AND
SAYS: "HEY, FROGY." AND RUNS OFF INTO THE WOODS.
THREE HUGE, STRONG, TOUGH LOGGERS GET UP AND GO
AFTER THE IRISHMAN. PRETTY SOON, THERE'S THIS LOUD
RUMBLE IN THE WOODS AND SOUNDS OF BUSHES BEING BROKEN.
HALF THE LOGGING CAMP GOES OUT AND FINDS THE LOGGERS
SCATTERED ALL OVER THE GROUND. ALL BROKEN UP WITH
LEGS AND ARMS, ALL STRATCHED UP AND HALF DEAD.
THE LOGGERS ARE REAL MAD AND THEY GO OUT AFTER THE
IRISHMAN. BACK IN THE CAMP, THE OTHER HALF OF THE
MEN HEAR THIS TERRIBLE THUNDER NOISE AND THEY HEAR
WHOLE TREES FALLING AND BLOOD-CURDLING SCREAMS.
THEN IT'S QUIET. THEY'RE JUST ABOUT TO GO OUT AND
HELP THEIR PALS WHEN ONE LIMPING, BLACK-EYED,
BROKEN-ARMED, BLEEDING, BRUISED LOGGER CRAWLED
BACK INTO CAMP AND GASPS: "DON'T GO OUT THERE.
HE TRICKED US; THERE'S TWO OF THEM!"

Submitter comment:

HE WAS TOLD THIS BY A BRITISHER LIVING IN CANADA.

Where learned: UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT DORMS

James Callow Keyword(s): FROGGY

Subject headings: PROSE NARRATIVE -- Stupid man or woman

Date learned: 10-23-1970

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