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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POLISH CHRISTMAS EVE CUSTOMS

ON CHRISTMAS EVE THE POLISH HAVE A HUGE MAIN SUPPER. THIS SUPPER
USUALLY CONSISTS OF ELEVEN DIFFERENT FOODS NONE OF WHICH MAY BE
MEAT. ALOT OF VEGETABLES ARE EATEN AT THIS MEAL INCLUDING
CABBAGE, MUSHROOMS, BEET SOUP AND DUMPLINGS. ALSO AT THIS MEAL A
SQUARE WAFER, WHICH HAS BEEN BLESSED IS PASSED AROUND THE TABLE.
EACH PERSON WISHING THE PERSON TO HIS SIDE, WELL, WHILE TAKING
A PIECE OF IT.

Data entry tech comment:

Updated by TRD

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; HARPER WOODS ; 20887 BEAUFAIT

Keyword(s): CHRISTMAS ; CUSTOM ; FOOD ; holiday

Date learned: 10-22-1971

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SWITCHING DAY

ON THE DAY AFTER EASTER POLISH GIRLS STAY INSIDE IF THEY
KNOW WHAT'S GOOD FOR THEM. THE BOYS ARE OUT TO GET THEM WITH WATER
BALLOONS, EGGS, NUTS AND VARIOUS OTHER GOODIES. SOMETIMES IN THE
MORNING PARENTS WILL LET NEIGHBORHOOD BOYS IN, AND THEY QUIETLY MAKE
WAY TO THE DAUGHTER'S BEDROOM WHERE SHE SLEEPS, AND
BEGIN TO "SWITCH" THE FEET WITH LIMBS OF PUSSY WILLOW
TREES; THEY MAY ALSO SPRINKLE WATER ON THE GIRLS. THIS CUSTOM IS
DERIVED FROM THE ACTION OF LONG AGO
WHEN ST. STEPHEN WAS STONED THE DAY AFTER
EASTER. HOWEVER, THE BOYS MUST BEWARE, FOR TUESDAY IS REVENGE
DAY AND THE GIRLS ARE OUT TO GET THEM.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; HARPER WOODS ; 20887 BEAUFAIT

Keyword(s): DYNGUS DAY ; RITUAL WHIPPING ; WATER ; WILLOW

Date learned: 11-22-1971

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