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TURONIE
IN POLAND, THE PERIOD BETWEEN THE NEW YEAR AND THE BEGINNING
OF LENT IS CHARACTERIZED BY PARDIES AND MASQUERADE BALLS THAT
REACH THEIR HEIGHT ABOUT THE LAST PRE_LENTEN THURSDAY. THESE
ACTIVITIES DERIVE FROM THE OLD CUSTOM OF DRESSING IN ANIMAL AND
MONSTER COSTUMES TO FEND OFF EVIL SPIRITS FROM HOMES TO FIELDS
TO INSURE A BOUNTIFUL HARVEST. FOLK LEGEND ASCRIBED SUCH
MAGICAL PROPERTIES TO GOATS, STORKS, BEARS, WOLVES, AND THE
"AUROCKS" (AN EXTINCT WELD OX) AND THE CUSTOM IS KNOWN AS "TURONIE".
(NAMED AFTER THE WELD OX OR "TUR").
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; LIBRARY ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT
Keyword(s): RELIGIOUS CUSTOM
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Winter CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Spring Planting Pre Lent |
Date learned: 10-11-1972