The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

GOOD FRIDAY

A RITUAL PERFORMED AT MY CHURCH, ALL SAINTS, IS THE ACTING
OUT OF THE STATIONS OF THE CROSS ON GOOD FRIDAY. THIS USUALLY
INCLUDES OUR PARISH PRIEST ACTING AS CHRIST AND THE
CONGREGATION PLAYING THE ACCOMPANYING PARTS.
THROUGHOUT THE CEREMONY, THE PRIEST WEARS A SIMPLE WHITE
PATTERNLESS VESTMENT. THIS SYMBOLIZES,
FOR OUR CELEBRATION, THE PURITY OF CHRIST,
THE SIMPLICITY OF HIS MESSAGE, AND THE UNIQUE
CONDITIONS OF THE CHURCH ON GOOD FRIDAY,
NAMELY A BARE ALTAR, EMPTY TABERNACLE, AND
A COVERED CRUCIFIX STATUE.

Submitter comment: THE MAJOR PURPOSE OF THIS CEREMONY IS TO GET A FEEL FOR
THE MOOD AND SETTING OF THE FINAL DAYS OF CHRIST ON EARTH. THIS
EXPLAINS THE ABSENCE OR CONCEALMENT OF POST-RESURRECTION
OBJECTS IN CHURCH.

Where learned: DETROIT

Date learned: 04-00-1975

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EVERY APRIL 24TH, WE CELEBRATE SAINT GEORGE'S DAY IN GREECE.
SAINT GEORGE IS ONE OF THE PATRON SAINTS OF GREECE. ON THIS
DAY, WE CELEBRATE HIS DESTROYING THE DRAGON. SAINT GEORGE
WAS ORIGINALLY AN ARCHANGEL, THIS IS ONE OF GOD'S CHIEF ANGELS.
THE DRAGON REPRESENTS THE EVILNESS OF SATAN; SO TO COMMEMORATE
THIS EVENT, THE OLDEST MALE CHILD OF EACH TOWN OR VILLAGE
IS DRESSED IN LIGHT CHAIN MAIL, AND ARMED WITH A FAKE SWORD.
AN ADULT FROM THE VILLAGE, NORMALLY THE MAYOR, IS DRESSED AS
THE DRAGON. THEY RE-ENACT THE FIGHT THAT OCCURRED, WITH SAINT
GEORGE WINNING. THIS PERFORMANCE IS FOLLOWED BY A HUGE
FEAST, WHICH THE WOMEN OF THE VILLAGE PREPARE.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; Sterling Heights ; WHERE I LEARNED THIS

Date learned: 00-00-1958

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