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The James T. Callow Folklore Archive
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( 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 ; SAINT CLAIR SHORES
Keyword(s): DYNGUS DAY ; FOOD CUSTOM ; MUSIC ; RITUAL WHIPPING ; SWIECZONKA ; SYMBOL ; WATER
Date learned: 11-10-1971
GOOD FRIDAY SUPPER
ON GOOD FRIDAY, ONE CAN ONLY HAVE ONE MEAL. HE SHOULD SPEND THE REST
OF HIS DAY CONTEMPLATING THE SERIOUS OCCASION WHICH THE DATE
REPRESENTS. THE MEAL SHOULD CONSIST OF COOKED NOODLES, PRUNES, AND
SMALL SQUARES OF BREAD. THIS AGAIN SHOULD REPRESENT THE SEVERITY
OF CHRIST'S DEATH AND ITS IMPORTANCE TO MANKIND.
Submitter comment:
THIS IS A TRADITIONAL CUSTOM OF THE PEOPLE OF WESTPHALIA. MR.
STOERKEL IS FROM THIS AREA OF GERMANY.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; Mount Clemens
Keyword(s): FOOD CUSTOM ; SELF-SACRIFICE--FASTING ; SYMBOL
| Subject headings: | 663 Good Friday |
Date learned: 00001940S LATE
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
Keyword(s): FOOD CUSTOM ; SWIECZONKA ; SYMBOL ; WATER
| Subject headings: | 663 Holy Saturday CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Spring Planting Easter eggs BELIEF -- Prayer |
Date learned: 03-22-1970
HOLY SATURDAY
A POLISH TRADITION, WHICH IS CELEBRATED ON HOLY SATURDAY, IS OBSERVED
DURING EASTER WEEK. ON THIS DAY THE ENTIRE FAMILY ABSTAINS FROM FOOD
UNTIL DINNER TIME, WHERE ( WHEN ) THE FAMILY IS SERVED A MODERATE
DINNER OF FISH AND POTATOES. AFTER DINNER THE FAMILY EATS A PIECE
OF ANGEL BREAD (A LIGHT WAFER), AND EXCHANGES A PIECE WITH EVERYONE
ELSE AT THE TABLE. THIS REPRESENTS THE NEW LIFE WHICH IS COMING ON
EASTER SUNDAY.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
Keyword(s): FAMILY UNITY ; FOOD CUSTOM ; SYMBOL
| Subject headings: | 663 Holy Saturday CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Spring Planting Easter Sunday |
Date learned: 03-17-1970
BLESSING OF FOOD
FOOD IS BLESSED BEFORE EASTER BECAUSE IT IS A BLESSING OF THE FIRST
FRUITS OF THE SEASON, OR IN A CHRISTIAN SENSE, OF A NEW LIFE WITH THE
RISEN CHRIST. IT IS COMMON IN THE SLAVIC COUNTRIES AND IN SOME
MIDDLE-EAST COUNTRIES.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
Keyword(s): SWIECZONKA ; SYMBOL
| Subject headings: | 663 Holy Saturday BELIEF -- Prayer |
Date learned: 01-17-1968
"ANGEL BREAD"
ON EASTER EVE, IT IS A POLISH CUSTOM TO PASS A LOAF OF WAFER BREAD
AROUND TO EACH MEMBER OF THE FAMILY. EACH MEMBER TAKES A PIECE OF
BREAD AND EATS IT. IT IS A GESTURE OF UNITY AMONG THE FAMILY.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
Keyword(s): FAMILY UNITY ; FOOD CUSTOM ; SYMBOL
| Subject headings: | 663 Holy Saturday |
Date learned: 09-22-1969
LITHUANIAN EASTER CUSTOM
ON EASTER SUNDAY MORNING, LITHUANIAN YOUNGSTERS STRIKE EACH OTHER
WITH HAY TO AWAKEN THEIR SOULS TO THE NEW RELIGIOUS YEAR THAT IS
BEGINNING.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
Keyword(s): RITUAL WHIPPING ; SYMBOL
| Subject headings: | Favorites CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Spring Planting Easter Sunday |
Date learned: 11-16-1969
CUSTOM
ON EASTER MORNING, APPROXIMATELY 5:00 A.M., THE PRIEST APPROCHES
( APPROACHES ) THE FRONT DOOR OF THE CHURCH AND KNOCKS 3 TIMES
WITH A CRUCIFIX.
Submitter comment:
(THIS IS A SIGN THAT CHRIST HAS RISEN WHEN THE DOOR IS OPENED LIKE
THE TOMB WAS OPENED.)
Where learned: HOME
Keyword(s): SYMBOLIC ACTION
| Subject headings: | DRAMA -- Religious CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Spring Planting Easter Sunday |
Date learned: 10-00-1968
EASTER
THE RESSURECTION ( RESURRECTION ) IS TOLD BY THE PEOPLE ON EASTER
BY DEPICTING OR ACTING IT OUT. AT FOUR O'CLOCK IN THE MORNING
THE PEOPLE COME TO CHURCH. THE MEN ARE ON ONE SIDE AND THE WOMEN
ARE ON THE OTHER SIDE. A STATUE OF CHRIST IS CARRIED AROUND THE
CHURCH AND OUTSIDE WHERE THE MEN FOLLOW IN PROCESSION. THE
WOMEN PROCESS AROUND ANOTHER WAY UNTIL THE MEN AND WOMEN COME TO A
POINT WHERE THEY MEET. THIS IS TO REPRESENT CHRIST MEETING MARY.
THE CHILDREN ARE AT THE SPOT WHERE THE MEN AND WOMEN WERE TO MEET
ALL DRESSED UP AS THE ANGELS. THIS CUSTOM CAME FROM THE SPANISH.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
Keyword(s): SYMBOL
| Subject headings: | DRAMA -- Religious CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Spring Planting Easter Sunday |
Date learned: 11-00-1970
AT EASTER BREAKFAST OR DINNER A THIN WAFER IS DIVIDED AMONG ALL THOSE
PRESENT AT THE TABLE. EACH PERSON BREAKS OFF A PIECE OF WAFER
FROM EACH OTHER. THE WAFER REPRESENTS THE COMMUNION WAFER AND EACH
PERSON RESOLVES TO LIVE A BETTER LIFE WITH THE BEGINNING OF EACH NEW
CHURCH YEAR.
Submitter comment:
INFORMANT SAID THAT SHE PRACTICES THIS EACH TIME SHE HAS RELATIVES
OVER FOR EASTER DINNER. INFORMANT DOES NOT KNOW WHEN IT ORIGINATED
BUT CONSIDERS IT MEANINGFUL AND BEAUTIFUL.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
Keyword(s): FAMILY UNITY ; FOOD CUSTOM ; SYMBOL
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Spring Planting Easter Sunday Food Drink -- Typical menus for the various meals For meal hours, see F574.84. Morning mealsBreakfast |
Date learned: 10-20-1971
POLISH EASTER CELEBRATIONS
ON EASTER DAY, IT IS A CUSTOM IN POLISH FAMILIES TO BREAK A BREAD
WAFER (LIKE A COMMUNION WAFER) AND PASS THIS WAFER THROUGH THE WHOLE
FAMILY SO THAT EACH MEMBER TRULY COMMEMORATES THE CELEBRATION OF MASS
ON THAT DAY.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT ; RATHSKELLER
Keyword(s): FAMILY UNITY ; FOOD CUSTOM ; SYMBOL
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Spring Planting Easter Sunday |
Date learned: 02-27-1968
"FRUIT"
A BASKET OF FRUIT IS TAKEN TO CHURCH ON EASTER SUNDAY TO BE BLESSED.
IT IS A SIGN OF THANKS TO GOD FOR ALL THAT HE HAS DONE.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
Keyword(s): FOOD CUSTOM ; SYMBOL
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Spring Planting Easter Sunday BELIEF -- Prayer |
Date learned: 09-22-1969
EASTER DAY
THE FOOD THAT WAS BLESSED ON SATURDAY MUST BE EATEN FOR BREAKFAST.
IT MUST INCLUDE HORSERADISH TO REPRESENT THE BURNING LIQUID GIVEN
CHRIST WHILE HE HUNG ON THE CROSS. THE REMAINING FOOD SHOULD BE
SHARED WITH THE DAY'S VISITORS SO THAT IT IS FINISHED ON SUNDAY.
Where learned: PENNSYLVANIA ; ERIE
Keyword(s): CHARITY, HOSPITALITY ; FAMILY UNITY ; FOOD CUSTOM ; SWIECZONKA ; SYMBOL
EASTER FOOD
UKRAINIANS PLACE VINEGAR, HORSERADISH OR SOUR CREAM IN THEIR EASTER
BASKETS TO RECALL THE THIRST OF CHRIST ON THE CROSS.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
Keyword(s): FOOD CUSTOM ; SYMBOL
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Spring Planting Easter Sunday |
Date learned: 03-17-1970
EASTER FOOD
UKRAINIANS PLACE CHOCOLATE EASTER EGGS, BUBBLE GUM, CATSUP, POTATO
CHIPS, ETC. IN THEIR EASTER BASKETS TO REPRESENT MODERN DAY
SACRIFICES DURING LENT.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
Keyword(s): FOOD CUSTOM ; SELF-SACRIFICE ; SYMBOL
| Subject headings: | 663 Lent Favorites CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Spring Planting Easter eggs CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Spring Planting Easter Sunday |
Date learned: 03-17-1970
EASTER FOOD
UKRAINIANS PLACE MEAT, SUCH AS HAM, KOLBOSA [KIELBASA], ROAST LAMB
OR VEAL IN THEIR EASTER BASKETS TO REPRESENT A MEANS OF SURVIVAL.
Submitter comment:
Told at informant's place of occupation - Detroit Board of Education
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT ; DETROIT BOARD OF EDUCATION
Keyword(s): FOOD CUSTOM ; SYMBOL
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Spring Planting Easter Sunday |
Date learned: 03-17-1970
EASTER FOOD
UKRAINIAN PEOPLE, AMONG OTHERS, PUT A PAT OF BUTTER IN THE FORM OF
A LAMB OR JUST A STICK OF BUTTER PLACED IN A DISH IN THEIR EASTER
BASKETS. THE BUTTER REPRESENTS THE INNOCENT VICTIM.
Submitter comment:
Told at informant's place of occupation - Detroit Board of Education
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT ; DETROIT BOARD OF EDUCATION
Keyword(s): FOOD CUSTOM ; SYMBOL
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Spring Planting Easter Sunday |
Date learned: 03-17-1970
EASTER FOOD
UKRAINIANS PLACE SALT IN THEIR EASTER BASKETS WHICH REPRESENTS
THE TRUTH OF CHRIST'S MESSAGE.
Submitter comment:
Told at informant's place of occupation - Detroit Board of Education
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT ; DETROIT BOARD OF EDUCATION
Keyword(s): FOOD CUSTOM ; SYMBOL
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Spring Planting Easter Sunday |
Date learned: 03-17-1970
EASTER FOOD
UKRAINIANS PUT CHEESE IN THEIR EASTER BASKETS TO REPRESENT THE
ABSTINENCE FROM DAIRY PRODUCTS ON CERTAIN DAYS OF THE "GREAT FAST"
MAINTAINED IN THE OLD WORLD.
Submitter comment:
Told at informant's place of occupation - Detroit Board of Education
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT ; DETROIT BOARD OF EDUCATION
Keyword(s): FOOD CUSTOM ; SYMBOL
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Spring Planting Easter Sunday |
Date learned: 03-17-1970
EASTER FOOD
THE UKRAINIANS PUT A SMALL LOAF OF ROUND BREAD, USUALLY WITH A
BRAIDED TOP, IN THEIR EASTER BASKETS. THIS REPRESENTS THE STAFF OF
LIFE--THE BRAID REPRESENTS THE CROSS OF CHRIST.
Submitter comment:
Told at informant's place of occupation - Detroit Board of Education
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT ; DETROIT BOARD OF EDUCATION
Keyword(s): FOOD CUSTOM ; SYMBOLS
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Spring Planting Easter Sunday |
Date learned: 03-17-1970