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The James T. Callow Folklore Archive
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EASTER CUSTOM
A BASKET OF FOOD CONTAINING HARD-BOILED EGGS, KHOBASI, SALT, HOMEMADE
NUT OR/AND POPPYSEED CAKE, AND BREAD (HOMEMADE IF
POSSIBLE) IS TAKEN TO THE CHURCH ON HOLY SATURDAY TO BE BLESSED BY
THE PRIEST WITH HOLY WATER. THIS FOOD CANNOT BE EATEN UNTIL
EASTER SUNDAY MORNING. ALL OF THE FOOD MUST BE EATEN. IT CANNOT BE
THROWN AWAY.
Submitter comment:
(1890'S)
INFORMANT'S PARENTS FOLLOWED THIS PRACTICE AND INFORMANT ALSO STILL
FOLLOWS IT.
Where learned: PENNSYLVANIA ; PITTSBURGH
Keyword(s): FOOD CUSTOM ; SWIECZONKA
| Subject headings: | 663 Holy Saturday CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Spring Planting Easter Sunday BELIEF -- Prayer |
Date learned: 10-02-1971
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
Keyword(s): FOOD CUSTOM ; SWIECZONKA
| Subject headings: | 663 Holy Saturday CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Spring Planting Easter Sunday |
Date learned: 11-22-1971
ON THE SATURDAY BEFORE EASTER SUNDAY, FOOD, USUALLY SAUSAGES, COLORED
EGGS, BREAD, CAKES, ETC., ARE TAKEN TO THE CHURCH IN GAILY DECORATED
BASKETS TO BE BLESSED. ON EASTER SUNDAY MORNING, AFTER THE
RESURRECTION MASS, THE FOOD WHICH WAS BLESSED THE PREVIOUS DAY IS
EATEN FOR BREAKFAST.
Submitter comment:
INFORMANT SAID THAT SHE AND HER HUSBAND STILL PRACTICE THIS CUSTOM
ALTHOUGH IT IS ONLY ACKNOWLEDGED IN OLD POLISH-CATHOLIC PARISHES.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
Keyword(s): FOOD CUSTOM ; SWIECZONKA
| Subject headings: | 663 Holy Saturday CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Spring Planting Easter eggs CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Spring Planting Easter Sunday BELIEF -- Prayer |
Date learned: 11-07-1971
POLISH EASTER CUSTOM
ON HOLY SATURDAY, MY BROTHERS AND I USUALLY ACCOMPANIED MY MOTHER TO
CHURCH. WE TOOK WITH US FOOD THAT WOULD BE EATEN ON EASTER SUNDAY.
NOT ALL OF THE FOOD WOULD BE TAKEN, OF COURSE, BUT MERELY
REPRESENTATIVE PORTIONS. OUR BASKET WOULD CONTAIN A FEW LINKS OF
KIELBASA, SOME SLICES OF HAM, SEVERAL BOILED EGGS, A PORTION OF A
COFFEE CAKE WHICH MY MOTHER BAKED ONLY AT CHRISTMAS AND EASTER,
( AND ) SOME POTATOES WHICH WERE TO BE USED IN THE POTATO SALAD. I
BELIEVE WE WENT TO CHURCH IN THE AFTERNOON, WHEN LENT WAS
OFFICIALLY ENDED AND THERE THE PRIEST WOULD WALK UP AND DOWN THE
AISLES AND BLESS THE EASTER BASKETS WITH HOLY WATER. SOME PARISHES
IN WHICH WE LIVED DID NOT PRACTICE THIS CUSTOM AND FOR MANY YEARS WE
DID NOT HAVE OUR FOOD BLESSED. NOW, MY PARISH, WHICH IS BY NO MEANS
COMPRISED OF A POLISH ETHNIC GROUP, HAS BEGUN THE PRACTICE. THE
PEOPLE IN OUR SUBURB ARE CLAIMING THAT THIS PARISH IS THE ONLY ONE
TO DO THIS AND ( THAT ) IT IS A ROSEVILLE CUSTOM, NOT RELATED
IN ANY WAY TO POLISH CUSTOMS.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; ROSEVILLE
Keyword(s): FOOD CUSTOM ; SWIECZONKA ; WATER
| Subject headings: | 663 Holy Saturday Favorites CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 25 Christmas Also see F642, below. CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Spring Planting Easter Sunday BELIEF -- Prayer |
Date learned: DATE NOT RECORDED BY COLLECTOR
BLESSING OF FRUIT
EASTER SATURDAY ( , ) A POLISH FAMILY WOULD FILL A BASKET WITH FOOD,
ENOUGH FOR SUNDAY BREAKFAST, WHICH WOULD CONSIST OF BREAD; SALT;
MEATS, USUALLY HAM AND SAUSAGE; ( AND ) EGGS, HARD BOILED WITH NO
SHELLS. THIS BASKET WOULD BE TAKEN TO A CATHOLIC CHURCH AND BLESSED
BY A PRIEST. SUNDAY MORNING A WHITE BROTH WOULD BE MADE. THE FOOD
THAT WAS BLESSED IS CUT UP, AS MUCH AS EACH INDIVIDUAL WILL EAT, AND
THE WHITE BROTH WOULD BE POURED OVER IT. THIS BLESSED FOOD WAS NEVER
EATEN AFTER TWELVE NOON SUNDAY.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
Keyword(s): FOOD CUSTOM ; SWIECZONKA
| Subject headings: | 663 Holy Saturday CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Spring Planting Easter Sunday BELIEF -- Prayer |
Date learned: 00-00-1968
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
POLISH CUSTOM
AT EASTER, THE MOTHER OF A POLISH FAMILY PREPARES A BASKET WHICH IS
FILLED WITH KIELBASA, EGGS, HAM, SWEETBREAD, SALT, PEPPER,
HORSERADISH AND BUTTER. (THE BUTTER IS USUALLY IN THE SHAPE OF A
PASCHAL LAMB.) SOMEONE FROM THE FAMILY TAKES THE BASKET TO CHURCH ON
HOLY SATURDAY TO HAVE IT BLESSED. THE FAMILY EATS THE FOOD, WHICH
IS COLD, FOR BREAKFAST ON EASTER SUNDAY. POLISH PARISHES CONTINUE
THE CUSTOM OF BLESSING THE PASCHAL FOOD.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
Keyword(s): FOOD CUSTOM ; SWIECZONKA
| Subject headings: | 663 Holy Saturday CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Spring Planting Easter Sunday BELIEF -- Prayer |
Date learned: DATE NOT RECORDED BY COLLECTOR
LENTEN CUSTOM
ON HOLY SATURDAY, CZECHOSLOVAKIAN FAMILIES TAKE A PIECE OF BUTTER IN
THE FORM OF A LAMB AND HAVE IT BLESSED AND EAT IT DURING EASTER WEEK.
THIS SYMBOLIZES THE LAMB OF GOD SACRIFICED ON GOOD FRIDAY.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
Keyword(s): FOOD CUSTOM ; SWIECZONKA
| Subject headings: | 663 Good Friday 663 Holy Saturday BELIEF -- Prayer |
Date learned: 03-30-1968
POLISH RELIGIOUS CUSTOM SWIECZONKA--BLESSING OF FOOD
FOOD, CONSISTING OF FRESH SAUSAGE, HAM, SALT, PEPPER, COOKED EGGS,
CAKES, FANCY SWEETBREADS AND BREAD, ARE ( IS ) TAKEN TO CHURCH HOLY
SATURDAY MORNING AND THE PRIEST BLESSES EACH BASKET. PURPOSE OF THIS
CEREMONY IS TO HAVE THIS BLESSED FOOD EASTER SUNDAY TO BEGIN THE
PASCHAL SEASON WITH THE NEW RISEN CHRIST.
Where learned: OHIO ; Sylvania
Keyword(s): FOOD CUSTOM ; SWIECZONKA
| Subject headings: | 663 Holy Saturday CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Spring Planting Easter Sunday BELIEF -- Prayer |
Date learned: DATE NOT RECORDED BY COLLECTOR
EASTER CUSTOMS
BASKETS FULL OF CANDY ARE PREPARE(D) THE DAY BEFORE EASTER AND ARE
TAKEN TO THE CHURCH TO BE BLESSED. A LITTLE PIECE OF EVERYTHING MUST
BE EATEN THAT DAY. ALSO, A LITTLE HORSERADISH MUST BE EATEN ON
EASTER.
Where learned: UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT
Keyword(s): FOOD CUSTOM ; SWIECZONKA
| Subject headings: | 663 Holy Saturday CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Spring Planting Easter Sunday |
Date learned: 11-00-1968
EASTER CUSTOM
ON EASTER SATURDAY, IN OUR SLOVENIAN PARISH, BASKETS OF FOOD (HOME-
MADE BREAD, EASTER EGGS, SAUSAGE, HAM, POTICA--A TYPE OF NUTBREAD--)
ARE TAKEN TO THE CHURCH TO BE GIVEN A SPECIAL BLESSING. THIS FOOD
IS THEN EATEN FOR BREAKFAST ON EASTER SUNDAY, MONDAY, AND TUESDAY.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT
Keyword(s): FOOD CUSTOM ; SWIECZONKA
Date learned: 10-02-1967
EASTER CUSTOM (POLISH)
DIFFERENT FOODS: BREAD, CAKE, COLORED EGGS, HAM, SALT, PEPPER, ETC.
ARE PLACED IN A BASKET AND TAKEN TO THE CHURCH ON THE SATURDAY BEFORE
EASTER WHERE THEY ARE BLESSED BY A PRIEST. THEY ARE THEN PLACED ON
THE TABLE ON EASTER WITH THE OTHER FOOD. ( THIS ) CUSTOM ORIGINATED
IN SMALL VILLAGES WHERE THE PRIEST USED TO VISIT THE HOUSES OF THE
PARISHIONERS ON EASTER TO BLESS THE TABLE.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; GARDEN CITY
Keyword(s): FOOD CUSTOM ; SWIECZONKA
| Subject headings: | 663 Holy Saturday CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Spring Planting Easter eggs BELIEF -- Prayer |
Date learned: 00-00-1950
EASTER CUSTOM
ON THE DAY BEFORE EASTER, THE MOTHER OF EACH FAMILY TAKES A BASKET
CONTAINING THE FOOD SHE WILL SERVE ON EASTER TO THE CHURCH TO BE
BLESSED BY THE PRIEST. (USUALLY BETWEEN 12 AND 1:00 IN THE
AFTERNOON.)
Submitter comment: PRACTICED IN PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA ABOUT 1910.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
Keyword(s): FOOD CUSTOM
| Subject headings: | 663 Holy Saturday CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Spring Planting Easter Sunday CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Spring Planting F663.129 |
EASTER CUSTOM
ON HOLY SATURDAY OF EASTER WEEK, EACH FAMILY TAKES A BASKET OF FOOD
TO CHURCH TO BE BLESSED. ALL THE FOOD IS PRE-PREPARED: HARD BOILED
EGGS, BREAD, SAUSAGE, HAM, SALT AND PEPPER, BUTTER AND HORSERADISH.
THE NEXT MORNING, ALL OF THE BLESSED FOOD IS EATEN. THE FATHER
CHOPS UP THE EGG INTO AS MANY PIECES AS THERE ARE MEMBERS OF THE
FAMILY, AND DISTRIBUTES THEM TO BE EATEN.
Where learned: HOME ; MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
Keyword(s): FAMILY UNITY ; FOOD CUSTOM ; SWIECZONKA
| Subject headings: | 663 Holy Saturday CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Spring Planting Easter Sunday |
Date learned: 11-02-1969
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
"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
EASTER
IF THE FIRST PERSON WHO WALKS IN THE DOOR ON EASTER IS A MAN, IT'S
BAD LUCK; IF IT'S A WOMAN, IT'S GOOD LUCK.
Where learned: TELEPHONE ; TOLD BY
Keyword(s): FIRST FOOTING ; LUCK
| Subject headings: | 686 Properties attributed to specific numbers or numerals individually. Favorites CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Spring Planting Easter Sunday BELIEF -- Fate Destiny Luck Chance |
Date learned: 03-07-1970
POLISH EASTER
ON EASTER MORNING, THE FAMILY WOULD ALWAYS HOPE FOR ITS FIRST VISITOR
TO BE A VERY YOUNG PERSON OR A CHILD AS THAT WOULD DENOTE THAT GOOD
FORTUNE WOULD FOLLOW ALL YEAR.
Submitter comment: LEARNED IN POLAND
Where learned: STORE
Keyword(s): FIRST FOOTING ; LUCK
| Subject headings: | 686 Properties attributed to specific numbers or numerals individually. CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Spring Planting Easter Sunday BELIEF -- Fate Destiny Luck Chance |
Date learned: 09-27-1967
TOAST
( POLISH WORD OMITTED BECAUSE ALPHABET COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED ) --
(ENGLISH TRANSLATION "WAFER"). THIS IS BOTH A CHRISTMAS EVE AND
EASTER CUSTOM, BUT IS PRIMARILY RESERVED FOR THE POLISH LENTEN MEAL
AT EASTERTIME. THE CUSTOM IS THAT AT THIS MEAL THE OLDEST MEMBER OF
THE IMMEDIATE FAMILY (IN INFORMANT'S CASE, HIS GRANDFATHER) CRACKS
OFF A BIT OF THIS SPECIAL WAFER AND GIVES IT TO THE PERSON NEXT TO
HIM WISHING THEM ( HIM ) "GOOD HEALTH", "HAPPINESS", ETC.
Where learned: TELEPHONE ; TOLD BY
Keyword(s): FAMILY UNITY ; FOOD CUSTOM
Date learned: 11-02-1971
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