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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
TRADITIONAL POLISH CELEBRATION OF HOLY WEEK AND EASTER
ON HOLY THURSDAY THE BISHOPS AND PRIESTS WASH THE FEET OF 12
POOR PEOPLE IN MEMORY OF THE LAST SUPPER.
ON GOOD FRIDAY THERE IS A SPECIAL MASS WITH PRAYERS FOR ALL.
THE HOLY SACRAMENT IS PUT INTO A DARK CELL, AS CHRIST WAS, TO BE
ADORED CONSTANTLY. THERE IS A SPECIAL TOMB PUT UP AT A SIDE ALTAR
WHICH IS DECORATED WITH FLOWERS AND OFTEN DOVES. HERE THE PEOPLE
COME TO VISIT AND PRAY BOTH FRIDAY AND SATURDAY.
ON HOLY SATURDAY WATER AND THORNS ARE BLESSED IN THE MORNING AT
CHURCH. IN THE AFTERNOON, A BASKET OF FOOD IS TAKEN TO THE CHURCH TO
BE BLESSED. THE BASKET TRADITIONALLY CONTAINS BREAD, SALT, PEPPER,
EASTER EGGS (BOILED), KIELBASA (SAUSAGE), AND BUTTER IN THE FORM OF
A LAMB. ALSO, IT IS CUSTOMARY TO VISIT AS MANY CHURCHES AS POSSIBLE
THAT DAY.
AT DAWN OF EASTER SUNDAY, THE RESURRECTION MASS IS HELD.
AFTER THIS MASS, THE FAMILY COMES HOME TO EASTER BREAKFAST
COMPOSED OF THE EASTER BASKET FOOD. AS A CUSTOMARY PRACTICE, THE
MEAL IS STARTED BY THE OLDEST MEMBER, WHO TAKES A BLESSED EGG, WHICH
HAS BEEN QUARTERED, AND SHARES IT WITH EACH MEMBER, WISHING HIM
HAPPINESS AND HEALTH. THE EGG IS REPRESENTATIVE OF LIFE. THEN
EVERYONE SITS DOWN TO EAT THE EASTER MEAL.
MY GRANDMOTHER REMEMBERS THIS FROM PRACTICE TO THIS DAY.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DEARBORN
Keyword(s): FAMILY UNITY ; FOOD CUSTOM ; SWIECZONKA ; WATER
Date learned: 10-27-1967
GOOD FRIDAY BELIEF
IT IS A SIN TO USE A NEEDLE ON GOOD FRIDAY, OR TO USE ANY KIND OF
ANIMAL FATS ON GOOD FRIDAY.
Submitter comment:
SHE LEARNED THESE BELIEFS FROM HER MOTHER AS A CHILD, BUT DOES NOT
BELIEVE IN THEM OR PRACTICE THEM NOW. (1920'S)
Where learned: PENNSYLVANIA ; PITTSBURGH
Keyword(s): FOOD CUSTOM ; IRON ; SEWING ; WORK TABOO
| Subject headings: | 663 Good Friday |
Date learned: 10-02-1971
GOOD FRIDAY BREAD
IF YOU BAKE BREAD ON GOOD FRIDAY, IT WOULD BE THE BEST, BECAUSE
ORIGINALLY ON THE FIRST GOOD FRIDAY, A WOMAN WAS MAKING BREAD
AND OUR LORD PASSED WITH THE CRUCIFIX. WITH A TOWEL TO COVER THE
BREAD, SHE WIPED CHRIST'S FACE. FROM THEN ON, AND ( SIC ) BREAD MADE
ON GOOD FRIDAY WOULD BE THE BEST EVER.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; ROSEVILLE
Keyword(s): FOOD CUSTOM
| Subject headings: | 663 Good Friday Favorites PROSE NARRATIVE -- Religious hero PROSE NARRATIVE -- Product or activity of man or animal |
Date learned: 02-17-1970
BLACK FRIDAY
GOOD FRIDAY WAS KNOWN AS BLACK FRIDAY IN IRELAND. ON THIS DAY, THE
FAMILY HAD A GREAT FEAST. NO MILK (OR MILK PRODUCTS) OR SUGAR COULD
BE EATEN, SO FOR THIS ONE DAY A YEAR THE PEOPLE BOUGHT SPECIAL STORE-
BREAD, JAM, AND BLACK TEA. THEY USUALLY ATE THREE TIMES AS MUCH ON
BLACK FRIDAY THAN THEY DID DURING THE REST OF THE YEAR.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
Keyword(s): FOOD CUSTOM
| Subject headings: | 663 Good Friday |
Date learned: 11-18-1970
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
GOOD FRIDAY CUSTOM
ALWAYS EAT HOT CROSS BUNS ON GOOD FRIDAY.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; WARREN
Keyword(s): FOOD CUSTOM
| Subject headings: | 663 Good Friday |
Date learned: 03-24-1970
A RELIGIOUS TRADITION
"ON GOOD FRIDAY AT HOME WE WERE ALLOWED TO EAT ONLY
APPLES AND SODA CRACKERS FROM MIDNIGHT HOLY THURSDAY TO MIDNIGHT
GOOD FRIDAY, AND WE COULD ONLY DRINK WATER."
Submitter comment: LEARNED AS A CHILD AT HOME.
Keyword(s): FOOD CUSTOM ; SELF-SACRIFICE--FASTING
| Subject headings: | 663 Holy Thursday 663 Good Friday |
Date learned: 03-10-1967
HOLY WEEK CUSTOMS ( GOOD FRIDAY )
ON GOOD FRIDAY, NO DAIRY PRODUCTS OR PRODUCTS MADE OF DAIRY PRODUCTS,
NO MEAT, AND NO ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES MAY BE CONSUMED.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; BLOOMFIELD HILLS
Keyword(s): FOOD CUSTOM ; SELF-SACRIFICE--FASTING
| Subject headings: | 663 Good Friday |
Date learned: DATE NOT RECORDED BY COLLECTOR
EASTER CUSTOM
AMONG THIS MAN'S FAMILY, IT WAS CUSTOMARY TO HAVE THE CHILDREN PUT A
CARROT ON THE FRONT PORCH ON THE EVENING OF HOLY SATURDAY (THE DAY
BEFORE EASTER) SO THAT THE EASTER BUNNY WOULD HAVE SOMETHING TO EAT
WHEN HE CAME TO VISIT THE HOUSE.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT
Keyword(s): FOOD CUSTOM
| Subject headings: | 663 Holy Saturday Favorites CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Spring Planting Bunny BELIEF -- Mammal |
Date learned: 10-16-1971
HOLY SATURDAY
IS TO HAVE THORNS BLESSED WHICH ARE PUT ON THEIR CHIMNEYS IN ORDER
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; RENO HALL ; DETROIT
Keyword(s): FOOD CUSTOM ; SWIECZONKA
| Subject headings: | 663 Holy Saturday Favorites BELIEF -- Weather sign or control BELIEF -- Lightning Thunder BELIEF -- Prayer |
Date learned: 10-03-1968
( SAINT JOSEPH'S PIE )
ON HOLY SATURDAY, A SAINT JOSEPH'S PIE IS MADE FROM WHEAT AND WHEAT
PRODUCTS. THIS SYMBOLIZES THE COMING OF LIFE THE NEXT DAY, SINCE
WHEAT IS A SIGN OF THE STAFF OF LIFE.
Submitter comment:
INFORMANT BELIEVES IN THIS CUSTOM AND SAID SHE LEARNED IT FROM POLISH
FAMILY TRADITION.
Keyword(s): FOOD CUSTOM
| Subject headings: | -- |
FOOD BLESSED
ON HOLY SATURDAY ( , ) SEVERAL PEOPLE GET TOGETHER AT AN APPOINTED
HOUSE AND EVERYONE BRINGS VARIOUS ITEMS OF FOOD. THEY WOULD INCLUDE
HAM, BREAD, EGGS AND SALT. ALL OF THIS FOOD WOULD BE BLESSED AND
IT WOULD BE THE FIRST FOOD EATEN ON EASTER SUNDAY.
Submitter comment: THIS WAS A TRADITIONAL CUSTOM IN THE UPPER PENINSULA.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; CALUMET
Keyword(s): FOOD CUSTOM ; SWIECZONKA
| Subject headings: | 663 Holy Saturday CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Spring Planting Easter Sunday BELIEF -- Prayer BELIEF -- Number |
Date learned: DATE NOT RECORDED BY COLLECTOR
CUSTOM HOLY SATURDAY
THE FAMILIES TAKE A BASKET OF FOOD TO CHURCH IN THE AFTERNOON AND
HAVE IT BLESSED BY THE PRIEST. THIS BASKET ONCE CONTAINED ONLY SMALL
LOAVES OF BREAD, BUT NOW CONTAINS BREAD, BUTTER, SALT, SAUSAGE, AND
COLORED EGGS. THIS IS THE FIRST FOOD EATEN WHEN THE FAMILY RETURNS
FROM MASS ON EASTER SUNDAY.
THIS IS A REMEMBRANCE OF THE MIRACLE OF THE LOAVES AND THE FISHES; IT
IS ALSO A REQUEST THAT GOD WILL MAKE THE YEAR PLENTIFUL.
Where learned: HOME
Keyword(s): FOOD CUSTOM ; SWIECZONKA
| Subject headings: | 663 Holy Saturday DRAMA -- Religious CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Spring Planting Easter eggs CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Spring Planting Easter Sunday BELIEF -- Prayer BELIEF -- Number |
Date learned: 11-27-1967
HOLY SATURDAY RELIGIOUS CUSTOM
ON HOLY SATURDAY MORNING OF EASTERTIDE, MOST POLISH-AMERICANS HAVE
THE TRADITIONAL CUSTOM OF TAKING FOOD FOR THEIR EASTER DINNER IN A
LARGE BASKET TO THE CATHOLIC CHURCH IN THEIR NEIGHBORHOOD FOR A
BLESSING BY THEIR PRIEST. THE BASKET IS USUALLY OF THE WICKER
TYPE AND CONTAINS SUCH ITEMS AS HAM, HARD BOILED EGGS, BUTTER, SMALL
LOAVES OF BREAD, AND KIELBASA (THE SPECIAL SAUSAGE MADE BY
POLISH-AMERICANS THEMSELVES). THE TOP OF EACH BASKET IS USUALLY
COVERED WITH A SMALL CLOTH OR TOWEL, AND WHEN THE PRIEST COMES DOWN
THE MAIN AISLE OF THE CHURCH, THE PEOPLE REMOVE THESE TOWELS SO THAT
SOME HOLY WATER IS SPRINKLED ON THEIR FOOD. THEN THE TOWEL IS
REPLACED AND TUCKED OVER THE FOOD AFTER THE BLESSING WITH HOLY WATER.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; TROY
Keyword(s): FOOD CUSTOM ; SWIECZONKA
| Subject headings: | 663 Holy Saturday BELIEF -- Prayer |
Date learned: 10-03-1969
EASTER SATURDAY
THE UKRAINIANS BLESS BASKETS CONTAINING: A SPECIAL EASTER BREAD
"PASKA", MEAT, EGGS, CHEESE, BUTTER, SALT, HORSERADISH AND
SPECIALLY PAINTED EASTER EGGS, IN CHURCH ON EASTER SATURDAY, IN A
SPECIAL CEREMONY. A LIGHTED CANDLE IS PUT BY EACH BASKET.
(ORIGINALLY, AND IN SOME CHURCHES EVEN NOW, THE CEREMONY TOOK PLACE
BEFORE SUNRISE EASTER SUNDAY. WEATHER PERMITTING, THIS CEREMONY IS
PERFORMED OUTSIDE.)
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; WARREN
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: 10-00-1970
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