The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

PALM SUNDAY GREETING

FOR UKRAINIANS, THE PUSSY WILLOWS REPLACE THE PALM AND THE
DAY IS CALLED FLOWERY SUNDAY. AFTER THE BLESSING AND THE
DISTRIBUTION OF THE PUSSY WILLOWS, THE PEOPLE GENTLY TAP
ONE ANOTHER WITH THE PUSSY WILLOW. THEY SAY THIS VERY
TRADITIONAL PHRASE. I AM NOT HITTING YOU, THE PUSSY WILLOW
IS HITTING YOU, A WEEK FROM TODAY IS EASTER.
THE PUSSY WILLOWS ARE THEN TAKEN HOME. THEY ARE USED AS A
SACRAMENTAL AND PLACED BEHIND HOLY PICTURES ON A WALL OR
ARRANGED IN A VASE ON A TABLE OR DRESSER.

Where learned: NEW YORK ; ROCHESTER

Keyword(s): SWITCHING

Date learned: 00001950S

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THERE IS A TRIBE IN THE NORTHERN PART OF NIGERIA CALLED FULANI.
IF A YOUNG MAN FROM THIS TRIBE WANTS TO MARRY, A CERTAIN RITUAL
WILL BE PERFORMED FOR HIM WHICH THE WHOLE VILLAGE WILL WITNESS.
THE YOUNG MAN WHO WANTS TO MARRY WILL PULL OFF HIS CLOTHES EXCEPT
HIS SHORT PANTS, AND HE WILL BE GIVEN SEVERAL LASHES OF CANE AT THE
BACK. IF HE CRIES, HE WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO MARRY, BECAUSE IT IS
ASSUMED THAT HE IS NOT MATURED TO MARRY. BUT IF HE DOES NOT CRY
THE ELDERS OF THE VILLAGE WILL GLADLY GIVE HIM THE BRIDE TO WED.

Where learned: NIGERIA

James Callow Keyword(s): SWITCHING WHIPPING

Date learned: 00-00-1965

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