The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

FEAST OF THE CORPUS CHRISTI

THE FEAST OF THE CORPUS CHRISTI WAS CELEBRATED IN JUNE. ALL THE
CHILDREN WOULD HUNT THROUGH THE WOODS, ALONG ROADSIDES AND TRACKS AND
PASTURES OR ANYWHERE TO GATHER WILD FLOWERS INTO SMALL BASKETS.
THEN, THE MORNING OF THE FEAST DAY THE GIRLS WORE WHITE DRESSES AND
THE BOYS WORE WHITE PANTS, AND THE BLESSED SACRAMENT WAS PARADED
FROM THE CHURCH TO THREE SMALL CHAPELS NEAR THE CHURCH AND BACK TO
THE CHURCH AGAIN. THE SCHOOL CHILDREN DRESSED IN WHITE STREWED
FLOWERS IN THE PATH OF THE PROCESSION. THE NIGHT BEFORE, THE OLDER
BOYS ALSO HAD PLANTED SMALL TREES LINING ON EACH SIDE OF THE WALK
ALONG THE WAY.

Where learned: ILLINOIS ; PEORIA

Date learned: 11-19-1971