The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

SONGS

ROMANIAN MEN AND BOYS GO ABOUT SINGING OF THE HOLY BIRTH
AND CARRY A GREAT WOODEN CROSS OR STAR. THE STAR IS COVERED
WITH LIVELY PAPER AND LITTLE TWINKLING BELLS.

Submitter comment: INFORMANT NOTED THAT THIS IS STILL PRACTICED IN THE UNITED
STATES BY EASTERN ORTHODOX CANTORS (MEN WHO SING OR CHANT
RESPONSES TO THE PRIEST DURING A MASS). USUALLY A DONATION
IS GIVEN TO THEM BY EACH HOUSE IN THE PARISH AND THE MONEY IS
THEN GIVEN TO THE CHURCH. THE INFORMANT SAID THE STAR IS MERELY
DECORATED TO ADD TO THE FESTIVITIES.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT ; TOLD AT INFORMANTS HOME

Date learned: 10-20-1971