The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

POLISH TRADITION FOR EASTER SUNDAY

WHEN YOU GO CALLING ON SOMEONE (USUALLY A RELATIVE) ON EASTER
SUNDAY THE FIRST PERSON WHO ENTERS THE HOUSE SHOULD BE A MALE AND
HE SAYS,"CHRYSUS PAN ZMARTWYSTAL", WHICH MEANS: CHRIST IS RISEN.
THEN THE PERSON RECEIVING THE GUESTS RESPONDS BY SAYING, "PRAWDZIWIE
ZMARTWYSTAL." THIS MEANS, "CHRIST IS REALLY RISEN."

Submitter comment: FIRST FOOTING.
THIS TRADITION HAS BEEN DONE SINCE MY INFORMANT WAS A
YOUNGSTER AND HAS BEEN CARRIED DOWN TO HIS FAMILY TODAY.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

Date learned: 00-00-1920