The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

THE CROWNING OF THE BLESSED MOTHER

ON A SUNDAY IN MAY THE CATHOLICS IN NEW ORLEANS HELD A PROCESSION
TO CELEBRATE THE CROWNING OF THE BLESSED MOTHER. MOSTLY CHILDREN
DRESSED IN WHITE AND PASTELS WALKED ABREAST AHEAD OF A LITTLE
GIRL WHO CARRIED A CROWN MADE OF ROSES. THEY WALKED FOR SEVERAL
BLOCKS IN THE AREA OF THE CHURCH WHILE SINGING CHURCH HYMNS.
THE PROCESSION ENDED AT THE CHURCH WHERE THE GIRL WHO CARRIED THE
CROWN PLACED IT ON THE HEAD OF THE STATUE OF THE BLESSED MOTHER.
INCLUDED IN THE PROCESSION WERE LITTLE GIRLS CARRYING BASKETS OF
ROSE PETALS. THEY WALKED IN THE CHURCH WHILE KISSING A SINGLE
PETAL AT A TIME AND THREW IT ON THE FLOOR. BENEDICTION FOLLOWED.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; SOUTHFIELD

Subject headings:

CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- May
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Church
CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Typical Elements of a Festive Pattern
BELIEF -- Religious hero

Date learned: 02-00-1979