The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

POLISH RELIGIOUS CUSTOM

A WOODEN FRAME IS SET IN THE MIDDLE AISLE OF THE
IN FRON OF THE COMMUNION RAIL, REPRESENTING A
COFFIN. THIS FRAME IS COVERED WITH A BLACK FELT
CLOTH. FUNERAL CANDLES ARE PLACED ON EITHER SIDE.
THE PRIEST INCENSES AND SPRINKLES THE CATAFALQUE
AFTER MASS. PURPOSE OF THIS CUSTOM IS "ROCZNICA"
ANNIVERSARY OF THE DEAR DEPARTED SOUL. THIS IS
USUALLY DONE THIRTY DAYS AFTER THE DEATH, OR ONE
YEAR AFTER. OFTEN TOO DURING NOVEMBER, MONTH OF
THE POOR SOULS.

Where learned: OHIO ; Sylvania

Date learned: NOT GIVEN