The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

CANOPY BED CUSTOM FROM POLAND

IN 1844, DAVE CAMERON'S GREAT-GREAT GRANDMOTHER ARRIVED IN NEW YORK
FROM POLAND WITH HER HUSBAND AND CAME IN CONTACT WITH
HER FIRST CANOPY BED. SHE IMMEDIATELY STARTED THE FAMILY TRADITION
OF PLACING TWO SHEETS ABOVE THE BED TO HANG DOWN AND FORM A CAGE-
LIKE SLEEPING AREA. THE CUSTOM WAS PASSED DOWN THROUGH TO CAMERON'S
MOTHER WHO CEASED THE CUSTOM AFTER CANOPY BEDS WENT OUT OF FASHION.

Submitter comment: CANOPY BED CUSTOM WAS COLLECTED ON THE UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT CAMPUS
BUT IT WAS LEARNED IN ROYAL OAK, MICHIGAN.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT ; CAMPUS