The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

UKRAINIAN LENT

WE START LENT THE MONDAY BEFORE ASH WEDNESDAY. WE DO NOT HAVE TO
CARRY ASHES ON OUR FOREHEAD THAT DAY AND IT IS A BLACK FAST. WE CAN
NOT GO DOWN TO MARDI GRAS AND GET DRUNK WITH EVERYONE ELSE.
EVERY FRIDAY IS A STRICT FAST FROM MEAT. GOOD FRIDAY IS A STRICT
FAST FROM MEAT AND DAIRY PRODUCTS. PALM SUNDAY WE RECEIVE PUSSY
WILLOWS INSTEAD OF PALMS BECAUSE THERE ARE NO PALMS IN THE
UKRAINE. THERE IS A SAYING THAT IS DONE WHILE GETTING THE
PUSSYWILLOWS. YOU TAP A PERSON ON THE SHOULDER WITH THE PUSSY
WILLOW AND SAY, "I DO NOT HIT YOU, BUT MY PUSSY WILLOW DOES. A
WEEK FROM TODAY IS EASTER."

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

Date learned: 00-00-1966