The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

POLISH CUSTOM

THERE IS A POLISH CUSTOM THAT WHEN A PERSON DIES,
THE FAMILY MUST KEEP THE DEAD PERSON AT HOME FOR
THREE DAYS. ALSO, THE HOUSE HAS TO BE KEPT OPEN 24
HOURS A DAY FOR THE THREE DAYS, SO ALL OF THE DEAD
PERSON'S FRIENDS CAN PAY THEIR RESPECTS AT ANY TIME
OF THE DAY. FINALLY, ONE MEMBER OF THE DEAD PERSON'S
FAMILY HAS TO BE AWAKE BY THE BODY AT ALL TIMES TO TALK
TO ANY VISITORS.

Submitter comment: THE INFORMANT MENTIONED, HOWEVER, THAT THIS CUSTOM
WAS ABANDONED 20 YEARS AGO.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; HAMTRAMCK

Date learned: 03-22-1970