The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

AFTER A DEATH IN THE FAMILY ALL THE UNMARRIED GIRLS IN THE
FAMILY WOULD WEAR THEIR HAIR DOWN TO SYMBOLIZE THE
ATTENDANCE OF THE DECEASED AT THEIR WEDDING. (THE CUSTOM
WAS FOR BRIDES TO WEAR THEIR HAIR LONG AND UNPLAITED
UNDER THEIR VEILS).

Submitter comment: INFORMANT REMEMBERS THAT SHE AND HER SISTERS DID THIS
AFTER HER FATHER'S DEATH EVEN THOUGH SHE WAS ONLY ABOUT
EIGHT YEARS OLD AT THE TIME. SHE BELIEVES THAT THIS WAS
A POLISH CUSTOM BROUGHT TO MANITOBA, CANADA BY POLISH
SETTLERS.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; CANADA ; DETROIT ; MANITOBA

Date learned: 12-18-1963