The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

SUGARING-OFF CUSTOM

THIS CEREMONY TAKES PLACE AT THE END OF THE MAPLE
SYRUP SEASON UP IN NORTHERN MICHIGAN. ALL THE PEOPLE
FROM THE TOWN GATHER AROUND A LARGE BIN OF BOILING
MAPLE SAP. THE CHILDREN TAKE BOWLS FULL OF SNOW AND
POUR THE SYRUP ON IT, WHICH MAKES THE SNOW HARD LIKE
MAPLE CANDY. THE ADULTS BRING MOLDS FROM HOME AND
POUR THE SYRUP INTO THEM. THIS MAKES SUGAR CANDY
FIGURES. THESE ARE SAVED AND STORED FOR THE COMING
YEAR. SONGS ARE SUNG WHILE EVERYONE IS WORKING.

Data entry tech comment: ENCYCLOPEDIA BRITANNICA: "THE USUAL MAPLE SYRUP SEASON
KC[ IS MID-JANUARY IN THE MORE SOUTHERN STATES AND ENDS IN
KC[ MID-APRIL IN THE NORTHERN STATES, LASTING FOUR TO SIX
KC[ WEEKS IN EACH PLACE."--KATHY LOESER.
CN[ ALLSTON, JUDY

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; BIRMINGHAM

Date learned: 09-24-1965