The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

PLANTING CUSTOM

IT IS A TRADITIONAL CUSTOM IN EUROPE FOR THE UPPER CLASS TO HAVE
THEIR SERVANTS PLANT THE VEGETABLE AND FLOWER GARDENS IN THE EVENING
AFTER THE SUN HAS GONE DOWN. THE HOLES ARE DUG AND WATER IS THEN
POURED INTO THEM. THE SERVANT THEN WORKS THIS TO FORM A MUDDY PASTE
IN WHICH THE YOUNG PLANTS ARE PLACED.

Submitter comment: INFORMANT LEARNED THIS FROM HER MOTHER AND SAYS THE PURPOSE OF THIS
IS TO PREVENT THE YOUNG PLANTS FROM BEING SCORCHED IN THE HOT SUN.
INFORMANT CARRIES ON THIS CUSTOM EVERY SPRING WHEN PLANTING.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; GROSSE POINTE

Date learned: 09-25-1972