The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

SWITCHING DAY

THE DAY AFTER EASTER ALL THE BOYS WOULD GO OUT INTO THE WOODS
AND GET SWITCHES (LONG, THIN BRANCHES). THEY WOULD GO TO HOUSES
WHERE LITTLE GIRLS LIVED AND HIT THEM WITH THE SWITCHES.
THE PARENT(S)
OF THE GIRL WOULD PAY THEM FOR IT. THIS WAS DONE BY 5-12 YEAR OLDS
AS FAR AS I KNOW, THIS CUSTOM WAS PRACTICED IN POLISH COMMUNITIES
ONLY IN THE 1930S. IT DIED OUT QUICKLY AFTER THAT.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

Date learned: 11-00-1973