The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

Polish Burial Custom

At Roman Catholic religious burial, all in attendance would sing a song to the Blessed Virgin Mary known as Serdeczna Matka (Dear Mother). This song is so sad, the tears flow more than for the deceased.

Submitter comment:

Informant works with my father at Ford Motor Co., Dearborn, Michigan, and told him about this Polish burial custom.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DEARBORN ; TOLD AT FORD MOTOR CO