The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

POLISH LENT

ON THE TUESDAY BEFORE ASH WEDNESDAY, THE YOUNG HOLD A SORT OF
CARNIVAL TIME CALLED "SLEDZENIE" __ HERRINGING. THEY SELL HERRING
AND LATHER A BEARDED MAN, SETTING HIM IN THE MIDDLE OF A CIRCLE.
THEY PRETEND TO SHAVE HIM WITH THE HERRINGS. AFTERWARDS, THEY
SLAP HERRINGS AT EACH OTHER, SIGNIFYING THE BEGINNING OF LENT.

Submitter comment: LEARNED IN POLAND

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

Keyword(s): RELIGIOUS CUSTOM

Date learned: 09-27-1967