The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

ON GOOD FRIDAY A TABLE IS SET UP IN THE EASTERN ORTHODOX CHURCH
AND DECORATED WITH FLOWERS. THE TABLE REPRESENTS THE GRAVE OF
CHRIST. DURING THE EVENING SERVICES IT IS DISASSEMBLED AND CARRIED
BY CHURCH ELDERS IN A PROCESSION IN WHICH ALL OF THE MEMBERS
JOIN. EVERYONE CARRIES A LIGHTED CANDLE AND MARCHES AROUND THE
CHURCH THREE TIMES ILLUSTRATING THE THEME, "CHRIST HAS DIED, CHRIST
HAS RISEN, CHRIST WILL COME AGAIN". AT THE RESURRECTION MASS
THE SAME PROCEDURE IS REPEATED.

Submitter comment: INFORMANT SAID THAT DESPITE THE REVISIONS IN THE ORTHODOX MASS, THIS
EASTER CUSTOM HAS BEEN PRESERVED AND IS STILL WIDELY PRACTICED.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

Date learned: 10-20-1971