The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

SLOVAK FEAST DAYS

WHENEVER THE SLOVAKS CELEBRATE A FEAST DAY, THEY WALK AS MUCH AS 10
OR 12 MILES TO A LARGER CHURCH AND BY HOMEMADE TORCHLIGHT, THEY WALK
BACK, SINGING ALL THE WAY. FOR FOOD THEY TAKE ALONG A PIECE OF
KOLBASI, BACON, BREAD AND EAT ON THE WAY. THEY ALSO CHANT
ROSARIES. IT IS LIKE A PILGRIMAGE.
MANY PEOPLE HAVE NO SHOES (ON). THEY WALK BAREFOOT, CARRYING THEIR
SHOES. WHEN THEY NEAR THE CHURCH, THEY PUT THEM ON. MANY TIMES
THERE WAS SNOW ON THE GROUND AND THEY WALK BAREFOOT TO THE
CELEBRATIONS.

Where learned: OHIO ; CLEVELAND